Overview

American Theater Dance is a celebration of the diverse dance styles that have defined American performance art through the ages. The class is thoughtfully divided into three main categories, each focusing on techniques and movements central to the evolution of American Theater Dance.

Isolation Exercises (First 25 Minutes)

The initial 25 minutes of each class are devoted to isolation exercises. These exercises are meticulously designed to strengthen and develop specific parts of the body, drawing direct inspiration from influential choreographers like Jack Cole. Students concentrate on the precise use of each body part, considering both aesthetic impact and the enhancement of range of motion. The exercises encourage mindful movement, extending from head to footwork, and rhythms are applied with mathematical accuracy. These rhythmic patterns are authentic to the cultural origins of each style, allowing dancers to connect movement to heritage.

Origins and Musicality

American Theater Dance represents a distinctive aspect of Americana, known for its unique sound and musicality, most notably the genre of Jazz. The curriculum examines how musical elements influence movement and technique, highlighting the interplay between choreography and the foundational sounds of American music.

Historical Steps and Styles of the 1920s. (February 1st and 8th)

During the 1920s segment, students learn signature dance steps such as the Cakewalk and Castlewalk, which were innovations by Irene and Vernon Castle. The curriculum progresses to the iconic Charleston and includes various Vaudeville-inspired walks, box steps, trip steps, flick kicks, and soft shoe techniques. Instruction also covers styles like the tango and acting methods rooted in the silent films of Charlie Chaplin. Students are introduced to the Can Can from Paris, with a focus on building muscle memory and forging a cerebral connection to the dance styles and their eras, rather than treating them solely as historical artifacts.

Dances and Styles of the 1930s and Beyond (February 15th and 22nd)

Moving into the 1930s, the class explores the integration of Cuban Latin dances—including the Samba, mambo, Conga, and rumba—into the American theater dance repertoire. This period marks the origin of Jazz as a distinct style, underscored by Jack Cole’s innovative jazz vocabulary featuring techniques like turned-in pirouettes and knee slides, which are designed to strengthen a dancer’s technique. The curriculum further expands with the introduction of Afro-Cuban and calypso movements, reflecting the growing diversity of American Theater Dance.

Dances of the 1940s (March 1st  and 8th)

In the 1940s, the jazz vocabulary of American Theater Dance was enhanced by the boogie woogie style of music. The walking bass provided rhythmic depth, while influences from blues and the lindy hop introduced additional steps and syncopated rhythms that ascended the chromatic scale. Tap dancing evolved with new jazz steps such as the kick ball change and airborne jumps, blending elements of modern dance into the genre.

Dances of the 1950s (March 15th and 22nd)

During the 1950s, jazz became more stylized through the integration of ballet and gymnastics, resulting in a rich blend of ethnic, modern, and ballet jazz styles. This focus on innovation made choreographers renowned for their ingenuity and unique mastery of style. The influx of talent and diversity reached its peak, exemplified by Jerome Robbins' "West Side Story." The choreography was so intricate that dancers often needed specialized "West Side Story" classes to master the movements for auditions. Notable choreographers of this era included Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse, Michael Kidd, and Danny Daniels.

Dances of the 1960s. (March 15th and 22nd)

The 1960s saw the introduction of Rock and Roll dances, with steps like the Pony, the Jerk, Monkey, the Twist, and the Monster Mash. African rhythms remained prominent and were blended with tap, ballet, and the emerging style of minimalism.