Jazz Curriculum
Entry to a jazz focus level is by audition or invitation from the dance director of RPA
Requirements for Jazz Level I
Take at least one year of jazz and be familiar with basic terminology: Plié, Tendu, Coupé, Passé, Chasé, Pivot turn, leap
Jazz Level I
Focusing on class development, dancers learn the fundamentals of proper placement and alignment. Musicality becomes a key element, learning progressions to music with preparations. New stretches are introduced to promote flexibility. Primary positions are introduced with arms and legs with the expectation of knowing them without fault before moving on.
Requirements for Jazz Level II
Battement front, side, and back keeping hips and shoulders squared and level
Hold a flat back with arms and legs in second position
Single pirouette
Pas de bourée, Pivot, Ball-change, and Chasé should be executed without fault
Grand Jeté in second arabesque without bent knees
Jazz Level II
With fundamentals established students experience carefully regulated exercises in progression to warm up, strengthening the body. Muscle memory evolves with balancing, turning, jumping, and stretching. Class room etiquette is enforced to promote a healthy discipline. Dancers learn to pick up progressions quickly and efficiently, developing a unique memory skill.
Requirements for Jazz Level III
Show a wide range of flexibility in feet, legs, torso, and back
Fan kick without raising hips
Double Pirrouette
Grand A’ La Seconde Jeté
Single tour
Inside jazz floor roll
Right and Left cartwheel
Jazz Level III
A student’s endurance and strength is pushed to new limits, seamlessly connecting steps and lines in powerful configurations. The dancer learns how to balance and transfer their weight without hesitation. With dynamic jumps and exciting turns dancers experience the intensity and showmanship as athletes.
Requirements for Jazz level IV
Battement Layout
Right and left split
Triple Pirrouette
Fouetés
Tour Jeté
Back Jeté
Side Aerial
Jazz Level IV
Advanced students experience the training of a pre-professional dancer. Artistic development blossoms as lyrical, contemporary, and pop jazz genres are explored.
