Featured Class

May 2009

Jazz Dance

Even though your dreams of being a Broadway dancer are long gone, don’t give up your dreams of having a dancer’s body. Jazz Dance will have you shaking, clapping and stomping to the beat while giving you a great workout. Think twice, however, if you’re looking for “jazz hands,” tranquil saxophone sounds or theatre-style movements! Instead, expect a brilliantly choreographed fusion of contemporary street jazz, ballet, break-dance and modern dance.

Instructor Ryan Beck, warms the class up with a 20-minute full-body conditioning sequence: deep inhale breathing, contractions and releases, full and half plies, lunges, stretches and an intense abdominal challenge. The series of warm-up moves not only raise the body temperature, but also burn calories. The next 40 minutes of Jazz Dance are spent learning the intricacies of a choreographed dance sequence. By featuring new choreography and music every week, Jazz Dance stimulates the brain, sharpening focus and retention skills, while teaching participants a basic dance vocabulary. One passionate dancer claims, “Running on the treadmill doesn’t even compare. Ryan is extremely talented and keeping up with him is a great workout.”

If you lack dance experience – don’t worry! “Everyone should try the ‘dancer express 20 minute conditioning workout,’ because it will work your entire body and get you warmed up for whatever activity you plan to do next,” invites Ryan. If you are hesitant to try choreography and dance, give the conditioning portion a go and see if you are up for the challenge. The choreographed segment of Jazz Dance is a fantastic combination of highly physical movement and self-expression fit for anyone with choreography experience.

If you still want that dancer’s body, dance your heart out with Jazz Dance on Tuesday nights at 7:30 in Studio B.