How to Do a Jazz Dance Layout

Adding a layout provides some drama to your jazz choreography. What is a jazz layout? It's a move where you arch your back and drop your head back while standing on one leg. The working leg is either straight out or in posse (leg bent). Read on to find out how to execute a beautiful layout.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flexibility

1. Step up onto one toe. As you step up onto your toe (we'll call this the base leg), raise both arms above your head. Your working leg should be in posse with your toe next to your base leg knee.

2. Cross your arms in front of your chest and then hold them back in a wide second position.

3. At the same time your arms cross and go back, extend your working leg straight out in front of you and arch your back.

4. Release your neck and look behind you. This not only adds drama to your layout but also helps you balance.

5. Bring your working leg down and lunge forward on it to regain your balance and gracefully transition to your next move.

Tips & Warnings

• Be tentative at first until you have the move down. Then be brave. Don't worry about falling on your head. It won't happen, and if by some fluke it does, you're close enough to the floor that it won't hurt much.
• Keep your form intact. Sloppy legs and arms will detract from the overall look of the choreography.
• Experiment with style. Try a layout with a bent leg or with different arm movements. Try ending the layout on the floor. Be creative.
• Don't practice layouts on a slippery floor.