6 Awesome Summer 2013 Dance Programs for Teens

Where are you headed this summer to further your dance education?  Here are 6 awesome summer dance programs for the teen dance student.

1. Alvin Ailey Junior Division Summer Intensive Program: July 1, 2013 – August 2, 2013

The Junior Division Summer Intensive is a 5-week training program for students ages 11-15 with a minimum of three consecutive years of ballet training. Students take daily ballet classes supplemented by additional modern and jazz classes. Students are provided the opportunity to learn repertory in special workshops, which culminate in the Summer Sizzler performances. With four levels (A-D), there is room for the advanced beginner all the way to advanced dancer.   To audition or for more information, visit the following link:  http://www.theaileyschool.edu/ailey-school/junior-division/programs/summer-intensive-program

2. Broadway Dance Center Summer Workshop Series: July 11-14, July 18-21, August 1-4, 2013

The Summer and Winter Workshop Series were designed specifically for serious, advanced dancers ages 10 and up who are ready to be challenged! With limited class sizes and an intimate studio setting, each dancer will enjoy the individualized attention only the Summer and Winter Workshop Series and Broadway Dance Center in NYC can provide.  The workshop consists of 11.5 hours of class with a chosen instructor as well as 2 additional master classes with dance industry professionals.  They also go through an audition class with a NYC casting agent and participate in a mock audition.   The program culminates with a performance for friends and family.  For more information, visit the following link: http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/workshops/summer_workshop/index.shtml

3. Peridance Summer Intensive: July 1-27, 2013

Peridance Capezio Center’s Summer Intensive is a 4-week comprehensive training program designed for dancers ages 12-17 with serious goals to develop, increase, and strengthen their level of technique, self-confidence, and artistry. An experienced and knowledgeable faculty strongly emphasizes clean technique and self-discipline within a nurturing and supportive environment. In order to prevent injuries and promote wellness, special attention is given to proper body placement and work habits. Auditions take place all over the world in Rome, London, and New York.  For more information or to audtion, please visit http://www.peridance.com/SummerIntensive.cfm

4. LA Hip Hop Dance Intensive: June 24-30, 2013
For the past nine years the LA Hip Hop Intensive has offered some of the best Hip Hop instruction from the most celebrated artists in the industry. Each year Debbie Allen Dance Academy hosts national and international students in over 120 classes that cover the spectrum of Hip Hop dance from the roots and the culture to the hottest moves currently hitting the scene. The intensive is directed by Dave Scott, choreographer of hit movies “Step Up 3D” and “Dance Flick”!  In addition to classes, students are invited to learn more about Hip Hop as a movement through lunchtime lectures lead by pioneers as well as nightly battles and showcases. This week of training culminates in a spectacular, must-see All-Star Hip Hop Dance Concert featuring the pieces students have learned throughout the week as well as pieces by the most sought after dance crews and choreographers! Auditions not required. Visit www.lahiphopintensive.com for more information.

5. Florida State University Summer Dance Intensive: June 16-29, 2013
(Ages 14 – 18)

The FSU Intensive is perfect for students ages 14-18 with an interest in going to college for dance.  It is a full workship in ballet and modern designed for the well rounded dancer interested in all dance forms. Dancers may audition by DVD as long as space is available. For more information, visit their website here: http://dance.fsu.edu/Youth-Programs/Summer-Intensive-Dance-Workshop2

6. American Dance Training Camp: Dates vary

The ADTC intensive overnight dance camp is located just an hour outside New York City.  Campers choose one dance style as their focus for the week: hip hop or jazz.  Campers take four dance classes daily that explore the many variations of their chosen dance style, and at week’s end, they get to show off what they’ve learned in a big Friday night performance for family and friends.  The Intensive dance camp also has a day camp option.  What is most special about ADTC is that the focus is on the technique but also on the feelings and growth of the young dancer.
For more info: http://www.americandancetrainingcamp.com/overnight-camp-types/intensive-overnight-dance-camps.php

All About Modern Jazz Dance and A Few Tips for Jazz Dance Beginners

A conflation of many dance styles, modern jazz or jazz dance has become a favorite among beginning and amateur dancers who love twisting and turning in their jazz shoes. Modern jazz dance emerged from the golden age of jazz music in the 1950s. Before it was popularized as a distinct genre of dance, modern jazz still belonged to a broader classification called jazz dance, a style culled from African American vernacular dance. Tap dancing, Boogie Woogie, and Jitterbug were some of the other dance styles under jazz dance category.

It was until the ‘50s when Katherine Dunham transformed the genre, and then came modern jazz. Other styles separated and developed individually, while modern jazz became a staple on Broadway shows, incorporating a smoother, fluid style of dance that is practiced today. Shows like Chicago and Cabaret are two of the most famous examples exhibiting the modern jazz dance style.

Beginners need to get acquainted with basic modern jazz knowledge. Performers wear jazz shoes, which usually are split-toe slip-ons with leather soles. Jazz shoes allow for ease of movement, especially when doing turns.

When it comes to technique, modern jazz embraces an array of dance styles, primarily ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical. Modern jazz is often performed with a nod to its Afro-Caribbean roots. Many type of dancers find it relatively easy to perform modern jazz, but those with a strong ballet foundation excel.

Center control is highly regarded in modern jazz. This refers to the dancer’s ability to execute movements that seem to rise from a center of balance. Control and balance are important when performing dance moves that normally should disrupt one’s balance. Expect also plenty of fouettés and pirouettes, controlled by a dancer’s excellent spotting. As with ballet, modern jazz values being on point. Dancers align their toes with their legs while performing in jazz shoes.

Dancer wear for modern jazz depend on a given performance piece, but beginners should start with a good pair of tights and leotards. Jazz pants, a lighter and tighter version of sweatpants, is also an option. Female modern jazz dancers can also wear dance skirts with shorts or throw a ballet skirt over their tights.

Beginning modern jazz dancers must possess superb flexibility. The movements that modern jazz commands require you at your most flexible, lest you break our center control. Before starting your modern jazz training, you should undergo some strength training as well. This will prepare your muscles for the strain of performing modern jazz movements. You are required to stretch and use your muscles at maximum. Early on, practice some flexibility exercises, such as stretching your leg muscles until you are able to perform splits, back bends, and lift your leg that it touches the side of your head.

Expressiveness is another element that beginners need to take heed. With its close ties to musical theater, modern jazz requires a dramatic presence. Performers should be ready to project a range of emotions through movement, from desire, apathy, rage, sadness, to joy. The dance requires you to execute the technical complexity inherent in ballet, while also bearing the passion and expressiveness of a theater actor.

To find high quality jazz shoes and other jazz dance wear, visit www.alycedancewear.com