When asked to explain what Jazz Funk is, I’m at a loss. So, I asked our talented Jazz Funk instructor, Juanita J. Simmons to break it down for us.
Emerging in the 1980’s this dance form was brought about by the popularization and commercial influence of the Hip Hop dance. Jazz Funk, also called Street Jazz, borrows a lot of movement from other dance styles. From ballet-modern-hip hop- to lyrical, jazz funk incorporates little bits and pieces of other dance genres and wraps into a funky style that is both fun and expressive!
Some of the movements are foundational movements found in Jazz such as: isolations,flexibility syncopation (off beat), releve`s, pirouettes, rolled shoulders, jazz hands. Hip Hop foundational movements are similar in that they include: isolations, flexibility, and some syncopated movement (especially with the dynamic new music found in today’s pop, dubstep, R&B sounds. What makes Hip Hop differ is that you use a lower center of gravity (feet are grounded), most times on the beat (or “ride the beat”) . When merged, these two styles become sort of a hybrid.
Jazz Funk is a dance style of the body and mind. It can be lyrical in the sense of emotional interpretation. At times you may gracefully sideways shuffle on a beat and then boom!!! Hit isolations with sheer intensity! Movements are soft—then hard—then soft again. Jazz Funk tells a story with your body.
Here are two YouTube clips so that you can view Jazz Funk in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
10/29/13 Juanita moved out of the area, so we no longer offer Jazz Funk. However, 0ur new instructor, Tiffinay, does include Jazz Funk in her Hip Hop class! Hip Hope will return in Spring 2014! Check out our schedule for other fun classes.