Why Jazz Hands Still Matter in Modern Dance Studios

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-20

### The Art of the Unexpected You walk into a dance studio in Los Angeles, and you feel it. The energy is different here. It's not just about perfect pirouettes or flawless turns. It's about moments that catch you off guard. That's where the magic really happens. When I first started choreographing, I thought precision was everything. I'd drill my dancers for hours, making sure every arm angle was exact. But then I realized something important. The most memorable performances aren't the ones that are technically perfect. They're the ones that have soul. ### Breaking Free from Routine Here's the thing about dance classes in the United States. We've gotten so caught up in competition culture that we sometimes forget why we started dancing in the first place. It's supposed to be fun. It's supposed to feel like flying. - Jazz hands aren't just a cheesy move from old musicals - They represent a moment of pure joy on stage - They connect the dancer to the audience in a way that's hard to describe - They remind us that dance is about expression, not just execution I remember watching a piece at L.A. Dance Chronicle where the choreographer purposely added these little moments of silliness. The audience laughed. They clapped. They felt something real. That's what we're all chasing, isn't it? ### What Your Studio Is Missing Most dance studios focus on technique. And sure, technique matters. But if you're running a studio or choreographing for professionals, you need to think about what sets you apart. The market is crowded. Everyone has great dancers. Everyone has fancy floors and mirrors. What you need is personality. You need choreography that makes people stop scrolling and pay attention. That means taking risks. It means letting your dancers be human instead of robots. ### Practical Tips for Choreographers If you're a dance choreographer looking to bring more life into your work, here are some things I've learned: **Start with the music.** Don't just pick a popular song. Find something that makes you feel something. Then build your movement around that feeling. **Let your dancers contribute.** Some of the best moments I've ever seen came from a dancer improvising. Give them space to play. **Don't be afraid of silence.** A moment of stillness can be more powerful than a hundred turns. **Mix styles.** Jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, ballet. Why limit yourself? The best choreography borrows from everything. ### The Business Side of Dance Let's talk money for a second. Running a dance studio in the United States isn't cheap. You're looking at rent that can easily run $2,000 to $5,000 per month depending on your location. Insurance, costumes, competition fees. It adds up fast. But here's what I've noticed. Studios that prioritize artistry over trophies tend to have better retention. Dancers stick around when they feel like they're growing as artists, not just competitors. Parents notice the difference too. They'd rather pay for a program that builds confidence than one that just racks up medals. ### Finding Your Voice At the end of the day, dance is about connection. It's about telling a story that words can't capture. Jazz hands might seem old-fashioned to some, but they represent something timeless. The willingness to be bold. The courage to be silly. The understanding that art doesn't have to be serious to be meaningful. So next time you're in the studio, try something different. Add a moment of surprise. Let your dancers smile. Let them laugh. Let them be themselves. That's where the real choreography lives.