All That Jazz and More...The Complete Book of Jazz Dancing (2nd edition)

All that Jazz and More... The Complete Book of Jazz Dancing

by Christy Lane

Welcome to the world of jazz dance! Whether you are a novice student, advanced student or especially if you are a teacher, this book is to inform you, stimulate you and enhance your technique. Written for dance enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, this book presents the latest in universal dance technique. Christy will take you through four levels of jazz dance, teaching the basics as well as challenging the advanced dancer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jazz Dance Today
The Jazz Class
Basic Jazz Positions
Warm Up
Kicks
Turns, Turns, Turns,
Locomotive Movements
Choreography
Projection and Performing
S-t-r-e-t-c-h-ability
The Dancer As an Athlete
For Teachers Only

INTRODUCTION

It was eighteen years ago that I received my first letter of inquiry from a desperate jazz dance instructor pleading for literature on the subject of jazz dance. From that time on, I began traveling nationally and the letters continued to come. Where did I get my material? What is the basic technique and how can I teach the progressions? These inquiries plus my own curiosity encouraged me to seek a universal technique and approach to studying and teaching jazz dance. My ambition was not to become a professional performing dancer, but rather to learn more about the art form that I came to love. My enjoyment and satisfaction in teaching have led me to these findings of sound jazz dance technique.

I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel in 48 states teaching and training at workshops. During my travels I searched for common denominators in instruction that would meet the needs of students and teachers alike. From New York to Los Angeles I saw many very difference styles, techniques and philosophies, not only in private dance studios, but in private gymnastics clubs, high schools, colleges, universities, YMCAs, dance conventions and competitions. One thing was obvious wherever I went, jazz dancing could turn an empty room in excitement, energy and beauty.

This study is the product of extensive research in the field, from writings, films, videos, classes taken from masters, observation of professional choreographers as well as my own classes including the special master workshops where my techniques were tested. I have written this book in an attempt to standardize the basics. The arrangement is unique in that is designed for the novice as well as the advanced. It will be an asset to anyone involved in jazz dance today, whether a dancer, teacher, choreographer, actor or actress, athlete, or aerobics fan - there' s something here for you. Let us not exclude the physical education instructors who are dedicating so much of their effort and time building programs in their schools and keeping up with the demands of dance in the curriculum. This book is especially for those teachers in the educational setting.

Whatever your interest or perspective, I invite you to join in the exciting adventure of jazz dance.