Initially, jazz dancing was largely improvised and informal, performed at social gatherings, parties, and in minstrel shows. It incorporated intricate rhythms, improvisation, syncopation, and polyrhythms. However, as it began to gain popularity and spread to major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, it started to acquire more structure and became formalized as a dance form.
In the early 1900s, African-American dancers, performers, and musicians began touring the country with vaudeville shows, which further exposed jazz dancing to broader audiences. Renowned dancers like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Josephine Baker, and others played significant roles in popularizing jazz dancing.
Jazz dancing also received influence from other dance forms, such as ballet, tap, and modern dance, resulting in its evolution and incorporation of diverse techniques and styles. As it gained recognition, it found its place in Broadway musicals, Hollywood films, and television shows, contributing to its mainstream popularity.
Over time, jazz dancing went through different eras, from traditional jazz to swing jazz, bebop jazz, fusion jazz, and contemporary jazz. Today, it is recognized as a versatile and expressive dance style encompassing various forms, ranging from traditional to more modern interpretations, each with unique interpretations and characteristics.