About La JAZDANZ
JAZZ DANCE
Jazz dance, whose roots extend deep into the cultural soil of Louisiana, has traveled from the streets of New Orleans to Broadway to the concert stage. Contemporary Jazz dance is a powerful fusion of original Jazz styles with other forms ranging from classical Ballet to popular street dance. A living history, Jazz dance stems from the heart of a nation never at rest. Kinetic yet fluid, technically acute yet hugely entertaining, Jazz dance reflects the diversity of our nation and celebrates its energy.
OUR PURPOSE
The mission of La JAZDANZ is to present, produce, and promote Jazz dance, a uniquely American art form, featuring artistic integrity that reflects innovative and original choreography with an eclectic program performed by professional dancers for diverse communities throughout the nation.
OUR VISION
Our vision extends worldwide as, out of dedication to the preservation and growth of Jazz dance, we give to both national and international audiences the opportunity to experience America’s indigenous dance form.
OUR FIRSTS
October 1991 - Created by Aaron Girlinghouse and Frank Vega danced its way into Shreveport with a six member group at the Civic Theatre in Shreveport, LA.
January 1993 - Implemented apprenticeship program with the creation of DAS DANZERS, a studio company at Dance Arts Studio.
June 1994 - Received recognition from the state of Louisiana as a nonprofit corporation. Staged showcase concert at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport, LA.
July 1994 - Showcased choreography at the Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago. Artistic Directors Aaron and Frank were two of sixteen choreographers selected worldwide to participate.
March 1995 - Received recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization from the Internal Revenue Service.
September 1996 - Held first fund raiser.
April 1997 - Presented premier full evening concert at the Strand Theatre.
February 1998 - Received recognition from the state of California as a nonprofit organization.
August 1998 - Created La JAZDANZ Apprentice Ensemble, a preprofessional troupe of dancers.
September 1998 - Implemented arts-in-education program with the creation of “Dancing Through the Ages.”
May 10, 2002 - Premiered La JAZDANZ Too in the San Francisco Bay Area at the Amador Theater in Pleasanton, CA.
October 6 thru November 16, 2002 - Implemented a pivotal 6-week contract for dancers in Shreveport.
November 22-23, 2003 - Implemented first two-day performance.
Summer 2004 - Artistic Directors move and take La JAZDANZ to Houston, TX.
CONTINUING INTO THE FUTURE WITH OUR GOALS
l To produce a regular performing season of two major Jazz dance concerts a year.
l To foster an ongoing apprenticeship program providing opportunities for Jazz dancers to participate in rehearsals and performances with La JAZDANZ.
l To produce and present an educational dance program for grades K-12 through a lecture/dance production and, when possible, followed by Jazz dance master classes.
l To tour Jazz dance performances, both regionally and nationally, which can include outreach programs, such as lecture/performance demonstrations and mini-concerts followed by an informal question-answer session, targeting under served communities.
l To nurture a scholarship program, based on merit and financial need, for Jazz dance students to study with the artistic directors or attend nationally-recognized intensive dance workshops.
OUR REPERTOIRE:
Works created by Artistic Directors:
A Day in the Life (1997) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
At The Club (2001) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Batting (1994) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Bits & Pieces (2001) Frank Vega
Blue Shoes Swayed (2000) Girlinghouse/Vega
Brand New Day (2000) Frank Vega
Chapter One (2000) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Enneadance (2000) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Fever (2001) Girlinghouse/Vega
5&8 (2000) Girlinghouse/Vega
Frank Dances (1996) Frank Vega
Glory of Gershwin (2002) Frank Vega
Go Kaput (2002) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
I Got Rhythm (1996) Frank Vega
Industria (1997) Girlinghouse/Vega
Latina Roja (1997) Frank Vega
les femmes la noche (2003) Girlinghouse/Vega
Lordie Louie (1998) Girlinghouse/Vega
Night Shades (1997) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Person's in Chairs (2003) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Rain (1997) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
Tribute (1996) Frank Vega
Velvet Pants (1998) Aaron F. Girlinghouse
You and Me (1997) Frank Vega
Works by guest choreographers:
Black Binasuan (2000) Eddy O'Campo
Busy Being Blue (1993) Melanie Lynch
Deep Water (1998) Melanie Lynch
him Christ (2000) Rodni Williams
Little Girl Blue (1997) Michael Williams
Momma Please Don't Cry (1997) Susan Quinn
Sabor A Mi (1998) Susan Quinn
We Don't Know (1998) Rodni Williams