Jazz

Jazz 1 (ages 6 and up)

Jazz dance has rooted from Black social dances and white ballroom offshoots to stage show such as: minstrel shows, tap dancing, Irish jigging, English Clog dancing and African rhythmic stamping . Many shows (movies, TV, and stage) incorporate jazz dancing. Classes in this program also catalyze children’s psychological development and improve their concentration memory and discipline. The students in this class learn basic jazz steps with an emphasis on stretching; for greater range of motion, strength, for jumps and leaps, balance, and isolations for  for movement quality. They will explore both traditional jazz as well as modern jazz through center floor combinations. This class provides the dancer with a sense of well-being, it builds self -confidence and builds social skills. This is a 2 year course.

The student in this class will be moved upon request of the instructor

Jazz 2 (age 8 and up)

A beginning/intermediate jazz class that stresses technique, stretching, isolations, focus, style and energy. Students work on learning the difference between ballet and jazz movements and correct body alignment, coordination, strength and flexibility. Jazz dance vocabulary is expanded through across the floor exercises and simple combinations.
Must have taken Jazz 1 to be admitted into the class. This can be a 2 year course.

Jazz 3

This is a intermediate class with an emphasis placed on body placement, proper technique, stretching , development of skills for learning new movement styles like( Fosse, Michael Kid, Chester Whitmore, Michael Peters, to name a few. We will also look at some of the new Choreographer styles like Brian Freedman. Students also continue to work on developing performance skills such as style, focus and energy.

Must have taken Jazz 2 or audition for placement.
Ballet must be taken for Dancers in this level.

Jazz 4-5

Jazz 4-5 is technically and musically demanding and the class moves at a fast pace. This class has a greater emphasis on perfecting technique (such as pelvic and back stability), performing skills, vocabulary and varied styles. There is an emphasis on seamlessly connecting movements and skills into a refined fluid movement.Students acquire and develop an advanced awareness and control of effective posture and body alignment. This level prepares dancers for a professional career if they so choose.
Dancers in this level of jazz must be enrolled in Ballet class.
All must audition for placement.