Jazz

no photo credit

This class weaves concepts of jazz, modern and social dance techniques with jazz music and elements of jazz history. Students gain exposure to the diverse range of jazz styles (Blues, Swing, Latin, etc) from its roots to the fusion styles of today. Classes focus on body awareness, efficiency of movement and dynamic specificity through combinations that range from highly physical to subtle and detailed, including rhythmic footwork, body isolations, pulse and rapid directional changes. Students will explore individual expression of emotion, musicality and improvisation to expand the impact of their physical dance technique.

Laura Selle Virtucio began her movement training as an athlete in Sioux Falls, SD. In 1995, she moved to Minneapolis where she earned her BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota. Among her greatest accomplishments, she counts her long partnership as a company member and choreographers’ assistant to Shapiro & Smith Dance and Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater. With these companies, Laura has been a featured performer on stages nationwide, such as the Joyce Theater (NY), Annenberg Center (PA), The Guthrie (MN) and the Southern Theater (MN) and has set numerous repertory works across the country. Laura performs with Shapiro & Smith Dance and Zenon Dance Company and is a guest artist with Carl Flink’s Black Label Movement. Laura’s work with jazz choreographers Cathy Young, Danny Buraczeski and Zoe Sealy influenced her teaching and performing of jazz dance. She was an affiliate faculty in the dance programs at the University of Minnesota and Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Laura received the 2007 McKnight Fellowship for Dancers and a 2007 Sage Award for Dance for Best Performer. In her spare time, she enjoys social dance, performing with the Minneapolis Salsa Movement.