jazz dance moves

Jazz moves are a key part of Lindy hop. History: Jazz moves evolved from Tap, which was originally called "Jazz dance". In the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, jazz meant tap. Modern jazz is softer than Tap with more emphasis on the body and less emphasis on footwork. Yet, many moves carry over from Tap. Bob Fosse and Broadway style jazz was created in the 1950s, long after Tap and Lindy hop were established.

Moves

Traditionally jazz moves start on the 8 count. This leads to a schizophrenic behavior by lindy dancers who sometimes start jazz moves on count 8 and sometimes on count 1.

Body

Scare crow: Knees together, arms wide, forearms dangling, head to side. Itch: Touch hands to random places on body. Shimmy: Shake shoulders. Bend forward or backward.

Feet

Fall Off the Log: Kick right and snap fingers, step right behind left, step left, step right in front of left; kick left and snap fingers, step left behind right, step right, step left in front of right. This can be with turn or not. Suzy Q: Step right front and bring knees together; and step left side and bring knees apart (twist). Shim Sham: Step out and slide back. Right, left, right, right, left, right, left, left. Tacky Annie: Toe back right on count 1, toe back left on count 2, toe back right on count 3, toe back left on count 4, stomp off on count 4+1/2. Boogie Down: Step right, step right, down right (almost on knee). Step left, step left, down left (almost on knee). Jazz Box: Step forward, step left, step back step across. Knee Slaps: Hold on count 1, lift right leg and slap on count 2, hold on count 3, lift left leg and slap on count 4. This can be 2 rights and 2 lefts, or 1 right and 1 left, or 4 rights, or whatever. Half Break: Stomp on right, step left, kick ball change. Almost any tap pattern.

Walk

Boogie Forward: Kick forward: brush right, step right, brush left, step left. Boogie Backward: Kick ball changes backward: Kick with the right foot and scoot back. Dancers usually keep their feet wide apart. Pimp Walk: Step front, step side, repeat swing arms. Shorty George: Kick ball change, step forward, step forward, .... Put one knee behind the other on each step. Hands on knees, and Crazy Legs: Fish Tail: Clap or shake hands at the ground.