Jazz
These classes combine the fundamentals of jazz with the lyricism and fluidity of ballet. Classes start with a warm-up and "across the floor" exercises to enhance flexibility and extension followed by a "center floor" sequence for the development of technique, strength, and balance.
Dress Code:
- Fitted top or leotard
- jazz pants, shorts or leggings
- Soft leather jazz shoes (black oxford)
- No baggy clothes or jeans
- Hair in a ponytail- off the face!
Jazz I
Ages 8-11
This is a 2 year (4 semester) program with a possible transition year (Jazz I/II) based on teacher recommendation. Class begins with a warm-up, isolations and stretching. Students learn fundamental jazz steps and basic movement combinations. Emphasis is on basic jazz steps and vocabulary, body placement, stretch, rhythm and musicality.
Jazz II
Ages 10+
This is a 3 year (6 semester) program with a possible transition year (Jazz II/III) based on teacher recommendation. Focus is on further developing a strong basic technique, using more difficult positions, leading to the ability to perform a wider range of movement vocabulary in the center floor.
Jazz III
Ages 12+
Dancers fine-tune the basic positions and movements. Skills are applied to further develop center work, where greater strength leads to a larger vocabulary of traveling steps, turns, and jumps. Students must have teacher recommendation to move to Jazz III.
Jazz IV (by invitation only)
Ages 14+
MAPA's highest level of jazz: students must demonstrate intermediate to advanced technique with at least 3 years of continuous ballet training. This class is by invitation only and uses complex movement combinations of turning and jumping skills with emphasis on choreography and performance demands.