Travel through time, and come discover the diverse and exciting world of jazz dance!  Rooted in African American history, Jazz dance began as a form of movement that didn’t need training or classes to learn. But learning about it is fascinating and fun. Jazz dance is what you do at parties, in the dance numbers in shows like West Side Story and other musicals; it’s part of tap dance, hip hop, street jazz, and what you see on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Jazz dance is all around us.

Campers will also have an opportunity to experience other forms of dance and movement throughout the week, such as ballet, yoga, Zumba, and more. We will round out our days with additional activities and games. Each day of the camp will be themed for a specific decade–so feel free to come dressed up or accessorized!

For more information, including a confidential scholarship application, please contact Erin at (802) 367-1306 or ekaufman@svac.org.

Carissa Bellando holds a BA in Theatre and Speech (musical theatre concentration) from Wagner College and an MFA in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. Carissa performed professionally for thirteen years in concert dance and musical theatre throughout the US and at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line and Aida Cruises. She has taught and choreographed in the US and Germany for colleges, conservatories, theatres, dance companies, and dance studios. She has spent the last several years teaching and choreographing at Wagner College. Carissa has a passion for teaching communication through movement. She believes that every body is beautiful, and that combining a strong technical background with a well-developed understanding of the body allows students to develop their unique dance “voices” as safely as possible. Her own research interests are in contemporary jazz dance and its historical roots.