In 2019, commercial jazz dancer Emma Slater had four hours to learn choreography for a major artist's awards show performance. The skills that got her hired weren't just clean pirouettes—they were her ability to adapt quickly between Fosse-inspired isolations and hard-hitting street jazz, her professional reel that showcased range in 60 seconds, and her network of choreographers who'd seen her work in regional musical theater. Jazz dance careers demand versatility. Here's how to build it.
Understand the Three Paths of Professional Jazz Dance
Before investing years in training, recognize that "jazz dancer" describes three distinct career tracks with different requirements, locations, and income structures:
Concert/Company Work focuses on artistic jazz choreography performed in theaters and touring productions. Companies like Giordano Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, and regional contemporary jazz ensembles seek dancers with strong modern technique and concert performance experience.
Commercial Dance encompasses music videos, live tours, industrials, cruise ships, and television. This path rewards adaptability—dancers must switch between street-jazz, Latin fusion, and classic Broadway styles depending on the client. Los Angeles dominates this market, though Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Miami offer significant opportunities.
Broadway/Musical Theater requires triple-threat capabilities (singing, acting, dancing) with specialized training in Fosse technique, Jack Cole style, and contemporary musical theater jazz. New York City remains the undisputed center, with Chicago and touring productions providing additional entry points.
Most successful jazz dancers develop competency across at least two tracks before specializing. Your training choices should reflect where you intend to work.
Build a Technically Versatile Foundation
Jazz dance technique rests on specific pillars that distinguish it from ballet or contemporary training:
- Groundedness and weight: Unlike ballet's upward lift, jazz requires confident use of gravity—dropping into hips, bending knees deeply, and pushing through the floor
- Isolations: Independent movement of ribcage, shoulders, hips, and head, developed through consistent practice of classic jazz exercises
- Syncopation and musicality: The ability to dance slightly ahead of, behind, or between beats rather than directly on them
- Dynamic contrast: Sharp accents alternating with fluid, sustained movement within single phrases
Cross-training is non-negotiable. Ballet provides alignment and leg strength essential for injury prevention. Hip-hop training has become mandatory for commercial viability—most auditions now include street dance elements. Tap serves Broadway-bound dancers, while modern techniques (Graham, Horton) strengthen concert company candidates.
Seek instruction in signature jazz styles: Bob Fosse's angular, internalized movement; Luigi's flowing, rehabilitative approach; Matt Mattox's precise, rhythmic technique; and Gus Giordano's expansive, theatrical style. Each informs different employment contexts.
Invest in Strategic Professional Training
Not all conservatories and programs serve jazz dancers equally. Consider these options with demonstrated jazz strength:
Undergraduate Programs
- Point Park University (Pittsburgh): Comprehensive jazz concentration with strong industry connections
- AMDA College and Conservatory (New York/Los Angeles): Musical theater and commercial focus
- The Ailey School/Fordham University (New York): Jazz concentration within a modern dance context
- Oklahoma City University: Musical theater program with exceptional jazz training
Independent Training Programs
- Broadway Dance Center's Professional Semester (New York): Intensive commercial and theater preparation
- EDGE Performing Arts Center programs (Los Angeles): Industry-focused commercial training
- Millennium Dance Complex intensives (multiple locations): Contemporary commercial styles
Summer Intensives and Congresses
- Jazz Dance World Congress (location varies): Rare gathering of master teachers and historic jazz styles
- Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago intensives: Preservation of classic technique
- Regional jazz festivals: Affordable access to working professionals and audition opportunities
Research audition requirements 6–12 months in advance. Most programs require ballet class demonstration, jazz combination performance, and solo presentation. Financial planning is essential—conservatory training ranges from $15,000–$60,000 annually, with living costs adding substantially in New York and Los Angeles.
Gain Performance Experience Strategically
Early performance opportunities should build specific, documentable skills rather than simply filling resume space:
Student and Pre-Professional Work (Years 1–3)
- Student choreography showcases: Develop collaboration skills and learn to work with emerging choreographers
- University dance concerts: Build stamina through multiple performance runs
- Regional dance festivals: Network with peers and faculty from other programs
Semi-Professional Opportunities (Years 2–5)
- Non-Equity musical theater: Community theaters and dinner theaters provide book scenes, singing, and dancing experience
- Industrial and corporate events: Often pay modestly while building professional etiquette
- Cruise ship contracts: Intensive performance schedules with international travel; major companies include Royal Caribbean Productions and Norwegian Cruise Line
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