Modern and contemporary dance emerged as a rebellion against classical ballet, emphasizing free-style movement, balance, control, and extensions. It uses the entire body to explore new shapes, with a focus on gravity through grounded dancing and floor work. While it encourages experimentation and original choreography, basic technique remains essential. Jazz dance, originally created to entertain,
includes Vernacular Jazz like Lindy Hop and Charleston, as well as Broadway Jazz. It features dynamic, showy movements such as isolations, layouts, kicks, jumps, and jazz hands. Popularized by Bob Fosse, jazz emphasizes alignment and theatricality while incorporating influences without losing its unique style.
