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About Our Instructors
Jennifer Jackson - Director
Jennifer began dancing at age 3, at the OJC Dance Studio under the direction of founder Darlene Blackford. She began student teaching in high school and became an instructor upon her high school graduation. In 2006, Jennifer assumed the Directorship of OJC Dance after classmate Denise Balicki stepped down from the position. Jennifer teaches ballet, hip hop, tap, and pointe’ classes.
Jennifer has trained with many different dance companies including, Colorado Ballet, Sangre de Cristo Ballet, Pueblo Ballet, Kim Robards Dance, Colorado Springs Ballet Academy and the University of Wyoming Dance and Theater Department.
Jennifer married her high school sweetheart, Jeff, in 2005.
Denise Balicki - Instructor
Also an OJC Dance alumnus, Denise began her dancing career with Darlene Blackford at an early age. Denise was the first director to follow after Darlene stepped down in 1998. Denise has trained under Colorado Ballet, Sangre de Cristo Ballet, Pueblo Ballet, Kim Robards Dance, David Howard, Colorado Springs Ballet Academy and the Univeristy of Wyoming Dance and Theater Department. Denise is also the proud parent of two very active boys.
Debby Hansen - Instructor
Debby joined the staff in 2008. She is a wonderful addition to our studio! Debby danced for 10 years with Mrs. Fleet in Rocky Ford, taking ballet and tap as a child and still has her original pointé shoes! She taught for OJC Dance in the 1980's, under the direction of Darlene Blackford, teaching classes for boys. She later went on to teach with La Junta Public Schools for 17 years as the media specialist, and started teaching LJPS preschool in 2001. After retiring in 2006, she began working part-time at the First Presbyterian Church as the Christian Education Director and Secretary. Debby looks forward to teaching and enjoying kids again. She is the proud mother to 2 OJC Dance graduates and grandmother to 2 current OJC Dance Studio dancers! Obviously, dance is a big part of Debby’s life, and dancers are sure to have a great time in her class!
Sue Samaniego - Instructor
With the addition of Sue to the OJC Dance Studio instructor list, La Junta and the Arkansas Valley has their very own professionally trained and certified Pilates and Sports Yoga instructor at their fingertips! With new classes being added each semester, Sue keeps classes fun and relaxed while students of all ages get in shape with this popular zero impact exercise routine that anyone can do!
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