The Lovechild of Jazz, Hip Hop & Attitude
In the 1980s, choreographers had a problem: hip hop was raw and improvised, jazz was technical and theatrical. Music video directors wanted both. So they created jazz funk—a style built for the camera, designed to make pop stars look incredible, and absolutely perfect for anyone who ever wanted to dance like a backup dancer.
From Jazz
Clean technique, pointed toes, pirouettes, and that elegant "I trained for this" precision.
From Hip Hop
Grooves, isolations, bounce, and that "I don't care if you're watching (but you should)" attitude.
The Magic
Combine them, add dramatic performance energy, and you get the dance style that powers every Billboard hit choreography.
Is Jazz Funk For Me?
Spoiler: if any of these sound like you, you're already one of us.
The Secret Diva
You lip-sync in the shower. You've practiced award acceptance speeches in the mirror. Jazz funk is your natural habitat—you just haven't found the studio yet.
The Music Video Fan
You've rewound that one dance scene 47 times trying to learn it. Good news: jazz funk is literally the style from those videos. Now imagine learning from someone who actually knows the counts.
The Hip-Hop-Curious
You like hip hop but want something a bit more... theatrical? Jazz funk adds the drama, the precision, and the occasional hair flip. It's hip hop's show-off cousin.
The Anti-Gym Person
You'd rather do anything than count reps. Jazz funk burns calories while you're too busy hitting poses to notice. Exercise? No. *Performance art that happens to be cardio*? Absolutely.
Wait, What's The Difference?
Jazz funk, hip hop, commercial, jazz... they all sound similar, right? Here's the cheat sheet.
Jazz Funk
Vibe: Music video backup dancer
Energy: Sharp, dramatic, show-stopping
Foundation: Jazz technique + hip hop attitude
Those who want precision with personality
Hip Hop
Vibe: Street cypher energy
Energy: Grounded, rhythmic, freestyle-friendly
Foundation: Street dance, improvisation
Those who want raw, authentic groove
Commercial Dance
Vibe: Pop star concert
Energy: Versatile, performance-ready
Foundation: Mix of everything for the stage
Those who want to do a bit of all styles
Jazz
Vibe: Broadway meets technique
Energy: Elegant, extended, theatrical
Foundation: Ballet influence, classic technique
Those who love classic musical theatre
So basically: Jazz funk = the drama of jazz + the groove of hip hop + maximum performance energy. It's what you see when Beyoncé's dancers hit every move at the same exact moment.
Jazz Funk Facts That'll Make You Want a Dance Career
Some context before you hit the studio. (Feel free to drop these at parties.)
The Queen Bey Connection
Almost every Beyoncé music video features jazz funk choreography. The "Single Ladies" hand wave? Jazz funk. The "Crazy In Love" hair choreography? Jazz funk. You're basically training to join the Beyhive backup squad.
Born for the Camera
Jazz funk literally evolved FOR music videos in the 1980s. While hip hop was battling on streets, jazz funk was making sure choreography looked killer from every camera angle. It's the original "made for Instagram" dance.
The Fly Girls Effect
Remember "In Living Color"? The Fly Girls—choreographed by Rosie Perez—gave jazz funk its big TV moment in the early '90s. Jennifer Lopez started there. Let that sink in.
Precision Is The New Cool
In jazz funk, everyone hitting the same move at the exact same millisecond is the goal. It's less "express yourself" and more "express ourselves in perfect unison." Weirdly satisfying once you nail it.
Questions Before Your First Jazz Funk Class
We asked every beginner question so you don't have to.
What exactly IS jazz funk dance? I'm confused.+
Fair question—the name is a bit misleading! Jazz funk isn't jazz music dancing or funk music dancing. It's a dance style that emerged in the 1980s, blending hip hop moves with jazz technique, specifically for music video choreography. Think Beyoncé backup dancers, not saxophone solos. The 'funk' refers to the attitude and groove, not the musical genre.
Is jazz funk similar enough to hip hop that I could learn it?+
Yes and no! They share DNA—both use isolations, grooves, and musicality. But jazz funk adds jazz dance foundations: precise technique, pointed toes, clean lines, and often more theatrical performance quality. If you've done hip hop, you'll recognize moves. If you haven't, jazz funk is still totally beginner-friendly.
What should I expect in a beginner jazz funk class?+
Usually: a warm-up (often with stretching since jazz funk uses your full range of motion), learning foundational moves and isolations, then putting them together in a short choreography piece. Teachers often use popular songs so you'll feel cool dancing to music you actually know. Dress comfortably—anything you can move freely in works.
Can I really learn jazz funk as a complete beginner?+
Absolutely! Jazz funk looks intimidating in videos because professionals make it look effortless (that's kind of the point). But beginner classes break everything down step-by-step. You'll look awkward at first—everyone does. The key is finding a teacher whose energy matches yours. That's exactly what we help you do.
How do I know which jazz funk teacher is right for me?+
Every teacher has their own flavor! Some focus on clean technique, others on attitude and performance. Some teach choreo from actual music videos, others create original pieces. The best way to find your match? Watch them move. That's why we show you video previews—so you can vibe-check before you commit.
Ready to Channel Your Inner Show-Off?
Browse jazz funk teachers in Amsterdam. Watch how they move. Pick the one that makes you think "that's my energy." Simple as that.