Jessica Richens
Jessica's love for dance began at age three. She's studied many styles, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, musical theater, and tap. During this time, she had numerous performance, competition, and convention opportunities, and has held many titles.
Jessica then went on to work professionally in entertainment. Her television credits include: So You Think You Can Dance: Season 11, where she was the 1st runner-up, The Ellen Show, Live with Kelley and Ryan, Dancing with the Stars, The Masked Singer, and more. Jessica has danced in music videos and performed live with artists such as Taylor Swift. She's worked for Conde Nast, Bellagio, Radio City, Nike, Exxon Mobile, Tilly’s, and Disney World.
Currently, Jessica works with global superstar and electronic violinist, Lindsey Stirling, as well as appearing on The Space TV.
As a professional dancer and dance educator, Jessica has extensive experience training dancers from around the world, as well as assisting top dance professionals. When Jessica's not performing, she dedicates her time and love of dance to inspire budding dancers of all ages. Her career's taken her to Shanghai, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. She's taught for conventions such as XChange, Titans of Dance, Revel, and assisted for RADIX and JUMP, as well as trained with top industry professionals Shannon Mather, Krista Miller, Talia Favia, Tessandra Chavez, and more. She also enjoys traveling to studios throughout the United States to offer her expertise in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and technique via intensives and master classes.
Jessica believes that a dance class with her is more than just training. She expects a shared exchange of energy with you, and creates a safe space by motivating with both love and discipline. Jessica values your uniqueness, regardless of ability, and expects you to push yourself and work hard. Her aim is to guide you to your full potential, and enhance your respect for yourself as an artist. It’s Jessica’s belief that you are worthy of your best, and she uses her technical training and unique performance quality to create meaningful and healing stories through movement. She hopes that through these stories, you're encouraged to live as a better human and create your best life.
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Jazz: "He's a Dream" / Jessica Richens
A timeless jazz combo that encourages you to embody a character who's as indifferent as they are obsessed! Work to keep yourself grounded with a strong plié, while being ready for direction changes and drawing your inspiration from the legendary 'Flashdance' movie!
Level: Int./Adv.
Assisted by: ... -
Jazz: "Tightrope" / Jessica Richens
A high energy combo that's all about having fun! If you have a friend or partner to learn it with, even better! Get ready for some interactive twists and turns, but don't let the fast pace intimidate you... let it fuel you!
Level: Intermediate
Assisted by: Caitlyn Reshaw and Sophia Fleischman -
Learning Showcase: "Prince" / Jessica Richens
We're back with our second learning the showcase class of 2023! Jessica Richens brings us an iconic jazz number to an impressive mix. Let's learn a small section of choreography as we break down the steps and technical elements to this combo. Remember to pay attention to the musicality and match...
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Jazz: "Showstopper" / Jessica Richens
Let's reach back to the early 2000's Showstopper! We'll engage our cores and do some floor work as we focus on staying on count and looking strong and confident. As always, go at your own pace and pay attention to the weight changes so you're prepared when the comb gets quick!
Level: Advanced
A... -
Jazz: "Lose Control" / Jessica Richens
Let's take it back with this throwback fast moving jazz combo! A quick tempo combination, Jessica breaks down the specific weight changes and details you need to hit and execute this combo correctly. One of the many is having to hold your core while seamlessly coming off the ground in 2 counts. ...
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Contemporary: "Birthday Cake" / Jessica Richens
Let's practice dynamics with an intermediate contemporary combo. An emotional track that will challenge us to navigate both the fast build and the slower storytelling aspects of the lyrics. A truly great combo for an online dance class. Jessica encourages you to take the class, then let it breat...
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Jazz: "Black Cat" / Jessica Richens
This jazz combo is very precise, so pay attention to the details to make it the best it can be! You want to stay in the pocket of the music, which means hitting and holding every position until the last second - especially in the beginning. As always, have fun, and maybe even wear that cute jazz ...
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Jazz: "Dirrty"/ Jessica Richens
Get ready for a fun jazz combo with dynamic elements and quick movement.
Level: Advanced
Assisted by: Evan Guinet, Kyleen MacCartie, Jenna Sousa -
Jazz: "Feedback"/ Jessica Richens
Jessica is so happy to be back with The Space TV with this advanced jazz combo! Today's combo is fast and detail oriented, but so much fun. Pay attention to the counts, plus the “and” counts, and remember you can always rewind, pause, and go at your own pace!
Level: Int/Adv.
Assisted by: Anika ... -
Jazz: "Walking Papers" / Jessica Richens
We are taking it back with classic jazz! Let your inner Broadway star shine and stay quick on your feet in this intermediate Jazz class.
Level: Intermediate
Your Instructor: Jessica Richens
Assisted by: Isabella Bruno and Reggie Valdez -
Intro to Lyrical: "Pirouettes & Leaps" / Jess & Lex - Ep07
In this class we talk about turned out pirouettes and right leg leaps! We also add on to our lyrical dance with our focus on getting better each week! We see you! We’ve tackled jazz turns before, and now we're transitioning to ballet/lyrical pirouettes. Keep that supporting leg strong as your ...
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Intro To Lyrical: "Lame Duck Back Attitude Jump" / Jess & Lex - Ep06
Up next, we'll work with Alexis on two new elements: the lame duck turn and the back attitude jump! Once you’re comfortable with those we’ll add onto the combo we’ve been working so hard on.
Your Instructors: Jessica Richens & Alexis Gilbert
https://www.thespace.tv/jessica-richens
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Intro To Lyrical "Floor Work" / Jess & Lex - Ep05
This class focuses on how to properly do floor work, plus we add onto our combo. Floor work is so much more than just rolling around on the floor; your core must be activated 24/7, upper body must stay tall, and your legs need to remain strong! Almost every lyrical dance incorporates floor work,...
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Intro To Lyrical "Fan Kicks & Drag Steps" Jess & Lex - Ep04
Part 4 of the Intro to Lyrical beginner series! This class will teach you two more eight counts for your lyrical combo while focusing on drag steps and fan kicks. Drag steps are very popular as transitions (or for travel steps), while fan kicks are more technical and require specific technique ...
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TRAILER: Beginner Series: "Intro To Lyrical" / Jess & Lex
This incredible beginner series teaches you everything you need to know about the lyrical! This first class is all about learning the true meaning of “lyrical” and taking you through everything you'll learn in the series. We’ll start with a warm up that offers the perfect combination of stretchin...
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Intro To Lyrical: "Arabesque & Attitudes" / Jess & Lex - Ep 03
It's episode 3 of Intro to Lyrical! In this class we'll continue our work on the combo, then learn how to properly execute arabesques and attitudes! You can use a ballet bar, a chair, or even a counter for these exercises. Make sure you’re using your turn out from the hips, your shoulders are p...
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Intro To Lyrical: "Soutenu Turn & Saut De Basque" / Jess & Lex - Ep02
Let’s learn a soutenu turn! Make sure to keep your inner thighs squeezed, and stay in high relevé to perfect it. You’ll also learn a saut de basque, which is very similar to a soutenu, but it's performed in the air and uses power from a plié. And finally, you'll get a chance to apply the techni...
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Intro To Lyrical: "Warm Up" / Jess and Lex - Ep01
This incredible 8 part beginner series teaches you everything you need to know about the lyrical! This first class is all about learning the true meaning of “lyrical” and taking you through everything you'll learn in the series. We’ll start with a warm up that offers the perfect combination of s...
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School's In: "Final Showcase" - Ep08
You've put in the work and learned the fundamentals of jazz, now it’s time to put it all to practice! We’ve created a super fun final showcase routine, combining all the elements you’ve learned ... and we've paired it all with sassy jazz movement! Get ready to have some fun and show off your impr...
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School's In "Beginner Jazz Leaps" - Ep06
Leaps are all about strength, flexibility, and, ultimately.. effort! We break down how to take off for a leap and how to land correctly. You'll learn how to passé jump, split leap, and even do a firebird! Don’t worry, it sounds a lot harder than it is. Get ready to FLY in today’s class!
Level: B... -
Jazz "Wind it Up" / Jessica Richens
This routine is super fun and flirty, while incorporating technique and intricate movement. With this throwback song we’ll start off super grounded and sharp, then you can add your own flare and style to make it your own!
Level: Int/Adv
Your Instructor: Jessica Richens
Music: "Wind it Up" Gwen ... -
School's In: Jazz Battements & Leg Holds - Ep04
Battements & leg holds are very popular elements in jazz! But it’s important to know that the height of the legs are not the most important part, it’s your technique that matters most! Once your technique is solid, you can start focusing on getting your legs more flexible. Learn to master these ...
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School's In: Arabesques & Penchés - Ep05
In this class let's focus on a very important jazz line: the arabesque! Then, we'll take it another step further and work on penchés. Don’t let penchés make you nervous, as we’ll go step by step to make sure you can execute them well. Be patient with yourself, these techniques can take time but w...
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School's In: Jazz Turns Part 2 - Ep03
A continuation of your turns class, let's take it a step further and learn how to pirouette, coupé turn, and pencil turn! It may feel like you have to remember a million things at once, but with enough practice, it’ll all be second nature! As always, expect a short combination at the end of clas...