Jazz Is the Life of the Party In The Coloured Community

Kykie julle kan maa’ nou wat sê but jazz isn’t for the stywe lywe and those who are hesitant. It flows, moves, and takes its dancers along for the ride on the dancefloor. 

 

Contrary to the musical genre we know as jazz, ‘jazzing’ in Cape Town involves dancing to beloved R&B and soul classics.

 

To those who’ve never jazzed before, it looks complex. To devotees, it’s second nature. You can spot these real pros. They’re the ones who know all the moves, when to twirl their partner and when to show off. And they’ll give you “watch me or get out of my way” vibes.

 

Learning the steps feels like earning your driver’s license. It’s a rite of passage. Once you’ve got the rhythm, you’re part of the movement.

 

In nightclubs, jazz gets the crowd in the mood, laying the foundation for the rest of the night.

 

The Basic Steps of Jazz

 

The basic step for jazz is stepping forward and back. Imagine you’re standing with your feet together. First, you step forward with one foot (usually the left foot for the lead, and the right for the follow).

Then, you step back with the other foot (right for the lead, left for the follow). After that, you’ll step to the side with one foot and bring the other foot next to it. You repeat this same motion, making sure you’re moving in time with the music.

 

One thing to remember is that jazz dances are not done in “straight lines.” You’ll notice that the steps often shift forward and backward, or side to side.

 

It’s a simple rhythm, but as you get comfortable with it, you’ll be able to add more turns, spins, and body movements. Stay relaxed and confident as you learn. Jazz is all about feeling the music and letting your body move naturally to it.

 

A Lead and Follow Will Partner Up

 

Jazz is a social dance, which means it’s typically done with a partner. In this dance, there’s a division of roles between the “lead” and the “follow.” Generally, one person (often the man, but not always) takes on the role of the lead, and the other (the woman, typically) is the follow.

 

The lead guides the dance by signalling where the partner should move. This could be done with a gentle push, a pull, or a subtle hand movement.

 

The follow reacts to the lead’s signals, letting them guide the flow of the dance. A lot of it is about being in sync with your partner and reading their movements

 

Turns and Spins

 

One of the most exciting parts of jazz is the turns or spins. As you get more comfortable with the basic steps, you can add these dynamic movements into your dance. A common beginner move is the “right turn” for the follower. Here’s how it works: the lead signals the turn by gently guiding the follow’s hand or body to initiate a spin.

 

It’s important to remember that turns in jazz should be smooth and controlled. Don’t rush them—take your time to practice and enjoy the spin. The key to a good spin is balance and maintaining your posture. As you progress, you can start incorporating more complex spins and turns.

 

Body Movement and Styling: Gooi Daai Lyf

 

Jazz isn’t just about your feet moving in time with the music; it’s also about how you use your body. As you dance, you’ll notice that jazz has a very fluid, sexy, and expressive feel to it. This is because the body moves along with the rhythm, and the hips play a big part.

 

When you step, try to engage your whole body, especially your hips. Your arms, shoulders, and chest can also move along with your feet, adding more style and personality to your dancing. As a beginner, you might focus more on just getting the basic steps right, but as you grow more confident, you’ll find that adding little sways, arm movements, or a slight tilt of the head can make your dance more engaging.

 

Popular Jazz Songs in Cape Town

 
On the Cape Flats, salsa is often danced to songs that blend jazzy, groovy, soul, funk, and R&B influences, all with an energetic, upbeat rhythm. Here’s the songs you’ll most likely to jazz to:

• Another Level – Be Alone No More
• The Real Thing – Can’t Get By Without You
• Toto – Georgy Porgy
• Next -Wifey
• Santana – Maria Maria
• Ardijah – Silly Love Songs
• Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good
• Earth Wind & Fire – In The Stone
• Shakatak Featuring Al Jarreau – Day By Day
• Ceelo Green – I Want You
• Barry White – Lady Sweet Lady
• Kenny Thomas – Thinking About Your Love

 

And finally, here’s jazz in action:

@mikylebester Just Jazz!😅 @nicolegriffin #besterdancestudios #mikylebester #mikyleandnicky #jazztok #jazz #capetownjazz #capetown #havananights #besterconsulting #fortheloveofjazz #dancingchallenge #jazzcouple #salsa #dancer ♬ original sound – Mikyle Bester II

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