New to Jazz :O

Pointe Dancer · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 69 Location: United States

I want to join the dance company in my town, but to do so, I have to take a jazz class. I asked my teacher if I could take a jazz class and she put me in the most advanced jazz class in my studio even though she knows I have never taken a jazz class in my life. :shock: If you guys have any tips, that would be great. My first class is tomorrow and I'm kind of nervous... :( Any help would be great! Thanks! :D

v_nuetzmann · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 14

If you are going to join a dance company, I am sure you have an extensive background. So, even though you don't know the technique of jazz, you still have the rythym, flexibility and ability.

You don't want to hurt yourself though, so if you find that it is too fast, or that you are having extreme difficulty, you should just be honest with your instructor and ask to be placed in an intermediate class.

Pointe Dancer · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 69 Location: United States

thanks for the advice! So far it has been alright. A little bit difficult but not unbearable. I hope I'll be fine but anymore advice would be appreciated! :D

Mylife606 · Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 33 Location: Canada

If you notice that Ballet and Jazz are really close to each other and there are only slight differences in technique and also speed. No need to worry about and keep up what you are doing.

Pointe Dancer · Joined: 07 Feb 2008 Posts: 69 Location: United States

I have noticed that jazz is very similar to ballet :D it's a lot faster though... :shock: and just out of curiosity, what is a pencil turn? I haven't had to do one yet, but I don't want to have to and not know what it is... :?