Jazz Intensive

For the committed jazz dancer, Adagio has created a jazz intensive program that will meet twice a week for an hour-long class.  Dancers who participate in this program must have a high degree of self-motivation, focus, and dance technique that has been honed by previous ballet or jazz classes.  Participation is by invitation or teacher approval only.

Each dancer will have the opportunity to express themselves and find their own unique style of dance.  Starting in the early levels, we will concentrate on stretching and strengthening the core muscles.  Once basic jazz technique has been perfected by each student, they will begin learning the many different styles of Jazz Dance.  The students will be tested on steps and basic historical information.

Progression of Levels:
1. Classical Jazz - flexibility, rhythm, strength, and endurance.
2. Broadway Jazz - looking back at the influences of Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins. 
3. Modern Jazz - using the modern technique to influence the movements. Improvisation.
4. Hip-Hop Jazz - using the modern-day entertainment and music influences to create movement.
5. Lyrical Jazz - using the ballet technique to enhance the quality of movement.
6. Competition Jazz - Having a highly flexible and strong body to leap, turn, kick.  Using each step to show off the endurance and strength while entertaining the audience with excitement and emotion.

The program begins with Jazz Intensive 2, ages 8-10, which meets on Wednesday and Sundays starting in Fall 2008.

A Little History and References:
Jazz Dance originated in the late 1800s to the mid 1900s.  The style soon evolved into steps such as: Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and Swing dancing. 

Soon after, Katherine Dunham twisted the cultural dance styles which let to the introduction of Broadway Jazz.  Choreographer, Bob Fosse perfected this style in his many Broadway shows such as: Chicago and The Pajama Game.  Nowadays, you can find Jazz Dance on the popular FOX show "So You Think You Can Dance?"

Dancers will learn of the great choreographers such as: Jack Cole (father of jazz), Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins (Broadway Choreographer: The King and I, West Side Story, and Peter Pan), and new rising choreographers and influences of the 20th century, such as Gus Giordano.  In 1990, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago company began to host the tradition of the Jazz Dance World Congress which is now held annually.