What is jazz dance?
Jazz dance is a wonderfully diverse style, and our classes take inspiration from many different influences—from classic jazz (think Fame), Fosse-style movement (like Chicago), street dance and musical theatre, to name just a few.
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These classes are perfect for anyone who loves to move, perform and strut their stuff to pop, jazz and musical theatre favourites. Along the way, you’ll build jazz technique, musicality, confidence and body strength in a fun and energetic environment.
Low-Impact Jazz
A feel-good jazz class with all the style, energy and musicality of jazz dance -without the high-impact moves. Perfect for beginners looking for a fun way to move, improve coordination and build confidence while being kind to their joints. No need to jump higher -just come ready to dance!
Tuesdays, 1pm
Cotswold Sports Centre, Reading, RG31 6SL
Wednesdays, 9:45am
Thatcham Parish Hall, Thatcham, RG18 4JP
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Thursdays, 2pm
Earley St Peter's Church Hall, Earley, RG6 1EY
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NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full. If you want to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
Theatre Jazz
Theatre Jazz is a fabulous hour of technical and expressive jazz training, suitable for all levels of experience, and topped off with your favourite show tunes! If you’re looking for a creative outlet, whilst honing your dancing skills, then this class is for you! Aspiring West-Enders, this is your spotlight!
Tuesdays, 6:30pm
Kennet School Gym, Thatcham, RG19 4LL
Tuesdays, 7:30pm
River Academy, Reading, RG1 8EQ
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NOTE: If you cannot see the class you would like to trial, it means it's currently full. If you want to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
Booking and payment
Our classes run in termly blocks of 5-6 weeks, and enrolled students are invoiced in full before the start of term at £9.00 per class (one hour). E.g. £45 or £54.
For new attendees, we offer one Pay-As-You-Go trial class at £9 booked directly using the links above. Trial bookings are available during our first 3 weeks of term. If you then choose to join us you will receive an invoice for the remaining weeks of the term.
Enrolled students will be emailed an invoice 3 weeks before the next term commences, and are then given two weeks in which to pay or give notice before the deadline on their invoice is reached. To see our term dates, click here.
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for missed classes or trials, nor carry paid classes over to other terms. Enrolled students are however, welcome to catch up classes elsewhere on our timetable, as long as this is done within the same term and within reason.
We strongly advise for you to read our terms and conditions before booking.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need to bring? Please bring a bottle of water. - What should I wear? There’s no need for you to invest in a leotard and tights when attending Jazz (unless you want to!) Just come in clothes you can move comfortably in such as leggings or tracksuit bottoms. For your first class; bare feet or socks are fine so that you are able to feel the floor and work through the feet. I would recommend, however, if you do sign up for Low-Impact Jazz, to visit our fantastic local dancewear shop, Dancia International, where they will fit the shoes correctly for you. Dancia International's details can be found below. Sonia's recommendation would be a leather split-sole jazz shoe, or a jazz sneaker which provides more cushioning and support, although are a little more expensive. Dancia Reading, 36-38 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JL Tel. 0118 9478123 - Why can’t I attend as a pay-as-you-go customer? To truly benefit from attending any dance class, regular attendance is key. This gives your mind and body a real chance at retaining all the goodness you’ve gained from the lesson. We have many students who attend multiple times a week or take advantage of our home practise videos as just one week can feel like a long time! Alongside this, as we move through the term we develop our exercises and extend our dances. Drop-in students, particularly further into the term, hinder the whole community's progress, as well as making the session much more overwhelming for the infrequent visitor. Seeing you regularly means more fun for everyone! - I’m an absolute beginner. Is there anything to help me outside of the class? Well, yes there is! Once you’ve attended your trial, you’ll be sent information on how to access our ‘members area’. There you’ll find a link to our online folder where I regularly upload the current dance choreography, alongside some videos of the absolute basics. Don’t panic if you can’t remember the names of the steps! They sink in over time! - How do I join the community WhatsApp groups? Once you’ve attended your trial, you’ll be sent information on how to access our ‘members area’. Here you’ll find a link to join the Dance With Sonia Brown WhatsApp group. Just click on that and it should let you in!
