Jazz dance is a dynamic and expressive style that offers an excellent starting point for children embarking on their dance journey. It seamlessly combines rhythmic elements, technical precision, and creative expression. In jazz classes, children experience the excitement of lively rhythms that inspire dynamic movements. These classes prioritise building flexibility through conditioning exercises and stretching routines. Young dancers learn to convey emotions through their movements and facial expressions, making each performance a unique opportunity for personal expression. Jazz dance is inherently theatrical, fostering self-expression through both music and expressive gestures. Furthermore, it encourages improvisation, allowing young dancers to add their unique personalities to the choreography. This dynamic style not only nurtures physical skills but also encourages creativity and self-confidence in young performers.
Jazz is a genre known for its versatility, with various sub-styles such as classical jazz, commercial jazz, theatre/broadway jazz, and jazz funk. It has left its mark on iconic works like Bob Fosse’s “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” and “Sweet Charity,” as well as contemporary musicals like “Fame,” “Wicked,” “Grease,” and “Hairspray.” Each sub-styles offers a unique flavour and set of movements. While classical jazz may emphasise traditional elements, commercial jazz leans toward modern trends. Theatre/broadway jazz brings a dramatic flair, and jazz funk adds a funky, contemporary twist. These sub-styles provide a rich tapestry of options for young dancers to explore and master, allowing them to delve deeper into the diverse world of jazz dance.
At Elevate Dance Academie, we infuse all jazz styles into our curriculum. Our classes teach the techniques and it’s variations, that blend the foundational elements of all styles in complementary ways. Dancers build a versatile vocabulary that leverages the strengths of each styles.
Our Jazz syllabus aims to:
Dancers focus on performance, style, flexibility, and body awareness. Dancers work in centre and across the floor exercises to strengthen and increase their dance ability. Dancers will learn basic jazz vocabulary and skills. This is a high energy class and a fun introduction to dance!
Designed to introduce the skills and concepts of jazz dance. This class will move at a quicker pace and also work in centre and across the floor technique to strengthen and increase dance ability. This class is for experienced beginning dancer.
Builds on the skills and concepts taught in the beginning levels. There is a continued focus on performance, style, flexibility, and body awareness. Dancers in this class begin to understand the fundamentals of jazz technique and the different styles. Dancers are taught more complex sequences across the floor and centre. Dancers will continue to increase strength and flexibility.
Intermediate level of technique and performance. The class will be learning longer combinations in all areas of the class, dancing to more complex rhythms and styles, and performing more difficult skills and combinations dance movement.
Concentrates on performance, stage and movement quality. The dancers are given more advanced sequences and begin to study and practise choreography of various types of jazz dance.
The world of jazz dance is a vibrant tapestry woven from two distinct threads: classical jazz and modern/contemporary jazz. These styles represent a captivating duality in the dance world, each with its own unique characteristics and artistic expression.
Classical Jazz – Classical jazz, made iconic by legendary choreographers like Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, and Luigi, pays homage to the traditional techniques like broadway or theatrical jazz, that blossomed in the 20th century.
Bob Fosse, renowned for his signature sensuality and precision, introduced a style marked by precise, stylised movements that often exuded sophistication and sensuality. His choreography featured isolations, angular gestures, and captivating storytelling through movement, with classics like “Chicago” and “Cabaret” showcasing his unmistakable style.
Jack Cole, another luminary of classical jazz, infused ethnic and theatrical jazz dance elements into the genre, described as ‘urban folk dance’ or ‘jazz-ethic-ballet’. He melded various dance styles, including ballet, Asian ethnic, African-Americans, Afro-Caribbean, urban and modern, creating a fusion of strength and artistry. His contributions inspired future generations of dancers to explore the boundaries of jazz dance.
Eugene Louis Faccuito, widely known in the dance world by his nickname, Luigi and being the first to create formal jazz technique; in contrast, is celebrated for his technique that emphasises fluidity and core strength. His fusion of ballet and jazz elements resulted in movements that were both powerful and seamless, adding grace to classical jazz.
Modern Jazz (Contemporary Jazz) – Modern Jazz, sometimes referred to as Contemporary Jazz, pushes the boundaries and breaks free from the constraints of tradition. This style embraces a more experimental, eclectic approach, where dancers explore a wide range of movements. It draws inspiration from modern dance, hip-hop, and even acrobatics. The movements are fluid, allowing for innovative interpretations and greater versatility. Dancers have the freedom to infuse their unique styles and emotions into their performances. The focus is on personal expression and connection to the music and the audience, rather than adhering to a rigid narrative structure.
The split between classical jazz and modern jazz, reflects the ever-evolving nature of dance. Classical jazz retains its refinement and precision, while modern jazz ushers in a sense of freedom and experimentation. Both styles, shaped by the contributions of dance luminaries contribute to the rich and dynamic world of jazz dance, showcasing the timeless elegance of tradition and the thrilling innovations of the present. Together, they create a mesmerising mosaic where dancers can express themselves through a diverse range of movements, keeping the spirit of jazz dance alive and evolving.
Join us for jazz dance lessons. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your first class!