Who Is Jodi?

• Teaches a variety of partner dances nationally and internationally.
• Teaches dance in and around the Seattle area since 1997
• Jodi & partner took first place at first ever Pacific NW Lindy Hop Championship.
• Studied African dance for five years
• Studied Salsa in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Los angeles & New York.
  • Began her professional career as an artist painting at the age of 8. (Yes! She can paint houses too)
• Cycled across Spain, Bali & Austria.  (Knee surgery in 2000)
• Former professions include: Baker, ESL teacher
• Burns everything she cooks! (Former profession as a baker.)
• B.A. in comparative theology

 

 

Question: What started me partner dancing?
Answer: A bakery addiction!
     Upon picking up my morning cinnamon roll one day, I noticed a flier for swing dance classes. Within four weeks, I was sitting alone contemplating the flavor of foolishness that had led me to sign-up for a week-long dance camp - without knowing a soul!!
     A gentleman approached to sit at my table. I motioned to him "Welcome, sit down." Hey! Wait a minute - this guy looks familiar! It was none other than Frankie Manning, one of the originators of Lindy hop! I'd just seen him on a documentary. I didn't even know what Lindy hop was (it's the original swing dance) or that I'd signed up for it! Well, Frankie was in a story telling mood. I was DAZZLED by both him and the dance. Needless to say the addiction has since changed... From Bakeries and sugar to Ballrooms and Shin'digs! [ Bonus: My pant-size is a little smaller too!! :) ]

Question: What inspires me to teach dance?
Answer: I love dancing. I love people. I love teaching.
     Holding someone's hand (literally) as they discover skills, confidence and joy -- THAT is what teaching dance is for me! Having a hand in connecting people with others... well, That's pretty great too!

Painting:
      I've been "Jodi, the artist", since grade school. I'm inspired by myth, music and poetry. (Corny, but true.) Mostly, I paint people and love working in symbolic references to art history, dream interpretations and diverse cultural mythology. (former dance/business partner): "What she's not telling you is that she is absolutely amazing! She has gone from creating huge murals all over town to commission pieces of diverse subjects from people to pumpkins. If you ask her to show you some of her old work, she is usually embarrassed because she is constantly studying and learning new techniques updating her style!"

Winter 2001 -                 Winter 1999 -