FACULTY

Jessica  Featherson is a multi-hyphenate creative with a background in dance, fitness, and culinary arts among other mediums. She studied dance and interdisciplinary art making at Rutgers University where she received her masters degree in fine arts. Additionally, she received her Health Coach certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition focusing on a holistic and intuitive approach towards wellness. Jessica has had extensive study and practice with the contemporary African dance technique, Umfundalai and is a certified professional instructor. She performed with Kariamu & Company: Traditions for several seasons under the tutelage of mentor and progenitor Dr. Kariamu Welsh and Dr. Kemal Nance. She has trained with the Philadelphia Dance Company (Phildanco!) working closely with Kim Bears Bailey and training with dance masters such as Pat Thomas, Milton Myers, and Delores Brown, among many others. Jessica has performed with NYC based companies, Laurie M. Taylor/Soul Movement and Eryc Taylor Dance at festivals such as Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out, Harlem Stage E-moves, and the International Festival Avante Garde in Merida, Mexico. Most recently, she has worked with Washington, DC based choreographer Ronya-Lee Anderson in her latest iteration of Black Madonna & Miss Amerika.  She was a featured choreographer in the production MANIFEST as part of the Kennedy Center’s Social Impact Series in partnership with Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center. Her interest in arts management landed her a position with the New York Dance and Performance Awards aka The Bessie's, where she served as Assistant to Senior Staff. She is an original cast member of the theatrical production, The Clothesline Muse, a collaboration with Dr. Kariamu Welsh, Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, and visual artist Maya Freelon. Jessica has studied abroad in Mexico and Brazil, and is especially focused on the relationship between music and dance in specific cultural regions. She has also traveled to Havana, Cuba with choreographer Ronald K. Brown to study folkloric and contemporary dance under the auspices of the Joyce Theater Foundation travel program. Jessica has been on faculty at Ballet Hispanico's School of Dance, Rutgers University, Richard Wright Schools, and currently serves as adjunct dance faculty at American University and Prince George’s County Community College.