Adding a jazz class gives an advantage to any dancer’s training schedule. Not only do the athletic and energetic movements improve strength and endurance, but the expressive nature and upbeat music of this genre have been proven to boost mental well being. There are plenty of other fast-paced classes and styles of dance to choose from though, right? So why is jazz so important to dance? Simply put, jazz has the unique ability to cross-train between genres. That is, students who take jazz have the advantage of cross-training their skills by increasing their musicality and dynamic performance qualities. To understand what we mean, you’ll need a brief history of jazz dance. That’s why, at Turning Pointe Dance, we incorporate History & Connection Targets in every level of our jazz curriculum.
Jazz dance is deeply tied to American social history and cultural fusion, with roots in African rhythms and movements that have continuously evolved over time. Its roots lie in African-American communities in the early 20th century, blending African traditions with European influences in response to jazz music. It evolved through social dance, and later developed into more commercial use by choreographers like Jack Cole, Matt Mattox, Luigi, and Gus Giordano. The style has continually adapted, incorporating elements from other forms and styles, while remaining a dynamic part of modern day dance programs.
Turning Pointe’s jazz curriculum incorporates seven different styles as students progress through the genre: Authentic Jazz and Classic Jazz (all levels), Broadway Jazz (Levels 2 and above), Lyrical Jazz (levels 3 and above), and Commercial Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Jazz Funk (Levels 4 and 5). As Christians, we study the Bible to deepen our faith through better understanding of God’s character and will. As dancers, we study the history of our movements to deepen our training through better understanding of each style. While Authentic Jazz Dance developed alongside the Jazz music of the 1920s-1940s — with a visible connection to African movement qualities — it developed into recent dances like the Twist, the Moonwalk, and the Cha Cha Slide. Classic Jazz began to fuse Authentic Jazz with elements of ballet, which lent itself to musical theater to create the Broadway Jazz still performed around the world today.
By studying the Bible, we can adapt, adjust, and change our character to be more like His, studying His word and planting ourselves in His promises. In blending its authentic roots with different elements like contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop/funk, jazz dance has uniquely continued to evolve and reflect the culture of music and dance. In studying its history, students of jazz at Turning Pointe are able to embrace the changes by dancing firmly on the genre’s roots.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
— Isaiah 43:19
Jazz Classes at Turning Pointe Dance (2025-26)
Primary Jazz/Hip Hop: Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Jazz 1: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.
Jazz 2: Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.
Jazz Teen: Mondays, 6:45-7:45 p.m.
Jazz 3*: Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.
Jazz 4/5*: Mondays, 5:15-6:30 p.m.
*In order to enroll in Jazz 3-5, students must have been promoted from another Jazz level or have been placed by an instructor after evaluation at a Placement Day.
What to Expect
At Turning Pointe Dance, students are introduced to a jazz dance vocabulary including stretches, isolations, turns, jumps, and combinations. Students will gain a better understanding of rhythms, all choreographed to wholesome music. In jazz class you will learn the fundamentals of jazz, muscle isolation, and movement to different beats. This class is a fun way for boys and girls to learn a different style of dance that is very popular with a different energy. Be ready to let loose and have fun!
What You’ll Need
Primary Jazz/Hip Hop Dress Code: A solid color tank top or fitted tee, black joggers, leggings, or shorts, tan slip on jazz shoes and black sneakers with very little white or grey. No colors, reflective material, or blinking lights. Option to choose a jazz sneaker.
Jazz 1-5 Dress Code: A solid-color tank top or fitted tee, black joggers, leggings, or shorts, and skin tone or tan slip on jazz shoes. No dangly jewelry of any kind, and hair must be pulled back in a braid, ponytail, or bun for all classes. Other useful items: A water bottle, pen, notebook or prayer journal.
Give it a Try:
● Free Trial Week: December 15-20, 2025; January 5-10, 2026
● Last day to register/order recital costume: January 31, 2026