if you’re stuck creatively,
if you’re stuck in your head,
if loneliness or burn-out are getting the best of you,
let’s start moving again.
it starts with your body.
and it transforms your life.
If you’ve ever dreamt of embracing your authentic self, unleashing your courage, creativity, and confidence, and cultivating a compassionate relationship with your body, this is the path into it.
Plus, you’ll be part of a collective revolution that is putting value back on our bodies, making space for dance, and shifting the culture along the way.
join the free masterclass:
(plus, 3 steps to give your creative expression a boost)
What you’ll learn:
Why the typical “excuses” for not dancing go a lot deeper - and how they might be sabotaging you if you don’t uncover them
A universal practice to get you dancing consistently - no matter your level of training or technique
The 3 non-cheesy secrets to authentic confidence, courage, and creativity - that you can implement today!
then keep scrolling to read more about the full program!
we are the dance rebels.
Our signature program is held online via video conference and includes a supportive (and active) online community of dance rebels from all over the world. There are also options to join us in-person in NYC for our 13 weekly sessions or an Immersion weekend, each leading up to the opportunity to perform in our NYC Showcase.
choose your path:
“it’s not about steps or perfection - it’s about YOU and whatever you bring to your dance.”
“So grateful to this woman for creating a safe space for people to dance. All people, whether you’ve ever taken a dance class or not. She encourages our authentic movement. It’s not about steps or perfection - it’s about YOU and whatever you bring to your dance. Bring your joy, your pain, your desire to be seen, your deepest fears, or simply your love of dance and you will be welcomed. We’re all just a bunch of ‘dance orphans’ who were looking for a home to dance our dance, even if we didn’t know it.”
it’s for you if…
You’ve been wanting to dance more, but keep procrastinating, likely because you feel intimidated or keep finding excuses that get in the way
You are tired of feeling tired and having your expression muffled in the day-to-day hustle, and you crave a space that allows you to feel free, to fully release stuck emotions, and to get out of your head
You want to unpack the personal and societal blocks that have been keeping you stuck, and join a collective revolution that is taking our power back through our bodies
You want to feel like your version of J-Lo and Shakira at the Super Bowl… meaning, you want to unleash more of your creativity, expression, self-acceptance, confidence, courage, and power, using dance as a gateway
You want to feel less alone, through connection and collaboration with a diverse dance-making community who sees you and accepts you for who you are
“it sparks creative growth that improves all areas of your life.”
“The amazing thing about this 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. I feel like I am reclaiming parts of myself that I left behind when I abandoned dance years ago.”
how will we do it?
the Dance R.E.B.E.L. Method.
The Dance REBEL Method is a 5 part process that helps you dance out of loneliness, burnout, and stuck-in-your-head patterns so that you can:
break through barriers in yourself and in the world at large,
restore your courage, creativity, and confidence,
(re)claim the title “dancer” or “artist.”
Note: These modules are conducted via video and monthly live group coaching on Zoom. All program paths will have access to these video modules and group coaching - even if you are also joining us in NYC.
here are the different modules we’ll explore:
R: Redefine what dance is for you NOW
Flip your mentality from trying to fit yourself into an existing mold (that never quite felt right) into starting a revolution from within. Redefine what dance means to you NOW at this juncture in your life and create a dance world that supports it. Acknowledge and release perfectionist tendencies and adapt a wild, rebellious approach to movement.
E: Expose the blocks keeping you stuck
Understand what’s REALLY stopping you (hint: it’s not just about you and your personal blocks, it’s about society), unpack any lingering guilt, shame, or blocks holding you back, and create your Personal Power Dance to center you in your power no matter where you are. Because we live in a patriarchal society that doesn’t typically value the body, we NEED these tools to be able to stand and dance strong within the contexts we might find ourselves.
B: Bring yourself into rhythm - both in your body and in your life
Learn how to find YOUR unique rhythm and align yourself with your natural cycles so that you can break patterns of burn out and pushing or punishing yourself. Adopt a way of dancing and living that nourishes you, grounds you, and creates an oasis of healing amidst any chaos that might surround you. Feel more productive and effective by learning to use the full spectrum of your energy cycles.
E: Express your true dance voice and use it
Discover the unique expression of your “DANCE VOICE” and the message you feel called to share, and get more connected to your body wisdom and intuition. Learn where you might be out of alignment with your expression, and then learn the tools to get out of your head and into ACTION.
L: Live on and be seen as the Dance Rebel you are
Be guided to construct a personal dance practice that works for your unique lifestyle, body, and schedule - your Dance Rebel Routine - and learn how to stay consistent with my 5 components of Creative Consistency. Practice visibility within our community and get more courageous and confident in your ability to be seen for who you are.
choose your path for the spring semester:
For anyone anywhere in the world who wants a step-by-step guide and a supportive community to reclaim dance in your life.
Includes 3 months of support: weekly dance breaks, monthly group coaching, and all the online modules.
For anyone in the NYC area who wants to reignite their dance and can make it to Manhattan on Monday evenings:
$350 in full or $130/month x3
Includes 3 months of support: weekly in-person dance sessions, a performance, and video coaching sessions.
For anyone who wants a deeper dive into personal transformation and artistic expression through creating a solo:
talk to Jess first to explore options
Includes 3 months of support: 1-1 coaching with Jess, group coaching and workshops, a weekend retreat, a performance.
Sponsorship/Scholarship options are available!
Not craving a dance community for yourself but want to support dance anyway? We love you!! Your generous monthly donations help provide scholarships to dancers in need, so more people can access these programs. Any amount counts - you can donate as little as $3/month, or as much as one of the program costs listed above.
Do you need a program and community like this but don’t have the resources to make it happen on your own?
“…i'm recreating my relationship with dance on MY terms…”
“This is the first online program where I’ve completed ALL of the calls, even if they were recordings! I can’t say that for any other online program.
In my previous life as a professional dancer, everything started to feel so heavy, so serious. From dealing with recurring injuries, to wondering if I would be able to make my rent, to dancing the way I thought I SHOULD dance rather than enjoying the way I WANTED to dance; I got so burned out to the point where I wouldn’t even talk about dance for a year after I retired from performing.
Now I’m happy to say that I’m having FUN with dance again!
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 in the world.”
all levels and bodies, move together.
YOU are welcomed here. No matter what type of dance background you have. No matter what level of dance experience or ability you have. This is not about learning one particular dance style. It’s about connecting to your own authentic movement (which may or may not be influenced by previous training) and gaining inspiration and clarity on how to bring it into your life more fully and make an impact with it.
In other words….
The shape you’re in right now is the only shape you’ll ever need. The time you have available is the perfect amount of time. The amount of dance experience you have is enough - even if it's none.
how + why this all started...
Hi, I’m Jess. Over 10 years ago, I started creating dance videos alone in my room as a way to revive my dance practice, find my creative voice, and come back to myself during a time when I felt pretty lost and disconnected. At the time, the thought of stepping foot into a dance classroom was way too intimidating, so I chose to do it on my own instead.
As I continued to make those videos and cultivate my personal artistic practice, I also saw the need for more spaces where people in similar positions to me could feel welcomed and comfortable returning to a dance setting. One small workshop and class at a time, I built a community in New York City, called it You Can Dance Again, and have been continuing to cultivate it ever since. I recently wrote a book called Dance With This Book, and have led countless workshops, programs, and showcases to support others in reconnecting to their own creative self.
My training and experience includes a B.A. in Gender & Sexuality Studies at NYU, a certificate and practice in Holistic Health Coaching with extensive studies in women's hormonal health via Flo Living, Creativity Coaching training with Eric Maisel, and trauma-informed mindfulness training with Connection Coalition. (Plus many years of classical ballet training, and other dance forms like jazz, African, Haitian, improv, comedy, and more.)
This unique blend informs my coaching and facilitation practice within You Can Dance Again, as well as my artwork.
I'm here to dance and to create dance spaces for fun, yes, but also for deeper reasons.
I'm here to dance for healing -
because I believe that we must feel it to heal it and what better way to move emotions through our body than dance.
I'm here to dance for connection -
because I believe that dance is a language that can cross all kinds of borders and the more we can find common ground in movement, the more we can find common ground in life.
I'm here to dance as an expression of rebellion -
because we've been unconsciously trapped in a system that devalues the body - and that especially devalues non-male non-white non-thin non-straight non-able bodies - and this needs to end.
It's time to place value on OUR BODIES. Our bodies who hold so much, who carry so much, who really are meant to dance it out.
I invite you to join me on this journey, not because I know all the answers (I don't) or are some sort of "influencer" (I'm not and I hate that word), but because you resonate with this mission, too. Because you want to keep your own creative expression alive. Because you value your body and you want to dance with it. Because you know deep down that your soul needs it, and so does the world.
“finally a place to channel a lot of energy, emotion, and stress that I had been harboring for a long time.”
“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. I loved having a supportive community of all around awesome women - it’s so refreshing! I never felt unwelcome or intimidated once. Thank you for creating that safe space and community.”
got questions?
we got answers!
GENERAL FAQ
What if I don’t have much formal dance training or experience?
Having little to no dance experience can actually be helpful, because you have less preconceived notions of what your body “should” be doing. (And if you have a ton of dance experience already, this program is here to help you unleash something new.) All you need is a desire to have fun, explore your inner world, feel free and empowered, and dance it out.
How do I know which path is right for me?
If you resonate with what’s been shared on this page, then any path you choose will be the right one. The online program is perfect for you if you don’t live near NYC, wouldn’t be able to make at least a weekend trip there, or don’t desire to have that in-person experience just yet. (which is totally ok, btw!) If you do live in the NYC area and you enjoy the consistency and accountability of showing up weekly, then I recommend the 13-week series. If you know that a weekly commitment just isn’t feasible, then join us for the Solo Immersion and take a deep dive in one weekend.
What if I don’t fit in? What if all the other people in the program are weird?
Chances are if you’ve gotten this far on the page, there’s something in what I’m sharing that resonates with you, which means we’ll get along. Which means that other people reading this and resonating will also get along. Which means we’re all the same flavor of dance-weirdo. Know what I mean? In other words, YCDA attracts a diverse group of people who all agree to upholding the virtues of openness, inclusivity, and free expression. We welcome all cultures, races, genders, sexual-orientations, dance styles, abilities, and more.
Do I need to live in New York City to participate?
Nope. You can live anywhere and participate, as long as you have an internet connection. There’s both a totally virtual version of the program, and a virtual version that includes the 2-day Retreat in NYC, for those of you who would like to come visit New York for a few days and be part of this unique live experience! People fly all over the place for business seminars and vacations, why shouldn’t you travel for an unforgettable dance experience? If you’re wondering if you’ll get the same value by just doing the virtual program, the answer is yes. I’ve had clients join in everywhere from California to Germany, and the feedback I’ve gotten is that it helped them immensely. It’s designed to empower you to design your own dance world and take ownership of who you are – that happens no matter where you live.
Why is it more expensive that regular dance classes?
What we’re offering is way more than a dance class. You are investing in a 3 month container of support, and coaching sessions that have the power to initiate major changes in how you function in your life, work, relationships, and body. While we can’t claim to be “therapy,” we hear so often that this program is a powerful compliment or alternative to other healing and therapeutic modalities.
IN PERSON FAQ
What do I need to bring to class? What do I wear?
Bring yourself and wear clothes that you feel comfortable moving in. Most people choose to go barefoot, but you can wear socks or dance shoes/sneakers if you feel most comfortable that way.
What is the structure of the class?
We start out with a guided warm up that you follow along with, ensuring that you are safely warming up your muscles and joints before moving more fully. Then, we move into an improv/freestyle segment, where you’re guided with prompts to just dance in your own way. The final portion of class is set aside for choreography. For this series, you’ll get to choose your own adventure and learn a hip hop or modern piece, or collaboratively create a piece with a small group of other dancers.
What if I haven’t danced at all in the past decade?
Great! This is THE place to break back in. Most of our members are in a similar boat or have recently started dancing again or for the first time, so rest assured that the people around you GET IT and there is no judgment whatsoever. Classes are paced in a way that you can really adapt it to your level and current ability.
I’m nervous - how do I know this is right for me?
The best way to know is to give it a try. We welcome you to try the first class before committing OR hop on a call with Jess to talk through the nerves first.
Can I just do a drop-in class? What if I don’t want to commit to the full program?
There’s a reason why we set it up as a full series. After years of experimenting with different structures, what we’ve found is that having an extended container with the same group creates a much more cohesive and transformative experience for all involved. This is why you’re encouraged to take the deep dive and join us for the full program! That being said, if you are considering doing the NYC 13-Week series and haven’t yet tried a previous class with us, you are welcomed to try the first session before committing.
I am terrified of performing. Do I need to do the Showcase?
The Showcase is optional. I’m not one of those pushy stage moms that will make you wear crazy eye make-up and smile til your head hurts. (No, the showcase is nothing like that!) Of course you’re encouraged to partake, but I won’t make you do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. You might be surprised by how you feel midway through the program – so whatever hang-ups you have now about performing could very well change. Let’s get started and see how it evolves, ok?
ONLINE PROGRAM FAQ
What if I don't have a big enough apartment to dance?
As long as you have enough room to extend your arms out to the side with knocking into anything, you’ll be good. The dance segments of the online program are designed to be adaptable to any location and for any level of dance.
I'm looking for a community. Will I feel part of one with the online program?
I totallllly understand the need for community and while there’s nothing like in-person connection for that, what we’ve seen happen in the YCDA online community is a connection like no other. What you put in is what you will get back, so if you’re willing to post in the group, share videos, and comment on other people’s stuff, then you’ll receive the same in exchange. Plus, the live Zoom sessions allow us to have direct communication and interaction with each other, which creates a special bond.
How will I hold myself accountable on my own?
You’re not on your own - you have Jess and the whole community to hold you accountable, which is a huge part of the effectiveness of this program. When we isolate, it’s easy to abandon ourselves, our bodies, and our creative expression. When you’re amongst a group of humans who are sharing themselves authentically, you can’t help but catch the flow of energy and creativity that keeps you moving.
join the movement that starts with YOUR movement.
click on your path and get started today!
“I love the space Jess has created for us... It’s not just about working on a dance, or the act of getting to dance again, it is so much more than that. I’m learning so much more about myself than I ever thought I could and it’s giving me the confidence to try and explore and create more.”
this is about more than you.
it’s about future generations and the state of our world.
If we are going to shift the collective, we must each take personal responsibility for our bodies and creativity energy.
The truth is that our society is set up to make you fail in the effort to dance, because it’s designed to keep you busy, overworked, stuck in your head, and in false competition with everyone else. It’s designed to make you believe you’re not good enough and that the only way you can really be of value is to work work work and think think think, being another cog in the wheel of capitalism and patriarchal constructs.
Bottom line? Society wants you to feel disembodied so that you spend more money on products and diets to “fix” you and shrink you and make you fearful of your own body. It wants to keep you busy so that you don’t have time to disrupt the status quo. It doesn’t want you to dance because, well, dancing empowers us, opens up our creativity, and who knows what’s possible when more of us do THAT.
If you have a hunch this might be true and you’re ready to dismantle the constructs that have been holding you and your future generations back from your true expression, I invite you to join me.
We must move our bodies individually if we want to move this global pattern in a new direction.
need help deciding?
Let me help you find your dance revival path.
In this complimentary session, we'll explore exactly what's holding you back, what you really want from dance (beyond the basics), and how I can help you get to a new level of creative expression, body confidence, and feeling like YOU again. We’ll see which YCDA path is right for YOU!
