You will find the names of those well-known figures in the dance word who match the following descriptions in your jazz study guide, in your text book or in other available research sources. Using your most legible handwriting, please enter their names (using both first and last) next to the following short descriptions of their contributions to the development of American Jazz Dance.
1._________________________________ Known as the father of American Jazz Dance he developed his characteristic use of isolations from the exotic dances he learned at the Denishawn School.
2. ___________________________________ He brought his knowledge of marching formation learned as a member of the armed services to the spectacular dances he created in early movie musicals.
3.________________________________________Her energetic and appealing "hoofing" style of tap dancing epitomized the "American Dram" that a person could rise in stature through hard work and taent.
4._________________________________________By bringing the weight forward off the heel and onto the toes he gave tap dancing a more sophisticated feeling.
5. ___________________________________Suave and debonair, his sophisticated dancing gave voice to the cosmopolitan feelings prevalent in the 1930s
6._________________________________________ An accomplished actress as well as dancer she did everything Fred Astaire did, backwards and in high heels.
7. ________________________________ Best known for his work in the movie musicals, American in Paris and Singing In The Rain, he received a special Academy Award.
8.___________________________________ A choreographer of ballets, musicals and films she is credited for furthering the development of the musicals by using dance, not just as an interlude of entertainment but as a device to further the plot.
9________________________________________A Chicago-based teacher and choreographer, he was instrumental in moving jazz dance from a supporting element of a performance to the central focus of an evening's presentation.
10_________________________________Probaly one of the most influential and imitated jazz choreographers of recent years, his style includes tight isolations, bold and sensual presentation, and "jazz" hands.
True or False
1 ____ A musical number in a Fred Astaire movie would be most likely set in a back alley where thugs and gangsters might congregate.
12. ________ Ruby Keeler choreographed the "dream" ballet for"Oklahoma"
13 _____ Jerome Robbins used the device of the "dream" ballet in "West Side Story,"
14._____ Hip hop dancing uses more high affect juxtaposition than does the Lindy Hop. (You can see examples of both on YouTube.)
15._____ The Cakewalk uses more high affect juxtaposition than does the Castle Walk. . (You can see examples of both on YouTube.)
16 - 20 Take a good look at these two dance excepts that can be found on YouTube. (1) "Steam Heat" from Pajama Game by Bob Fosse, and, (2) "Harry" by Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal.
Which excerpt, in your opinion, shows the more sophisticated use of gesture? Be sure to describe specific things in the dances that will defend your opinion. You may type this answer if you wish.