Modern/Jazz

Modern Dance is the technical form of Jazz and has a variety of styles. Modern dance of the early 20th century rejected the rules of ballet and focused more on natural movement using the whole body to initiate movements. Isadora Duncan is considered one of the inventors of modern dance, she danced barefoot allowing gravity and her breathing to initiate her movements which were innovative resulting in a greater freedom of movement. Later choreographers such as Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Bob Fosse and others developed clearly defined dance training programmes some of which are still taught worldwide today. Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style which is often seen in musical productions on the stage. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength, flexibility and is very energetic. Classes improve a students sense of performance and are excellent for developing co-ordination, balance, flexibility and confidence. We incorporate the I.S.T.D. Modern Theatre Syllabi, which is recognised worldwide, in our Modern/Jazz classes as well as free work and pupils may take exams if they wish when they have reached the required standard.