JDC Staff
Jenny Campbell (Owner/Director; Tap, Ballet, Jazz)
Jenny is the Director of Jenny's Dance Centre and has taught on the North Shore since 1989. Jenny grew up in the Cincinnati area, began training at her great aunt’s dance studio as well as her mother's in Ballet, Tap and Jazz. She is a third generation dance studio owner. Jenny furthered her training at DeWeese Academy of Dance Arts, Contemporary Dance Theatre and College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. Her performing experience includes Norwegian Cruise Line (where she was a featured dancer and noted participant for their national marketing campaign), Six Flags Great America, and Lake Shore Dance Theatre. Since opening Jenny's Dance Centre in 1997, Jenny has produced expertly trained staff and dancers. Her choreography has won numerous top awards both regionally and nationally, including countless Choreography Awards and coveted Critics' Choice Awards. The JDC staff, trained in their teaching methods in part by Jenny herself, have also produced pieces that have earned regional and national awards. The dancers have not only earned regional and national titles, scholarships, and top awards, they have been selected for elite level training programs such as Joffrey, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Houston Ballet, The Rock School, Miami Ballet, and Alonzo King Lines Ballet. JDC alum are recipients of college dance scholarships at Point Park University, Oklahoma City University, The University of Arizona, University of Michigan, Chapman University and Brigham Young University. Jenny's students have worked with companies including Satin Dollz, the Francesca Harper Project, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project; cruise lines including Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Regent; theatre programs including Broadway tours, The Muny, Music Theatre Wichita, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma; and a variety of additional area dance programs. Jenny holds her Associate I Teaching Certificate from the Cecchetti Council of America.
Sydney Markert Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Tap, Progressing Ballet Technique, Yoga)
Sydney began her early dance training at Moore Dance in Iowa under the direction of Nancy Moore Overturff. Additionally, she studied extensively in ballet and pointe at Iowa Ballet Academy in Des Moines for 8 years. Sydney graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor from the School of Information Systems. She received the Ralphie Spirit Award as a junior along with multiple dance scholarships including a Dance Merit Scholarship and Arizona Excellence Scholarship over her 4 years. She has had the privilege of performing a variety of works by Amy Earnst, James Clouser, Melissa Lowe, and Tammy Dyke-Compton. She also performed works by guest choreographers Sherry Zunker, Miguel Perez, and Christopher Wheeldon.
Since moving to Chicago Sydney has performed in various shows around the city including Simantikos’ Celebration of Chicago Arts and multiple productions of The Nutcracker. Sydney is excited to begin her first season with Inaside Chicago Dance. She has worked as a guest teacher and choreographer for studios and dance teams in the Chicago and Des Moines area for seven years. Sydney looks forward to sharing her passion, love, and joy of dance with all dancers!
Jillian Campbell ( Company Managing Director; Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Pointe, Progressing Ballet Technique)
Jillian Campbell began her dance training at the age of three and is a proud alum of Jenny's Dance Centre. Jillian is grateful to her mother, Jenny Campbell, and her amazing JDC teachers for cultivating her dual love of performance and teaching. Jillian graduated with honors from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA with a BA in Dance with a concentration in Ballet and Jazz and a Minor in Musical Theater. During her time in Pittsburgh, she performed professionally with Pittsburgh Musical Theater in Musical Productions at the Byham Theater. Upon graduation, she performed as a Singer/Dancer at Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. Jillian traveled and performed internationally as a Production Cast Dancer and Singer/Dancer with Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas. She also performed as a Dancer with Spirit Productions in Santa’s Christmas Wonderland in Reno, NV. She toured on staff with Headliners Dance Championships as an Adjudicator and Tabulator. During her time at Jenny's Dance Centre, Jillian's choreography and instruction has been recognized at regional and national competitions with Overall High Score and special awards such as Best Precision, Entertainment, Choreography and Judge's Choice. Jillian is a big supporter of JDC's mission to create and train well rounded dancers. She looks forward to inspiring the next generation with her passion and love for the art of dance.
Leah Allen (Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Progressing Ballet Technique)
Leah Allen is the Dance Department Program Manager at Baltimore
School for the Arts in Baltimore, MD and currently on faculty teaching
PBT and Ballet. She is originally from Schaller, IA and began her dance
training under the direction of Tina McMurray studying ballet, tap, and
jazz. Leah was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study dance at the
University of Arizona under the guidance of Amy Ernst, Susan Quinn
Williams, Melissa Lowe, Michael Williams, and Sam Watson. Upon
graduating with a BFA in Dance, she relocated to Chicago where she
performed with Impetus Dance Theatre, Instruments of Movement,
Chicago Dance Crash, and Jay-son Tisa Dance Company. Leah was also
a featured member of Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre where she was
appointed Dancer Liaison and Co-Rehearsal Director. She is the former
Company Managing Director of Jenny’s Dance Centre in Libertyville, IL
and is a national award winning teacher and choreographer for JDC’s
performance company. Her choreography has been recognized both
regionally and nationally receiving many awards including the Judge’s
Choice Award. Her students have been awarded titles and scholarships
on the regional and national levels and have also been accepted to
several prestigious summer intensives including Alonzo Kings LINES
Ballet, Kaatsban, Joffery, Ballet Hispanico and Cincinnati Ballet.
Several of her students have continued on and received scholarships to
study dance at The University of Arizona, Point Park University,
Oklahoma City University, Chapman, and the University of Michigan.
Leah’s students have be seen on Broadway tours, working with
companies including Koresh Dance Company, Satin Dollz, and the
Francesca Harper Project, cruise lines including Disney, Royal
Caribbean, Norwegian, and Regent, and theatre programs including
Music Theatre Wichita and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. She is also a
regional and national judge for Star Dance Alliance. Leah holds her
certification in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Levels 1-3 and
Progressing Contemporary Technique (PCT) and is very excited to share
this innovative technique with her students. She and her husband have 2
children, Aiden and Max.
Amy Cardamone (Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Pointe)
​
Amy began her dance training at the age of three in Bedford, Indiana.
From there, she went on to train at Jean Wolfmeyer School of Dance in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Amy attended high school at Interlochen Arts Academy as a
dance major for three years. She graduated from Point Park University
in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in dance. Amy danced with
River North Dance Company in Chicago as a performing apprentice and
taught dance in various studios in the Chicagoland area.
Amy began teaching at Jenny‘s Dance Centre at the opening of the studio in 1997
where she taught all ages ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and contemporary and held
the titles of Assistant Director and Company Managing Director.
Her instruction and choreography have received numerous awards,
both on a regional and national level. Many of Amy’s students have received talent scholarships for college and summer intensive programs, and several
have gone on to dance professionally. In 2016, Amy left the studio to be home in
the evenings with her children. During that time, she worked various jobs as a
fitness instructor and teaching assistant for 5th and 6th graders. Amy is
beyond thrilled to be back on the JDC team of instructors!
Rachel Cozart (Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Progressing Ballet Technique)
Originally from Metro-Detroit, Rachel takes after her dancing mother and aunts, who started her in classes at the age of 2. She trained as a young dancer with a pre-professional program in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Partnering, and Theater Jazz, as well as attending intensive programs across the US. Rachel then joined The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts in Southern California and toured the United States, Europe, and Japan with their outreach program; performing and teaching across ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Shortly after moving to New York, Rachel spent three contracts in the Walt Disney Theater on board Disney Cruise Line as a dancer and aerialist in the Mainstage productions of Beauty and the Beast, The Golden Mickeys, and Disney’s Believe. During her last two contracts, she served as the Mainstage cast’s Dance Captain while also studying to achieve a degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint, eventually graduating with honors. After moving to Chicago, she became the Student Experience Manager for The Brainchild Collective, an organization bringing dance, theater, and leadership programs to the Chicago Public Schools. Throughout her time, she built an entirely new Social Media Literacy program for students, seeking to help youth have a healthier relationship with our ever-changing technology. She now teaches dance to both children and adults throughout Chicago and is absolutely thrilled to be joining such an amazing team at JDC!
Ming Davis (Ballet, Pointe)
Ming Y Davis is from Beijing China and graduated Beijing Dance Academy (China). Upon graduation, she danced and performed with the Central Ballet Theatre of China (Beijing) for 18 years.
In 1986, Ming came to Unites States and studied with Martha Graham in New York. In 1987 she moved to the Chicagoland area where she taught ballet for Joel Hall Dance company and Chinese folk dance and ballet around the Chicago area. From 1990-1997 she taught at the former Campbell's school of Dance in Lincolnshire. Ming has been teaching ballet at JDC for the past 25 years. She also teaches ballet at Hao Dance Arts Centre in Buffalo Grove.
Ming has severed as a judge at Ballet Beyond Borders an International dance competition. Ming holds an associate â…£ teacher certificate from the Cecchetti Council of America.
Jacob Frazier (Ballet, Ballroom, Modern, Contemporary and Jazz)
Jacob Frazier was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Chicago in 2016. He graduated with a B.F.A. in dance from Point Park University. During his time at Point Park, he danced with Red Sky in Banff and Vancouver, Canada. He spent five years dancing with Giordano Dance Chicago. In 2023, he had the honor of dancing with Freckled Sky in Dammam, Saudi Arabia for the 9th Annual Saudi Film Festival. He has trained hundreds of clients as the Senior Trainer at P.volve Chicago, a resistance-based functional fitness method. At present, Jacob is a master trainer at BIÂN, a holistic wellness club that combines Eastern and Western Medicine practices. Jacob is also a dance educator and choreographer and is a Master of Social Work candidate at Arizona State University. In 2022, Jacob spent nine months as a care navigator with The Care Plan, serving LGBTQ+ older adults. He is currently interning as a social work administrator at Morten Group, a racial equity consulting firm that provides service in the areas of organizational development, free standing research, executive placement, and racial equity, access, diversity, and inclusion.
Olivia Gonzalez (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap)
Olivia Gonzalez will be joining our staff and JDC family beginning this summer. Olivia is a JDC alum and six-year former company member. She graduated from Jacksonville University with her B.F.A. in Dance. While at JU, Olivia performed in works by Brian Nicholson, Norbert De La Cruz, Doug Varone, Lana Heylock, Michael Lomeka and Yidi Lin. In addition, she was a member of the Sirens Dance Team where she performed and choreographed for basketball games and other school events. Olivia is a Carmel Catholic High School graduate, where she was an active member of the Dance Team and Orchesis. Olivia most recently was offered a contract with professional dance company, the LAUNCH Chicago, and will be performing with them throughout the 24-25 season. We are beyond thrilled to have Olivia and another JDC alum joining our staff!
Jack Halbert (Tap)
Jack Halbert began his dance training at the age of five in his hometown of St. Louis, MO. Over the years, he has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern. In 2013, Jack accepted a scholarship to continue his training with the University of Arizona School of Dance. While at the U of A, he was privileged to perform works by Michael Williams, Sam Watson, James Clouser, Sherry Zunker, and Jose Limon. Jack also performed with WATSon dance in Germany and Italy. Since graduating summa cum laude with a B.F.A. in dance in May 2017, Jack moved to Chicago where he is currently a company member of Giordano Dance Chicago after two years in the second company. With the company, he continues his training and has performed at the Harris Theater and Auditorium Theatre. In addition to Giordano performances and training, he has performed in the Ace Awards, the Schaumburg Nutcracker and the Harvest Festival for Contemporary Dance. Jack also teaches ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance at several studios in the Chicago area.
Danielle Izzo (Hip Hop)
Danielle began her dance training at the age of 5 at a local park district taking ballet, tap, and jazz. She became a member of the Hip Hop ConnXion Family based out of Wheeling, IL and Aurora, IL, soon after transferring to a new studio and beginning her hip hop training when she was 9. Hip Hop ConnXion is a globally known professional hip hop dance company that she was a part of for over 12 years. Through Hip Hop ConnXion she has performed at Dance Chicago, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky, and Chicago Fire games, World of Dance, Carnival Choreographers Ball, Prelude, THE ONE, high-level competitions such as the World Hip Hop Championships, and much more. The company’s mission is to inspire others to be the best they can be, to educate our youth to make positive choices, and to be good role models in our community. Hip Hop ConnXion performed at approximately 50 shows a year, which included performances at fundraisers and other programs like DEA Youth Dance Program. Most recently, Danielle has been a member of the Puzzle League, performing at the World of Dance and Body Rock.
Danielle has also had the opportunity to work on various music videos with Chicago artists and be in the movie DREAMS. She has attended numerous hip hop workshops throughout the years where she has been recognized and received many scholarship awards, while also furthering her training. Danielle has taught hip hop at various studios around the northwest suburbs such as Midwest Edge Dance Academy, Faubourg School of Ballet, On Your Toes Dance Academy, and Turning Pointe Academy of Dance.
Danielle was also part of her high school poms and orchesis teams at Prospect High School. In her junior and senior year, she was a head choreographer for both. Danielle has received her Bachelors of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at Elmhurst College and also minored in dance. At Elmhurst College she was also a member of the poms squad for 4 years and was a captain her junior year. Danielle has also received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Midwestern University. Currently, when she isn’t teaching dance, she is working at two schools with Exceptional Learners Collaborative (ELC) at Stevenson High School or at Kids Therapy Clinic. Danielle has a passion for dance and hopes to inspire all the students she works with.
Mansie O'Leary (Costume Designer)
Photo Coming Soon
Mansie is well-versed in the costuming demands of working with fully-produced musicals, plays, showcases and recitals. She is super organized and has an extraordinary work rhythm. What’s more she has excellent communication and parent liaison skills, as well as production team management skills. As an enthusiastic JDC team member, she has the ability to prioritize issues relative to each of our companies, competitive teams, and recital dancers. She is a nationally recognized designer of costuming and competition garments for competitive figure skaters, many of whom are on Team USA and the US Figure Skating Development team. She has designed costumes for over 200 performances of area musical theater, plays and showcases throughout the past two decades. As a local teaching artist, she brings creative sensibilities to young performers and mentors young performers/artists/teachers with strength and sensitivity. As a graduate from the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, where she majored in set and costume design, she was in the first graduating class of the prestigious Krannert
Center, along with other theatrical luminaries on the New York and Chicago theater scene.
Lauryn Theisen (Administrative Assistant, Acro for Dancers)
Lauryn Theisen is a wife and mom of three girls who all dance at JDC. After college Lauryn worked as the Executive Director of a major organization. Throughout Lauryn’s adult life she coached competitive gymnastics helping to train many local, state, regional and national gymnastic champions. Her focus is on building a strong foundation and teaching children to have faith in themselves, their teachers and the process. Lauryn is Safe Sport and CPR certified. Lauryn attended Concordia University in Irvine, CA and has lived in IL for 11 years.
Alyson Thomas (Ballet, Tap, Jazz)
Alyson Thomas began her early dance training in Lake Forest, where she received instruction in the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet under the private instruction and mentorship of Anida Sedala. She attended Barat College where she studied Ballet and Modern Dance technique and choreography. She went on to study Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap dance at Giordano Dance Center in Evanston, gaining valuable training from such well-known instructors as Nan Giordano, Anna Czajun, Bruce Stegman, Lane Alexander and ABT’s Warren Conover. Alyson performed with Lake Shore Dance Theatre in their productions of Graduation Ball, Coppelia and Don Quixote. While dancing with the Barat Reperatory Dance Company, she performed in original modern dance works by Gregg Begley and Eileen Cropley, and was featured in the restaging of Jose Limon's "Concerto Grosso", under the direction of Libby Nye, an original member of the Limon Company. She has also performed with Lake Shore Dancers, a Christian praise dance company. She earned her Grade 1, 2 and 3 Teaching Certificates from the Cecchetti Council of America and has been teaching for 34 years. Alyson was one of the original staff members at JDC in 1997/98. She was also the owner/director and an instructor at Waterford Dance Academy for 18 years. Throughout her years of teaching, she has had numerous students pursue careers in the professional dance world. She is thrilled to be back at JDC for the upcoming season!