1. Stretch for the Stars
It's absolutely essential to stretch for jazz dancing. Luckily, the warm-ups required before jazz dancing can be completed in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Begin with light stretches. Include movements to stretch your neck muscles, shoulders, back, abdominals and lower body.
2. Stretch and Split
Include splits in the stretches you do before jazz class. Being able to perform straddle splits and splits requires flexibility. Encourage your students to stretch their legs as far as they can without causing pain. Over time, they'll gradually be able to stretch their legs more and eventually do full splits. Even a half split are beneficial. Performing splits prior to jumping is important, especially since many jumps are really variations of a split performed in midair. Instruct your dancers to work both sides evenly. Inevitably, it's will be easier to perform a split on one side of the body than the other, and your dancers will gravitate toward the side that is easier for them. However, they need to stay balanced and work on their weak side.
3. Don't Rush
Resist the urge to rush the warm-up portion of jazz class. It's always exciting to learn new jazz steps or master difficult steps, and the excitement level tends to increase during practice in anticipation of an upcoming performance. Still, you must devote sufficient time the warm-up to prepare the body for a stenuous workout and to avoid injuries. Most jazz warm-ups can be completed in place. It is common to practice jumps and turns following jazz warm-ups. Practicing jazz combinations and full routines usually follows turning and jumping. Adjust your class agenda according to whether you have a separate class devoted entirely to jumps and turns.
4. Other Considerations
Devote about 5 minutes to warm-ups for younger students. They won't need a complicated warm-up, but it's helpful for them to get used to the usual progression of events during a jazz class. Consider the climate in your dance studio. Open windows are preferable to air conditioning during the summer months. Air conditioning makes it difficult for dancers to keep their muscles warm, and this can increase the likelihood of injury.
