Joy in the Rhythm of Jazz
Dr. David Strnad’s workshop, entitled Jazz Dance Training, brought exhilaration, energy and, above all, a great atmosphere to room 202 of the Theatre Faculty of JAMU. This “freest” of dance techniques showed the participants how fun movement can be.
Participants first warmed up with energetic choreography, which they learned in small pieces. Once they gained some confidence in it, they were able to have a good time – shouting, enjoying the rhythm of the jazz music, and most importantly, dancing with a smile on their faces.
Then it was time for various exercises: legs, arms, head, pelvis, and chest. Have you ever tried spinning your feet in a different direction than your hands? How about three exercises at the same time? Instructor David Strnad didn’t make it easy for the participants, but that made the workshop even more fun. At times you didn’t know which hand was left and which was right and whether to shout “smile!”, or to clap slowly or quickly. At the end, the workshop went back to the initial choreography, which the participants danced, although sweaty and red-faced, with a big smile and enthusiasm.
Dr. Strnad is a very talented teacher, and his energy never waned throughout the lesson. He was able to generate real enthusiasm from all the participants. He created a safe environment in the room where people were not afraid to try things, even if they were quite challenging for them. In addition to this, the lecturer always emphasized the safety of all movements because, as he said, we only have one body, and with the wrong exercises we can ruin it in just a year.
Overall, the workshop was very successful, with enthusiasm and satisfaction radiating from all participants. This was helped by the great jazz music, which itself invites dancing. Everyone left with a smile on their face, full of positive energy.
