Jazz

A blending of movements from many different dance forms, Jazz focuses on the connection of choreography to lyrics.

CURRICULUM
Jazz is a formal division discipline and students must be 6 years old (by September 14, 2009) to enroll in the program. Upon their enrollment, students are placed in levels according to their age and ability. Each level is designed to help a student master the technique of Jazz.

Requirements are established to ensure the safety and development of the dancer.

The School offers all new students a free trial class in order for our faculty to correctly level the dancer.

Jazz/Tap Level 1 - Introduction to Formal Jazz and Tap
This class is designed for young dancers who have completed the Early Dance division or are exploring dance for the first time. Dancers will be given a solid foundation while further enhancing musical awareness, rhythm and coordination. Dancers will explore dance technique while having fun in a positive and nurturing environment.

Level 1x - Beginner Jazz technique
2 Jazz classes per week recommended.
Ballet recommended

Level 2 - Intermediate Beginner Jazz technique
2 Jazz classes per week strongly recommended.
Ballet strongly recommended.

Level 2x - Advanced Beginner Jazz technique
2 Jazz classes per week strongly recommended.
Ballet strongly recommended.

Level 3 (including lyrical-description below) - Intermediate Jazz technique
2 Jazz classes per week strongly recommended.
Ballet strongly recommended.

Level 3x (including lyrical & contemporary-description below) - Advanced Intermediate Jazz technique
2 Jazz classes per week required.
1 Ballet class per week required.

Level 4-5 (including lyrical & contemporary-description below) - Advanced Jazz technique
3 Jazz classes per week required. 4 Jazz classes per week strongly recommended.
2 Ballet classes per week required. 3 Ballet classes per week strongly recommended.

Teen Jazz - For beginner & continuing Jazz dancer ages 12 & up. This class is also appropriate for level 3 students who are 12+.

Jazz Technique 3x-5 (NEW CLASS)- Strongly recommended for the level 3x & up dancer.
This class focuses on the jazz technique behind jumps & turns that are executed in jazz choreography. Class includes a warm-up as well as progressions across the floor and in center to help improve jazz technique skills. This class will also include combinations in Styles of Jazz. This is a non-Showcase class.

Contemporary-Levels 3x & up; dancers must meet their ballet requirements to take this class.  Contemporary describes a range of technique and styles.  Contemporary can be danced to any style of music and unite with any other dance form, including ballet, jazz & hip-hop to create new movement.  This form of dance is extremely fluid and often involves balance, floor work and improvisation.

Lyrical Jazz - Levels 3 & up; dancers must meet their ballet requirements to take this class. Lyrical Jazz blends movements from many different forms, including ballet technique, modern, jazz and contemporary. The focus is on interpretation and musicality, with the emphasis placed on the connection of the choreography to lyrics. 

DRESS CODE
Rock West dress codes are established for the dancer's safety and aid in the instructor's ability to correct and educate students.

Female
Top: For non-ballet classes: Solid colored leotard or solid colored spandex cami top (NO T-shirts). 
Bottom: Solid black spandex fitted jazz pant, capri or dance short and/or tights.
Shoes: Any color tan slip on jazz shoe. Levels 3 & up may wear foot thongs or similar footwear. NO socks or sneakers.
Hair: Must be pulled back neatly off the face and neck.

Male
Top: Solid colored or white fitted t-shirt or tank top.
Bottom: Solid black jazz pants, fitted athletic pants or shorts above the knee. NO baggy clothing.
Shoes: Black slip-on jazz shoes. Levels 3 & up may wear foot thongs or similar footwear. NO socks or sneakers.

All accessories, including jewelry, must be removed before class.


INSTRUCTOR-STUDENT CONTACT
The Rock School offers teaching that is individual and hands-on. It is normal and appropriate for a member of the faculty to manually and physically position a pupil to expound a point of instruction or to identify some needed technique correction. The School neither condones nor tolerates any touching of students by instructors that is harmful, professionally reckless, or that violates generally accepted tenets of propriety. Before enrolling a student, please consider that it is school policy to correct children with physical contact. If the student or parent/guardian is uncomfortable with this policy, you may wish to reconsider enrolling the student.