The book examines how jazz dance emerged through vaudeville and the Harlem Renaissance, rising to influence iconic figures such as Katherine Dunham and Bob Fosse. The book progresses by establishing the origins of jazz dance and music, then moves to chronicle the dance's rise, and finally analyzes contemporary works. It demonstrates how jazz elements have been integrated into ballet, modern, and theatrical productions, challenging traditional structures and fostering individuality.
This comprehensive study reveals jazz dance not as a static set of steps but as a dynamic force continuously shaping the world of dance.