Editing Jazz dance (section)

== Improvisation ==
Improvisation is a spontaneous and structured form of choreography that draws upon a deep understanding of various dance traditions.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Jackson |first=Jonathan David |date=2001 |title=Improvisation in African-American Vernacular Dancing |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1477803 |journal=Dance Research Journal |volume=33 |issue=2 |pages=40–53 |doi=10.2307/1477803 |jstor=1477803 |issn=0149-7677}}</ref> The act of "riffing," where dancers incorporate personal movements into established patterns, exemplifies how improvisation allows for both innovation and adherence to tradition, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of African-American culture.<ref name=":2" />

Improvisation in African-American vernacular dancing reflects the cultural identity of its dancers by serving as a dynamic form of expression. It intertwines personal creativity with communal traditions. The practice allows dancers to convey their individual experiences and emotions while simultaneously engaging with the rich historical and cultural narratives of their communities. The improvisational aesthetic is deeply embedded in the ceremonial and communal aspects of African-American life, reflecting values of oral communication and sensory experience.<ref name=":2" />