So I taught my beautiful students today. They are so gorgeous and improving so much.

I have one group who are aged around 7-8. I did not teach this group last year (apart from subbing at times). I always taught older, more experienced children. Some of the girls in this group just dont "get" steps - even simple steps like behind side step (or "jazz square"). It kind of makes me annoyed as most have been dancing for at least 2 years. So these are the kids who just dont "get" it. And it angers me, as they have been put in a high grade of jazz for their ability, and im expected to teach the work to these kids who still dont know how to do alot of the stuff in the other grades!

Next, I have my older girls (13-14). Some of them are beautiful, and so dedicated. They are at different abilities. Those who have work to do to catch up, though, dont try nearly as hard as those who are already wayyy ahead (ive got girls doing 5 pirouettes in a row, and others who cant even do 2... or one? with correct technique.) However, theyve all been put in one class again.

Let me explain the situation. This is their only syllabus class a week. They take exams for their jazz. They are split into comp groups for work during the week. I dont teach their comp work though. So ive got classes with kids, half from a lower comp class, half from a higher comp class, because they all took the jazz syllabus exam last year and passed. It still doesnt make up for the vast differences in ability though.

Im kind of stuck on what to do here. I dont know what the point of this post was, apart from that some of the kids are so sullen and really dont try! Im stuck between a rock and a hard place - push those who can handle being pushed, run the class slow for those who cant cope??

I would choreo a harder version of the steps, and challenge the ones who can do it, and have them work separately on it, as a group. While they're keeping busy, I'd work with the others, drilling them on the basics - trying to get them up to speed. You could also recommend some "catch up" extra classes to those more motivated. This can even be a jazz class at a lower level.

For those unmotivated, their parents may be forcing them to stick with it? The silver lining in this cloud is at least you have a full class, with a syllabus in place. In my township, with lots of other low cost activities, the parents would immediately yank them out of my school, and send them to gymnastics and cheer schools.

Discuss the level of your students with your SO. Try to get some influence in who is placed in what level. Either by seeing them with their other teachers before they come to you, or demanding they can do a certain list of requirements before you will/can take them.
But it will always stay a matter of give and take.