Jazz Open Level 13+

Jazz dance paralleled the birth and spread of jazz itself from its roots in Black American culture and was popularized in ballrooms by the big bands of the swing era (1930s and 40s). It radically altered the style of American and European stage and social dance in the 20th century. The term is sometimes used to describe popular stage dance and jazz-derived or jazz-influenced modern dance forms.

Hilary will share her extensive training to hone the dancers’ alignment, extensions, and musicality. Classes will focus on strength, balancing, flexibility, and rhythm. Students will learn kicks, turns, and jumps with proper technique. Develop flexibility and strength alongside solid dance technique with across-the-floor skills and fun combos. This class is not a total beginner class but will have layers of exercises for varying degrees of experience and will move at a good clip.

The term runs from January 14 – May 4.

The fee is $266 + GST.

Dancefusion is thrilled to welcome Hilary back to our teaching team.

Hilary Shanklin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She’s had the opportunity to work with incredible teachers & choreographers from The National Ballet of Canada, Kaeja d’Dance, and Toronto Dance Theatre and choreographer Hanna Kiel of “Human Body Expressions.” Hilary had the honour of performing at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, numerous works at Dance Ontario’s Dance Weekend, and on Disney channel’s “The Next Step” pilot episode. Hilary’s passions have always been in dance, movement, and teaching.  She has just completed her Bachelor of Education, congrats!

This class will be in the 14th DanceFusion Showcase at the Capitol Theatre, May 2nd-4th, 2025, with a mandatory Dress rehearsal Thursday May 1st. Classes have costume fees in the range of $25-$50, please be prepared for those fees. Sometimes we use items dancers have or can borrow, more info will be available by late Feb.

***Please note: Punctuality and attendance is very important for this term, dancers must attend each class, with no more than two absences.