Editing Jazz dance (section)

== History ==
The history of modern Jazz Dance is intertwined with the cultural and social experiences of African Americans, tracing its roots back to African dance traditions. Key characteristics of traditional African dance included the use of bent knees, complex rhythms, and the isolation of body parts, all of which contributed to a dynamic and expressive form of movement.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Cayou |first=Dolores Kirton |date=1970 |title=The Origins of Modern Jazz Dance |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41206251 |journal=The Black Scholar |volume=1 |issue=8 |pages=26–31 |doi=10.1080/00064246.1970.11430683 |jstor=41206251 |issn=0006-4246}}</ref> In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, black performance art began to gain visibility in the United States. The emergence of Vaudeville and minstrel shows provided platforms for black entertainers to showcase their talents.<ref name=":3" /> These performances often included dance, music, and comedy, reflecting the everyday lives and experiences of black people. Notable shows, such as "The South Before the War" and "The Creole Show," featured black performers and contributed to the evolution of dance styles that would later influence Jazz Dance.<ref name=":3" />

The [[Harlem Renaissance]] of the 1920s marked a significant cultural movement that celebrated black art, literature, and music. Jazz music became increasingly popular. Dance styles evolved, incorporating elements from African traditions, social dances, and Jazz Music. This period saw the rise of iconic figures such as [[Josephine Baker]] and the [[Nicholas Brothers]], who brought Jazz Dance to mainstream audiences.<ref name=":3" />

In 1931, [https://www.thirteen.org/freetodance/behind/behind_pioneers_b.html the New Negro Art Theatre] presented a groundbreaking recital that included interpretive dances based on Southern spirituals. This event showcased black life through dance, setting a precedent for future performances. Dancer [[Hemsley Winfield]] played a crucial role in this movement, emphasizing the importance of expressing the black experience through the art of dance.<ref name=":3" />