Jazz

Class Description

Jazz is the most popular dance form among amateur dancers. Its movements are big, exaggerated, and there is typically an attitude the dancer wants to convey to the audience. Jazz emphasizes isolation, which is moving one part of the body such as the head, shoulder, or pelvis, while the rest of the body is still. It also emphasizes suspension, which is moving through a position rather than balancing. It is fast paced, so even though Jazz looks easy and fun, dancers must be 9 years of age to participate at SDA in a jazz class. This class is designed to introduce jazz technique, focusing on basic jazz positions, turns, jumps, and leaps. Students will also learn center and loco motor progressions as well as proper stretching techniques to enhance strength and flexibility. Basic Jazz dance terminology is discussed as well as stage directions, center and across the floor techniques, and short choreographed combinations.

Though both Jazz and Modern dance techniques are based on ballet, both are considered a rebellion against it.

Placement:

Age and experience are both factors in placement. Placement in Advanced III and IV Jazz is by invitation only. Skill level, focus, and regular attendance are considered for placement.

BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE LEVELS ARE FOR THE DANCER AGES 9 AND UP. THESE CLASSES ARE FOR DANCERS WILL LITTLE TO 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN A STRUCTURED 45 MINUTE Jazz CLASS.

INTERMEDIATE II-ADV I AND II ARE FOR DANCERS AGES 10 AND UP.  THESE CLASSES ARE THE NEXT STEP IN OUR Jazz CLASSES AND REQUIRE A STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF TERMINOLOGY AND BODY PLACEMENT.  2-4 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN A STRUCTURED 45 minute Jazz Class.

ADV. III-ADV. IV-ARE FOR DANCERS AGES 12 AND UP.  THESE CLASSES ARE THE LAST STEP IN OUR Jazz CLASSES AND REQUIRE AN ABOVE AVERAGE KNOWLEDGE OF TERMINOLOGY AND BODY PLACEMENT.  3-5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN A STRUCTURED 45-90 Minute Jazz Class.

When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount.

Dress Code for Jazz:

GIRLS Beginning-Advanced
Tight fitted active wear in Pink, Black, Grey, Burgundy or White
Leotards are not required
Tan Jazz Shoes

BOYS Beginning-Advanced
White, Grey, Black, or Burgundy T-shirt, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Jazz Shoes

Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.

PLEASE PLACE THE DANCERS NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES