Jazz dance is a multifaceted performance dance that incorporates elements from ballet, modern dance, African dance, show dance, theatre dance, social dance, and East Indian folk dance, making it truly distinctive.
Originating in the United States, jazz dance has deep roots in African-American culture. Jazz dance originated from African dance, brought to the United States by enslaved Africans, and gradually evolved into a unique and popular form of dance. Despite the hardships faced by Black Americans during the era of slavery, they never forgot their musical and dance traditions. They sang songs from their homeland and danced traditional dances on various occasions, whether in moments of joy, anger, sorrow, or celebration. Over time, these music and dance forms evolved into the rhythmic and expressive style of jazz dance, capturing the interest of Americans.
In the early 20th century, jazz dance evolved alongside jazz music. The earliest forms of jazz dance were popular in rural areas of the South and combined African-American social dances with jazz music. Jazz dance continued to evolve, becoming a performance art with social qualities, especially in gatherings and clubs in places like New Orleans. In 1917, a song called “The Jazz Dance” marked the naming of jazz dance.
Today, jazz dance retains its unique musical rhythms and physical characteristics but is no longer limited to jazz music. It can be combined with pop music, blues, rock, or disco. Jazz dance is highly inclusive and flexible, absorbing the latest music and dance elements, making it widely popular.
Mastery of jazz dance requires a solid foundation and wholehearted dedication to express its essence. Élan Dance Academy teaches Jazz dance for a variety of ages. We divide classes by ages 6-10, 11-17, and adult jazz (18+).
Designed for children aged 3–6, the RAD Pre-Primary & Primary program focuses on nurturing a love for dance while developing fundamental physical skills. Through music, imaginative movement, and playful learning approaches, students are gradually introduced to correct standing posture, basic arm positions, and foundational footwork. Training emphasizes rhythm, balance, and spatial awareness, while simple movement combinations and classroom etiquette help cultivate focus, discipline, and confidence. This stage supports the development of healthy dance habits and provides a strong foundation for progression into the RAD Grade-level ballet curriculum.
Designed for students aged approximately 6–8 who have completed the introductory level, RAD Grade 1 marks the transition into structured and standardized ballet technique training. Through a progressive and methodical approach, students develop correct movement patterns and a foundational technical framework while strengthening their understanding of musical timing and expression. Training includes an introduction to basic barre and center work, refinement of port de bras and body alignment, and the gradual development of relevé technique, jump preparation, flexibility, and ankle strength. This level supports the development of technical consistency and stability, preparing students for RAD examinations and further advancement within the graded ballet system.
Designed for students with prior ballet training whose movement quality is becoming more stable, RAD Grades 2–3 focus on refining technical detail and strengthening overall control and precision. Through more comprehensive barre and center combinations, students develop a more consistent turnout and stronger core support while enhancing turning skills and small jump technique. Emphasis is also placed on improving body lines, coordination, musical responsiveness, and performance quality. This stage supports the development of cleaner, more confident movement execution and gradually builds the foundation for stage presence and higher-level technical progression.
Designed for students with strong technical foundations who are ready for more intensive training, RAD Grades 4–5 focus on advancing technical complexity while deepening artistic
expression. Through increasingly challenging center combinations and improved technical flow, students develop greater confidence in executing complex turns, jumps, and directional changes. Emphasis is placed on refined body control, dynamic use of speed, and musical interpretation to support expressive performance. This stage marks a transition into training where both technique and artistry are equally prioritized, providing a solid preparation for higher-level study and preprofessional pathways.
Designed for technically mature teen students (typically aged 11+ depending on individual readiness), the RAD Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate levels mark a critical transition from the graded syllabus into a more professional training framework. Training intensity, technical precision, and performance expectations increase significantly, with a focus on advanced barre and center combinations that strengthen consistency in turns, jumps, alignment, and overall movement flow. Where appropriate, students begin structured pre-pointe preparation, including targeted strengthening of ankle stability, core support, and correct placement. This stage supports the development of professional technical standards and artistic maturity, preparing students for higher vocational levels, performance opportunities, and future academic or pre-professional dance pathways.
Designed for students pursuing professional development or preparing for competitions, portfolio building, and academic pathways in dance, the RAD Advanced Foundation & Advanced levels align closely with professional dancer training standards. This stage emphasizes high-level technical execution, physical conditioning, and refined artistic performance. Training includes complex technical combinations such as advanced turns, jumps, control, and seamless movement transitions, along with structured pointe work and repertoire development where appropriate. Students further strengthen stage presence, musical interpretation, and performance maturity, cultivating a distinctive artistic identity. The goal is to achieve a high standard of examination and stage performance, supporting successful participation in competitions and preparation for higher education or pre-professional dance training pathways.
Phoenix Dance School offers Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced dance classes for adults. If you are looking to dust off your ballet slippers or maintaining your skills, we provide excellent training from renowned teachers.
Recommended levels:
Beginner: Open level
Intermediate: 1-3 years prior training
Advanced: 4+ years prior training
