How to Find Jazz Dance Classes

Bob Fosse’s sexy modern dance choreography of productions as “Chicago” and “Cabaret” are but one form of jazz dance. With origins in African-American dance of the late 19th century, jazz dance spans over 100 years to include the Charleston, swing, and modern and street-fusion forms. With so many approaches to the dance, learning jazz dance can be a lifetime pursuit--so you better find a class now and start dancing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Jazz dance performance videos
• Dance shoes
• Dance clothes

1. Research jazz dance to determine what form you want to start with. Watch performances, either live or taped. You might start with clips of Bob Fosse’s work, or even view the film versions of “Chicago” and “Cabaret,” which are fairly true to Fosse’s choreography. From there, view performances of older forms of jazz, such as swing.
2. Decide which type of dance looks most interesting to you. Some forms of jazz dance will look more difficult than others. Choose based on your interest rather than on the level of difficulty. With a real interest in jazz dance, you will be able to learn any form you are interested in.
3. Search for studios offering jazz dance classes in your area. Ask the instructors what types of classes they teach and who their influences are. These questions will help you determine if the studio matches your interest.
4. Explore jazz dance classes offered at colleges and universities. These classes are often geared towards students interested in pursuing a career in performance. The benefit is that you will learn specialized moves and gain a much stronger understanding than is possible in a regular class. However, you may need dance experience to succeed in the class. Ask the instructor before signing up.
5. Convince a friend of the opposite sex to sign up for the class with you if you’re taking a jazz dance class that focuses on a couple's form of dance, such as swing. This way, you will have a dance partner to practice with.
6. Ask the instructor what clothing is appropriate before your first day of class. Each type of jazz dance class will have different requirements for clothing and shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Many jazz dance classes offered at studios are age-specific, so ask about age categories when you call a studio.
• Some rockabilly festivals, such as the annual Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, offer excellent opportunities to watch swing-era jazz dancing in action. These festivals may also offer classes, and most attendees are happy to teach you a few moves!