Jazz dance tips?

Question

i used to take jazz and then i stopped the actual classes for 2 years to focus more on tap, but i'm starting again in the fall, and will work on "polishing" over the summer, but i need to know if there are any exercises that will help me kick high and also do splits. and if you have any tips on jazz overall, so i will be ready for the classes, it would help a lot. THANKS!! :)

Answer 1

I have done jazz for a while, and every summer when i don't practice, it takes me a while to get back into actually doing the moves full out. I would suggest stretching everyday, taking classes over the summer, and maybe trying to do a private with one of the teachers. Mainly thought, just stretch everyday and push yourself ( set a goal and everyday try a little more to reach the goal).

Answer 2

the only tip i can give you about jazz is: you have to find your own style. dont try and be like somebody else cause you think that they are really good find your own way of dancing and make it look good. polish things off and get your steps smooth so that you know what is coming next and you dont have to stop and think about it.

as for excercises well there is a good one its call froggy and you lay on your belly and put you feet together, next try and push your legs to the ground but make your toes point to the roof. this one it good. this teaches your legs to get down into the splits position.

hope i have helped

Rach

Answer 3

STRECHHHHHH!!!!!!

Stretching your body is the key to unlocking your talent as a dancer. It may hurt , but it is a good kind of hurt that will help you improve as a dancer. This stretching routine, if done every week faithfully, will give you the flexibility you need to perform some of dances hardest movements. This shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes a night. Before starting jog on the spot for 5 minutes to get the blood flowing.

Monday:

Do your right and left leg splits for 5 minutes each

    * make sure you are sitting centered in your splits and your knees are straight.

    * you might want to start with 1-2 minutes and slowly work your way up.

Tuesday:

Sit in straddle for 5-10 minutes. You can do this while reading, homework or while watching television. Make sure you push a little farther into it every minute or so stretch chest to floor. KEEP TOES/KNEES FACING THE CEILING!!!!

Wednesday:

Do your straddle stretch for 5min with your stomach to the floor and your knees as close to the floor as possible . When your head is down concentrate on reaching your hands out as far as you can and then go a little farther.

Also sit with your legs out in front of you and your knees and feet together. Relax over for 2 min with your toes pointed and 2 min with your feet flexed and your heels off the floor.

Thursday:

Do your wall splits for 10 min

    * make sure your behind is against the wall

    * your knees should be straight and toes facing your head.

Friday:

TAKE A DAY OFF YOU DESERVE IT . MAKE SURE YOU SAY SOMETHING NICE ABOUT YOUR SELF TODAY!!

Saturday:

Do your right and left leg splits again they are very important concentration is vital when doing them . Soon you will notice your kicks getting higher and your jumps bigger.

Sunday:

Find a counter top or railing in your home and make up your own bar routine including, plies, leg stretches, side stretches, and back stretches.

*If you plan on becoming flexible it is not enough to just do a day when ever you feel like it. If you follow the days and do them week after week you will slowly notice your self becoming more and more flexible every day.

One thing that really helps also  is to go on youtube.com and watch the videos from Just for Kix videos http://www.youtube.com/user/jfkvideos             they have good videos and some about kicks too!

Hope this helps! =)