Explosive, expressive, dynamic and and loads of fun. This is how Ballito dancer Jenna Lee Page describes the form of dance that she is absolutely passionate about – shuffling.
You can’t help but feel inspired to move as you watch Jenna Lee dancing. She shuffles her feet inwards and outwards, moving her arms up and down to the rhythm of the music … and the look on her face is one of pure joy.
The shuffle dance, or the Melbourne Shuffle as it’s known, is a form of dance that originated in Australia in the 1980’s. The dance style involves repeated heal-and-toe movements and ‘running man’ type moves. But, according to Jenna, it is most often about your personal interpretation.
“This dance style is about each individual’s expression of energy and how music makes them feel. You really embody your own unique style, which is your flow. And that is what I love about it.”
Jenna first discovered the shuffle dance while she was living and working in Miami in the USA. Now she’s introducing her skills and sharing her passion with the North Coast community by way of dance classes for adults and children, called Jiving with Jen.
“I wanted to join a dance crew (like the one in the movie ‘Step Up’) since I was a little kid. While I was living overseas I did just that. I met a group of dancers and starting following my dancing dream. I practised every day until I had my unique flow and a deeper understanding of the art.”
Jenna, who has a BA degree in fashion media and marketing, grew up in Johannesburg. Her family, she says, mean everything to her. “My family have always been my greatest supporters, encouraging me to take on anything I ever set my heart to.”
And now Jenna has her heart set on teaching and sharing her love for dance. “This dance style is a real culture. It makes you feel confident and is such fun to do as a group. It’s a full body workout and a complete energy release.”
Jenna will be offering classes for both adults and children. Her classes will differ depending on age groups and gender. The adult classes will be a combination of dance, pilates and fitness, bringing a unique, functional and fun style of training.
“My kids programme is designed to inspire and teach them movement, as well as enable them to find a healthy balance in their lives. I teach children dance steps, choreography, creative movement and thinking. We also incorporate pilates for strengthening and conditioning.
“I have always loved dancing and my life’s dream is to share my energy and love of movement. I have taken many different avenues in life, but somehow every decision has led me right back to this dream.”
Jenna is offering Jiving with Jen online classes (through Zoom) during lockdown.
Details: @jivewithjen; www.jivewithjen.com; [email protected]
Text: Leah Shone | Photography & Videography: Mary-ANN PALMER
