A dance family, since 2012
How it started
Before Jazzy J's, Jess taught dance for 10 years in dance schools, colleges and academies. In 2012 she embarked on a lifelong dream to start her own school. Our earliest photos show baby ballet in a local hall, before we even had uniforms.
Dancers from Jess's very first class went on to take their Intermediate Modern exam with us, and one mum tells us her daughter has danced here “since the very beginning, over 10 years”.
Our aim hasn't changed: lessons that are relevant, high quality and right for each dancer, and the joy of watching every student achieve and grow.
The early days
Baby ballet in local halls, turquoise leotards and a lot of ribbons. Where it all began.
The story so far
2012
After 10 years teaching in dance schools, colleges and academies, Jess opens Jazzy J's.
2013
Our first show, Teddy Bears' Picnic: 30 children and half an hour long. Classes start at Bishopthorpe and Bilbrough village halls.
2015
Now 80 children strong, we perform our second show, Over the Rainbow, at the Riley-Smith Hall and add classes at Copmanthorpe Methodist Church.
2017
With over 120 students we're open four days a week plus Saturday mornings. Escape to Disney runs for three performances over two days.
2019
Our biggest show so far, Alice in LondonLand, plus a panto trip to the Grand Opera House and a Matilda the Musical summer school.
2020
Covid moves lessons online: full classes over Zoom, hot choc and chat sessions, movie nights and dancing on the doorstep.
2021
We find our own studio in Acomb, renovate it from January to March and open the doors in April, running two studios at once.
2022
A booming school of 150 children performs Neverland.
2024
With the studios bursting at the seams, we perform Cherry Tree Lane.
2025
The building next door becomes free, so we knock through: three big studios and a lovely big reception. We celebrate with a huge opening party in September.
2026
We launch our competition teams, bring home medals, start a PTA, and perform our biggest and best show yet, OzDust.
Everyone deserves the chance to fly
That line is on the poster by our reception desk, and we mean it. We want Jazzy J's to remain a place where as many children as possible can access opportunities, whatever their circumstances. That's why our PTA is building a scheme to help families with dance-related costs.
We also take dance out into the community. Every year we perform at Copmanthorpe Carnival and the West Bank summer fair, and we run after-school clubs at Poppleton Road Primary School and nursery dance classes at Holgate and Stutton pre-schools. Add in street performances in Acomb, free workshops for local groups and pupils performing in York productions, and there's always somewhere to dance.
Out in Acomb and beyond
Street performances, free workshops, theatre trips, cake sales and the OzDust set, built right here in the studio.
In our families' words
My daughter has danced with Jazzy J's since the very beginning, over 10 years. The staff and studio have a family feel and all the dancers feel a part of it. Best dance school in York!
My children are quite shy and they did everything they could to help them both settle. The staff are all super friendly and make the children feel at ease.
He loves the way his dance class has storytelling and music at the heart of it. The children don't even realise they are being taught, they think they are just having fun!
Find us at Acomb Court
Our purpose-designed studio has bright dance rooms with barres and mirrors, secure entry, and a comfy waiting area for parents. Look for the pink shopfront.
- Classes
- Monday to Thursday after school, and Saturday mornings, in term time
- Phone
- 01904 931270
- hello@jazzyjs.co.uk
Your dancer's first class could be this week.
Try any class for three weeks for £20. No experience needed.
Or call us on 01904 931270
