Here at UCL we have jazz classes in two levels; beginner and advanced, taught by our fabulous teacher Andrew. You can find out more about our teachers here.
Beginner jazz runs on Wednesday 8 - 9 and advanced is from 9 - 10, with classes held on main campus.
You're welcome to come along to either class, or both if you're not sure which would suit you best!
Beginner jazz runs on Wednesday 8 - 9 and advanced is from 9 - 10, with classes held on main campus.
You're welcome to come along to either class, or both if you're not sure which would suit you best!
About Jazz
Jazz Dance… so that’s like jazz hands then, yeh?
In reality, Jazz is an umbrella term for a whole branch of dancing - there’s Street Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Musical Theatre, Modern Dance etc - and, dependent on the choreographer, it can sometimes be very similar to Contemporary.
While the style has its roots in African and European traditions, it bloomed simultaneous with jazz music in America during the early 20th century. Its development and change over the years is remarkable: slaves in New Orleans used it as a social statement, dancing in the Place des Nègres on Sundays, and later it paved the way for swing dancing like the Charleston before being transported to Broadway and the West End to make the brilliant chorus-line dances we all love.
Today Jazz continues to evolve. There are, of course, many technique-based moves including isolations (pioneered by Katherine Dunham), contractions, kicks and turns which characterise the style and form the basis of a routine. However, Jazz give its choreographers and dancers ample opportunities and freedom; it is definitely a great starting point for someone unsure which style they’ll enjoy the most.
There’s really so many great UCL dances covering this style that I suggest exploring our YouTube account, but here’s a good place to start.
In reality, Jazz is an umbrella term for a whole branch of dancing - there’s Street Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Musical Theatre, Modern Dance etc - and, dependent on the choreographer, it can sometimes be very similar to Contemporary.
While the style has its roots in African and European traditions, it bloomed simultaneous with jazz music in America during the early 20th century. Its development and change over the years is remarkable: slaves in New Orleans used it as a social statement, dancing in the Place des Nègres on Sundays, and later it paved the way for swing dancing like the Charleston before being transported to Broadway and the West End to make the brilliant chorus-line dances we all love.
Today Jazz continues to evolve. There are, of course, many technique-based moves including isolations (pioneered by Katherine Dunham), contractions, kicks and turns which characterise the style and form the basis of a routine. However, Jazz give its choreographers and dancers ample opportunities and freedom; it is definitely a great starting point for someone unsure which style they’ll enjoy the most.
There’s really so many great UCL dances covering this style that I suggest exploring our YouTube account, but here’s a good place to start.
Stay Connected
We have a Facebook group specifically for our jazz classes.
We post class updates, room changes and even class videos so you can stay in the know.
We post class updates, room changes and even class videos so you can stay in the know.
