The Mark Morris Dance Center will be closed December 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025.

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Jazz

Group of dancers taking hip hop class. Their elbows are out, chest is open, and they are in a wide stance.

Jazz

Our jazz classes draw from a variety of historical and contemporary styles such as Broadway, commercial, funk, and classical. Jazz dance was born out of African dance, American tap dance, ballet, and theater, and is inherently related to the music that has evolved alongside it. Classes focus on syncopated rhythms, body isolations, and precision. Students will begin class with a warm-up, progress to across-the-floor exercises, and end with learning choreography.

Description: For absolute beginners with relatively little experience, this class is the perfect introduction to the basics of jazz dance. Born out of African dance, American tap dance, ballet, and theater, jazz dance is inherently related to popular music and has evolved alongside it. A great place for beginners to gain an understanding of syncopated rhythms, body isolations, and precision in a fun, friendly and exciting environment.

Intro to Jazz I

January 9 - February 13, 2025 | Thursdays 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm

Beginner/Intermediate Broadway Jazz

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This class explores several approaches to Broadway Jazz and features combinations inspired by classic choreographers such as Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, and Michael Bennett, as well as contemporary choreographers like Andy Blankenbuehler and Josh Bergasse. The class begins with a long warm-up consisting of a center barre, a strength and alignment series, and a long stretch. Every week the class breaks down aspects of jazz technique and ends with a long theater dance combination.

Intermediate Jazz/Hip Hop

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Based in the style of jazz/funk, this class incorporates syncopated rhythms, isolated body movements, and classic hip-hop and jazz moves. An excellent choice for dancers looking to expand their dance vocabulary in an upbeat environment with a strong focus on improving rhythm, coordination, and musicality.

Suggested Attire:

  • Comfortable clothing in which you can easily move
  • Jazz shoes, jazz sneakers, or thin socks, no street shoes

Please note:

As this is a popular class, we recommend pre-registering or arriving 30 minutes prior to the start of class for a drop-in.

Intermediate Jazz/Hip Hop

Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Teacher and schedule subject to change. For up-to-the-minute information see the adult class schedule.