JAZZ

INTRODUCTION TO JAZZ DANCE TECHNIQUE
Students will learn about the history and evolution of jazz dance as we know it today and will learn movement that is in pace with today but rooted in the traditions of yesterday.  This class will expose students to three jazz styles – blues, lyrical and classic jazz dance.  Class will focus on teaching basic body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms and will layer jazz style over the traditional technique of ballet.  Students will master basic jazz steps including kick ball change, step ball change and jazz runs.  Emphasis will be placed on developing rhythmic awareness individual expression and the use of the body as rhythmic percussive instrument.  While no previous dance experience is necessary, students are encouraged to take Introduction to Dance Technique
prior to enrolling.  After completing Intro to Jazz, try our Beginners' Series Jazz!

JAZZ TECHNIQUE
Jazz is an exciting and ever evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion and life.  Steeped in the rhythm of jazz music, a true American art form, jazz dance brings energy and life to all those who dance it.   Classes explore body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms and encourage individual expression and the development of personal style. Jazz can be powerful and percussive or expressive and lyrical.  Ever evolving, jazz dance is taught with the music of today together with the classical jazz of yesterday.

AFRO JAZZ
Combines traditional West African dance with jazz and elements of modern dance and ballet. Uses a variety of music from African and gospel to rhythm and blues.

BROADWAY JAZZ
....a 5, 6, 7, 8! “And all that Jazz!” Class teaches fun and exciting routines from selected Broadway musicals. Learn the style of such Broadway greats as Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins. Class focuses on developing performance technique and facial expression.

LATIN JAZZ
Class is a combination of high-energy jazz taught with a Latin flare. Explore many different Latin rhythms, including salsa, cha cha, merengue, samba, rumba and mambo. Class consists of a warm-up flowing into jazz isolations, strengthening work and across-the-floor movement that emphasizes style, energy and expression. Each class ends with a simple combination. Class is a great workout, and hot, hot, hot!

Lyrical/Contemporary Jazz 
So you think you can dance? Learn the hottest and smoothest moves in this jazz class that will get you grooving to the music! Learn solid jazz technique while exploring choreography that is influenced by and expressive of the lyrics in the music of today.

STREET JAZZ
Street Jazz is a dance form combining jazz, hip-hop and funk. This style of dance can be seen in the latest hip-hop, pop and R&B videos. Students are asked to have some background in jazz and hip hop along with a desire to strive for their best in class. Please do not wear street shoes into class.

THRASH JAZZ
Take your love of jazz dance to the next level.  This edgy class incorporates sharp, hard, and strong movements using elements of jazz, hip hop and modern dance.  Learn the importance of stage presence, body awareness, and self-confidence in this high impact, high intensity class.  "It's all about the attitude."  If you love to dance like nobody's watching, this is the class for you.  Please do not wear street shoes into class.

VEGAS JAZZ
It happens only in Vegas, baby, but for a limited time, you can experience the thrill of dancing like a Las Vegas showgirl here in Washington, DC.  From high kicks, to bump and grind, to the modern style of the Pussycat Dolls, this class will cover the gamut of Vegas-style choreography. Leave your inhibitions behind as you learn how to emulate the sass and class of a Sin City showgirl.

 

 

 

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