Jessica Keene grew up in Gainesville, Florida and moved to Tampa in 2016 to attend the University of South Florida. She double majored in Psychology and Criminology and, after graduating in December 2019, worked on various addiction studies projects for the U. S. Department of State. When the pandemic hit in 2020, her position became remote and when her home studio in Gainesville reopened, she began occasionally subbing ballet classes there. At the conclusion of the last project she managed for State, Jessica realized she enjoyed teaching dance much more than her current full-time job. At the beginning of 2022, she threw herself back into training and teaching as much as possible.

Jessica has been dancing for 17 years and teaching for 5. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance, and is one of the founding members of Sun Country Dance Theatre, her home studio’s performing company that is now celebrating its 15 th year. During her time with Sun Country, she was given the opportunity to perform in numerous ballets and dance concerts as well as to learn from choreographers most well-known for their work with Houston Ballet and Tap Dogs. She is still involved with the company and stage manages their annual Spring Concerts. Jessica has also had the privilege of training with dance faculty from Florida State University, the University of South Florida, American Ballet Theatre, and Atlanta Ballet. Nothing makes her happier than dance, and she jumps at every opportunity to take class and share what she has learned with others. Jessica is looking forward to teaching, learning from, and growing with The LAB family!