A: Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.
Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Jazz dance follows the basic principles of ballet.
Q: What is "Jazz Steps"
A: In a jazz class, dancers are encouraged to add their own personality to make each step unique and fun. Jazz steps include basic turns including chaines, piques, pirouettes, jazz turns, and some ballet turns, to name a few. Leaps include grande jetes, turning jumps, and tour jetes. Signature to jazz dancing is the "jazz walk." Jazz walks can be performed in many different styles. Another popular jazz move is the "contraction." A contraction is accomplished by contracting the torso, with the back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward.
Q: What is Lyrical?
A: Lyrical is Jazz Ballet, danced in flowing circular skirts and bare feet. Students taking these classes are doing so to build on their ‘Jazz’ class improving deportment, posture, technique etc. Attending dance class once a week makes for slow progress, for those wanting a better than average mark or just the need to dance more than once a week, this is the perfect class. Exams again are optional & with BTDA.
Q: What to Wear
A: There is a specific jazz leotard & bike short that must be worn in Exams & should be worn week by week to class. Long black lycra jazz pants are acceptable for older students not comfortable in a leotard and for younger children in the cooler weather. We can not accept jeans or board shorts in class. Hair should be tied up and off the face. After you child’s first term of dance we request all students come to dance class in the appropriate attire.
Jazz shoes are required from Intro 3 & up (8 years & up). Under 8 years we prefer no shoes on the younger children so we can better see if feet are stretched & working.
Q: What is your class structure? A: A good jazz class explodes with energy. With music styles ranging from hip-hop to show tunes, the beat alone will get you moving. All Jazz classes begin with a thorough warm-up, then continue with a series of stretching exercises and isolation movements. Isolations involve moving one part of the body while the rest of the body remains still. Jazz dancers also practice the art of suspension. Suspension involves moving through positions instead of stopping and balancing in them. Classes end with a short cool down to help prevent muscle soreness.
Q: Do you offer HIP-HOP classes?
A: Yes, most certainly! Classes are on Thursday’s with Grace Crawford, an AUT Dance Graduate specializing in Hip-Hop. There are no exams, these are classes for boys & girls wanting to move & groove, have fun and get active! Questions specifically about Hip Hop, call Grace on 021 371 544
Q: Do you hold any Workshops?
A: Yes, we do - the Winter Workshop! In the July School holidays, Gotta Dance offers students a Winter Workshop which enables them to learn two different dance routines over 5 days and perform for parents and friends in a Theatre performance to conclude the week. This is an awesome week not to be missed!!!
Q: End of Year Concert?
A: Yes, we have a concert every year in December involving the whole dance school. Term 4 is pretty much consumed with preparation for the show and every student is given an opportunity to dance and perform. It is great fun and one of the highlights of the year.
Q: What is Jazz 
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Q: Do you offer HIP-HOP classes?
