Hey dance teachers and choreographers! As the seasons change, so does the energy in our studios. Finding the perfect music that captures the essence of jazz—its rhythm, its soul, its sheer unpredictability—is key to unlocking your dancers' potential. The right album can transform a good combo into a great one, and a great class into an unforgettable experience.
This season, we're moving beyond the standard playlists and digging into full albums that offer a cohesive journey from warm-up to cool-down. These selections aren't just collections of songs; they are narratives, mood-setters, and rhythm machines designed to inspire movement. Here are our top 5 picks that belong in every jazz dancer's rotation right now.
Don't let the three-hour runtime intimidate you. The Epic is a monumental work of spiritual jazz that is perfect for powerful, expansive across-the-floor combinations and contemporary jazz pieces. Washington's soaring saxophone and the choir's lush harmonies provide a cinematic quality that encourages dancers to move with emotion and grandeur. Tracks like "Change of the Guard" have a driving rhythm section perfect for sharp, technical work, while "Re Run Home" offers a smoother, more lyrical feel. This album teaches dancers to listen, to feel, and to express a story bigger than themselves.
A modern classic, Black Radio seamlessly blends jazz with hip-hop, R&B, and soul. This is your go-to for cool, grounded, and rhythmically intricate routines. The grooves are undeniable, and the guest appearances from artists like Erykah Badu and Lupe Fiasco keep the vibe fresh and current. Use "Afro Blue" for a sultry, slow-burning center combo or "Gonna Be Alright" for an upbeat, joyful warm-up. It’s the ideal bridge between traditional jazz technique and the commercial, street-style jazz that dominates today.
Sometimes, you need to get back to the roots. This legendary meeting of three jazz titans is raw, percussive, and bursting with creative tension. It's essential for teaching musicality. The complex interplay between Mingus's bass, Roach's drums, and Ellington's piano will challenge your advanced students to find nuance and syncopation they never knew existed. The title track, "Money Jungle," is a masterclass in building intensity—perfect for a sharp, aggressive routine with lots of dynamics and attack.
For the class that thrives on cool, eclectic, and genre-bending vibes, look no further than Ndegeocello's latest. This album is a reimagining of jazz through a futuristic lens, blending electronic elements with deep grooves and improvisational spirit. Tracks are inventive and unexpected, making them perfect for choreography that breaks the mold. Use it for improvisation exercises or a contemporary jazz piece that feels both fresh and deeply musical. It encourages dancers to be architects of their own movement.
No jazz dance list is complete without some funk, and Head Hunters is the funkiest. This landmark album of jazz-funk is pure groove from start to finish. The iconic opening of "Chameleon" is instantly recognizable and is practically a rite of passage for jazz dancers. Its infectious bassline is ideal for teaching isolation, rhythm, and style. The entire album provides an energetic, upbeat foundation for class, especially for high-energy across-the-floor sequences and combinations that require a strong sense of pocket and funk.
Pro Tip:
Don't just play one track! Let an entire album side play through a full class segment. This allows your dancers to settle into the music's unique world, and you might be surprised how the changing moods within an album can naturally guide the arc of your class, from pliés to final reverance.
So, there you have it. Five albums that offer a spectrum of sounds, from the foundational to the futuristic. Whether you're building technique, musicality, or pure performance quality, these records will provide the perfect soundtrack. Now, turn up the volume and let the movement begin!
What are your current go-to albums? Share them with us in the comments below!
