Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Judith James Ries - Season 8, Episode 109

Judith James Ries grew up in Wales Great Britain and was 4 when she started dancing at the Royal Academy of Dance. After moving to Minnesota with her family she continued training at Larkin Dance Studio.After choosing a business degree at the University of Minnesota, she made her way back to dance when she joined the Zenon Scholarship program where she met Danny Buraczeski.Judith spent ten years performing and touring nationally with JAZZDANCE! as soloist, principle dancer and company member - one of the best jobs ever! After leaving in 2002 to start a family Judith started her teaching career which lead her to Four Seasons Dance, Shattuck/St. Mary’s, University of Minnesota, Gustavus, Adolphus College, Hamline University, Concordia University and Macalester College.As a Choreographer, her work has been produced by Zenon Dance Company, Hamline University Dance Ensemble, and Eclectic Edge Ensemble. As Movement Coach her work has been seen at Park Square Theater and the Phipps Center for the Arts.She joined the teaching staff of St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in 2009 and has taught Jazz Dance, Jazz History, Jazz Improvisation, Social Dance, Choreography, Musical Theater Repertory and Directing in the Dance and Musical Theater departments. She is currently the Co-Chair of the Musical Theater department and is an Administrative Assistant to the Arts and Academic staff.