Modern Jazz Ballet Workout

I have taken Judith’s ballet classes every week for a couple of years, and have started taking her jazz class when I can fit it in. Ballet is really fun with her. Her choreography is very lyrical and the music she chooses is gorgeous. She also dances along with the class which is helpful because you can see exactly what it’s supposed to look like. Those things together are inspiring and really make you want to dance. She is also very patient and supportive, so if you forget the combination it’s not a big deal. She spends time beforehand dissecting the combinations step-​by-​step, which is very helpful, and she allows time to do it as many times as the class wants, so you really get a chance to master it.
Another thing I really love about Judith is that she not only teaches technique, but she explains a lot about biomechanics so you understand better how to improve your technique. She’s very passionate about dance and her enthusiasm is infectious. The other great thing is that her classes provide a great workout; she does a thorough barre (in ballet) and warmup (in jazz class) to start class, but these are relatively short to give ample time to move. So her classes are always invigorating, both physically and aesthetically. It’s the best workout I’ve found and I look forward to it all week.

Judith Bean is a wonderful, seasoned teacher and this class is fabulous. It’s fun, challenging and an all over great workout. She’s doing a great job of blending the unique jazz choreography styles of Lateef Swain with her own. The class is small, the atmosphere is supportive and friendly and the teacher is patient and gives lots of great tips on alignment and technique. Great for anyone who’s taken classes and wants to get back to dance training, or people who are doing other styles of dance and want to add a jazz class. Love the music, too!

I’ve known Judith for many years. Even when we were students in classes together, she was willing to share information about body mechanics, dance techniques, etc., always exhibiting in-​depth knowledge and a strong desire to help, which I greatly appreciated.
I am pleased, now, to be a student in Judith’s classes. She does a great job of combining professionalism with a personal touch. Judith provides corrections clearly and promptly, yet gently — none of the ego struggles that are all too common in the dance world.
The term «workout» is appropriate. Judith starts class on time, and once warm-​ups are done, she takes off with that day’s new choreography. There are brief rest periods while music is changed, and there are times when small groups, rather than the entire class, dance the combination — but, by and large, we all keep moving.
Aside from dancing the combination at three speeds — slow to learn it, then medium and fast — we dance each combination on the right, then do it on the left (mirror-​image). This class doesn’t just give our bodies a workout — it gives our brains a workout, too!
The class is not for beginners, but one need not be super-​advanced to enjoy it. Students range from teen to middle-​age, both female and male. Everyone is friendly and supportive, and new students are welcomed.