The program allowed me to release a lot of emotion that I had been holding in. Each week I felt like crying during class - not because I was sad - but because there was finally a place to channel a lot of energy, emotion, and stress that I had been harboring for a long time.
Nicole Kingston
new to nyc and too intimidated at first...
After college, I moved to a small town with very few dance opportunities for adults, and for four years I stopped dancing for the first time in my life. I always said that if I realized my dream of moving to NYC, a place rich with dance opportunities for anyone and everyone, I would start dancing again.
I moved to NYC in November 2014, but I didn't start dancing. I felt out of practice and intimidated to return to a traditional studio setting, and I realized my location was not the only thing holding me back. Then, a former dance teacher and now dear friend told me about Dance Again. A day later I spoke with Jess and decided to enroll. Within a week, I was dancing again, and a few weeks later I was performing for the first time in ten years.
If something is holding you back from dancing again or you've been hoping for an opportunity to dance again free from comparison or competition, I highly recommend Dance Again.
- Cait Marie Crossley
Jess’s program helped me get in touch with why I’ve chosen to move on from dance as I’ve known it in my life thus far and leap into the unknown. It’s because if I’m not enjoying myself, why do what I’ve done!? Now, I’m recreating my relationship with dance on MY terms and it’s the most freeing thing
Heather Fraelick
I have few words to describe this experience. Just the joy in my heart, the tears in my eyes, the hope in every cell. I am once again immersed in a creative space and I am thankful for your magical tough, great facilitation, and doula work. I will keep dancing. Thank you.
Quasheba El
buried in self doubt but gave it a try...
“Before working with Jess, I struggled with bringing dance back into my life. Deep down, I longed to dance again, but I was buried in self-doubt, depression, and resistance.
I joined the program and step by step with Jess’ guidance, I started dancing again. I also began getting more in touch with my emotions, which I learned I’d been disconnected from for a while. For the showcase, I choreographed my own dance piece and performed for the first time in three years.
“Jess offers the kind of support that I’ve always needed, but never knew existed. She has led me to a better understanding of the creative process and has shared insight into the struggles and emotions we experience as creative beings. Jess provides structure and accountability with sensitivity and encouragement from the heart. This balance of emotional support and practical tools has helped me to blossom in my creative journey and other areas of my life. I’m truly blessed to have worked with Jess and look forward to all she has to offer in the future.”
— Marikit Fernando
The amazing thing about the Dance Again program is how it sparks creative growth that improves all areas of your life. I’m gaining clarity about what I want in my life and becoming more comfortable sharing my work which has been so empowering.
Julie McAlinden
it had been 50 years since he danced...
“Through working with Jess, I was able to focus on my love of telling a story through movement - which had been dormant for close to 50 years prior to meeting her!
"I was encouraged to explore this no matter how imperfect it felt, and thus I have learnt and continue to learn that it’s good enough instead of it having to be all or nothing. Making more time to dance in small ways has got me in touch with my energy and to be more present.
"Jess gently gives you the space to feel uncomfortable. Instead of stuffing it down, she encourages you to use it, all of it: the anger, fear, silliness, resistance, tears, and laughter that come up when creating.
”Plus - what started with my personal dance revival has now seeped into my business. I’ve been making creative videos for the bookstore I own, which has generated a new marketing avenue AND made work a lot more fun.”
- Richard Chalfin