Instructor
Miss Jess is an accomplished dance educator with a rich background in both competitive dance and teaching. She began her journey at Hilliard Dance Connection, where she honed her skills as a competitive dancer. Jess furthered her education at Otterbein University, studying Middle Childhood Education and serving as a dedicated member of the Otterbein Dance Team for four years. Since 2014, Jess has been a prominent instructor at Hilliard Dance Connection, specializing in competitive Jazz choreography across various levels. Her innovative routines have consistently earned high scores at numerous dance competitions over the past decade. Additionally, Jess is an Acrobatic Arts certified instructor, bringing her expertise to teaching Acro for dancers of all ages.
Instructor
Miss Marta's journey in dance and education is quite diverse and impressive! Originally from Tiffin, OH, she began dancing at the young age of four and has pursued her passion ever since. Her academic pursuits led her to Otterbein University, where she not only studied Business Management but also immersed herself in dance by minoring in the field. During her time at Otterbein, Marta's involvement extended beyond academics. She was a notable member and choreographer on the Otterbein Dance Team, showcasing her talent and dedication to the art form. Since 2015, Marta has been a valued teacher at Hilliard Dance Connection, bringing her expertise primarily in Hip-Hop and Contemporary styles. Additionally, her teaching repertoire includes Jazz, Musical Theater, Lyrical, and Combo classes, reflecting her versatile skills and commitment to nurturing young dancers. Marta's background in both business and dance, combined with her extensive teaching experience, enriches her ability to mentor and inspire students at Hilliard Dance Connection. Her dedication to both disciplines underscores her passion for education and the arts.
Instructor
Miss Keri's journey with Dance Connection is a testament to her enduring love for dance and commitment to education. Starting at Dance Connection at the age of 8, she immersed herself in the studio's vibrant dance community as both a dancer and a member of the competition team. This early experience laid the foundation for her deep connection to dance, which continues to shape her life today. Transitioning from student to teacher at Dance Connection, Keri brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Bowling Green State University, complementing her role within Hilliard City Schools. This expertise not only enhances her teaching approach but also shows her dedication to nurturing young dancers and instilling a love for dance from a young age. Keri's adventurous spirit led her to serve in the Peace Corps abroad for two and a half years, where she continued to share her passion for dance with her students and even formed a dance group that competed. To further enrich her dance knowledge, Keri regularly travels to New York City to attend classes at Broadway Dance Center, ensuring she stays current and inspired in her teaching practice. Keri cherishes the opportunity to pass on that knowledge and love of dance to her students each season, continuing the legacy of excellence and passion at Dance Connection. Her multifaceted background and unwavering enthusiasm make her a cherished member of the dance family at Dance Connection.
Instructor
Miss Sarah is a versatile and accomplished dancer with a strong educational and professional background in the field. A proud graduate of Kent State University, she earned her B.A. in Dance Studies, complemented by double minors in Arts Entrepreneurship and Disability Studies. Her dance journey began in Hilliard, Ohio, where she spent 11 years dancing competitively at Dance Connection. Currently, Sarah is a Company Dancer for Hixon Dance in Clintonville, Ohio, where she continues to contribute her skills and passion. Her teaching experience spans multiple studios in Columbus and Kent, covering a wide range of styles and age groups. During her time at Kent State, Sarah was a dedicated member of the Kent Dance Ensemble for three years, holding roles as both the Student Artistic Director and Social Media Representative. Notably, in 2022, she showcased her choreographic talent with a piece titled “Not Just Yet” at Kent’s student dance concert. Sarah is passing her knowledge of dance onto others as she teaches the intermediate to advanced level dancers in various styles of technique at HDC.