MTV, Street Styles, and the Rise of Commercial Dance (1980s–1990s)
As jazz dance entered the 1980s, it found new life in pop culture, television, and film. The rise of MTV and the explosion of music videos brought dance into millions of homes, transforming jazz into a commercial and highly visible art form. This era was defined by flashy choreography, street styles, and the blending of jazz with hip-hop, funk, and fitness culture. Jazz dance was no longer confined to the stage—it was everywhere.
1980s: Jazz Dance Goes Mainstream
The 1980s marked a turning point for jazz dance in film and media. Movies like Fame (1980) and Flashdance (1983) used dance as a central storytelling device, showcasing emotionally charged and technically impressive performances. Other influential films included Stayin’ Alive (1983), Footloose (1984), Breakin’ (1985), and Dirty Dancing (1987), all of which brought “showy jazz” choreography to mainstream audiences.
For the first time, jazz dance was also used in television advertising. Brands like Panasonic, Coca-Cola, and various fast-food chains incorporated dance into their commercials, using movement as a tool to sell products and connect with younger audiences.
The launch of MTV in 1981 revolutionized how dance was consumed. Music videos combined jazz, ballet, street, and social dance styles in striking and innovative ways, reaching over 130 million viewers worldwide. Choreographers and performers like Jeffrey Hornaday, Michael Peters, Lester Wilson, Toni Basil, Paula Abdul, Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson became household names.
“Michael Jackson’s impact on jazz dance with his creative and imaginative dance steps, choreography, music, video and presentation – is almost immeasurable.” — Jumping into Jazz
Jackson’s style, marked by personalized movements and iconic poses, was often choreographed in collaboration with Michael Peters, blending jazz with street and theatrical elements.
Another major figure of the decade was Joe Tremaine, whose jazz style was described as “up-to-the-minute, fast, flashy, and funky.”
Notable choreographers, performers, and the key films of the 1980s:
- Debbie Allen
- Joe Tremaine
- Michael Jackson
- Andrew Lloyd Webber (composer of Cats, Phantom of the Opera)
Key films from the 1980s:
- Fame (1980)
- Flashdance (1983)
- Stayin’ Alive (1983)
- Footloose (1984)
- Breakin’ (1985)
- That’s Dancing (1986, documentary by Gene Kelly)
- Dirty Dancing (1987)
1990s: The Street Takes Over
In the 1990s, jazz dance continued to evolve, absorbing the energy of street styles like hip-hop, funk, popping, and breakdancing. These styles became buzzwords in dance studios and training centers across the U.S.
Hip-hop dance, in particular, became a dominant force. It was bouncy, fast, funky, and primarily foot-oriented, with a strong emphasis on syncopated beats and freedom of movement, allowing dancers to improvise and express themselves.
MTV remained a key platform for introducing these styles to the public. Music videos and televised performances helped popularize street funk and hip-hop, leading to packed dance classes and a surge in jazz-based commercial choreography.
Jazz dance also expanded into entertainment, competitions, and industrial promotions, becoming a staple in pop culture and youth expression.
Notable choreographer of the 1990s:
- Tommy Tune
Closing thoughts
The 1980s and 1990s were decades of transformation for jazz dance. From cinematic storytelling to commercial advertising, from MTV to street culture, jazz dance proved its adaptability and enduring appeal. It embraced bold visuals, fast rhythms, and new technologies, reaching audiences in ways never seen before. As we move into the 2000s and beyond, jazz dance continues to evolve—blending tradition with innovation, and remaining a vibrant force in both professional and popular dance.
