Level 5 - Jazz Intermediate

Notes for technical exercises

Exam Running Order and Playlist

Warm-Up: S’Express ‘Theme from S’Express’

Technical Exercises

Kicks: Rihanna ‘Te Amo’

Turns: Troye Sivan ‘Wild’

Leaps: Janelle Monae ‘Come Alive’

Interpretation and Style

Isolations: Outkast ‘Ms Jackson’

Improvisation: To be determined in the exam.

Amalgamations

Lindy-Hop: Duke Ellington ‘That Lindy-Hop’

Tango: Tom Waits ‘A Little Drop of Poison’

Fosse: Kiss Me Kate ‘Too Darn Hot’

Lyrical: Anouk ‘Lost’

Dance

Please choose to choreograph your solo to one of the following songs:

Nina Simone: Ain’t Got No - I Got Life Nina Simone: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Michael Kiwanuka: You Ain’t the Problem

Notes for technical exercises

Warm-Up

Song: S’Express: Theme from S’Express

Section 1: Limbering and Placement (time: 0:00)

1x8 Stand in parallel, feet hip-width apart. Arms by your side with good posture.

2x8 Rise and lower x2 1x8 Double time rise and lower 1x8 8 quick rises on the beat. Use arms in a natural swing. 1x8 Repeat slow rise and lower. Lift arms to 5th while lowering the ankles.

Release (time 0:26)

2x8 Swing arms and curve spine to mid-level (hands just blow knee), recover up to start. Swing arms laterally as left leg steps out to side, recover up to start. Repeat this with the lateral swing to the right.

2x8 Repeat again on each side.

Side-Stretch (time 0:42)

1x8 Drop L arm to side and R arm curves as side stretch to L, extend further for counts 5,6,7,8. 1x8 Circle R arm further round until you come to a roll down position on count 4, roll up through the spine for 5,6,7. Lift arms sharp on 8. 2x8 Repeat this to the R using the same timing.

High-Release (time 0:59)

1x8 Open arms to high release, bend knees to roll down, roll up 5,6,7. Lift arms sharp on 8. 1x8 Repeat 2x8 Step out to wider 2nd Repeat the two high releases in this wider position.

Jazz 4th’s (time 1:15)

1x8 Jazz 4th to L side, lower for 4 counts, bounce 5,6 and 7,8. 1x8 Turn out to 2nd, lower for 4 counts, bounce 5,6 and 7,8. 1x8 Jazz 4th to R side, lower for 4 counts, bounce 5,6 and 7,8. 1x8 Turn out to 2nd, lower for 4 counts, Lift to L and draw leg into parallel.

Tendu’s (time 1:31)

1x8 R foot parallel tendu x 2, glissé in parallel weight transfer then recover. 1x8 Repeat on L 2x8 Parallel tendu’s to 2nd: 2 on the R and 2 on the L. Parallel tendu’s to 2nd: 1 on the R and 1 on the L. Rise in parallel 5,6,7,8.

Section 2: Cardio and Dynamics (1:48)

4x8 Runs with knees up for 4 counts, basket ball drills for 4 counts. 1x8 Grapevine to right, join feet on 4, step L leg forward toe touch with R arms across chest in ‘blade’, lower to jazz 4th arms in runner pose head up. 1x8 Repeat to L 2x8 Repeat grapevines again but turning for 1,2,3 of each 8. 1x8 Bend and stretches to the sides, hands in blades and by your side in sequence. 4 at shoulder height. 1x8 4 above in a faster side stretch 1x8 4 below with knees bent 1x8 Repeat 4 at shoulder height.

1x8 R arm finishes previous 8 out to the R, lift it above your head in a full circle round with straight legs during full circle, end in a high cross-bow pose. 1x8 Repeat this to L 1x8 Repeat this to R 1x8 Repeat this to L 1x8 Recover arm over head and lower to sides for 4 counts, roll shoulders and bend knees 5,6,7,8.

Isolations (time 2:57)

Heads 1x8 Head isolation from side to side. 1x8 up and down. 1x8 Incline. Ribs

1x8 Rib isolations: 4 points clockwise with squeeze dynamic. 1x8 4 points anti-clockwise with squeeze dynamic. 1x8 Double time 4 points clockwise and 4 anticlockwise with sharp dynamic. 1x8 Circle ribs smooth clockwise for 4 counts and 4 counts anticlockwise. Hips 1x8 Hip isolations: 4 points clockwise with squeeze dynamic. 1x8 4 points anti-clockwise with squeeze dynamic. 1x8 Double time 4 points clockwise and 4 anticlockwise with sharp dynamic. 1x8 Circle hips smooth clockwise for 4 counts and 4 counts anticlockwise. 1x8 Figure of 8 hip circle. 1x8 Step out to circle hip slowly with a latin feel to R and then L, step in to come parallel on 8.

Salsa basic step (3:51)

1x8 Basic salsa step to 4 points: R leg crosses front to L, L leg crosses front to R, R leg crosses behind to R, L leg crosses behind to L. (Step ball change feel). 1x8 Repeat. 2x8 Double up to each point in the same order.

**This is the end of the set choreography for your warm up. From here, please follow the guidance below for timings and what is required.**

4x8’s Balance (time 4:07)

4x8’s Body Conditioning (time 4:24)

4x8’s Strengthening (time 4:39)

8x8’s Stretching and Flexibility (time 4:55)

4x8’s Student Choice (time 5:29)

Set Ending (time 5:45)

1x8 Recover to standing parallel, hip width apart. Rise and hold 5,6,7,8. Slowly lower during the “laugh”.

Technical Exercises

Kicks

Rihanna: Te Amo Time signature: 2/2

3x8 Intro 1x8 From stage L corner, R leg behind arms by side. Lift arms to 2nd on 5,6,7,8. Step R, L, Kick R with straight legs chest lifted. Step R, L bend leg and turn out as R arm starts to circle clockwise, Kick R leg to second with développé as both arms continue to circle clockwise. Step R, L across to DSL with open and lifted chest, Kick R leg infront on a bent supporting leg with a contraction. Lower R leg from kick bring arms into jazz 1st then kick L leg behind with bent supporting leg and arms in jazz 3rd. 1x8 Step L leg towards the back and turn to face front as you ball change R leg, R arm comes to chest as if pulling a cloak round you Travel DSL stepping R, L then kick R leg up and raise arms up above head, palms facing inwards, extend to 3rd as you lay out. Lower R leg, step across L as you ripple R arm and shoulder. Step across R, Kick L leg to 2nd with straight legs and both arms in a high V, pull L leg in and across to R side as you contract in a push arms to L side, look down to R. 1x8 Step L, Outward round kick R leg with arms by your sides and shoulders back, Step R, L across front, Lift R leg, straight up to 2nd in a tilt as arms extend out (R higher than L). Land R leg, pas de bourrée (L, R, L) turning as R arm circles over head. Step R leg out as arms sweep from L side to R and body contracts to R. 1x8 Run x 2 to USL corner (L, R) Take off on L leg as R leg kicks up to 2nd, Land on L leg and step R round to front as L arm unfolds from the shoulder (R leg should be extended and feet pointed) Transfer weight to R leg and turn into outward round kick as arms open above head (bouquet of flowers) and chest lifts to high release. Land R, Step across L with body to back R corner, On 8 twist shoulders round to set up for second side.

Repeat all of this on the second side.

*Change: After second the outward round kick (bouquet of flowers) step out L, R and then relevé onto R leg to attitude with L leg as arms push out, flexed wrists and hold this position to finish facing DSL.

Turns

Troye Sivan: Wild Time Signature: 4/4

1x8 Introduction. Stand USL corner facing DSL with feet hip-width apart. Wait 1,2,3,4 then curve R arm over to L side as you contract down to L side, bend L hand into R elbow. Tendu R leg out to 2nd. This happens on 5,6,7 and then lower further on 8 to build momentum. 1x8 Attitude turn with R arm up and bent at elbow, R arm matches the R leg that is in attitude. Turn in 1 count and land R leg on 2. Ball change L, R (L leg out to side) as arms wrap around the body (L arm across the front). Step out L on 4 into jazz 4th with arms in 3rd (R arm in front and L out to side.) Low level double turn. Single chaîné to DSR corner, step R leg out to jazz 4th on 8. 1x8 Step L leg out to side across front and circle arms above head anticlockwise as body circles round. R leg is low and long, skimming the floor during the turn. Step across R, L with body lifted and shoulders back. On 4, bring R arm up through the side of the body and curve into a half moon with R leg and arm over to the L side. Tilt turn on R back towards the R, L leg in retire and both arms on a diagonal. 6 and step turn across then cut underneath on 7 to retire R leg up and turn round to jazz 4th facing DSR. Arms frame the torso and head looks up and over on the turn. Land on 8. 1x8 Gather up R arm high and L leg pulls into R then steps out to USL corner, Step R, prep L and axel turn to R (R arm up and R leg high) Step R leg out on 5 then curve over to the R with L leg and arm in curved turned out position similar to count 4 of the last 8. 7 and 8 curve back round to front into a jazz 4th prep. 1x8 Low level double into 2 hops and then a single fouetté turn. Land 5, turn over L shoulder and step out L the cut DSR on 7 and 8 to set up for 2nd side.

Repeat all of this on the second side. *Change: After the fouetté turn on the second side. Step out to USR on 6. Step L, R and then throw R arm up and over in a contracted curve to finish in a throwing motion.

Leaps

Janelle Monae: Come Alive Time Signature: 4/4

4x8 Facing upstage L corner. Rise 5,6,7,8 as arms lift up and curve over to turn you round to face DSR corner. 1x8 Step ball change RLR with arms in 3rd. Ball change développé leap with both arms up, palms facing each other and head up, land R, L. Step turn calypso leap, R arm straight and L over head. R leg straight, L in attitude. Land and roll round on floor to standing facing front on 8. 1x8 Lift R arm up on 1, drop weight over to R side and curve arms on 2, barrel turn with knees lifted to the back travelling over to the L on 3 and 4. Bring arms in as you sweep your L leg behind and jump in arabesque using arms in 3rd to gain elevation. Three runs to USR (LRL). 1x8 Circle R arm up and over in a grand jeté en tournant with R leg up, land on L. Step on R leg and then lift L arm and L on 3, Pull back R leg and arm to join on ‘and’ with a lifted chest. Step L leg in front while slapping R arm directly down and in front of you on 4.

Isolations

Outkast: Ms Jackson

4x8 Choreographed by students to demonstrate isolations.

Improvisation

1min To be determined in the exam.

Amalgamations

1: Lindy-Hop

Duke Ellington: That Lindy-Hop Time Signature: 2/4

Intro 1x4 Feet together, hands flexed by sides, head down. 1x4 Look up with a big beaming smile. 1x4 Flick out R foot as you bounce on L, repeat on L bouncing on R. Flick ball change R leg to end in a jazz 4th crouched forward. 1x4 Lean back on R leg as you push arms down L leg that stretches out in-front with a flexed foot. Repeat on other side and then again on the first side. Jump up and over L leg to land on R side, arms circle up and over. 1x4 Pull back arms and push hips forward as you circle back to the USR corner in a prep position. Bring arms quickly into 1st on the ‘and’ count as R leg flicks up, then land out to 3rd with L arm in front then switch to first again before turning to front in another prep position, hands flexed. 2x4 Double pirouette to R with hands crossed and flexed. Shoot feet out to 2nd to land. Shimmy body ripple up until you fall forwards on L leg. 2x4 Lindy back kicks on R x 2 and then L x 2. Arms push forwards in 3rd as legs flex and kick back. 2x4 Bring L leg to retire with arms in, then kick L leg out and across body to R side. During the kick lean body back to make a hinge, arms throw behind body with flexed wrists. Land on L leg with arms still across the body. Twist round to the back as you extend the R leg and both arms up and over in a ‘sunshine’ step. 1x4 Land R leg and brush L leg back as hands brush and swipe each other, repeat on R side. Bend arms into a chicken pose with legs turned in, then switch to turn both legs and arms out, then switch to parallel and then lift R foot as you lift your arms up. 1x6 Slide L leg back with arms in a steering wheel position, flick R leg out to side, step across to the back and then twist the body back towards the front with R arm up, R leg extended out. 1x4 Shunt R leg forwards as you swing L leg forwards and then shift over to the side as your arms swing to the R side. Pas de bourrée as arms swing underneath to L side.

1x4 Bring knee in to swing up and over, turn to the back and rise up with hands up. Land down and then jump up in a tuck jump with hands free and activated. 1x4 Repeat shunts on the other side with R leg swinging out. 1x4 Repeat knee circle and jumps round. 1x4 Sway side to side with wrists flexed and movement in the body. Sway R, L, R for 1,2,3 then turn around and flex wrists to DSR corner on 4. 2x4 Slap side of hips R then L, scuff R foot and kick it up as you do 3 hops on L leg as your arms lift in a circle up and over the head. Step back R, L, R and on the R leg lift off pushing the hips forward and curving the spine, landing L, R, step out L. 1x4 Single turn with arms flexed in, land R falling forwards, step L. 2X4 Stay low and click as you pull the arms in and then back down either side of your L leg which is in front. Splay fingers, straighten L arm and bend R arm into chest, repeat on the other side but with arms at shoulder height and then one more switch but with arms up to sky. Stay in your own jazz 4th position for this whole final section. Hold to finish.

2: Tango

Tom Waits: A Little Drop of Poison Time Signature: 4/4 Notes: In Latin Shoes.

1x8 Free 8 in the style of the dance. 1x8 Dip down with R leg extended out. R arm also dips and lifts back to a bevel on 4. Cross R leg over to L on 5 and then circle back to step behind on 7 as L arm reaches out to side and body leans back. L leg up and extended. Step L on 8 1x8 Step R on ‘and’ count as both arms lift above head. On ‘one, two’ Land on L foot and circle R leg around as arms cut down to sides as you curve around to DSL. Step R,L DSL then kick R leg up forwards on a bent supporting leg on 5. Land on R and step across to L on 6 then step out L to square up on 7,8. 1x8 Ball change to side with tango arms, L arm up and R across chest on and one’. Twist around lifting the R arm then step forwards on R then throw R elbow up to just above eyes and grab elbow with L hand. Wait 6,7,8.

1x8 Ronde jambe R leg round, slap thighs 2 step R leg back on ‘and’ then curve L leg in and wrap it around R leg as you flick back while arms stretch out with palms to the back on ‘3’. Land on 4. Step across to R with R leg and back on with L hand on 5. Ball-change step, Kick R leg out and curve it around the front as arms lift and twist around. Step forward 2, 3, join on 4 as arms throw forward into a cuddle. Step back on R leg then kick L leg back with foot pointed and punch L fist into the air with eye-line up on 6. Step L prep R facing back corner with shoulders back and arms out to the side on 7,8. 1x8 Single turn with L leg out and body in a high release. Step 3, 4, prep 5 DSR then grab R heel with L hand and single turn to throw out on 8. 1x8 Pull back on L leg with R leg out and arms twisted up on 1,2. Ball change and 3, step turn step 4 and 5 as R arm lifts to side and body leans to R while facing the back. Wait 6, step L on 7 then across 8. 1x8 Step out 1 with R leg out low and R arm curving round to match the leg. Lower R leg then step across with L as arms curve to prep position. Lift onto L leg as R leg extends, Feel as though you are turning to the back and then at the last minute on ‘and 7 and 8’ sweep arms R, L like a Matador as feet ball change L, R. 1x8 Chasse to 2nd on 1, 3 x chaînés turns with R arm winding up above head. Step across with L leg on 5 and then ball change back on ‘and 6’ so R leg is forward and arms pinned back. Wait 7, 8. 1x8 Step R pull up and curve to side with arms pinned back ‘1 lift 2’. L leg steps forward then R goes to prep, flick up as arms twist to side, land in jazz 4th with arms to R. From here circle arms round clockwise to lift you up and over the top so you turn and land in the first position after the intro. 1x8 This time pull your arm up through the body. Step to back with arms up, ball change and then throw arms up as you come back to the front and hold. Other option is to have arms back at the end.

3: Fosse

Kiss Me Kate: Too Darn Hot Time Signature: 4/4

Intro 2x8 Feet together, Hands in ‘pockets’ elbows back, head down. 1x8 Click out R, click out L, click both hands, replace back in pockets. 1x8 Circle knees and hips round clockwise 1,2,3,4.

Sink into L hip as R leg tendu to 2nd as arms lift together above head. Flap hands open x 4 and bring arms down as you look up to L. 1x8 Draw R leg in and scoop arms to hips briefly. Step out R leg bent with heel up and circle R arm round in full circle to over head as body leans. 1x8 Flick ball change step R, L join R to SR. Ripple arms round waist and fold over to bent knees on side. 1x8 Circle shoulders L, R, L. As they circle, roll up through the spine. On last L shoulder lean back and look up, hands in pockets. Rise up to balls of feet. Step out L, R, L flick R leg out to R side. 1x8 Step turn step down to DSL. Step out L leg and lift R arm to jazz 3rd. Sink down releasing head. 1x8 Step out R leg and unfold R arm, repeat on L. On ‘Hot’ Throw arms up over head and accent R knee back looking down. 1x8 Unfold and open arms behind you ‘like a shower’. Kick up R leg to side and lift arms to a V. Step back R, L and then cross R leg over to side and accent heel back lifting arms up to Spanish style 5th. 1x8 Step R, L into a prep for a double turn with L arm up and R arm bent in. Step out DSL and throw arms back over to L side. 1x8 Step L, R, L and curve round dragging R leg round with arms up. Step out R, L, R and open legs to side with R leg out and R heel up. 1x8 Circle arms into a Pippin and open to R. 1x8 Step back R, L, R click and flick L leg. Step L, R, L then bring R leg to retire and switch arms from L to R across middle. 1x8 Step R, L turn around the back. Hands in pockets, heel shifts side to side with R hand gesturing out and in. Head down and up. Then both hands up with relaxed wrists. 1x8 Flick to R, cut behind, lift arms and circle L leg around and step back L, R, L and sustain on L with R leg up behind as arms circle forward. 1x8 Step out with L arm wiping across forehead, then throw arms up and over to R side in 5th to finish.

4: Lyrical

Anouk: Lost

Time Signature: 3/4

1x3 Kneeling, face DSL corner, arms by your side. 1x3 Lift arms up as you lift your knees up and over to DSR side. Hands planted on floor infront of you as you look underneath to L and lift L knee up and out to turn out keeping back of foot on the floor. 1x3 Tuck R arm under L side as L arm extends above head.

Roll round onto back with knees bent in. 1x3 Adjust body to back by lifting hips up and over. 1x3 Curve body over and lie on L side. 1x3 Circle arms round to shoulders, lift L leg around ready to stand. Stand with shoulders back with R leg behind. 1x3 “If roses are meant to be red” Rub wrists together in a rose shape. R leg in a parallel retire. Circle R arm up and over towards the back, bring round to lifted R knee and place R hand under ankle and L on knee. 1x3 Throw R leg up and over to open 4th in turn out. Curve R arm up and over to unfold and look behind. 1x3 Slide R leg back in, feet together. 1x3 “Why isn’t my heart?” Why arms with elbows to side. Lift L ankle and turn out L leg. Push R leg back and lie head in hand in a sleep position. 1x3 Bring arms behind head and open up in heart shape round to front with palms together. During this L leg lifts into retire and then point forward over to R side. 1x3 Open arms like wings and then close them again. Transfer weight from R to L. 1x3 Turn over to R side facing the back. Reach arms round above head with hands clasping R then L. 1x3 Pull arms in and stand facing front with hands clasped together. Plie to 2nd as arms open out on a diagonal. 1x3 Lift L leg up into a tilt on a bent leg. Circle L leg in and then extend out into a lay out with L leg straight and arms in 3rd on lyric ‘breathe’ 1x3 Land L leg and lower to kneeling with head down. 1x3 Look up to sky and clean back to sitting as your L leg twists to R and then repeat with R leg. 1x3 Circle L leg up and over as L arms lifts. Then lower over to L side. 1x3 Extend R leg round in a big circle with straight leg. Repeat on L leg around to standing. 1x3 Turn round to R with L leg trailing behind, then lift to turn out in 2nd as arms open in high release. 1x3 Drop forward and onto L leg with R leg in attitude and arms over to R. 1x3 Pas de bourrée with arms circling up and over from R to L into turning prep position. 1x3 Repeat the same turn from this prep position and landing in a more square position with both arms down. 1x3 Pull back on R leg lifting R arm up, step back on L then into quick jazz 4th by stepping R leg forward. Scoop up L leg and R arm into running position. Extend this leg back and bring L arm forwards in the running position. 1x3 Turn out to side then roll round onto front.

1x3 Twist hips around and lift up to standing with hips forward and body back in a ripple movement. L arm up. Stand 1x3 Draw L arm across body, bend knees in then open out and around the head in a curved position to circle round to a broken jazz 4th position with arms extending out to side to finish.

Dance

Please choose to choreograph your solo to one of the following songs:

Nina Simone: Ain’t Got No - I Got Life Nina Simone: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free Michael Kiwanuka: You Ain’t the Problem