Known for bringing a little math and science into the ballroom (don’t worry, just a little), Jen began tap dancing in pre-school and continued learning and later teaching tap through high school. After putting aside dance to focus on chemistry in college, she was happy to return to dancing after graduation–-this time to the partnered swing dances of Balboa and Slow Balboa.

Jen has been an integral part of her local scenes throughout the years and now calls New York City home, but you can find her all around the world. During her more than two decades of swing dancing, Jen has taught in North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She regularly competes in Balboa and Slow Balboa and has placed in Strictly competitions at CalBal, Stardust, and Camp Hollywood among other prestigious events. A social dancer at heart, she has also won lots of Mix & Match competitions. In fact, she once even placed first and second when she was drawn twice. True story 🙂 In addition to competing and teaching, Jen also enjoys performing. (What can you say? She’s an only child.) Jen’s favorites have been at NYC’s Museum of Natural History right under the giant blue whale and, of course, at the world-renowned Lincoln Center.

As a teacher, Jen tries to balance her straight-forward manner and high expectations with lots of love, humor, and support for her students. She’s known for being able to teach truly multi-level classes where everyone is challenged to push their best a little farther. Never forgetting to address both follows and leads, Jen blends a clear, technical presentation of practical advice with the creativity and improvisational spirit that make swing dancing so enjoyable.