contemporary jazz

Elyse specializes in teaching contemporary jazz. She believes in the power and versatility that jazz can bring to contemporary dance training, and feels strongly that learning the principles of jazz can improve capability in any other dance form. Elyse is passionate about educating aspiring and professional dancers who wish to increase their precision, dynamism, fluidity, and capacity for joy in their dancing. Her contemporary jazz class focuses heavily on musicality, footwork, traveling, stamina-building, and performance quality.

Elyse was mentored in jazz by master teacher Loren Fletcher Nickerson for 20 years, and is strongly influenced by his methodology and approach to jazz technique. Her style is also influenced by extensive study in West African dance, Afro Cuban dance, and Brazilian Samba. She guest teaches classes and workshops for advanced level students, and for professional dancers.

Elyse also teaches ballet, Cunningham technique, and floor work conditioning.