Jean Marquez

(Children’s Division, Adult Ballet)

Jean’s early dance training started in the suburbs of Chicago. Her exploding passion for dance as a teen soon brought her to the city to study under the legendary Birute Barodicaite at Hubbard Street Ballet, taking classes alongside the esteemed HBDC Company Members. Jean then ventured off to Millikin University, where she received a BFA in Musical Theatre.  At Millikin, Jean had the privilege of training with many talented professionals, including Darlene Harshbarger, and many master classes with ABT touring company members, including the incomparable Cynthia Harvey. While at Milliken she had the opportunity to study abroad and continue her training in theater and dance at Pineapple Studios in London. Jean’s professional career highlights include a midwest Regional Tour of A Chorus Line (Christine), several productions with the esteemed Civic Light Opera in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers(Ruth/Millie understudy)  and 42nd Street (Lorainne).  She also enjoyed several contracts with Royal Caribbean cruise line as a dancer, and appeared in a music video for LeAnn Rimes. Jean has 25+ years experience teaching many different styles of dance (ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, & musical theater), and choreographing for Stage Door Dance Academy, where she has been nationally recognized for outstanding choreography.  For the past 10 years, Ms. Jean has honed in her focus primarily to the art of teaching ballet, studying with ballet masters on conventions, and through independent study of anatomy, terminology, and theory.  Jean is well loved and respected by all her students because of her positive attitude and firm teaching style.  Her passion for the art of dance shines through in every class.