*By instructor approval only*
This dynamic yearlong class is designed for
experienced dancers who are ready to take their jazz technique, artistry, and performance presence to the next level. Students will strengthen their skills in advanced turns, leaps, kicks, isolations, and footwork while exploring a variety of jazz styles including classical, lyrical, Broadway, funk, and contemporary.
Through challenging combinations, style labs, improvisation, and ensemble work, dancers will deepen their musicality, refine their movement quality, and develop their own artistic voice. Students will also learn to self-correct, apply feedback, and take ownership of their learning through creative and reflective practices.
The course is structured in three progressive units:
Unit 1: Technical Mastery and Strength Building
Unit 2: Stylistic Versatility and Musical Interpretation
Unit 3: Performance Presence and Artistic Ownership
Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal
“Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.
Class Objectives:
- Demonstrate increased strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina through full-body conditioning and center work
- Execute advanced jazz technique including double turns, leap variations, and layered isolations with accuracy
- Interpret a wide range of musical styles through expressive and intentional movement choices
- Apply technical and artistic corrections independently and collaborate with peers for ensemble cohesion
- Explore and embody stylistic variations such as Broadway, lyrical, funk, and classical jazz
- Make confident choreographic and improvisational decisions with attention to phrasing and movement texture
- Rehearse and refine choreography with attention to spacing, musicality, and stage presence
- Perform a stylized group combination with clarity, commitment, and artistic individuality
Instructional Tone: Focused, encouraging, and creatively rigorous—designed to challenge and empower teen dancers to grow as both technicians and artists
Activities: Advanced warm-ups, progressions, combo breakdowns, improvisation prompts, choreography interpretation, peer coaching
Skills Focus: Strength and control, advanced vocabulary, musical phrasing, artistic range, choreographic understanding, ensemble awareness
Performance Readiness: Prepared to perform a choreographed group piece during informal “Inside The Studio” events that reflects technical growth and personal artistry
Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Dance):
Creating:
DA:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work (choreographic choices, improvisation, style exploration)
DA:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop artistic ideas and work (technique refinement, ensemble rehearsal)
DA:Cr3.1 — Refine and complete artistic work (applying corrections and artistic decisions)
Performing:
DA:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation (advanced technique, movement accuracy)
DA:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work (expressive interpretation, stage presence)
Responding:
DA:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze artistic work (ensemble cohesion, peer collaboration)
DA:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work (stylistic embodiment)
DA:Re9.1 — Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work (self and peer critique)
Connecting:
DA:Cn10.1 — Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art (style variations and personal expression)
DA:Cn11.1 — Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding (jazz subgenres and cultural roots)
