For 3 weeks in performing arts we have been working on our jazz assignment. We were split into groups to create a 30 second dance one group was doing lyrical jazz, one group hip hop jazz and the last group rock n roll jazz. Jazz dance includes many different styles, and people have many different interpritations of Jazz dance,as there are no rules.
I was in the lyrical jazz group with Alice Norris and Kelly Rolfe. We chose to make up our dance to 'beautiful' by Cristina Agularia. We chose this song because it has a strong backing beat when it gets into the song, and the lyrics where very emotion to follow the style. We where able to add the lyrical feel to jazz movements. Each movement was flowing but snappy and strong. Every movement was contemporary/lyrical and had a jazz feel to it because it was quicker and more sharp than flowing. Then as part of the jazz workshop we had to teach are dance to the rest of the class, and where filmed to see our teaching skills. We divided our dance into different sections so we could each teach part of the dance. Alice taught section 1, Kelly taught section 2 and I taught section 3. We went over the dance a few times and everyone in our class got it really quickly. Once everyone new it we asked them to perform it without us, to see if they had picked it up well, and new what to do.
The next group was Ellie, Chloe Green, Laura-Ann, Louise and Shauna. They made up Rock n Roll Jazz choreography to Candyman, which I wasnt used to doing as it is a style I have never really done. There dance had a lot of positions and was very fast and precise, if you werent doing the same it wouldnt look as effective. They taught this to the class and it took a lot longer. This is because Rock n Roll is a very different dance style and not a lot of people have had the opportunity to try it. Precision is so important. I really liked this dance as it was really up beat and exciting, however it was very tiring because you are constantly moving and didnt really have breaks in the music or choreography.
The last group was Shannon, Katie and Chloe stockman. They were teaching us a hip hop Jazz sequence. Which was very different, as I dont have much experience with Hip Hop, so it took a bit longer as I had to grasp they style of it. The dance was very fast and sharp and all the movements were very too the beat, but it also had a lyric essence.
I loved doing the Jazz workshop as we got a feel of many styles but they all had there simularties.
Well written up Myriam. You can now see the workshop videos on the KLS PA Blog. You could put a link on your blog above to it.
ReplyDeleteYou identify the differences between the jazz styles and I like how you picked out some dynamics to help highlight what was required of you. It is also interesting how you say that the rock n roll didn't allow for any breaks in the choreography, which as a ballet/contemporary dancer you are not used to. I am pleased you embraced the styles, can you tell me how you found teaching your choreography? What do you have to remember to do to ensure it comes out as you envisage?