While the exact inventor of the jazz hands movement remains uncertain and debated among dance historians, the figure most famously linked with bringing this distinctive dance element into the mainstream is the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse.
The Master Popularizer
Jazz hands, characterized by open palms with fingers splayed and often rapidly vibrated, are a staple in musical theatre and jazz dance. They evoke energy, excitement, or even a nervous flutter depending on the context. Although the gesture likely existed in some form before him, it was Bob Fosse who undeniably cemented their place in popular culture.
As highlighted by information available as of 19-Aug-2016, the man "most closely associated with popularizing jazz hands is famed choreographer and showman, Bob Fosse."
Bob Fosse's Enduring Influence
Fosse's unique and instantly recognizable choreographic style relied heavily on isolated movements, slouched postures, turned-in knees, and the extensive use of props like hats and gloves. Jazz hands fit perfectly into this aesthetic, adding a kinetic sparkle and emphasizing the hands as expressive tools.
Through his groundbreaking work on Broadway shows and films such as:
- Chicago
- Cabaret
- Sweet Charity
- All That Jazz
Fosse showcased jazz hands repeatedly, integrating them seamlessly into iconic dance sequences. This widespread exposure through highly successful and influential productions solidified jazz hands as a recognizable symbol of his style and, by extension, a vibrant part of jazz dance and musical theatre vocabulary. His distinctive use elevated the simple gesture into a powerful choreographic element, ensuring its popularity for generations of dancers and audiences alike.
In summary, while the inventor isn't clearly documented, Bob Fosse is the key figure renowned for popularizing jazz hands and making them an indelible part of dance and entertainment history.
