Leaps of Inspiration : With More Energy Than Experience, The Jamm Dance Company Gears Up for 1988-89 Season

When The Jamm performs, the group’s energy is contagious. As members of the 20-member dance company strut, leap and twirl, their youthful vitality translates into invigorating entertainment. And with a 26-year-old like Eric Henderson as their director, it’s easy to understand why.

The Van Nuys dancer and choreographer is an idealistic dynamo. A year ago, he started the Encino-based dance troupe with a vision: Take a group of young, would-be dancers, teach them, train them, give them your all--and the result will be a dance company with a fresh, innovative style.

Today, even Henderson is surprised by the leaps and bounds his proteges have made. “They’re incredibly professional, very levelheaded,” Henderson said of his dancers, who range in age from 8 to 17. “They have such potential. They don’t even know how good they are.”

For the past several weeks, the company has been gearing up for the first show of its 1988-89 season titled “Dance ON.” With only about a dozen performances under their belt, company members are novices. But they seem as cool about their scheduled shows Saturday and Sunday at El Camino Real High School as any seasoned pros.

“It’s going to be great,” said 16-year-old Jennifer Berry of Woodland Hills. “We’re ready and excited. Working with The Jamm is not just a body thing. Learning new steps stimulates your brain and builds your strength, courage and self-confidence.”

Extensive Repertoire

Although The Jamm’s reputation for doing expressive, “funk” dancing continues to grow, Henderson said the repertoire is far more extensive. Included in the 90-minute show will be ballet, tap, jazz and popular dances from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, and a special salute to Irving Berlin. Henderson describes “Dance ON” as analogous to a Broadway show, complete with acting segments, dramatic lighting, costumes and makeup.

“It’s about the enduring qualities of the human spirit,” he said. “In life, no matter what we are faced with--happiness, depression, hardship, joy--we continue to go on. We continue to dance on.”

Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Henderson arrived in Los Angeles four years ago after talent recruiters from the television show “Star Search” found him in his native state and urged him to appear on their program. After winning in the first round, he was defeated, but he said that “losing wasn’t a bad thing at all.” Within a couple of months of his appearance on the show, Henderson had landed parts in national and international soft-drink commercials.

Three years later--while experiencing leaner years in the entertainment industry--he somewhat reluctantly turned to teaching. In the process, he discovered that “there’s more to dancing than just dancing,” and a whole new set of dreams took shape. Now he wants The Jamm to become a full-fledged dance company, and eventually he expects that the group will have its own theater.

He has also discovered the intrinsic value of teaching. “I’m giving to somebody, and the more you give, you can’t help but be rewarded,” he said.

El Camino Real High School is at 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. The Jamm will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $7. For advance purchase and additional information, call Paradise Dance Studio at (818) 986-1624.