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When your children hear the words professional dancer, do they automatically picture tutus and toe shoes? Oh pliés. School them in the sweeping variety of dance at a trio of festivals featuring multiple styles and cultures, with few ballerinas in sight.
Dance Jam
Back in 1999, when Sanaz Hojreh founded Dance Jam, she had no idea she was helping to groom a future reality-TV star. At that very first festival, So You Think You Can Dance judge-choreographer Dan Karaty—then an unknown—appeared as a member of the company In the Spotlight. This year, the jazzy hip-hop ensemble is back, alongside two other Garden State–based youth troupes: the Usaama Dance Company (West African dance) and the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble (modern ballet). From the dozens of groups that apply to be part of the fest, Hojreh says she chooses only three: “I look for quality of dance and diversity. One season, we had groups that performed tap, Irish step and African dancing.” Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Sat 3, Sun 4 at 2pm.
