"...amazingly polished young dancers, whose physical technique is matched only by their poise and acting ability..."

All JUMP! members are ages 8-18 and receive intensive training in ballet as well as other dance forms including modern dance and tap. JUMP! dancers are encouraged to choreograph from a young age, learning how to work with music, group forms, and improvisation to compose sophisticated and truly creative choreography. JUMP! believes in the talent of its dancers both as choreographers and performers, and our performances showcase professional dance of the highest standards.

Artistic Director Mary Paula Hunter is a nationally known dance educator and choreographer. JUMP! is the result of her many years teaching dance to children, realizing in the process that young people are very able choreographers when given the opportunity to learn the craft of dance making. Hunter, a long-time choreographer and performer with a M.F.A in Dance from the University of Michigan, teaches dance in her studio, The East Side Ballet Studio, is an occasional guest instructor at RISD and Brown University, curated the New York summer Dance Festival, Summer in the Square, and continues to perform as a solo artist.

Board of Directors
Jason Tranchida, President
Bill Arvanites, Vice President
Alice Bonitati, Treasurer
Sarah Garcia-Mata
Alexandra Cach
Garry Bliss
Sophie Herreid, Student Representative
Mary Paula Hunter, Artistic Director