Jessica Ruhlin

Performing Art – St. Louis

Jessica is a St. Louis native bun-head at heart. With a background stemming from musical theatre, she found her true passion in dance at a young age. She was priviledged to study on scholarship at Interlochen Arts Academy, then later at Butler University where she earned a BA in Dance Pedagogy with a double emphasis in jazz and ballet. She studied with the Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Ballet Austin, and in St. Petersburg, Russia. Jessica was one of twelve dancers chosen to represent the midwest in the first Regional Dance America Honors Company, a group invited to perform at the 2003 International Ballet Competition. She has danced professionally with the Louisville Ballet, Roxey Ballet Company, Missouri Ballet Theatre, and with many companies as a freelance artist in New York City. Back in St. Louis, she enjoys teaching people of all ages and abilities.She has also written dance and theatre critique for Alive Magazine, the St. Louis Front Page, Leo Weekly, Dance St. Louis, and Dance Magazine. Currently, she is dancing with Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company.