Frank Hatchett's Jazz Dance

By Frank Hatchett and Nancy Myers Gitlin

A unique blend of energy, expressiveness, individual interpretation, and physical conditioning, VOP is the hot style of jazz dance that's captivating dancers and audiences alike. Frank Hatchett--one of the most well-known, influential teachers and choreographers in the world--coined the term VOP while teaching his students how to accent a step and stylize a movement. Since that time, VOP has become synonymous with Hatchett's style of jazz dance. Hatchett perfected his unique style while teaching stars such as Madonna, Brooke Shields, Naomi Campbell, Vanessa Williams, Olivia Newton-John, MTV's Downtown Julie Brown, Justine Bateman, and Savion Glover. All documented in this one-of-a-kind book, Frank Hatchett's Jazz Dance gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Frank Hatchett and his exciting style of dance, with an in-depth look at what VOP is and where it came from. After you gain a basic understanding of the Hatchett style, it's time to lace up your jazz shoes. Warm-ups include rhythmic, center, floor, and isolation exercises that not only increase flexibility, strength, and control but also get you in the mood to move. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, you'll easily follow the step-by-step approach that's accompanied by 242 photographs demonstrating the proper movements and techniques. Frank Hatchett's Jazz Dance is divided into four levels of difficulty, allowing you to easily progress through the stages of basic, beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate/advanced. Hatchett hints accompany each step to address proper alignment, technique, common areas for improvement, and how to stylize the movement. Once you've learned this unique approach, you can add your own artistic interpretation, creating jazz movements and combinations to make the style come alive. Then you will truly understand the innovation and spirit in this magnificent art form.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0736000259
• ISBN13: 9780736000253
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.4" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive Guide to Jazz Dance Methods

Frank Hatchett and Nancy Myers Gitlin have provided a thoroughly comprehensive guide to jazz dance. Whether enthusiastic novice or experienced jazz dancer, this book is a tremendous resource on the methodology of jazz dance. The unique expressive nature of Frank Hatchett's jazz style is captured and broken down, with detailed warm-ups and movements, truly helpful technique tips and anecdotes from the authors. The history...

Frank Hatchett's Jazz Dance

This book is every dancers dream. It is wonderful and very touching.