JAZZ and its DANCE

Performance Type:


With Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater, students will take a journey through the rich history of jazz and its dance.  Students can explore this American heritage through the New Orleans style
of the early 1900s, the “Swing” and “Big Band” phenomena of the 30s, Be-bop of the
40s, the free and avant-garde jazz of the 60s, the Latin & Indian influences, the jazz/rock
fusion of the 70s, R&B/Soul, and the compelling ways dance can tell a story.

These exciting shows combine dynamic choreography, inspiring music, audience
participation and much more, creating a treat for all the senses. The energizing
choreography engages and educates students about different dance styles and what to
look for in movement. In addition, students discover how history impacted American
artists’ work, and how those artists influenced history, changing the social and political
climate of America, bridging cultural and racial differences and unifying the human
spirit.

Please choose from the following JAZZ and its DANCE performances:


AMERICA’S MELTING POT
Running Time: 35-40 minutes

This program is designed for all ages. Our dancers take your students through a dance &
musical journey in a fun and whimsical way. We explore different styles of jazz music
and dance within different time periods, pointing out how dance & music reflected and
responded to American history.

  • Ragtime- “Maple Leaf Ragtime”
  • Swing- “Stompin’ at the Savoy”
  • Latin Jazz- “Manteca”
  • *Soulful/Gospel- Dr. King & Mahalia Jackson “If I Can Help Somebody” & “Precious Lord”
  • *Indian/Pop Influence- “Love in a Foreign Language,” replaced by Broadway- “Jazz-O-Lantern,” for younger audiences
  • Jazz/Rock Fusion-“Tom & Jerry”


DANCE J OURNEY THROUGH AMERICAN MUSIC STYLES (or)
EXPLORING AMERICAN MUSIC STYLES THROUGH DANCE
Running Time: 35-40 minutes

“American Music through the Ages” is a program designed for all audiences. Students
are exposed to many different styles of American jazz music and dance and will also
begin to discover how jazz relates to our history, both socially and politically.

  • Ragtime-”Maple Leaf Ragtime”
  • Swing- “Stompin’ at the Savoy”
  • Latin Jazz- “Manteca”
  • R & B/Soul- Sam Cooke’s “Bring it on Home,” & “Jesus Gave Me Water”
  • Eclectic/Diverse Jazz-Miles Davis- Corner Sketches #1 (Dig)
  • Jazz/Rock Fusion -“Tom & Jerry”


EVERY DANCE HAS A STORY
Running time: 35-40 minutes

This program is designed for older students. Students are exposed to the theatrical
expressions in which dance tells an array of stories and stirs emotions. Each dance
proposes a different scenario in storytelling, speaking to human experiences by
using diverse and moving choreography.

  • Ragtime- “Maple leaf Ragtime”
  • Swing- “Stompin’ at the Savoy”
  • “Pedestal”- A trio dance that deals with an oppressive relationships
  • “Dreaming of Home”- A duet with high/intricate lifts
  • Soulful/Gospel Dr. King & Mahalia Jackson “If I Can Help Somebody” & “Precious Lord” OR R&B/Soul Sam Cooke’s “Bring it on Home,” & “Jesus Gave Me Water”
  • “Jazz-o-Lantern” OR “Manteca”
  • “Tom & Jerry”

Availability: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays