Hi! My name is Jen and I have a passion for introducing new students to dance and exploring the many ways that dancing can improve your life beyond the dance floor. With over 15 years of experience teaching dance full time, I understand that everyone is drawn to dance for different reasons. Some people want to learn a new skill and show off some cool moves, while others want to have a fun way to get some exercise and increase their mobility and overall health. Some people take dance lessons because they want to spend some quality time with a significant other, to meet new friends, or to prepare for a special event such as a wedding or a quinceanera. I understand that the reasons that bring people into a dance studio are unique as the individuals themselves, and I make it a priority to learn those reasons and approach every student in a way that helps them thrive and get the most from their dance classes.

Anyone Can Dance comes from the idea that is as simple as it sounds. Too often I see people who have put off learning to dance because they feel they aren’t ready, they feel they wouldn’t be good at it, or they are nervous that they will look silly. All of these are very common concerns, so it is my mission to create an environment where these worries melt away. My priority is to provide a safe learning environment that is non-judgmental, encouraging and makes learning to dance fun and easy. More often than not, my students tell me that their only regret is that they wish they started dancing sooner!

I have experience teaching over 20 different types of partner dance including rumba, cha cha, several types of swing, hustle, salsa, samba, waltz, Viennese waltz tango, foxtrot, nightclub 2-step, hustle, quickstep and many more dances. As a former high level competitor, I have extensive technical training and have trained with some of the top coaches in the world. Over my years of teaching, I have developed a system that makes learning this information easy and accessible for anyone willing to learn. I am also an avid climber, runner, weightlifter and general multi-sport-er and through studying many different types of movement, have developed a style of teaching movement that will benefit all of your other sports if you do any. Teaching dance is truly my passion and I would love to have the opportunity to get you started dancing!

Before moving to Colorado, I had moved to Northern New Jersey to be next to New York City-the heart of ballroom dancing in this country. I was fortunate to be able to train with many of the best dancers in the world and spent several years living with my mentor, world finalist Ieva Pauksena, to study dancing intensively. I am incredibly privileged to have led a life that has allowed me to travel both all around the United States and internationally to compete in a sport I love. I am also very lucky to have shared some of those experiences with my students through pro-am competition and to touch many people’s lives through my teaching. Some notable accomplishments include:

Head coach of the Princeton Ballroom and Latin Dance Team (5 years)
Head Coach of George Washington University Ballroom and Latin Dance Team
Worked with many other prestigious university dance teams such as: University of Maryland, Georgetown University, University of Virginia and William and Mary.
Top 10 at National Dancesport Championships: Amateur Standard
Top 100 Blackpool (England) World Dance Championships: Amateur Standard
1st place International 10 dance pro-am with student (twice) King’s Ball and Golden Star Dancesport Championships
4th place in International Standard style at USA Dance National Collegiate Champoinships
Received a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Maryland