Expert: Connie - 2/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: I used to dance ballet, tap, and jazz for 6 years until I was 12.  My teacher wasn't that great, and I didn't learn much.  I am now at 27 hoping to take some jazz classes.  I have always been interested in the performing arts.  I love them.  I don't want to do dance professionally, but I do want to be serious.  I would like to be able to go on auditions for theme parks to be in parades, shows, and such.  Is that a possibility?  How good do I need to be for that?  I would do it on the side.  I am actually in Grad school right now for something completely different.  Also, the studio I will be going to says the classes are not continuous of the last class.  Are all adult classes like that?  How will I learn any routines if every week they have new steps to teach without reviewing the week befores material.  Thank you.

ANSWER: It's great to hear that you love the performing arts. =]  It's definitely possible to find some serious training still.  There are places that offer adult classes.  I think that theme parks, parades, shows and such vary on what skill level they require, but from my small amount of experience with those types of jobs, the skill level is not crazily high as long as you have a warm personality.  
I don't know about jazz classes, but I know that with ballet classes there are no routines.  Especially for some adult classes, things must be retaught for any new adults in the class.  Maybe you will work on a short section of a jazz routine for each class?  You could voice these concerns to the teacher, and if you find yourself really unhappy with the school do some research and see if you can find another.
Best of luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Connie,

Thank you for answering my last question.  I also wonder that if each class is different, how will my skills improve.  Also what kinds of steps will I learn in a beginner class?  And do they play music?  If so, what kind goes with the dancing?  Thanks

Answer
What type of classes are you talking about?  In ballet classes, usually a teacher will vary combinations from class to class, but each class builds progressively on what has been learned in the previous class to improve skills.  Steps such as plies, tendus, small jumps, and single turns will be taught.  I hope they play music, as class would be extremely boring without it!  Most serious teachers use cds that were made specifically for ballet class that include classic music and variations from well-known classical ballets.

If it is jazz class you are wondering about, I am unfortunately not as well informed in that type of dance.