What is Jazz?
Jazz dance refers to dance styles that originated from African tribal dances. It has been reshaped and developed over time by changes in music and by influences of time. Jazz is now mostly used in musical theatre and stage shows. Today this dance genre is also influenced by pop music.
Street Jazz is funky and groovy, combining Jazz / Ballet technique with street styles of dance. As in most forms of dance, technique is the foundation for all modern Jazz dance movement. These technique-based classes will improve flexibility, strength, balance and stamina.
Our Jazz classes follow the Los Angeles style which is a cross between the discipline of Ballet with the street-wise edge of Funk. Each class at all levels begins with a stretch and strengthen session before going into a dance combination.
 Jazz Intro (8-week course)
This is THE class for all Jazz newbies. This 8-week course will focus on exercises to improve strength, flexibility and stamina. A basic dance combination will also be taught. It will teach you how to do the stretch and strengthening exercises, as well as the across-the-floor work the correct way. Learn how to improve your technique without hurting yourself!
Jazz 1 (Ongoing)
A technical dance class with focus on stability, alignment, strength and flexibility. The class works on balance, turns and extensions. Basic musicality, physical, choreographic and rhythmic dynamics covered. Jazz I introduces traditional 80's Jazz Ballet, with the latest styles, as seen on MTV. Simple routines taught.
Jazz 2 Lyrical (Ongoing)
A more flowing and softer style, where the movements are more balletic, expressive and emotive! This class teaches Jazz movements to slower tempo music, allowing for more expressive and dramatic movement. A great addition to your dance repertoire!
Jazz 3 - Contemporary Abstract Fusion (7 weeks from Wed 18 May 2011)
Jimmy and Marcus are back in town! They have collaborated to create work that is a fusion of both contemporary and abstract styles. Their classes will showcase their individual unique styles and in one of the classes, include partner techniques and interaction. This series of 7 classes starting Wed 18 May, 7:30 to 9:30pm, will focus on continued development of technique with new improvisation exercises to challenge you beyond Jazz 3.
Week 1, Wed 18 May - Marcus Foo
Week 2, Wed 25 May - Marcus Foo
Week 3, Wed 1 Jun - Jimmy Vairon
Week 4, Wed 8 Jun - Jimmy Vairon
Week 5, Wed 15 Jun - Jimmy & Marcus
Week 6, Wed 22 Jun - Jimmy Vairon
Week 7, Wed 29 Jun - Jimmy Vairon
 Broadway Jazz Intro (8-week course) & 1 (Ongoing)
If you love Broadway Musicals, then this is the dance for you! Broadway Jazz emphasises performance and characterisation skills focusing on Jazz as seen in musical productions such as Chicago, Moulin Rouge or Westside Story, with plenty of show tunes to get your body moving! Note: This is not a repertoire class (not a routine) only. It is a Jazz technique class too.
Latin Jazz Intro (8-week course) & 1 (Ongoing) [Currently not offered on the schedule.]
Latin Jazz dance is a fusion of standard Jazz techniques and the vibrant qualities of Latin dance styles. This classes uses Latin Jazz rhythms to introduce the art of Latin motion, rhythm, and style, while utilizing the Jazz foundation.
Photography by Marc Chang.
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