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Bold, energetic, and endlessly expressive. Our jazz program develops technique, performance presence, and a love of movement — from your child's very first class all the way to the competition stage.
Jazz dance is one of the most versatile and exciting styles in the dance world. Rooted in African American musical traditions and shaped by Broadway, film, and popular culture, jazz is a dynamic fusion of technical skill, rhythm, and pure personality. It is also one of the best styles for helping children develop performance confidence — because jazz demands that you feel the music and perform it, not just execute it.
At Steps Dance Center in Aurora, IL, our jazz program teaches proper technique from day one — turns, leaps, jumps, isolations, and kicks — while encouraging each dancer to develop their own stage presence and style. Our faculty bring decades of real professional performance experience to every class, meaning your child doesn't just learn steps. They learn how to truly perform.
Jazz is also one of the best complementary styles to add alongside ballet, hip hop, or lyrical — and is a core component of all three of our competitive dance programs.
Ages 4 – 6 · 30 or 45 min
A bright, energetic introduction to jazz for the youngest dancers. Students learn basic positions, simple combinations, and jazz grooves through age-appropriate music and movement games. Pure fun from start to finish.
Ages 6 – 9 · 45 or 60 min
Students learn fundamental jazz technique — including basic turns, jumps, kicks, and across-the-floor combinations. Choreography is introduced and students perform at the annual recital and Holiday Show.
Ages 9 – 12 · 60 min
Stronger technical focus including pirouettes, leaps, and more complex combinations. Students develop their individual performance quality and are encouraged to bring their own artistry to the choreography.
Ages 11+ · 60 or 75 min
Advanced students work on multiple pirouettes, high extensions, complex leaps, and competition-level choreography. This level directly feeds into our three competitive dance programs and is the hallmark of a well-rounded dancer.
Teens & Adults · 60 min
Open to teens (13+) and adults at all levels. Jazz is one of the most accessible and enjoyable styles for returning or first-time adult dancers. Come move, have fun, and discover what jazz can do for your confidence.

Lorie brings one of the most well-rounded performance and teaching resumes of any dance educator in the Chicagoland area. A former studio owner for 16 years whose students won numerous awards and scholarships, she trained in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater, baton, and gymnastics. She toured with Hoctor's Dance Caravan
Lorie brings one of the most well-rounded performance and teaching resumes of any dance educator in the Chicagoland area. A former studio owner for 16 years whose students won numerous awards and scholarships, she trained in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater, baton, and gymnastics. She toured with Hoctor's Dance Caravan for 6 years alongside some of the dance world's most respected names, and has been on staff with Starpower National & International Talent Competition for over 20 years. Her performance credits include sharing the stage with the Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Sugar Ray, Enrique Iglesias, Goo Goo Dolls, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ciara. She has choreographed for high school cheer squads, dance teams, and color guards across the country — and brings every bit of that experience to her jazz classes at Steps.

Originally from Kansas City, Kelly graduated with a BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2008 — one of the most prestigious dance programs in the country. His professional performing career includes GroundWorks Dance Theater in Cleveland and River North Dance Chicago, where he served as both performer and company class teacher from 20
Originally from Kansas City, Kelly graduated with a BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2008 — one of the most prestigious dance programs in the country. His professional performing career includes GroundWorks Dance Theater in Cleveland and River North Dance Chicago, where he served as both performer and company class teacher from 2010 to 2013. Since 2016 he has shared his expertise at Revive and Adrenaline Dance Conventions, two of the most respected national dance convention circuits. Kelly's unique background spans classical training, commercial performance, and advanced pedagogy — making him one of the most technically comprehensive jazz teachers your child will ever have.
Please reach us at info@stepsdancecenteronline.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We welcome jazz students starting at age 4 in our Mini Jazz class. At this age, classes are high-energy and play-based — focused on rhythm, basic movement, and having fun. Beginners of all ages are always welcome, including teens and adults who have never danced before.
No experience is needed. Jazz is one of the most welcoming styles we offer for first-time dancers. Our team will place your child in the right class level based on their age and any prior experience. Many of our students begin their entire dance journey with jazz and go on to train across multiple styles.
Jazz students typically wear a fitted leotard or dance top with jazz pants or fitted shorts. Jazz shoes are required for all jazz classes — they are available through our online dancewear store at shopnimbly.com/stepsdancecenter. Hair should be pulled back securely away from the face. Our full dress code is available on the Dress Code page of our website.
Jazz and ballet are one of the most powerful combinations in dance training. Ballet builds the technique, alignment, and strength that make jazz look effortless. Jazz then gives ballet students an outlet for performance personality, groove, and dynamic energy that classical training doesn't always provide. Most serious dancers take both, and many of our recreational students do too — even just one class of each per week makes a significant difference in overall development.
Yes — all jazz students are invited to perform in our annual June Recital at Neuqua Valley High School and our Holiday Show in December. Jazz numbers are consistently among the most exciting and crowd-pleasing performances of the recital. Participation is strongly encouraged but not required.
Absolutely. Jazz is a core style in all three of our competitive programs — Steps Dance Company, Steps Dance Crew, and Steps Dance Team. Advanced jazz students who are ready to compete can audition for any of these programs. Contact our director Rebecca Rosenberg at rebecca@stepsdancecenteronline.com to learn more.
We are located at 4054 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, IL 60504 — minutes from Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, and Lisle. We sit right at the Fox Valley Center off Route 59 with free on-site parking. Call us at (630) 499-5678 or email info@stepsdancecenteronline.com with any questions.
4054 Fox Valley Center Dr.
Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 499-5678
info@stepsdancecenteronline.com
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