Jessica Matthews: Studio Owner and Artistic Director-- ​has been dancing and teaching in the Chicagoland area for the past thirty years. While she is classically trained in all genres of dance, gymnastics and tumbling; her emphasis is on ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Jessica attended Illinois State University, was a company member to the Illinois State Dance Theatre, and has traveled the country to perform in the American College Dance Association. Jessica has danced for Brian Brooks, Eddy Ocampo, Joffrey Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Company. She has taken classes from American Ballet Theatre, Joel Hall, Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Lou Conte. Through Jessica's teaching career she has been recognized both regionally and nationally for her choreography and costuming. She has earned numerous chorography awards, was awarded 2015 Teacher of the Year, and was named 2016 Choreographer of the Year. Under her directorship her students have equally shared in great success as they too have won numerous judges awards, first place overall awards, and grand champion awards on the regional and national competition circuit. Additionally, Jessica has been a dance competition judge for Starpower, Revolution, and Believe Talent competitions. The art of dance and performance has given Jessica many wonderful opportunities which have thus far defined her as an individual, and she is excited to share her knowledge and love of dance!