Jazz funk
Jazz funk is a choreography style that mixes the lines and turns of jazz dance with the grooves of hip-hop and the attitude of music-video dancing. It is sharp, expressive and full of character, with strong accents on the music. It is taught in a group, in sneakers, and each class centres on a combination to a pop or R&B track.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Cardio and stamina: it is a fast, energetic style.
- Coordination and musicality — hitting the accents and switching between sharp and smooth movement.
- Expression and stage presence: the face and the attitude are part of the dance.
- Memory: you learn a new combination in most classes.
- A good base for other choreography styles, such as High heels.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Sneakers with a smooth sole that turns easily. Some studios ask for a clean pair worn only indoors.
- Comfortable clothes: many dancers wear loose trousers and a fitted top, or dress to suit the mood of the track.
- Knee pads if the choreography has floor moves.
- Water and a towel.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- A warm-up to music, often with isolations — moving the head, shoulders, chest and hips one at a time — and some stretching.
- Technique: basic steps, turns, kicks, jumps and grooves from jazz and hip-hop.
- Choreography: the teacher shows the combination in parts, the group repeats and joins them, then dances it in smaller groups.
- Many studios film the result at the end.
- At a first class, choose a beginners’ level. You may not remember the whole combination, and that is normal.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Anybody who enjoys pop music and dancing like in music videos.
- Teenagers and adults. Many studios run separate groups for children and teenagers.
- Beginners, in a beginners’ group: no dance background is needed.
- Dancers of other styles who want more energy and character — jazz funk builds on Jazz dance and Hip-hop.
- It is less suited to anybody who needs low-impact exercise: jumps and quick turns load the knees and ankles. With joint problems or in pregnancy, ask your doctor first and tell the teacher.