National Qualifications Online

Higher Dance Practice - Jazz

Posture, alignment and centre

A video still of a dancer demonstrating correct posture.

Posture, alignment and centre

View this demonstration which highlights the importance of good posture, alignment and a strong centre.
A video still of a dancer demonstrating a jazz turn.

Alignment, turn-out and jazz positions

Watch a demonstration of the basic skills and techniques for jazz dance, including posture and positions.
A video still of a dancer performing a forward stretch from parallel 2nd position.

Parallel second forward stretch

Watch a demonstration of a parallel second position forward stretch executed with accurate technique.

Basic techniques

A video still of a dancer performing a jazz tendu.

Tendus

View a demonstration of the correct technique for performing parallel and turned-out tendus to the front, second and back.
A video still of a dancer demonstrating a grand plie in turned-out position.

Pliés

Watch a demonstration of accurate technique for the demi plié and grand plié in parallel and turned out positions.
A video still of a dancer demonstrating a body wave.

Body wave and body ripple

See a demonstration of jazz body wave and body ripple exercises.

Exercises

A video still of a dancer sitting in a straddle position.

Second position straddle stretches

View an example of accurate technique for second position straddle stretches.
A video still of a dancer performing a sit up exercise.

Sit ups

See a variety of techniques for sit up exercises demonstrated in this clip.
A video still of a dancer performing a push up exercise.

Push ups

View a demonstration of accurate and safe technique for moderate and full push ups.
A video still of a jazz dancer demonstrating an isolation of the ribs.

Isolation exercises

Watch a demonstration of isolation exercises for the head, shoulders, ribs and hips.
A video still of a dancer balancing on one leg using a support rail.

Balance exercises

Watch a dancer demonstrate position and movement for jazz balance exercises.

Movement and travelling

A video still of a dancer performing a jazz slide.

Walks and slides

Watch a demonstration of accurate technique when performing jazz walks and jazz slides.
A video still of a dancer performing a jazz turn.

Turns incorporating chasse

See a demonstration of accurate technique for performing turns incorporating chasse.
A video still of a dancer demonstrating the kick ball change technique.

Kick Ball Change

View an accurate demonstration of the kick ball change movement.
A video still of a dancer demonstrating Pas de Bourre.

Pas de bourrée

View a demonstration of the jazz pas de bourrée movement on the spot, travelling and turning.
A video still of a dancer performing a jazz kick.

Kicks

Watch a dancer demonstrate a variety of travelling kicks to the front, back and side.
A video still of a dancer performing a pirouette.

Pirouettes

See a demonstration of preparation and accurate technique for performing jazz pirouettes.