#MeetTheArtistMonday | Meet Jessica

Jessica Markiewicz began dancing at a young age and has trained in a variety of ballet techniques including Cecchetti and Vaganova. She graduated with a B.A. in Dance from Goucher College, and also has an M.A. in Dance Education with a concentration in Ballet Pedagogy from New York University. Jessica enjoys performing contemporary roles and is the director of the dance program at Arundel High School, and currently teaches dance and yoga in AACPS.

Zodiac

Sagittarius/Capricorn--I'm on the cusp.

Favorite Food

Macaroni & Cheese

Favorite Color

Yellow!

Favorite Book

The Harry Potter Series

Favorite Movie

Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley

Inspirational Quote

"shut up and get better"

Favorite Music/Artist/Band/Genre

Lady Gaga

Favorite Place to Be

Home

If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be?

Ankylosaurus-- they're built like a tank!

Do you have any pets?

2 cats: Albus and Zelda. Albus enjoys destroying houseplants and destroying the house at 3am. Zelda is a perfect angel baby and is pretty and likes brushes and catnip.

Tell us about your dance background and training.

My early training was in Cecchetti and Vaganova. In college I did a lot of Balanchine.

What genre of dance is your favorite? Why?

Contemporary or Jazz-- I feel like I can just move and I don't have to worry about exactitude

What's your favorite full length ballet/performance/variation? Why?

Full length-- Swan Lake or Giselle

Variation- Grand pas Classique or Flames of Paris

Choreographic works: In the Middle Somewhat Elevated OR In the Upper Room

Why do you dance?

I regularly ask myself this question, especially as I get older. I don't have an answer, but I also feel like something important would be missing from my life if I didn't dance.

If you wear pointe shoes, what kind do you wear?

Gaynor Minden

What other jobs/activities/talents/passions do you pursue?

I enjoy making cocktails, hiking, crocheting/knitting, yoga, volunteering, birdwatching. I am very nerdy about anatomy. I have a bunch of houseplants. My life goal is to visit every one of the National Park Units before I die.

What are you looking forward to this season with Ballet Embody?

Reviving past work (with hopefully more artistic depth) and learning new stuff. Dancing with my friends.

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