Jazz Theatre Dance - PROFESSIONAL OPTION
Course Consultant:
|
Anthony van Laast
|
The aim of this option is to refine and polish students' physical and artistic capabilities for a professional career A challenging and exciting opportunity is provided for the serious jazz dancer to train, rehearse, perform and tour as part of a dedicated Jazz Dance Company. This environment develops the resilience, physical skills and stamina required by today's emerging professional performer, as students are exposed to the latest trends and ever-increasing technical demands of today's workplace. Care is taken to ensure training is balanced, provided to the highest standards, and that the particular gifts and interests of each student are valued and nurtured in the context of professional standards and goals. The year's syllabus builds towards a final term largely committed to performances in public. 
Emphasis is placed on the concept of isolation technique as a feature common to all the different and personal characteristics of jazz dance. The vocabulary of the different jazz styles - ballet, tap, contemporary dance, singing and drama - are combined to create the comprehensive yet balanced training required to equip students for a successful career in commercial dance. Essential skills such as focus, projection, interpretation and style linked to the ability to absorb and memorise choreography are also developed.
Training also includes work on the styles and personalities of past jazz dance icons and is further enhanced by regular workshops and masterclasses given by leading choreographers and dancers from companies, television and West End productions. This, coupled with visits to performances, open rehearsals and company classes, provides students with valuable experience and the vital opportunity of working with potential employers.
Encouraging and emphasising the individuality of a dancer is a vital element of the graduate year. The diverse nature of dancers' skills are polished, advice is given on careers, agents, Equity, CVs, photographs, portfolios of audition material and identification of possible job opportunities.
The association of Anthony van Laast, internationally prominent choreographer and director, as Course Consultant ensures that the course remains at the forefront of jazz theatre dance training.
"...a very thorough system of jazz technique of proven professional efficacy"
Performance with : THE JAZZ DANCE COMPANY