About Us
Jessica Phillips began her training in a small town outside of Houston, Texas. Once she saw her first ballet performance at age 8, declared this is what she wanted to do professionally. Her primary training was with the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. In addition, Jessica has studied at The School of American Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. She competed as a finalist in the internationally acclaimed ballet competition Youth America Grand Prix in New York City for several years.
Upon graduating from the Kirov ballet boarding school, Jessica accepted an offer to join Ballet Arizona’s (BAZ) company in 2009 where she danced 9 seasons. In her time with BAZ Jessica performed corps de ballet, soloist, and principal roles in a wide range of classical ballets, neoclassical ballets, and contemporary pieces.
Through the demands of her professional dance career, Jessica realized the necessity of a holistic healthy lifestyle in order to show up on and off the stage at her best. Jessica has a passion of holistic health and wellness and is a certified holistic health coach and certified Kundalini yoga teacher. Since retiring from Ballet Arizona in 2018 Jessica has been teaching full-time ballet, creative dance, meditation, and yoga in addition to holding ballet workshops around Arizona. Recently settled into a home base in the red rocks where she is creating Sedona Dance Academy to provide quality ballet and all forms of dance to the community of beautiful Sedona!
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Jessica Phillips
Founder, Director & Ballet Teacher
Danielle Johnson started her training in New York, receiving scholarships to study at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance (Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Dunham Technique) and Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theater (African Dance and Jazz).
While in New York, Danielle had the honor to train under Jazz dance master Luigi.
Danielle received a scholarship to study dance at ASU and received her BA in dance.
She also holds a masters in education and loves working with children as well as adults.
Danielle has danced professionally for over 20 years and enjoys creating works with her dance company DMJ dance Collective.
Danielle Johnson
Modern, Jazz 2 & 3, Tumbling, Company Team.
Ruby began dancing at a young age which led her into the world of competition dance for 10 years. At age 18, she moved to Manhattan to participate in Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester Program where she was scouted by Clear Talent Group talent agency. She was represented by them for 2 years. This opened up a beautiful chapter to experience what it’s like to audition for dance and modeling jobs in New York City. Throughout the years, Ruby has had the opportunity to teach both dance and yoga to children ages 3-18. Since becoming a mother in 2022, her passion for dance has reignited in a way that feels more grounded and personal than ever. - Dance has always been a beautiful form of expression, movement and joy for Ruby. She views the opportunity she had growing up in dance as a gift from the universe that she now gets to share with other young people!
Ruby Lewis, Jazz 1
Anisa grew up around several small towns in Northern California, where she began dancing at the age of nine in the styles of jazz and tap. A few years later as her passion for dance expanded and more classes became available to her she explored into other dance styles such as ballet, modern, and, her personal favorite, contemporary. Anisa has just graduated from Sedona Red Rock High School. After her gap year she plans to attend college to pursue her second passion, art.
She plans to obtain a degree in graphic design or Illustration, while also dancing as full time as possible, potentially in the form of a double major. She hopes that this will eventually lead her to joining a contemporary dance company, and then further down the line becoming a choreographer, where she will create her own works. Anisa is excited to share her love of dance with younger dancers, aspiring to help grow their technique and artistry, but also teach them how to laugh at their mistakes, enjoy the process, and find passion in dance.
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Anisa Jaffe
Teaching Ruby Ballet on Mondays and Tap.
Isabella began her dance journey at the age of two. Now, at 25, she has cultivated a well-rounded background in various dance styles, including hip hop, jazz, tap, modern, ballet, and ballroom, thanks to her extensive studies in Arizona and Los Angeles.
Isabella's teaching experience started during her teenage years when she served as the captain of Light Vibe Dance Troupe. In this role, she collaborated with local schools, teaching classes and conducting summer workshops. She has continued teaching and performing independently over the last 7 years in Sedona.
With her expertise in crafting choreography for both competitive and stage performances, Isabella brings a diverse and creative approach to her classes. She is dedicated to fostering self-confidence, stage presence, and individuality in her students, ensuring that each dancer has the opportunity to shine.
Isabella Pepino, Hip-Hop 1 & 2
Eric Lindemer had his early training with Anna-Marie and David Holmes, and studied on scholarship with the Boston Ballet and the School of American Ballet.
He danced in classical and modern works with many companies including American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Eric is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and has taught ballet, yoga. massage, meditation, and energy healing throughout the US.
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Eric has taught dance and yoga at many schools including Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education, Boston Conservatory, and Harvard University.
Eric Lindemer, Guest Ballet Teacher
Kay Phillips (Ms Jessica's Mom)
Virtual assistant, accountant & ESA specialist.
Kay started her career as a computer scientist working for NASA in Houston TX, soon after having children she transitioned to selling real-estate.
She knows the dance world well after many years of supporting the passions of her 3rd child's dream and souls calling.
She has recently retired completely and lives in Ashville NC with her beloved husband of over 40 years.
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