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Jazz dance classes near you

We list jazz dance programs from across the country. Find your city in the list below and browse programs in your area.

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More than just after-school programs

For kids who love jazz dance, there are multiple ways to engage in your passion. See related options below:

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What your child will learn in jazz dance classes

Consult with each of the classes listed above for details, but here is an overview of what kids learn in jazz dance.

New form of self-expression. The improvisational nature of the dance genre plays a critical role in a child’s self-expression. Jazz energizes the mind and the creative spirit in a unique way. Kids in jazz classes will learn how their emotional states can materialize in dance. They develop an appreciation for experimentation and improvisation.

Jazz steps and lingo. Jazz squares, ball change, jazz walks, pivot step, and extensions are all common terms within the genre of jazz dance. Instructors introduce these terms and steps to students through exercises, routines, and warm-ups. They may learn both modern and classical forms of jazz dance, including tap dance, jitterbug, lindy hop, and swing. moves, jumps, and turns they execute include the axel turn, barrel jump, catwalk, hip roll, limbo, shimmy, and shiver. Kids dive deep into the uniqueness of this form.

Musicality in motion. Rhythm may not come naturally to children, but they learn about beat, timing, and more. Jazz dance’s fast pace encourages kids to loosen themselves up and let their body flow with the music.

Body strengthening techniques. Jazz works the arms, legs, and core, making kids strengthen their full body. During class, instructors will educate children on the safe and proper ways to do so and maintain a fitness regime that preserves their success in jazz classes.

Perseverance. Jazz can be a difficult genre to master and making mistakes is part of the learning process. Instructors encourage kids to persist through mistakes, to take on a role in routines and to be a part of the class. It’s just one of many positive character traits kids develop in camps and programs.

The benefits of jazz classes

Improves coordination. A jazz dancer’s coordination is the secret ingredient to their success. Instructors guide kids through warm-ups, drills, exercises, and routines that require children’s coordination. Mastering this will allow kids to move onto more exciting and advanced moves such as jumps, kicks, and turns.

Increases spatial awareness. Jazz is a dance style that uses space generously. A dancer’s limbs, feet, and torso move to the beat of the music in choreography with others. Jazz dance teaches kids to be observant of others and their surroundings, use their peripheral vision, and coordinate with team members to avoid collisions. 

Boosts energy and improves fitness. The physicality kids engage in during jazz classes releases adrenaline. It’s a particularly challenging dance style. Kicks, turns, jumps, and leaps are essential to the experimentational and energetic nature of the dance. This boosts kids’ physical fitness and provides them with an energy release. For kids who don’t necessarily like competitive sports, it can be a fun way of engaging exercise. 

Grows a community. Kids work as a team to perfect routines and improve their jazz skills. Surrounding themselves with other jazz-enthusiasts helps kids feel supported and boosts their confidence. Like other camps and programs, it can be a springboard for lifelong friendships.

Encourages expression and creativity. Like the jazz music genre, jazz dance is experimental and improvisational in nature. Exposure to this emphasis on improvisation can help kids develop their own distinct style and learn how jazz can influence their personality beyond just dance. 

Questions to ask jazz dance after-school programs

Here's a list of questions parents should bear in mind when reviewing after school programs in jazz: 

1. Is certain footwear required and where is the best place to purchase?
2. How much experience do instructors have with teaching jazz? What safety training do they have? 
3. What are the possible risks during class and how does the program help control those?
4. Does the instructor recommend previous dancing experience before enrolling in the class?

Discover related camps and programs

At OurKids.net we list hundreds of different kinds of programs and camps, based on over 200 activities available at these programs. Here's a look at some camps and programs that complement an interest in jazz dance. 

Dance camp includes a variety of dance styles will be made easier to learn due to a child’s experience in jazz classes. The coordination and flexibility acquired in this dance style can also be expanded on in other dance classes for kids including ballet and kids' hip hop dance. 

Performing arts camp offers an ideal forum for showing off your dance skills while expanding your repertoire top include singing and acting.

Music camp can provide kids with a means to exercise and expand their musicality.   

Kids' sports camp can be surprisingly fun for young dancers who benefit from the limberness and flexibility they've gained. No matter which is your first love, cross-training in both dance and sports brings benefits for each. 

Combine the above with more information in the rest of our guide: 

Sources and further reading

Jazz dance terminology. Tamara Warta, Dance Company Director. Lovetoknow.com