Dance Academy
Parish Extend Dance Academy is proud to offer a wide range of classes for different skill levels and ages.
Dance Academy Mission
The Parish Extend Dance Academy program seeks to assist students with the acquisition of skills and knowledge of dance techniques, as well as introduce them to the joy of self-expression through dancing. In addition to skill level, each class is structured to be developmentally age appropriate. We offer a wide range of genres from Hip Hop to Contemporary Modern and all skill levels of Ballet.
If you have questions or are a new student, please contact Jessica Robinson, Dance Academy Dance Director, who can assist you with class selection.
Meet the Teachers
Jessica Robinson, Dance Academy Director
Jessica Robinson has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance with an emphasis on performance and choreography from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a member of dance/drill team from 7th grade through high school. Jessica was also a member of her college drill team and served as Captain for three years. After receiving her degree, she performed for Walt Disney World and Holland America Cruise Lines. She has been teaching dance for more than 21 years. During the course of her career, Jessica successfully started the City Dance program for the International Ballet Competition; taught at the Performing Arts School in Jackson, Mississippi for six years; directed the Academy for Dallas Black Dance Theatre; and taught dance for dance studios in the DFW Metroplex where she was Competition Team Director for two teams. This is Mrs. Robinson’s tenth year at Parish where she teaches dance for Parish’s Middle and Upper School in addition to serving as the Upper School Dance Company Director and the Dance Director for the Parish Extend Dance Academy.
Jazlyn Whitlowe
Jazlyn Whitlowe has studied dance since the age of three. She was a competitive dancer for several years and has trained in all levels and many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and more. Adrienne Dellas Thornton, Keith Clark, Dr. Linda Quinn and Lee Wei Chao are just a few of the master instructors she has studied under. In 2009 Jazlyn had the privilege of being cast as a dancer in the film The Beacon. She has been a member of Movers Unlimited Touring Dance Company under the direction of Dr. Kihyoung Choi and is currently pursuing degrees in interior design and dance. She has taught dance at Dana’s Studio of Dance, Apex Academy and Come Read With Me. Jazlyn has a passion for working with the special needs community. She is thrilled to teach her Parish students all that she has learned through dance.
Dance FAQs
What does my child need to wear to dance class?
Dance attire varies by class and by age group. Students in PreK and Kindergarten do not change for dance, and will wear their uniforms to class. Dance shoes are required. All other dancers should reference the dance attire requirements in their registration confirmation email.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, please contact Jessica Robinson, Dance Academy Dance Director, for more information.
How can I create a classical ballet bun?
To creat the best ballet bun just follow these simple steps…
- Dampen hair with water, conditioner or shine serum.
- Put hair in a ponytail with an elastic band in the center of the head or a bit higher.
- Grab hair and twist it, wrapping it around the elastic.
- Wrap hair net around bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- Apply hairspray or gel on hair to keep it in place and to get rid of wispy, flyaway strands of hair.