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In the New Year, we want to take time to recognize all the wonderful people that make this studio possible. We have an amazing staff with qualifications out of the roof… but they are more than just dancers and educators. So for the next couple of weeks, we will be getting to know the humans behind the teacher, and their little fun facts. 

This week we are diving into the little details of Miss Alyssa!

There are many colors in the rainbow, but the one that has caught Miss Alyssa’s eye is Periwinkle A unique color that most people look over, but we see why she loves it. Some of the prettiest flowers are this color, along with birds that are truly beautiful🥹! 

When it comes to food Miss Alyssa will never turn down the chance to indulge in some fries🍟!  There is never bad time to enjoy this savory treat. It basically goes with everything and any season❄️🌞🍁. It’s versatility is another reason why Miss Alyssa finds this food so special.

When it comes to favorite artists Miss Alyssa couldn’t pick just 1️⃣. Ella Mai is an artist many may not know, but her music is nothing short of amazing🙌🏼. Her other favorite artist we completely understand where the love comes from. Rihanna has music spanning over many year, and there hasn’t been a song that has let us down yet. From female empowerment, to strong ballads🎤, and music that makes you want to get up and dance.. she does oes it all. I mean did you see her Super Bowl performance?! 🏈

We are product of all our memories. They make up who we are today. And Miss Alyssa wouldn’t be the same without her favorite memory💕. She will never forget when she got her first leading role in a musical, and it was Peter Pan. Nothing could compare to being able to actually fly around stage! ✈️

Miss Alyssa is one amazing teacher, but she loves many things outside of dance. When she isn’t leading the next generation of movers to success she loves doing fun and wild things like hiking and scuba diving🤿. She also spends a lot of time exploring new places around Los Angeles, and find a cool place to join in on some karaoke 🎤 When she isn’t out conquering the world she loves to relax with cooking something yummy or cracking open a book, and even journaling.📓 

We have many possessions throughout life. Some are memories or a special gift given to us by someone we love. A lot of us cherish our pets, and so does Miss Alyssa. She would say her kitty cat Cricket 🦗 is her most prized possession. There is nothing quite like coming home to the love from a furry friend. 😻

Our teachers here at Reach For the Barres are fountains of knowledge⛲️. They are people who are full of amazing advice. What Miss Alyssa would like to pass on to the students here is “Lead with kindness in your heart and an open mind. Learn not to take things personally as your power is within you, and can’t be altered due another persons opinion.”💕

 

WHAT IS JAZZ?

When you hear the word Jazz what do you think of? 

Better yet, when you hear about jazz as a style of dance what comes to mind? 

Do you think of the Charleston? Or does your mind go straight to broadway? 

The evolution of jazz dance spans over history, and takes on many forms. 

Jazz began as a social style of dance at the turn of the century when African American dancers began blending traditional style African steps with European movement.

With that combination it allowed dancers to create a conversation with the musicians and their instruments. Like jazz music, jazz dance was centered around improving and a call and response between the dancers and musicians. 

No matter where and when jazz always has had a performative feel.

Here are some steps every beginner should know:

Ball Change: A quick transfer of weight from one foot to the other.

(Click to see gif⬇️)

Jazz Square: A four step movement in which the dancer steps across, back, and to the front. Creating a square pattern with feet on the floor.

(Click to see gif⬇️)

Chassé: Step out in any direction in píle, then jump and chase the first leg. Like a gallop.

 

A list of some famous jazz dancers throughout history:

Bob Fosse: June 23, 1927- September 23, 1987

An actor, choreographer, dancer, director, and screenwriter. 

He was known for his distinct style with his use of the pelvis, arm, and hard isolations, and rounding of the shoulders. He gave jazz a new dimension. Winning 8 Tony Awards for choreography. Some of his major works include ‘Chicago’, ‘Kiss Me Kate’, ‘Pippin’, and ‘Cabaret’. 

Jack Cole: April 27, 1911- February 17, 1974

A dancer, choreographer, and theater director.

He is considered as the “father of jazz” technique. He combined jazz with modern steps. 

Jack choreographed Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friends’. ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’, and ‘Les Girl’.

This opened the floodgates to new talent and modifications to the dance form. 

Jerome Robbins: October 11, 1918- July 29, 1998 

Theater producer, director, and dance choreographer. 

He was a world renowned choreographer, know for his contribution to ballet, theater, movies, and television musicals.

His works include: ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, ‘Funny Girl’, ‘West Side Story’, and many more.