What is jazz dance?
Jazz is a huge genre, and so in our class we draw emphasis from many aspects, including classic jazz (think Fame), Fosse (like Chicago), street dance, and musical theatre to name a few styles. This is a dance class for those who love to strut to pop, jazz or musical theatre tunes, while benefitting from body conditioning and jazz technique.
Low-Impact Jazz
In Low-Impact Jazz, we work in both parallel and turned out positions, meaning those who prefer less leg rotation in the hip may find it more comfortable. The classes are suitable for absolute beginners and the movements are appropriate for those needing a gentler alternative.
Sign up via the form below if you are interested.
When and where
Tuesdays 1pm
Cotswolds Sports Centre, Downs Way, Reading RG31 6SL
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Wednesdays 9.45am
Thatcham Parish Hall, Thatcham, RG18 4QL
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Thursdays 2pm
Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Reading, RG6 1EY
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Booking and payment
£8 per class (one hour). The first lesson for new attendees is Pay-As-You-Go, however following on from that, should you wish to continue with us, payment is on a termly basis expected by your next lesson in order to reserve your space.
Returning students are expected to pay on the first lesson of term. To see our term dates, click here.
Unfortunately, I cannot accept cheques and I do not offer refunds for missed classes. I am however more than happy for students to catch up classes elsewhere on our timetable, as long as this is done within the same term.
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!
