Commentaire
this is the essence of Matt Mattox's dynamic jazz dance system—the system that he developed after he abandoned commercial theatre in the U.S. and moved to Europe to teach and explore new forms in what he calls "jazz art technique." It is the system he is using in choreography and workshops, on stage and on TV all over Europe. His art puts together his studies of tap dancing, ballet and modern dance, flamenco training and the India- inspired movements he absorbed working with Jack Cole, often called "the father of jazz dance." But Matt's system is new. Its style is evocative and explosive. It demands a trained mind and body, and through its isolations and coordinations, it develops them both.
The basics of this system—the exercises, the warm-ups, the combinations—are all here in this remarkably complete instruction book by dancer- teacher-choreographer Elisabeth Frich, who studied with Matt for years and became his assistant. She has recorded each exercise in sequence photos that show each position and move precisely, building from the first plié to the last jump. Matt has added his comments to Elisabeth's step-by-step directions and has even posed for many of the pictures.
The result? It's irresistible: a thoroughly fresh, complete dance course with one of today's master teacher-choreographers. It will help every dancer— and dance student—take giant steps in strength, flexibility, technique, and skill.