Ballet & Jazz Dance Foundations

Learn the foundations of Ballet and Jazz dance, two styles that will train your strength and flexibility and improve your footwork and styling across all genres of dance. Our six-week series course is designed to teach you warm-up techniques, how to avoid injury while dancing, turns and spotting, and give you the tools to improve your performance of all types of dance. This class is designed for teenage and adult beginners to ballet and jazz. Drop-ins are welcome for those who have taken the full series at least once, for the first class in a series, or on any date labelled as a drop-in class between series.

Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts during the 15th century and developed into a formal theatrical art in France under King Louis XIV in the 17th century, where professional ballet techniques and training were established. During the 19th century, ballet flourished in Russia and Europe, producing famous works such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, and it continues to evolve today through classical and contemporary styles performed worldwide.

Jazz dance developed in the early 20th century in the United States, rooted in African American dance traditions, rhythms, and cultural expression, and influenced by jazz music. It grew in popularity through vaudeville, Broadway musicals, and Hollywood films, evolving into a dynamic style known for its syncopated rhythms, isolations, energetic movements, and expressive performance. Today, jazz dance is widely practiced in studios, theaters, and competitions, blending traditional techniques with contemporary styles.