MEET THE DIRECTOR
Chrissie Leech is the proud director of Jenkintown Dance Arts. She is a long-time borough resident and is fully committed to enhancing the performing arts in Jenkintown. Her many dance experiences have helped her develop her own teaching style which combines excellent technical training with a passion for performance.
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Chrissie has more than twenty years of teaching experience in a variety of settings, including dance studios, public schools, university projects and community programs. She had the privilege of teaching at The University of the Arts Summer program. Chrissie has also choreographed multiple children’s ballets including, The Little Mermaid, Alice and Wonderland, Snow White and Cinderella.
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In 2000, Chrissie graduated with honors from The University of the Arts with a BFA in modern dance. At graduation she was awarded two prestigious awards, outstanding performance in modern dance and the choreography prize. She also trained at the Virginia School of the Arts, The Graham School and for 3 consecutive summers at Bates Dance Festival. Chrissie is trained in a variety of styles and techniques including ballet, the modern techniques of Graham, Horton and Limon, Jazz, Tap, Contact Improvisation and Trapeze. She is also an OM yoga certified instructor.
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As a performer, Chrissie danced for five seasons as a featured performer with Erica Essner Performance Co-op in NYC. She has performed at such notable venues as Joyce Soho, Judson Church, Bryant Park and multiple performances at the Philly Fringe Festival including performances with Brian Sanders’ JUNK. Additionally, her life as a dancer has lead her abroad to London and Paris and her choreography has been performed at various venues throughout New York and Philadelphia. In 2014, Chrissie created Jenkintown Dance Company, a site-specific dance company that performs in the borough of Jenkintown. To date, JDC has created 3 evening length performance experiences: HOME performed in a row house on Leedom Street, Soar performed on the grounds of The Church of Our Saviour, and GLASS HOUSE performed at Jenkintown Dance Arts. Jenkintown Dance Company’s performances have been described as “dramatic, moving and well choreographed.”
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Miss Chrissie hopes to instill a passion for the performing arts and nurture the development of each student in an inspiring environment. She hopes to continue to touch lives with the beautiful art form of dance.
