Intermediate and advanced jazz students at Atlanta Dance Central have been studying the Luigi Jazz Technique for the past few seasons. This past weekend, students had the opportunity to learn from Luigi Jazz Technique expert Francis J. Roach. Francis teaches all of the classes at Luigi's Jazz Centre in New York City, and this was his first time teaching in Atlanta. Faculty and students of ADC were extremely excited to have him right here in our own studio. It was truly the opportunity of a lifetime!
Francis arrived on Friday and dove right into the details of the technique. He broke the exercises down to make sure dancers were activating and initiating their bodies correctly. By the end of the two hour class, dancers were standing taller with more relaxed shoulders and less tension overall. On Saturday and Sunday Francis taught a variety of classes. In the “Behind the Scenes” classes he shared footage highlighting Luigi's story and various interviews with Luigi over the years. In the technique and style classes Francis worked individually with dancers to help them understand more difficult concepts. Additionally, he taught classical repertory choreographed by Luigi himself.
The dancers who attended the intensive had only positive things to say about the experience. Several dancers commented on the calm, engaging, and positive energy Francis taught and spoke with. While at first nervous about his approachability, his demeanor and passion for teaching the technique allowed students to relax and connect with the movement. Faculty member Caroline Coker enjoyed 
how what Francis taught could relate to every day life.”We worked on breathing and relaxing your jaw, as well as presenting your collarbone. These things are simple but actually help you feel calm and confident in every day activities as well as in dance,” Caroline says. Claire Peoples commented on how beneficial the weekend was for her. “I didn't expect to feel so much improvement in such a short amount of time. Even though the intensive was only three days I felt like I gained flexibility in certain areas and I felt like my balance had gotten stronger. Hearing Francis explain the same concepts that Miss Charlotte taught us in a different way reinforced what I already knew about the technique,” Claire commented.
We can't express how wonderful it was to have Francis right here in Roswell. His explanations and use of imagery allowed students to connect to Luigi's jazz technique in new and improved ways. Each dancer left the studio feeling inspired to “Never Stop Moving,” and we all hope Francis will return again in the future!
