Never Stop Moving
Luigi's Jazz Centre in New York City is offering their fourth summer intensive workshop. The master class series takes place in July for two weeks, July 10-22, 2006. The curriculum concentrates on Luigi's famous jazz dance technique that is taught around the world. The schedule includes: style, technique, intermediate/advanced and repertory classes. These classes emphasize artistry, musicality, elegance and the sophistication of the Luigi technique.
The recognized alphabet for class stems from Luigi's own innovative work in blending syncopative movement with a sensibility of the ballet formed body. Correct placements, for the body are emphasized throughout the entire warm-up sequence. This artistic accomplishment has been in effect for a half of a century in schools, colleges and workshops through out North and South America, South Africa, England, Europe, Japan and China. Luigi, the Artistic Director, at the age of 81 will teach the style and intermediate/ advanced classes, as he still does daily. His motto is Never Stop Moving.
Luigi worked in the best of the Hollywood film musicals in the 1940's and 50's and incorporated his experiences into his style, choreography and teaching. He was brought to NYC to perform in a Broadway show with Ethel Merman and went on to work on three more Broadway shows before dedicating himself to sharing his dance method. He opened his school called the First World Jazz Centre.
Individuals with special talents have also carried this style on to stage and film, thus developing the art inherent in these capacities. Luigi's roster of famous students is legendary. In L.A. there was Francois Szony, Ken Berry, Barrie Chase, Sherrie North, Johnny Brascia, Julianna and Jacque D'Amboise. In New York he taught Alvin Ailey, Michael Bennett, Shelia Bond, Kevin Carlisle, Yvonne Constance, Joey Doucette, Peggy Fleming, Valerie Harper, Madonna, Patricia McBride, Donna McKechnie, Liza Minnelli, Robert Morse, Ann Reinking, Susan Stroman, Hama, Tony Roberts, Ben Vereen, Twla Tharp, John Travolta, Gretchen Wyler and Christopher Walken. Luigi's method is taught today by not only himself, but by his students in schools and colleges all over the world.
Other workshop teachers include Francis J. Roach and possible guest faculty. Francis has traveled the world teaching the Luigi Jazz technique and just returned to New York City from Paris and Yokohama-city. He had danced in TV and Broadway specials with Liza Minnelli, Shirley Maclaine, Gene Kelly, the Pointer Sisters and Menudo with a young Ricky Martin. He's choreographed for Operas, MTV videos, Broadway Benefits, Off-Broadway, national commercials, industrials, fashion shows and a magazine layout for Broadway star Charlotte D'Amboise. Francis co-authored with Luigi and Lorraine Person Kriegel the book "Luigi's jazz Warm-up."
Luigi's Jazz Centre is located at Studio Maestro, 48 West 68th Street, New York City, NY 10023. All levels are welcome to join the workshop, if not already full. For more information call (212)874-6215 and ask for an application.