During the 1980s in London and other Northern UK cities and towns, an underground movement of dancers and DJs were creating a wild, frenzied, and electrifying style of dance called “Old School Jazz Dance,” or simply “Jazz Dance.” A blend of vernacular jazz, tap, ballet, West Indies and African dance traditions, these UK jazz dancers were known for their intricate footwork, incredible tricks, and tireless energy.

They danced in underground clubs, or “All Dayers” where music would play from 2pm to 11pm. You could go to spots like Jaffas or The Electric Ballroom in London and dance all night to legendary DJ Paul Murphy, would would spin be-bop, fusion, and other high-tempo jazz for dancers.

The Dance