Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.
Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. This type of dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns.
Many famous dancers have helped shape what we know as jazz dance today. Considered the father of jazz dance technique, Jack Cole developed techniques that are used today in musicals, films, television commercials and videos. His style emphasised isolations, rapid directional changes, angled placement and long knee slides. Winning eight Tony awards, Bob Fosse was a musical theatre choreographer and director, and a film director.
Characteristic of his dance style are inward knees, rounded shoulders and full-body isolations. Considered a founder of jazz dance, Gus Giordano was a master teacher and gifted choreographer. His dance style has influenced modern jazz dancing. Many jazz teachers employ his methods in their own classes.
To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance. We offer jazz classes to all ages. These classes emphasise musicality, rhythm, energy and performance.
Here at Newcastle Dance Academy, all students must enrol in a ballet class to be eligible to participate in our jazz classes.
NDA branded tights can be worn for contemporary, lyrical,
jazz or tap.
NDA branded black ballet t-shirt or singlet, black dance pants, jazz shoes.
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