Meet Jennifer Rose | Studio Owner & Artistic Director of South Florida Ballet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Rose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my studio is staying true to who I am and remembering why I began teaching.

I enjoy all styles of dance, but my passion is and always will be ballet. I opened my studio with the intention of having a dance curriculum with ballet as the foundation, which is why I chose the name, South Florida Ballet. Though my studio does offer contemporary, jazz, tap and many other different dance style classes, the main focus is the cultivation of ballet technique.

As the years have passed, many other styles of dance have taken precedence over the importance of a foundation in ballet. There have been times where it would have been easier to shift gears and “go with the flow,” but I knew that it was not what I loved doing. I didn’t want to lose focus regardless of these influences trying to lead me astray. I love choreographing and teaching ballet. I love passing on the wisdom taught to me by my ballet teachers. I love being able to show my students the grace, beauty, and elegance of ballet. I love watching my students fall in love with ballet the same way I did.

Despite these difficulties, I have seen the benefit of perseverance and following your passion manifested in my own life. My ballet studio has been in business for 24 years now, all because I never lost sight of my focus as a teacher and my passion for ballet. Since my studio opened in June 1997, my successes continue to enumerate as many of my students have been awarded scholarships and acceptances to study at prestigious ballet schools in North America such as Julliard, American Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet West, The Rock School, Houston Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Montgomery Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy, The Harid Conservatory and San Francisco Ballet. I continue to cultivate my passion for ballet through my qualifications as an instructor through the American Ballet Theater Teaching Program in New York, becoming a ABT Certified Teacher in ABT Curriculum for Pre-Primary Level through Level 3.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My passion for ballet sets me apart from other dance studios, and it is what I am most proud of. I started my ballet training at age 6. By age 12, I was studying with some of Miami’s most respected teachers in classical ballet technique: Martha Mahr, Magda Aunon, Judith Newman, and Magdalena Maury. My dedication was rewarded by my acceptances to study with some of the nation’s top companies’ professional programs: San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, and the Milwaukee Ballet.

The journey to where I am now was not easy. It took a lot of dedication and perseverance, but my passion for ballet gave me the courage to overcome the obstacles I faced. There is a lesson I have learned in my life that I share with my students now, which is “it’s all about how bad you want it.” Your determination can lead you to success, despite what might stand in your way. You have to have the will to do what you want and the courage to take a leap of faith. The slogan of my studio is “where the professional begins” because I believe that anyone with the determination can be anything they want to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite spots in Miami is the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. My daughters and I love going to the tea time on Sundays and enjoying the beautiful music and beautiful scenery. Its a great place to unwind and enjoy an afternoon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A lot of my success is due to my mentors: Magda Aunon, Magdalena Maury, Martha Mahr, and Judith Newman. Without them, I would have not found my love of ballet.

Most importantly, I want to thank my family. My husband, Albert, who has been my biggest supporter. My children, Amanda, Amelia, and Tyler, who motivate me everyday. And last, but certainly not least, my in-laws, Estela and Henry, who helped me build the studio from the ground up and who have been on this journey with me since the beginning, supporting me every step of the way.

Website: www.southfloridaballet.com

Instagram: @southfloridaballet

Facebook: South Florida Ballet