We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
My creativity is deeply connected to my work as a dancer and teacher, and it’s constantly renewed through my adult ballet students. Teaching adults requires a special kind of inventiveness—no two people learn ballet the same way. I’m always experimenting with how to explain a concept, adjust a correction, or structure a class so that each dancer feels empowered and engaged. In that process, I’m not just teaching ballet, I’m translating an art form into a new language that resonates with each unique person in front of me. That challenge keeps me creative every day.
I find inspiration in the moments when a dancer suddenly connects to a movement or a piece of music—when something clicks for them and the technique becomes expression. I build my curriculum as a living, evolving thing—adjusting it with every new cohort, every question, every “aha” moment. Even the familiar steps become fresh again when I find new ways to introduce or develop them. There’s artistry in the teaching itself, and I treat it as a creative act.
I’m also nourished by the artistic energy of New York City. When I feel my creativity running low, I seek out beauty—whether that’s slipping into a gallery on a quiet afternoon, catching a live performance, or taking class from a friend. Consuming and participating in art across disciplines feeds my own creative reservoir and reminds me of why I started dancing in the first place.
Nature is an endless source of inspiration, too. The spiral of a shell, the reach of a tree branch, the delicacy of a flower’s structure—these are all choreographies in their own right. All of creation holds inspiration.
To me, creativity is about evolution. We invent, reinvent, and discover new ways to say the same thing with more clarity, more impact, more soul. That’s what keeps me coming back to the studio every day with curiosity, wonder, and an open heart.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi! I’m Jennifer, a professional dancer and dance instructor, and the founder of City Ballet Studio. Ballet has been a lifelong passion of mine, and in 2023, I launched City Ballet Studio to create the kind of space I always dreamed of—one that reflects the joy, discipline, and community of ballet, while being truly welcoming to adults of all backgrounds and experience levels.
The studio began with our “Absolute Beginner Adult Ballet Series,” a 10-week program for adults with no prior experience, those who felt excluded from traditional dance spaces, or people returning to ballet after years away. What started with a single class has grown into full semester-long programs each fall and winter—and to date, City Ballet Studio has had the joy of serving over 1,000 adult students.
As interest has grown, I’ve introduced an “Open Beginner” level for those continuing after the actual beginner series and for recreational dancers seeking a supportive place to train. Our mission is to offer high-quality ballet instruction where all you need is a willing spirit and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re starting your first plié or returning to the barre after decades, there’s space for you here.
What makes City Ballet Studio truly special is the community. Dancers lift each other up in and out of the studio, forming friendships rooted in encouragement, vulnerability, and a shared love of movement. It’s a judgment-free zone that celebrates progress and individuality.
We currently offer Open Beginner drop-in classes on Tuesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 6pm. Our current Absolute Beginner series wraps up June 3, and our summer session kicks off June 6. This fall, we’re excited to expand with even more ways for adults to explore ballet—maybe for the first time, or all over again.
Follow us on Instagram @cityballetstudio for updates on classes, registration, and all things ballet. We can’t wait to dance with you!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Resilience: My first job out of college was a rude awakening. The role wasn’t what I was promised, and I found myself in a toxic environment where my abilities were dismissed. But I had signed a one-season contract, so I showed up every day and gave my best. That season taught me to work for myself—to find pride in my own effort, even when recognition was absent. Resilience, to me, means continuing to show up with integrity, no matter the circumstances.
2. Faith and Trust in Purpose: My faith is the foundation of everything I do. I believe God places me exactly where I’m meant to be, even when I don’t understand it in the moment. That trust carried me through struggles like an eating disorder in college and a job that felt unfulfilling. But that job brought me to a city where I found healing. I didn’t expect to land in NYC, but here I am—dancing, teaching, and surrounded by friendships that challenge and inspire me. Even in hard seasons, I trust there’s purpose in where I’m placed.
3. The Power of Encouragement: I wouldn’t be where I am without the belief of two teachers—Ms. Jaime and Mr. Noel—who saw potential in me during high school. Until then, I loved dance but didn’t think I was good enough to pursue it professionally. Their encouragement changed everything. Now, as a teacher myself, I try to pass that same belief on to my students. Sometimes the smallest words can shape someone’s path in ways we never realize.
Advice for those early in their journey:
Trust the process, even when it feels unclear. Build resilience by showing up with heart. And don’t underestimate the power of encouragement—your belief in someone might be exactly what they need to believe in themselves.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe that my pursuit of ballet was not only valid, but valuable. They never questioned whether dance was a “real” career or a worthy use of time and resources. That kind of support is a gift I’ll never take for granted. So many people are pressured to choose between their passion and something more traditionally secure, but my parents made it clear from the beginning: if I felt called to dance, then I should dance.
My dad is a freelance photographer, so maybe part of that understanding came from living a creative life himself. But both of my parents reminded me, often, that I was doing this for me—not for anyone else. They travel to see my performances whenever they can and cheer for every dancer onstage, not just me.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for allowing me to dream big and for being my biggest fans every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.cityballetstudio.com/
- Instagram: @cityballetstudio
Image Credits
All images by Grace Copeland
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
