UNAUTHORIZED HISTORY OF JAZZ HANDS.

by Eddie Winkle (NWM Staff Writer)

Also known as Spirit Fingers. This gesture of jubilance made its first appearance in the 1927 movie The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson. For a while it seemed like it was destined to be just another passé dance move from yesteryear. Used from time to time in period pieces. Though rumor has it, Jazz Hands reemerged in the mid-80s in Minneapolis. Supposedly, dancer Nicholas Piontek adopted the move. He'd break it out when club dancing, mostly to the Wham hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” From there the move caught fire and was once again mainstream. Aside from dance, JH also serves as a comedic gesture in many sitcoms and comedy routines. Probably the most famous use of JH in recent years was in the 2000 dance movie extravaganza “Bring it On.”

HOW TO PROPERLY PERFORM JAZZ HANDS:

This signature move involves opening both hands with the palms facing forward. Fingers are fully splayed. Forearms are usually in an upward position and hands are set 2-3 inches from the performer's face. To complete the move both hands are either shaken with vigor, or crisscrossed in front of the face.

WHEN IS IT OK TO USE JAZZ HANDS?

In dance it can vary. However, outside of that realm Jazz Hands should be used to represent proper over-enthusiasm for a person or an event.

Appropriate:

Todd: Hey Johnny, I managed to score tickets to the Lilith Fair.

Johnny: [Jazz Hands gesture]

Not Appropriate:

Todd: Hey Johnny, I heard Doug’s goldfish lost its bout with encephalitis.

Johnny: [Jazz Hands gesture]