A Message from Jena...
I have loved ballet for as long as I can remember.
Ballet has called to me during every season of my life. I love the discipline and process of the technique, and my obsession with ballet has only deepened with every experience. I am truly passionate about the craft, its process, and its ability to expressively share stories, thoughts, and emotions.
I asked my mother for dance lessons at the age of five.
I would love to say that I had a proper, classical ballet beginning. One that began with buns and beautiful pink ballet slippers. Instead, my introduction to ballet was a lovely blend of sparkly sequined skirts, pigtails, tiny white ballet slippers, and an instructor who showed me how to love movement and dance.
My foundational technique in ballet was solid, my love for ballet was nurtured, and the studio became the place I wanted to be more than anywhere else. In middle school, my family moved and I had to find a new ballet home. This new home was my proper, classical ballet training center.
My memories of working in the studio as a student are full of wonderful moments, disappointments, and self-discovery. I was fortunate to have had the honor of working with some amazing instructors and coaches, working professionally with multiple ballet companies, and traveling the country doing what I loved.
Throughout my professional performing career, I constantly sought out opportunities to teach and share my love of ballet.
While not every student has the desire to make a career out of ballet, I found that every single one of my students truly loved dancing.
I now have almost 30 years of teaching experience and have worked with hundreds of students from preschool through adults. I owned and directed a performing arts school for a decade, teaching, choreographing, and producing multiple productions a year. I have sent students to multiple prestigious summer programs, and have several students carrying on the tradition of ballet while teaching their own students. I have worked as a guest teacher across the country, and I now want to share my love and knowledge of ballet with you!
If you are looking to regaining your ballet roots, refining your artistry, and taking your technique beyond the barre and into your daily life.
OR
If you have never danced before, but have always wanted to….
I invite you to come and join me and discover the joy of ballet in a supportive environment.
I can’t wait to walk alongside you, encourage you, and welcome you into a community of dancers looking for foundational technique along with a dose of the magic that is ballet.
“Ballet is more than a profession - it is a way of life.”
— Margot Fonteyn
Jena
Kocsis
Jena Kocsis's passion for dance ignited at a young age when she began studying under the guidance of Sandra Schramael at Emergence Dance Theatre. This initial spark led her to pursue further training at The Ballet Conservatory in St. Louis under the tutelage of Nathalie LeVine. Eager to further hone her skills, Jena embarked on a transformative journey at the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC, where she studied under esteemed mentors such as John Magnus, Francesca Corkle, Francoise Martinet, and Luis Fuente.
Her dedication and talent propelled her into the professional realm, where she graced the stages of renowned companies including Richmond Ballet, Boston Dance Company, Granite State Ballet, and Northern Ballet Theatre. During this time she worked with artists and coaches such as Malcolm Burn, Arnott Mader, Bart Cook, and Paul Sutherland. Jena's experiences as a professional dancer laid the foundation for her transition into teaching, a role she has embraced for 28 years.
Throughout her career, Jena has shared her expertise with students at prestigious institutions such as the Richmond Ballet Center for Dance, Avery Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre Dance Center, and the Derry Dance Center, among others. Notably, she served as the Artistic Director and Owner of the Derry Dance Center for a decade, during which she established a pre-professional program and performance company, nurturing young talent and fostering a love for dance within the community.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jena continues to refine her teaching skills through ongoing training with luminaries like Finis Jhung, Deborah Vogel, and various other esteemed mentors. Beyond imparting technical proficiency, Jena believes in the transformative power of dance and strives to instill in her students a profound appreciation for movement as a universal language.
One of Jena's proudest accomplishments is her role as a mentor, guiding and supporting former students as they embark on their own teaching careers. She firmly believes that dance is for everyone and advocates for inclusivity, emphasizing that all individuals should have the opportunity to experience the joy and expression found within the art of ballet and movement. With unwavering dedication and boundless enthusiasm, Jena Kocsis continues to inspire generations of dancers to reach new heights and discover the magic of dance.
