In jazz dancing the movements are big and exaggerated and there is usually an attitude the dancer conveys to the audience. The attitude would depend on the dance. For example in a modern number like "Livin' La Vida Loca", the dancer would probably be happy, and look like they were at a party having a really rockin' time. That would give the dance a professional look. Jazz dancing is also used in modern dancing as on MTV. Las Vegas showgirls are also jazz dancers.

Jazz moves evolved from Tap, which was originally called "Jazz dance". In the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, jazz meant tap. Modern jazz is softer than Tap with more emphasis on the body and less emphasis on footwork. Yet, many moves carry over from Tap. Bob Fosse and Broadway style jazz was created in the 1950s, long after Tap and Lindyhop were established.

The first jazz bands contained a "rhythm section" consisting of a string bass, drums, and a guitar or banjo, and a "melodic section" with one or two cornets, a trombone, a clarinet, a saxophone and sometimes even a violin. Years later, jazz was taken over by large orchestras; a "society jazz band" contained fifteen or more musicians. Today, there is a renewed interest in the "big band" era, even though the music has very little to do with real jazz.