Modern / Contemporary and Jazz
Jazz 1–2
Begins at age 5
Beginning jazz dance uses simple movements that children can relate to, which gradually evolve into modern and contemporary dance. The goal is to help young dancers build strength, flexibility, and agility, while encouraging self-expression, confidence, and fun in a supportive environment.
Primary Jazz
Ages 7+
Upon your child’s acquisition of musicality and physical strength, enrolling them in Primary Jazz would be an impactful course to aid in their evolution of flexibility and technique and the broadening of their stylistic skillset for modern jazz dancing. The fusion of music and movement in jazz is characterized by an exuberant and rapid tempo, ideal for those who possess an expressive and dynamic disposition.
Trainee Modern
By teacher placement
Trainee Modern introduces students to a rhythmic dance syllabus that combines modern, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Students develop technique, musicality, performance skills, and improvisation. The curriculum also includes exposure to modern dance history and evolving dance trends.
Company Classes – Modern / Contemporary
By teacher placement and experience
Once dancers reach an advanced level of modern and contemporary skill, they may audition for IBT’s Company program. Under the direction of Associate Artistic Director Amanda Tuohy, CDE, dancers train in an eclectic and expressive repertoire.
Classes include foundational styles such as Cunningham, Horton, Graham, release technique, and improvisation. Instruction is primarily led by Amanda Tuohy and Christie Kamanaroff, both of whom bring years of professional experience and training from Columbia College Chicago.
