Your First Jazz Class: A Beginner's Guide to the Basics
Feeling the rhythm but not sure where to start? Here's everything you need to know before stepping into your first jazz dance class.
So you've decided to take the plunge and try a jazz class ♬. Maybe you've been inspired by musical theater, iconic artists like Bob Fosse's stylized moves, or the sheer joy of expressing yourself through movement. Whatever your motivation, welcome! Jazz dance is a vibrant, dynamic art form that combines technique with personal expression.
Walking into a dance studio for the first time can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of your first jazz experience.
What to Wear: Comfort Meets Function
You don't need a full professional dance outfit for your first class, but what you wear does matter:
- Clothing: Opt for form-fitting but comfortable clothes that allow your teacher to see your body alignment. Leggings or jazz pants with a fitted top or t-shirt work perfectly.
- Footwear: Jazz shoes are ideal as they provide the right amount of grip and slide. If you don't have them yet, socks with grips or lightweight sneakers can work for your first session. Avoid thick-soled shoes that restrict foot movement.
- Hair: Keep your hair pulled back from your face so it doesn't distract you during turns and jumps.
What to Bring: The Essentials
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial. Jazz can be surprisingly athletic!
- Small towel: You might work up a sweat.
- Open mind and positive attitude: This is your most important accessory.
Class Structure: What to Expect
Most jazz classes follow a similar structure:
1. Warm-Up (10-15 minutes)
The class will typically begin with a warm-up to prepare your muscles and cardiovascular system. This usually includes:
- Light cardio to get your heart rate up
- Isolations (moving individual body parts like head, shoulders, ribs)
- Stretching to improve flexibility
- Core engagement exercises
2. Technical Exercises (20-30 minutes)
You'll work on fundamental jazz techniques, often at the barre or in the center:
- Jazz walks and kicks
- Pliés and tendus
- Pirouettes (turns) preparation
- Leaps and jumps basics
Pro Tip: Don't compare yourself to experienced dancers. Everyone was a beginner once. Focus on your own progress and enjoy the learning process.
3. Across the Floor (15-20 minutes)
This is where you'll practice traveling movements, typically in small groups:
- Chassés (sliding steps)
- Chainé turns (continuous turns)
- Jetés (leaps)
- Various jazz jumps
4. Combination/Choreography (15-20 minutes)
The highlight for many! You'll learn a short dance sequence that incorporates the techniques you've practiced. This is where you get to put it all together and experience the joy of dancing to music.
5. Cool Down (5-10 minutes)
The class will end with stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness.
Jazz Terminology: Speak the Language
You'll hear some French terms (borrowed from ballet) and jazz-specific vocabulary:
- Plié: Bend of the knees
- Tendu: Stretched foot pointing to extend the leg
- Chassé: To chase - one foot "chases" the other
- Pas de bourrée: A three-step transitional step
- Pirouette: A turn on one foot
- Jazz hands: Fingers spread wide with palms facing forward
Don't worry about memorizing these beforehand—you'll pick them up quickly through repetition.
Overcoming First-Class Jitters
It's completely normal to feel nervous. Remember:
- Every dancer in that room had a first class
- Teachers welcome beginners and will offer modifications
- No one is watching you as closely as you think—they're focused on their own dancing
- Mistakes are part of learning; laugh them off and keep going
Pro Tip: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself to the teacher. Telling them it's your first class will help them give you appropriate attention throughout the session.
The Most Important Thing to Bring
Beyond the right clothes and water bottle, bring yourself—your energy, your willingness to try, and your joy for movement. Jazz dance is as much about self-expression as it is about technique. Your first class might feel challenging, but it should also be fun!
You're not just learning steps; you're joining a tradition of artistic expression that values individuality within structure. So take a deep breath, step into the studio, and let the music move you. See you at the barre!
