When it comes to the different styles of dancing, they’re all exciting in a unique way. But there’s just something extra special about jazz. Not only is the music fun to listen to but the moves that performers do are exquisite yet energetic and challenging at the same time.
This past January, the dance team from the University of Minnesota did a jazz routine at the Minnesota Williams Arena.
This performance was part of the hosted “Best of the Best” show and believe me, this group didn’t disappoint.
In a video that’s now surpassed 250k views and counting, you see an incredibly talented group of dancers giving it their all.
But they didn’t do it by themselves. Thanks to the support, encouragement, and leadership of their coaches, choreographer, costume designer and even the competition’s sponsors, Rhinestones Unlimited and Swarovski, they gave a performance to remember.
Even when being introduced, the audience goes wild.
With a reputation for their talent and determination, the audience went crazy even before they started to dance. The group first takes its position center stage. With hands raised in the air and wearing sparkling black and gold costumes, you can feel the anticipation…even by just watching the video.
Now that’s an opening.
The music for this piece is dark and narrated by a man with a deep voice. The second it starts to play, the dancers go to the floor while one remains standing. She strikes a dramatic pose. Already, their moves are in perfect unison. Another dancer does a walkover, followed by all the girls going up on their knees. In the song, you hear the words, “Lean Back,” which is what they do.
“Lean back…relax.”
To those words, all the dancers lie flat on the floor. But then, they begin to do leg lifts, all in beautiful unison. Coming from the audience, you hear a lot of hollers and whistles. One of the many great things about jazz routines is that moves are unexpected. This team had their choreography down to a fine art.
Oh my gosh — the facial expressions.
One of the other things about jazz is that dancers use not just their bodies but also their faces to help tell a story. As these gals continue, they have that part of the routine down as well. The music is intense, and to bring the entire performance together, so are their facial expressions.
They speed things up to the tempo of the music.
As the music intensifies so do their moves. After positioning themselves in two rows, these dancers begin to do perfectly orchestrated spins. Next, they drop to the floor again, doing some amazing choreography. Once they take their places to again form two lines, one dancer does a surprising move…a stunning mid-air split. The crowd cheers wildly.
While some dance routines fizzle out toward the end…not this one.
These dancers go non-stop. While they do some traditional jazz moves, most of the routine is filled with things you’d never expect to see. It’s no wonder this dance team is so well respected.
They twist, turn, jump, and perform various gymnastic type moves that are simply mesmerizing.
These jazz dancers know their stuff. Check out their awesome routine below!
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Source: YouTube
