Intro to Jazz Workshop
Intro to Jazz - New dates TBA
“Jazz is hard to define because it’s constantly changing and growing. But that means a jazz dancer can easily do all types of dance.” —Sean Cheesman
It’s true— being a dancer trained in jazz, puts you in a category that defies all definitions. There’s street jazz, Latin jazz, pop jazz, contemporary, broadway jazz, hip-hop— and at the root of it all? Classic jazz technique!
Whether you’re a non technical dancer looking to increase your versatility and vocabulary, or an absolute beginner who needs guidance into the great wild world of dance, this workshop is a great place to start. Instructor Grace Carter will break down all of the must-know jazz steps, styles, and techniques with no judgement or pressure but high payoff! At the end of 4 weeks, you’ll be initiating movement from your core, creating strong, clean lines, and kick-ball-changing your way into your next jazz class with confidence.
Details:
When: New Workshop dates TBD
Capacity: 10
Cost: $190
Workshop Syllabus
By: Grace Carter
:::::Week 1:::::
1. Body Alignment and Positioning
-how to hold yourself like a dancer.
-A few tricks to keep you balanced and in control of your body.
-Learn the core positions you will see time and time again in jazz choreography.
-Focus on the hands, feet, shoulders, chest and hips
2. Developing flexibility
-productive stretching that makes sense!
3. Jazz Walks
-Moving with purpose and intention.
-Drags, slides
4. Musicality and Rhythm
-Syncopation
-smooth vs sharp
5. Counting Music
-How not to get lost in the song
-Find your place again if you do happen to get lost
6. Choreography
-Short CLASSIC JAZZ combo at the end incorporating lessons of the week.
:::::Week 2:::::
1. Footwork
-a handful of key dynamic movements you’ll need to know.
-Muscle memory
2. Kicks
-flick vs. brush.
-Degrees of height
-Directions- front, side, back
3. Be a flamingo?
-yes! With Parallel Passé
4. *Time permitting- Preparation for pirouette turns
-where your feet, arms, and head go
-finding balance
5. Choreography
-Short BROADWAY JAZZ combo at the end incorporating lessons of the week
:::::Week 3:::::
1. Basic Turns
-The importance of spotting!
2. Going deeper (turns)- Pirouettes
-inside and outside- what’s the difference?
3. Going deeper (kicks)- The progression to (safely) being able to kick your face! Spoiler alert: it does take time. But! We can put you on the path to getting there!
4. Choreography
-Short COMMERCIAL JAZZ combo at the end, incorporating lessons of the week.
:::::Week 4:::::
1. Leaps and Jumps
-The key factors needed to properly execute any type of jump.
-Playing with different jumps: sauté passé, grande jete, center leap
2. Putting it all together
3. A conversation about Style
4. Picking up choreography
-looking for patterns and repetition
-Awareness of weight shifts
-Transitions- why they are often MORE important than the “actual” moves.
5. Choreography
-Short combo at the end- incorporating ALL lessons of the month!
-*Time permitting- “perform” all combos learned throughout the month in groups.
6. Congratulations jazz dancer!
