​Jk & M Dance Studios

Ballet is a type of performance dance that originated during the Italian Renaissance in the fifteenth century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It has since become a widespread, highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary based on French terminology. There are many different styles of Ballet; Vaganova, Cechetti, RAD, Balanchine and more. We at JK & M teach a combination of Vaganova and Cechetti; Vaganova for the aesthetic of the grace and performance quality it teaches; and Cechetti for its strong emphasis on muscle development and theory.

 

Jazz Dance is a rhythmic stylized dance form with roots in America. Jazz is a blend of traditions in which the European influence of elegance and the African influence of rhythmic propulsion results in an energetic and exhilarating class of rhythmic and dynamic movement. Jazz technique borrows from classical ballet, modern dance, blending other varied techniques such as folk dance, african traditional dance and musical styles of past and present, even social and cultural influences all make up the style and energy of jazz. Classic Jazz & Lyrical are just some of the styles of Jazz Dance. With the musical influence of Boogie, Disco, Techno, Ragtime and the popular music trends, jazz dance is both motivational and ever changing.

 

Musical Theater Dance: combines dance and acting to present a full story. Choreography learned is steps one would find if they were in a musical production. Students learn important Theater elements such as improvisation, lip singing and being comfortable playing different characters.

 

Contemporary Dance: is a genre of dance that developed during the mid twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominant genres for formally trained dancers throughout the world. In terms of the focus of its technique, contemporary dance tends to combine the strong but controlled legwork of ballet with modern that stresses on torso. It also employs contract-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation characteristics of modern dance. Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction are often used, as well.

 

Modern Dance: Born in the early 20th century, modern dance is a dance style that focuses on a dancer's own interpretations instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings.

 

Hip-hop: is a dance style, usually danced to hip-hop music, that evolved from the hip-hop culture. The first dance associated with hip-hop was break dancing. While breakdancing consists primarily of moves executed close to the ground, the majority of hip-hop moves are performed standing up. Hip-hop is a very energetic form of dancing. It is unique in that it allows its dancers to perform with freedom of movement, adding in their own personalities. The hip-hop culture is influenced by the following four elements: disc jockeys, graffiti, MCs and B-boys and B-girls.

 

Tap Dance: A dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal taps, characterized by rhythmical tapping of the toes and heels.

 

Afro-Fusion: is a blend of African dances and fitness principles. ... They're of their own, meaning week to week you can learn different moves that relate to the different areas and cultures throughout Africa.

 

Salsa: is a popular form of social dance that originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico in the late 1890s. A distillation of many Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances whose movements have roots in the Cuban Son, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo and other dance forms, the evolution of Salsa was in large part due to this intricate mix of styles. The arms are used by the "lead" dancer to communicate or signal the "follower," either in "open" or "closed" position. The open position requires the two dancers to hold one or both hands, especially for moves that involve turns, putting arms behind the back, or moving around each other, to name a few examples. In the closed position, the leader puts the right hand on the follower's back, while the follower puts the left hand on the leader's shoulder.

 

Gymnastics: is a sport that includes exercises requiring balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance. The movements involved in gymnastics contribute to the development of the arms, legs, shoulders, back, chest, and abdominal muscle groups. Alertness, precision, daring, self-confidence, and self-discipline are mental traits that can also be developed through gymnastics. Gymnastics evolved from exercises used by the ancient Greeks that included skills for mounting and dismounting a horse and from circus performance skills.

 

Karate/Tae Kwon Do: the art of self defense that originated in Korea. It is recognized as one of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world, reaching back over 2,000 years. The name was selected for its appropriate description of the art: Tae  (foot), Kwon  (hand), Do  (art). Our instructor combines the art of TKD and strong self-defense of general Karate to give students a better, overall understanding of the art form.