Christine Baltes (1952-2018), was a first-generation predecessor of the Giordano Technique, certified in Pilates, Master Gyrotonic Trainer, and founder of Jazz Spectrum Dance Company in 1982. Ms. Baltes deeply believed in education and served on faculty at the University of California Irvine, Chapman University, California State University Long Beach, and Orange Coast College, to name a few. Since Ms. Baltes’s passing a scholarship fund was founded in her name and has gone in to perpetuity to help dancers seek further education in the art of jazz dance. Crafting over 40 choreographic jazz ballets throughout her career, Ms. Baltes’s legacy is carried on through JSDC and current Artistic Director Janell Burgess. Studying under Ms. Baltes for over 20 years, Janell is deeply rooted in classical jazz techniques. She also holds certifications in ballet, yoga, and holistic healthcare. Her choreographic & movement artistry has been seen on film, television, and stages around the world with choreography credits including multiple stage shows in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Macau, China, Disney & Travel Channels, Heineken, Universal Studios, and most recently Ms. Burgess retired from a ten year choreographic & performance residency with KC & The Sunshine Band. Ms. Burgess is the founder, owner, and director of Spectrum Dance Center in Southern California, which houses over 30 movement educators, is a chapter for the National Honor Society of Dance through NDEO, and provides rehearsal space for multiple professional dance companies, including JSDC. It is the mission of Jazz Spectrum Dance Company to uphold and preserve the legacy of classical jazz dance.
Jazz Spectrum Dance Company is inspired by how the human body and music can become one. Just as jazz music is founded through breaking the boundaries of classicism, JSDC’s work pushes the limits of the body while maintaining purity of technique. As founder Christine Baltes said, “We find freedom in the form.” Jazz Spectrum Dance Company is grounded in the earth, sensual, and human. It is a movement that knows no gender, and it is the company’s core belief that movement is built from the inside out. Bringing power to the stage and empowering others through historical preservation, diversity & innovation is what Jazz Spectrum Dance Company is all about! Jazz Spectrum Dance Company’s precision and strength have inspired audiences worldwide.
JSDC’s performance credits include the SoCal Dance Invitational, Inland Empire Dance Festival, Orange County Dance Festival, Rocky Mountain Choreography Festival, LA Dance Invitational, and San Pedro Tri Arts Festival, to name a few. During the pandemic, JSDC created a stage work to film piece entitled “Chameleon,” which toured over ten different film festivals, winning “Best Choreography” and “Best Original Score.” The company’s influence continues to inspire dancers and audiences globally.
“Indigo Swing”
Choreography: Joey Doucette
Rehearsal Director: Thel Moore
Dancers: Janell Burgess, Maryanne Davis, Alfonso Fuentes, Kiara Kinghorn, Cara Laughlin, Ismael Murillo, Karli Padilla
Costumes: Tomo Swan
Music: The Indigo Swing Band
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