Details

Session: Fall 2026
Chapter:  Cultivate Dance
Location:  CYT Performing Arts Center
Time:  1:00pm - 2:00pm
Day:  Tuesday
Starts:  08/10
Ages:  9 - 18
Registration Fee:  $10.00

Description

Discover the exciting world of jazz dance in our Jazz Foundations class, specially designed for students in the early years of their jazz training. Our experienced instructors will guide students through the essential building blocks of jazz technique, including: jazz terminology, isolations, classic jazz movements, and basic turns and jumps, as well as developing the necessary strength and flexibility for future jazz training. Jazz Foundations typically requires a minimum of 2 years of study before progressing to Intermediate. 

Dancers wear a uniform leotard, black v-waisted jazz pants, and tan jazz shoes.

The school year concludes with a required, supportive and structured exam where students can celebrate their progress!

Dancers will perform in our Christmas Showcase (wearing uniforms) and Spring Production (wearing purchased costumes).

All Jazz Foundations students are strongly encouraged to also take Tap Foundations. In Musical Theater, tap and jazz are critical skills. By enrolling in both students can ensure their progress through our levels is consistent. 
 Register Now

Teacher:


Matthew Newell

Matthew is thrilled to be part of the CYT Colorado Springs community, collaborating with an incredible group of artists and exceptionally talented students. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Dance and Psychology from Colorado Christian University. Originally from Chicago, Matthew began his dance training there before relocating to Colorado in 2020. He is currently a company member with Messengerz Dance Co., a Denver-based Christian contemporary dance company directed by Greta Sugai. As both a performer and choreographer, Matthew continues to explore new ways of connecting movement, emotion, and storytelling through contemporary dance. He also teaches at Castle Rock Dance Academy and Cultivate Dance Performing Arts Academy. Beyond his work with CYT Colorado Springs, Matthew has enjoyed teaching with Starstruck Academy of Dance, Broadway to Africa (in partnership with Young Life), CYT Chicago, Audience of One Youth Theatre, Rise Christian Performing Arts, and Colorado Christian University. In addition to teaching, Matthew enjoys performing. Some of his favorite stage credits include SpongeBob  (SpongeBob the Musical), Racetrack (Newsies), Turk (Tarzan), Young Scrooge (Christmas Carol), Jack (Into the Woods), Reuben (Joseph), Lumière (Beauty and the Beast), Nutcracker (Nutcracker), Telly (Godspell), Daryl (Bright Star), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), and Jesse (Tuck Everlasting). As a CYT alumnus, Matthew is deeply grateful to be part of the CYT community and especially cherishes the opportunity to work in a discipleship oriented organization such as CYT.

Location:

5805 Mark Dabling Blvd , Colorado Springs, CO 80919