Advanced Jazz I

Catalog description

An advanced course in the techniques of jazz dance. DANCE 441 Advanced Jazz I (1) DANCE 441 allows the student who has successfully completed DANCE 242 to continue their study of jazz technique and performance. The focus of the course is to improve capability through learning and performing more challenging choreography at a faster pace. Eight combinations of choreography are taught, to music of various types -- pop, jazz, and musical theatre. Performing with confidence and a sense of character will be emphasized. The student will also become familiar with the fundamentals of the Pilates technique to improve alignment, strength, and flexibility. The student will also be given opportunities to develop confidence in improvisation. DANCE 441 enables the BFA Music Theatre candidate to satisfy one semester of advanced level dance training. For the Dance Minor and other students of dance, it provides challenges in technical execution and a greater range of jazz styles. The student's grade will be determined by their attendance, attitude, and progress at learning quickly and performing the dance combinations, as well as the completion of two projects. Attendance is mandatory; more than three absences or lateness will affect the grade. The attitude should be focused, positive, receptive to correction, and eager. Progress will be assessed in frequent performance 'quizzes'. The mid-term and final exams will be video-taped and viewed by the class. The two projects consist of paper and one minute of original choreography. The paper should consist of the student's personal analysis of jazz dancing and their abilities, based on their past and present experience. The choreography should reflect work learned in class and be performed to instrumental music. The student will perform their choreography for the class. Required dress for DANCE 441 consists of dance belt, dance pants, t-shirt and jazz shores for men and tights and leotard, jazz and character shoes for women. Dance sneakers are not appropriate for warm-ups and certain combinations.