Learn how to dance or refine your solo jazz skills! In this 4-week series, you'll learn how to dance old-style solo jazz and soft shoe tap rhythms and steps to swing music.

Dates: Weekly on Wednesdays (March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16) from 7-8:30 p.m.

Location: Room 262 in The Orange Hub, 10045 156 Street Northwest, Edmonton

What is solo jazz dance?

When today's swing dancers talk about solo jazz (or sometimes "vintage" jazz), we're usually referring to a Black style of jazz danced to swing music from the late 1800s onwards. It combines African dance roots with European influence. It is characterized by improvisation, syncopated steps and rhythms, call and response to music, and the vocabulary and steps of the vernacular jazz tradition. It can be danced improvised or in choreographed routines to swing music and does not include influences from ballet or more contemporary styles.

To see it for yourself, check out these videos of an example of improvised solo jazz and an example of a popular choreographed solo jazz routine (and its original tap version).

What is soft shoe tap?

Essentially, it's tap dance without the tap shoes! As a branch on the vernacular jazz tree, many tap rhythms show up naturally in or can be incorporated into solo jazz dance. Here's a personal example of a choreographed routine including soft shoe tap.

How does this class work?

Don't worry! We'll start slow. You'll learn or refine solo jazz/tap steps and techniques and practice them in both choreographed routines and improvisational settings. While many of these moves can be incorporated into social dance styles like Lindy Hop and Charleston, no partner is required for this class! We'll be dancing solo. The plan is to prioritize fun and a welcoming learning environment suitable for beginner and experienced dancers alike!

Additional information

In honour of the origins of solo jazz/tap and the land on which we dance, a portion of fees will be donated to Ribbon Rouge and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.

Mask-friendly environment. (Masks welcome, but not required.)

About your instructor

Kate Dawson (she/her) was put into dance classes as a toddler in a feeble attempt to make her less clumsy. Now, she’s only a klutz when she’s not dancing. She grew up dancing tap and ballet before finding Lindy Hop (swing) and solo jazz in 2013. It was love at first dance. After quickly developing a swing dance obsession, Kate started teaching in 2014. Since then, she has enjoyed learning other dances including Balboa, Blues, Charleston, Fusion, and West Coast Swing. As a former tap dancer, Kate has taken a special interest in incorporating tap steps and rhythms into social and solo dances of other styles. In her classes, Kate prioritizes fun and collaboration and encourages her students to embrace the joy of dancing in a low pressure environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring a partner?

Nope! We're dancing solo in this series. Meet and collaborate with others in the class, but all the moves will be done on your own!

Do I need to have previous dance experience to participate?

Not at all! This is a beginner-friendly class, so no previous experience is necessary! While there may be more experienced dancers joining us, you'll be provided with options to decrease or increase the level of difficulty through variations and modifications.

I’m an intermediate/advanced dancer - can I participate?

Absolutely! In fact, this is a great opportunity for you to revisit your basics and work on your dance foundations. Of course, you'll also have a chance to learn some new moves, practice different choreographed routines, and refine your technique.

Do I need to register for the whole series or can I drop in to a class?

You're welcome to register for the whole 4-week series or drop in for whichever classes you can attend. Some of the moves and rhythms will build on lessons or skills you learn in previous weeks, but you'll have opportunities to learn no matter how many classes you attend.

What should I wear?

This is an energetic dance, so prioritize comfort! Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving and getting a little bit sweaty in. I recommend wearing shoes with good support and soles that allow you to pivot (suede or felted soles). INDOOR SHOES ARE REQUIRED. NO STREET SHOES ALLOWED IN THE STUDIO.

Should I wear a face mask?

It’s up to you! Please be considerate of everyone’s choice, masked or not.

Illness Policy

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to germs. If you’re not feeling well, please stay home and do not attend your class. Time permitting, we will record and send you a recap video of the class you registered for.

More questions? Email me at DanceWithKateYEG@gmail.com

Solo Jazz & Soft Shoe Tap Lesson Series

Solo Jazz & Soft Shoe Tap Lesson Series

Event Info

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Dance with Kate YEG

Dance with Kate YEG

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