Jazz Dance
Jazz is a form of dance based in ballet but with more technical freedoms and a signature style. The name for this form of dance is a little misleading as it’s not usually danced to jazz music but can work with many genres. I grew up learning the basics of ballet but was ultimately drawn toward jazz and the more animated character driven musical theatre style of dance. Nothing else compares to the exhilaration of expressing yourself from head to toe through movement.
My dance classes always start with a thorough warm-up. The class then does a practice of technical exercises (footwork, turns, kicks, etc) across the floor, depending on the types of movements that will be incorporated in my choreography. The last 20 minutes of class is then dedicated to learning a combination. I like to work on a piece of choreography for a few weeks so that my students can be sure they understand the steps and just enjoy moving with the music!
Tap Dance
Tap dance is a percussive form of expression with a rich cultural history generally passed down through the decades from dancer to dancer. I primarily teach a fusion of rhythm tap (focused on musicality of the sounds) and broadway tap (more character and dance driven.) I love tap dance because it uses your brain in a different way - not only are trying to remember choreography, but you are also counting and tracking precisely when to make a specific sound. Tap dance is a wonderful tool to build balance and coordination, with the added benefit of being really fun!
My tap classes all begin with an easy to follow, lower body warm-up. The classes is then given time to work on various skill drills to help increase clarity, speed, balance or to work on specialized steps like turns and tricks. A choreographed dance is then taught at the end of the classes to pull all the elements together. I like to work on the same dance for several classes so students can practice if they like before learning more the next week.