Jazz II: Exploration In American Jazz Through the Lens of Katherine Dunham

Catalog description

Prerequisite: Jazz I (DNCE 5525) or permission of the instructor Elevate your jazz dance technique with power and passion! From cabaret performances to concert stages, Broadway productions, and Hollywood films, Katherine Dunham had a brilliant career shaping the look, style, and formal training of jazz dance. This high-energy course builds upon the Dunham fundamentals introduced in Jazz I (DNCE 5525), refining movement quality and versatility while integrating classical jazz studio technique progressions. Utilizing Dunham’s dynamic expression of dance, theories, and teaching with grace, students will be empowered to find the joy in every step, “tell the story,” and take more risks while developing technical confidence and growth as an artist. That being said, students will find that this class will not only strengthen and train the body but also equip them with resilience and the performance skills needed to captivate audiences with power and passion. Each session will include a classic Dunham warmup, isolations, center and/or barre work, formal studio jazz dance exercises, and vibrant Dunham and Dunham-inspired Jazz progressions, culminating in a choreographed combination. Choreography combinations will be inspired by styles Dunham explored in her shows or influenced through her work, including vernacular jazz/ swing, theatre, commercial, and studio Jazz styles in addition to Dunham’s signature technique that fuses modern, ballet, and African Caribbean folkloric dance. Come join us! This is an open-level technique class designed for students (of all levels) with prior dance experience from beginning to advanced. Jazz II (DNCE 5565) can be repeated multiple times to maintain technique. For students unfamiliar with Dunham technique or with little to no formal dance training, it is highly recommended to take Jazz I (