In Jazz Dance I, Elana Lanczi, associate professor in the Department of Performing and Visual Arts of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, stands in front of class filled with non-dance majors eager to perfect their “jazz squares” and “pirouettes.”
Lanczi said the reason why so many non-dance majors take her class is that dance unites students independent of their academic interests.
Jazz Dance I is a beginner jazz class that focuses on the basic movements in the genre. For an hour and fifteen minutes twice a week, each student learns a combination of jazz movements. The students then have to pick a partner with whom to dance across the floor.
Lanczi said the class is interactive and small, which makes it easier to give constructive criticism and positive feedback to each dancer, creating a less intimidating environment for novice dancers.
“I [also get to] watch as my students form bonds and friendships with each other, which ultimately helps them to be more comfortable and confident in the class,” she said.
Lanczi said that dancing should be fun and act as counterbalance to students’ other classes and that it is rewarding to see students branch out and embrace dancing.
“I think my class provides the students with the experience and appreciation for dance,” she said. “I love having students who aren’t dance majors ― they bring a different perspective to the class.”
Austin Ensor, business administration major, said he was always interested in dance, so when it was time for him choose an elective, Jazz Dance I was the perfect fit.
“I needed an elective credit, and so I figured I’d go for it,” he said. “I also was looking for an active class that would get me moving.”
Ensor said that the class is fun and changes up his standard routine of going to classes and taking notes. He said he enjoys the class because he has seen an improvement in his flexibility and confidence.
“I would have maybe considered doing a minor in dance, if I had taken this class earlier,” he said.
Bianca Galan, communication studies major, said she always loved dancing and finally worked up enough courage to take a dance class. After searching through the dance courses offered at NSU, she said she thought she would enjoy taking Jazz Dance I.
Galan said that the class has helped her emotionally, as after each dance class, she is happier and full of energy, and she said she has also become lither.
“Now, when I go to the gym, I realize that I am a lot more flexible,” she said.
Although dance classes take a lot of discipline and practice, Lanczi said that, at the end of the day, it boils down to the student.
“Sometimes the non-dance majors are enthusiastic and dive in fully, and they don’t have a problem with being disciplined, while others are shocked by the amount of discipline and practice it takes,” she said.
With the student’s dedication and discipline, Lanczi said she gets to observe as her students advance and become confident dancers.
“Throughout the weeks, I see them transform,” she said. “It’s exciting to watch them become confident and stronger dancers.”
Luisa Abrahams, athletic training major, said that she chose a dance class because she wanted to have a class where she could release some of the stress from her other courses.
“The class has helped me to be more confident in myself and my body image,” Abrahams said.
For Abrahams, gaining confidence in her dancing has helped to boost her self-esteem.
“I would never imagine myself dancing in front of other people, but now I am, and each time I do, I am becoming more comfortable with performing,” she said.
Ensor, Abrahams and Galan all agree that the dance class has enriched their college experience and said they would definitely encourage their friends to take the class.
“It’s good to get up and move,” Ensor said. “Too often, we spend our days going through the same routine that involves a lot of sitting. It’s good to mix it up.”
Abrahams said that students should take a dance class if they are shy like her.
“The class will help them to come out of their bubble and express themselves through dance,” she said.
If you’re still on the fence about taking a dance class, Lanczi said she has faith that anyone can take her class and excel in it.
“I feel strongly that everyone can dance, so if they’re interested in it, they should take the class,” Lanczi said.
Lanczi teaches Jazz Dance I in the fall and winter semesters, and she encourages students to venture out, try something new and take the class. College is mostly about exercising the mind, but by taking classes like Jazz Dance I, students can also exercise their bodies.
Chantel is a student in Jazz Dance I this semester.
