Background, professional training and performance history
Originally from Chicago, Jean graduated with a BA in Art History from Carleton College in 1982, and moved west in 1984 to dance with Shirley Jenkins' Seattle-based company, STRONG WIND, WILD HORSES. She received an MA in Dance from the University of Oregon in 1989, and was a founding member of Eugene's Northwest Tap Consort. Jean discovered Ashtanga Yoga in the mid 90's as a fluid extension of her dance training. After intensive study with Master Teacher David Swenson, she began teaching Ashtanga Yoga in 1998. She has been an Adjunct Instructor in the Dance Department at the University of Oregon since 1995, where she introduced the course "Yoga For Dancers" into the curriculum. As a tap dance instructor, Tap continues to be her source of greatest joy, inspiration and creativity. Jean naturally infuses her love for spacious, fluid movement into her yoga classes at the University of Oregon, at Eugene Yoga, and The Downtown Athletic Club. She is also a Certified Gyrotonic Trainer, specializing in training dancers in the Gryrotonic Expansion System.
What she teaches.
Jean teaches dance.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
Jean infuses her love for spacious, fluid movement into every class she teaches.