Jazz hands
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jazz hands, in performance dance, is the extension of a performer's hands with palms toward the audience and fingers splayed. It is commonly associated with especially exuberant types of performance such as musicals, cheerleading, show choir and revue. In cheerleading, the position with arms outstretched and fingers wiggling up and down is sometimes referred to as spirit fingers. Depending on the performance venue, both gestures can be associated with camp.[1]
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[edit] Description
The basic jazz hands position is defined by open hands with palms facing forward, and the fingers splayed.[2] Forearms are usually extended upward; alternatively, they may extend forward with the elbows held close to the body, or to the sides or downward. The hands may be shaken for added effect, as if holding a tambourine. However, this is not a necessary part of the position.[3]
[edit] History
The gesture is featured prominently in the 1927 film The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson.
Contemporary references to the gesture are found in the films Waiting for Guffman and Bring It On, and on the animated sitcom, The Simpsons.
[edit] Alcoholism
The term "Jazz Hands" is often used in the United Kingdom humorously to refer to the shaking of the extremities, most noticably the hands and fingers, that occurs in a bout of delerium tremens.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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