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!

Luigi Jazz Intro (8-week course) & Luigi Jazz 1 (on-going classes)

Luigi (Louis Facciuto) is an American Jazz dancer, choreographer, teacher and innovator who is best known for creating a jazz exercise technique. He is sometimes referred to as "father jazz" since he is credited with creating the first formal Jazz technique.

The Luigi Warm Up Technique is an influential training program that promotes body alignment, balance, core strength, and "feeling from the inside." It is also used for rehabilitation. This method became the world’s first standard technique for teaching jazz and musical theater dance. Luigi developed the technique, which consists of a series of ballet-based exercises, for his own rehabilitation after suffering paralyzing injuries in a car accident at the age of twenty one. Determined to dance again, he first learned to regain control of his body by what he uses as a cornerstone of his technique – namely, to “lengthen and stretch the body without strain," and “put the good side into the bad side.’’ He then focused on a way “to stabilize himself – as if he were pressing down on an invisible (dance) barre.

Jazz 2 Tech (Ongoing)

This is a new Jazz Tech class that focuses you on getting back to the basics of Jazz technique, which is slowly being forgotten as Hip Hop and street styles are becoming more mainstream.

This weekly class will consist of stretching and strengthening as a warm-up, then move onto progressions and combinations across the floor. The level of difficulty will progress as the students improve. It will be a challenging journey but the rewards will be evident in a stronger Jazz technique, resulting in better turns, kicks and leaps.

Dance experience is required to take this class - it's preferable to have at least 1 year of Jazz classes under your belt. If you are uncertain if you are ready to take the class, the best option is to take a trial class and the instructor will do an evaluation to advise. No sign-up required. Just turn up and be ready to work hard!

Ballet Jazz Tech (Ongoing)

An open level class catering to both beginner and advanced dancers, this is a dance class utilizing both Ballet and Jazz techniques to focus on stability, alignment, strength and flexibility to work on balance, turns and extensions.

Photography by Marc Chang.