Why Jazz?
Maybe you’re obsessed with theatre, and have seen every musical from Jekyll and Hyde to Chicago. Maybe you’re a hip-hop dancer who is filled with dread whenever a teacher calls for a pirouette. Or maybe you can’t stop watching videos of dance competitions where ten year olds do twenty pump turns in a row.
Whatever brought you here, here you are – thinking about taking a jazz class.
From Katherine Dunham to Bob Fosse to Michael Bennett, jazz dance has expanded and changed immensely over the years. Hugely active on the competition circuit and made popular by shows like So You Think You Can Dance, modern jazz ranges from Fosse-style theatre jazz to the high-energy, trick-heavy routines seen on TV.
Aside from the obvious flexibility, strength, and cardio training, there are many benefits to taking jazz. From axel turns to firebird jumps, jazz classes will have you kick, jump, and turn your way to the emotional high that comes from dancing.
Getting started:
Unlike Tap, you can get a lot out of a Jazz class without spending anything on gear. All you need is clothes you can move in – leggings, a t-shirt and socks or bare feet will do just fine. Of course, once you’ve fallen in love with the style, you might decide to invest in a pair of jazz shoes or foot-paws, based on how much you want to be able to grip the floor or turn without friction (if you’ve ever seen dancers wear only one sock and wondered why, they’re likely wearing it on their turning foot so they can spin easier).
We run Adult Drop-In Jazz Classes Mondays 6:00-7:30 and Wednesdays 6:30-8:00. Get started today! If you needed some extra motivation, new Joy of Dance students get one week of unlimited classes for $30 + HST!
Interested in other new styles? We will be highlighting a different dance style each month. Stay tuned for future promos and deals and make sure to follow us on Instagram @joyofdanceto!
About the Author
Dinushi has been dancing since she was 13 and has dabbled in a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, tap and lyrical. She is currently enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dance program at Joy of Dance Centre.