Dance

Dance at JASSPA combines creativity with technique. Technical exercises are taken from both contemporary and jazz styles helping pupils develop muscular strength, flexibility and agility. Exercises explore rhythm and mood, generating routines and improvisations. Pupils are given the opportunity to contribute towards choreography and a wide variety of styles are explored through pre-recorded tracks, eg Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Classical Jazz and Commercial Dance. Dance classes encourage focus, discipline and team work enhancing not only group performances but also life skills.

No previous experience is required to join JASSPA’s Dance classes although many pupils do come to us whilst attending formal ballet, tap and modern classes elsewhere or having decided that they are looking for a new direction with their dance.

Pupils are grouped primarily according to age (up to a two year age band for Juniors and a four year age band for Seniors) but also by annual informal assessment. At the start of the Autumn term pupils and teachers work together in large classes until assessments are finished. Then each child is placed into the most appropriate class for them, still within their peer group. For pupils joining Jasspa after September an informal assessment is carried out during their first class. Assessments do not change lessons times.

All classes perform once a year in our annual Dance and Drama Shows. Preparation for this begins approximately 10 weeks before the performance date and gives a fantastic focus to the summer term. Venues for our shows are: The Prissian Theatre, JAGS and The Holst Hall, JAGS.

Dance uniform

Juniors: matt black jazz pants/black leggings/black jogging bottoms and black fitted t-shirt.
Seniors/Advanced: own choice of colour jazz pants/leggings/jogging bottoms and fitted t-shirt.

The majority of class is spent in bare feet but for routines, black school-style plimsolls or black jazz shoes may be required.