Savage Jazz Dance Company has been called "...the most layered, sophisticated concert jazz dance company in these Western climes" by Dance Magazine and "...an ensemble of fiercely physical, finely polished dancers" by Urban View. An outstanding training ground for contemporary dancers, students of Savage Jazz Dance Company have gone on to North Carolina School of the Arts, the Alvin Ailey School two-year program, as well as Philadanco, Garth Fagan Dance, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Disney's The Lion King, Oakland Ballet and Savage Jazz Dance Company. Savage Jazz Dance Company stresses solid technique, individuality, athleticism, and the versatility to adapt to many dance styles and technical requirements - a dancers' greatest asset. The Summer Intensive is an eight week program of classes in ballet, jazz dance, movement dynamics, modern dance, and stretch/strength/injury-prevention with exceptional instructors. Dancers will hone their technique and push their range of expression through the use of their technique. Improve strength, flexibility and stamina. Savage Jazz teaches a passionate and committed approach to all movement. Anyone serious about their dancing; dancers wishing to include dance as part of their college education, intending to pursue a professional dance career after high school, as well as young adults currently training to be professional dancers, will benefit from this program. Be sure to get on the mailing lists for Savage Jazz Dance Company to receive information as it becomes available.

FACULTY (2005)(Subject to change)

Zafra Miriam
Ms. Miriam is the Associate Artistic Director and a founding member of Savage Jazz Dance Company under the direction of Reginald Ray-Savage. She has taught ballet and jazz for all levels and most ages for fifteen years.

Reginald Ray-Savage
Mr. Savage is the founding Artistic Director of Savage Jazz Dance Company. He has seventeen years experience teaching ballet and jazz classes, beginning through professional level. 

Frank Shawl
Mr. Shawl has danced in New York on Broadway and television and toured throughout the U.S. and Canada. He appeared in concert with Charles Weidman and danced with the May O’Donnell Dance Company, later becoming Ms. O’Donnell’s assistant. Mr. Shawl is co-founder with Victor Anderson of the Shawl-Anderson Dance Center. He has been an active teacher, performer and choreographer for over forty years.

Alison Hurley
Ms. Hurley joined Savage Jazz Dance Company in 1995 and is a principle dancer with the company.

Maía Siani 
Ms. Siani graduated from San Francisco School of the Arts in 1996, when she began dancing with Savage Jazz Dance Company. In 1998 she took a leave of absence to study in the Fellowship Program at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She rejoined SJDC in the fall of 1999 and is a principle dancer with the company.

Corrine Nagata
Corrine Nagata danced with Savage Jazz Dance Company, graduated in the Advance Placement Program from the North Carolina School of the Arts and currently dances professionally in New York City while teaching for Jacques D’Ambroise.

CLASSES

Ballet
The basis of most western concert dance, ballet is essential for all contemporary dancers today. Emphasizing proper understanding and use of turn-out, this class will help each student use the rules to work for her body rather than against it. Without sacrificing quality or attention to detail, ballet can be accessible and totally applicable for all dancers.

Modern
Learn the basic floor work, traveling and airborne combinations of American Modern Dance techniques. This class builds strength and articulation of the torso, while increasing all-over flexibility and coordination.

Movement Dynamics / Improvisation
Explore and expand your personal movement dynamics in a supportive, creative environment. Learn new vocabulary for discussion and understanding. Gain perspective on how dynamics can make the same steps different and different steps the same. Challenge your problem solving abilities. Learn to enjoy the creative process. This class supplies students with invaluable tools to excel in both class and rehearsal situations.

Jazz
Jazz taught as Savage Jazz Dance Company performs it. Drawing on the techniques taught in the other classes and adding to them aspects of dances from around the world, American vernacular dances and countless other influences. The result is dance versatile enough to adapt to a myriad of styles of jazz music and dancers versatile enough to thrive in nearly any dance environment. Students will be pushed to be fearless and athletic. Flexibility and stamina will be stressed, along with musicality, expression, and improvisation.

Stretch / Strength / Injury Prevention
Understand the basics of how your body works. Learn how to achieve maximum performance with minimum wear and tear using techniques promoting balance and stability, strength and flexibility.

Repertory
Taught by senior members of Savage Jazz Dance Company, repertory will introduce students to some of the choreography of Reginald Ray-Savage. Intended to challenge the mind as well as the body, this class will require students to pick up quickly and negotiate issues of spacing as well as movement quality and musicality.

Class Requirements
All classes require proper dance attire, preferably leotard and tights. No baggy tops that cover the waistline or baggy bottoms that hide the knees or feet. Long hair must be up securely. No dangling jewelry allowed. Students should bring a notebook and writing instrument every day.