Jazz Square

This iconic move consists of a few basic walking steps, but done in a particular order:

1. Step forward on the right or left foot

2. Cross the other foot over the first foot

3. Step back with the first foot

4. Bring the feet side by side.

A jazz square is often done with some attitude in the upper body, accenting the motion. Jazz squares can be executed in

groupings of two or more, repeated on the same side.

Isolations

One of the key skills for any jazz dancer is to be able to move parts of the body individually. For hands and other
extremities this is pretty easy, but to master jazz you need to be able to isolate the chest and hips as well, and this is almost
always a part of any jazz dance warm-up.

To isolate your hips as an exercise, follow these steps:

1. Loosen your knees

2. Extend your arms out to the sides

3. Holding your chest and your legs as still as possible, swing your hips from side to side

It's easiest to learn isolations in front of a mirror so that any movements you make with the rest of your body can be

corrected immediately as soon as you see them.

Chassé

Drawing from the ballet tradition, the chassé is literally a "chasing" step:

1. Step one foot forward (or to the side)

2. Bring up the second foot behind the first foot

 3. As you bring up the second foot to join the first one, immediately step off the foot to create a skipping

movement across the floor

Your chassé step can take on a variety of different looks based on the speed with which you execute it. Accent the step with

your arms to create artistry for this movement.

Jazz Layout

This is another classic move, and is often used in posters and images to convey some of the excitement of jazz dance. This

dramatic move is performed by:

1. A straight kick high up in the air

2. Simultaneously doing an extreme back bend, head arched back and arms extended.

This iconic jazz step requires excellent balance and flexibility when done in this extreme manner. Simpler versions involve

doing a back bend without any sort of kick.

Jazz Walk

This step is where the improvisation element of jazz shines through. One of the defining features of jazz, both in music and

movement, is the room for individual expression. Every dancer's jazz walk is different. As you learn increasing numbers of

jazz steps and your technique improves, observe how other dancers have defined their own jazz walks. Developing your

own technique is a matter of letting your inner voice and feel for the music flow.