Who We Are
Jazz Tappin Dance Academy is celebrating our 26th year in Sanford, and continues to offer the latest in dance education. JTDA strives to offer fun, exciting dance classes that allow students abilities and self confidence soar to new heights! Students from JTDA have had the opportunity to perform not only at events locally, but also at such events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, at Disney World, and also at regional and national competitions. Dancers from JTDA have attended numerous competitions and received silver, gold and platinum awards, judges awards for the most entertaining routine, choreography awards and also high score awards.
At Jazz Tappin every student matters. Our goal is to offer quality classes at reasonable prices, and teach dance in a fun creative way making sure every student has a great experience. We are one of the only studios in the area to offer a closed circuit tv system in our lobby, where you can watch your child's dance class. No matter what age we strongly believe in age appropriate routines including lyrics, costuming and movements. We want to share our love of dance with every student in hopes that the student will love coming to class just as much as we do. Our end of the year recital showcases all of the students dance accomplishments, giving each performer the chance to shine up on stage.
Owner/Instructor
Kendra O'Connell
Miss Kendra opened JTDA in 2000, with about 75 students in it's first year. Since then JTDA has continued to grow each and every year. Miss Kendra started dancing at the age of 3 at the Academy Of Dance. She competed at many regional and national competitions where she earned silver, gold and platinum awards for her dances, along with high score overall awards and judges choice. Kendra has also studied with many teachers around the country, including Henry LeTang, Diane Gudat, and Mike Minery to name a few. She also got the chance to perform onstage with award winning tap dancer Savion Glover. In 2000 Miss Kendra was one of five female tap soloists chosen around the country to represent the USA at the World Tap Dance Championships. She traveled to Portoroz, Slovenia where she competed against top tap dancers from around the world and made it to the final round where she placed 4th. Miss Kendra continues to educate herself in the field of dance and attends workshops and classes whenever she gets the chance. Miss Kendra took part in the Dance Masters of America teacher training program for four years and is a certified Dance Masters of America teacher. Miss Kendra loves to share her love of dance with her students. Her favorite moments are when all of the sudden something "clicks" with a student and they master a step. All of those little moments add up and as soon as you know it, that little 3 year old so excited to first learn a shuffle, is now a young adult and is mastering advanced material.
Miss Kelcie Duplessis
Kelcie is a passionate and dedicated dance instructor with two decades of experience in the dance world. Beginning her dance journey at the age of 3 at what was formerly known as Diane's School of Dance, she has since trained extensively in various styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Acro. While proficient across diverse dance genres, Kelcie's exceptional skills shine particularly brightly in Acro, Jazz, Ballet, and Tap.
Kelcie's commitment to dance extends beyond her personal training; at the age of 14, she became an Assistant Dance Teacher, solidifying her love and passion for sharing the art of dance with others.
Kelcie is a versatile dance instructor with expertise in various dance styles, and a proven ability to engage and inspire students across a wide range of ages, from beginners to intermediate levels. With her strong background in dance, Kelcie excels at developing age-appropriate curriculum, choreographing engaging routines, and motivating students of all ages to achieve their full potential.
To further her expertise, Kelcie is an AcrobaticArts Certified Instructor and consistently seeks opportunities for professional development through workshops and seminars to expand her knowledge and insight. Kelcie finds immense joy in witnessing her students master new skills and grow as dancers, believing that dance fosters not only technical proficiency but also self-expression, creativity, confidence, and determination. She prioritizes creating a safe, welcoming, positive, and supportive environment for her students to thrive.
Kelcie is thrilled to be a part of the JTDA Family and looks forward to the continued growth and accomplishments of her students this season.
Miss Lizzy Fraser
Lizzy is excited to continue her JTDA journey this year!
Lizzy is a passionate dancer with 15 years of experience in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical. As a reliable assistant for the last five years, she has been a key support for Miss Kendra, helping aged 3-13 and ensuring classes run smoothly.
She can always be found at the studio helping organize kids and classes at pictures, backstage organizing our helpers, assistants and young dancers at recital, and in the studio in class giving even the shyest little one the confidence they need to succeed!
Lizzy’s dedication extends beyond the studio. She has mentored at Carl J Lamb and volunteered with the unified basketball program at SHS.
This fall, she will be pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at SMCC, with plans to go for her masters in Early Childhood Special Education at UMF.
Miss Lizzy has been a big part of the JTDA family and we are so excited for her continue to be with us in the studio this year!
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