Studio History

Miss Jeannette began her teaching career in 1983 at Houston Playground. For 5 years she built the program from 45 to 150 students and feeling a little cramped ( the playground only had one room) and desiring a more professional enviroment for her students, Miss Jeannette decided to open her own studio.

In September of 1988, Jeannette's School of Dance officially opened it's door at 6179 Ridge Ave. with one room and one teacher.Over the next fifteen years, the studio grew and flourished forcing the studio to change locations 2 times. The studio is now located at 536 Green Lane in Philadelphia and has grown to include 4 faculty members,two studios ( one with a sprung floor), two waiting room areas and a parking lot adjacent to the school.The curriculum now covers a full spectrum from Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop & Lyrical accomadating children age 2 through adult.

JSD is a Philadelphia Dance School serving both the Philadelphia and Montgomery County area since 1988 and has produced many talented ,award winning dancers and teachers. It is our goal to provide our students with an enviroment where they can enjoy dance while learning proper technique, developing poise, confidence, coordination and rhythm. We work hard to provide a quality dance education for all ages.

All teachers at JSD have had the Pennsylvania State issued Child Abuse and Criminal record Checks completed. Copies of the records are available upon request.

 Thank you for your interest in our studio. We look forward to extending our family of dancers to include you. 

Jeannette Rawling-Julia

 Miss Jeannette began her dance training at St. Lucy's School at the age of 5 years. Mrs. R ( Jeannette's mom) realizing that her daughter loved dance decided to enroll her in a local dance school - Dancing with Joy. For 7 years she trained under Joy Young studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Pointe as well as attending Jean Williams School of Ballet in Germantown. 

In 1980, Miss Jeannette was one of 25 students to be accepted into the High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia as a dance major. During the next four years she studied with many guest artists at school such as Al Gilbert and attended Civic Ballet and University of the Arts. Miss Jeannette began her teaching career her junior year of high school at Houston Playground in Andorra.

After graduating from CAPA in 1984, Miss Jeannette choose to further her teaching career by freelancing at dance schools as well as teaching for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia School Music/Dance Program. Juggling her busy teaching schedule she decided to audition for a small show in Philadelphia. Miss Jeannette was one of 125 people chosen to perform with Maurice & Gregory Hines in " Two Bit at The Hot Cha". During this time Miss Jeannette studied at Jazz Dance Center and with Gregory Hines, Maurice Hines, Mercedes Ellington & Sandman Sims.

Miss Jeannette has also choreograghed shows for McDonald's fashion show to benefit the children's Seashore House, the Episcopal Academy Players,Creative and Performing Arts & various Mummer's Brigades and String Bands. She has been a judge for Performance Plus Dance Competition and is Certified through Dance Educators of America. Miss Jeannette is also a certified Zumba instructor.

Presently Miss Jeannette teaches at her school as well as St. Francis Xavier and Greene Street Friends School.  She also teaches a 3 week course at the Summer Institute for the Gifted, Bryn Mawr Campus and choreographs for the Downtowners Brigade.

 Miss Brandi began her dance training at the age of 2 at Houston Playground then Jeannette's School of Dance under the direction of Miss Jeannette. Her dance education included lessons in Ballet, Tap, Jazz,and Pointe, Modern,Hip Hop and Lyrical. In 1991, Miss Brandi broadened her dance training by attending Pennsylvania Ballet. She performed in both the annual perfromance of the Nutcracker for 4 years and Coppelia in the Spring of 1992 at the Academy of Music. 

 Miss Brandi is a 2000 graduate of the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts with a diploma in dance. She performed in high school Christmas and Spring concerts as well as the annual Jeannette's School of Dance recital.Miss Brandi also participated in the Boscov's Thanksgiving Day parade for 4 years.

 Miss Brandi has competed in many local, state & National competitions winning first or second place in all entered. For 3 years she held the First Place National title for Performance Plus Dance Competition and Second Place regional title for Showbiz Talent Competition.

Presently, Miss Brandi is on staff at JSD where she teaches and is Director of our outside Day Care Dance Program. She is also the Assistant director at Episcopal Academy Day Camp. She is also a dancer with since the age of 8 and the Assistant choreographer for the Golden Crown Fancy Brigade.

Miss Caroline is no stranger to Jeannette's School of Dance. She began dancing at the age of 3 with Miss Jeannette at Houston Playground and Jeannette's School of Dance. Miss Caroline has studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe & Hip Hop.

She has participated in various performances for the City of Philadelphia Recreational Centers and local community events such as the Canal Day Parade, Memorial Day Parade, Miss Manayunk Pageant and several Gorgas Park Functions. Miss Caroline has also competed in local, state and National Competition with Performance Plus Dance Competition and Showbiz National Talent Competition. She had the elite honor of recieving First Place Performance, Perfect Score and High Score trophies along with 11 other girls in a National Competition.

Presently, Miss Caroline, a banker by trade, continues her studies in dance and teaches an Advanced Tap & Jazz class at Jeannette's School of Dance. She also performs and assists with the Golden Crown Fancy Brigade.

 Our Student Teacher/Aide Program was developed to provide an apprentice program to those who are interested in furthering their careers in Dance Education. Acceptance in this program is based on dedication to dance, age and one’s natural ability to nurture children of all ages. Student teachers/aides are compensated for all classes taught by recieving discounted tution. They are commended for their hard work and dedication, and are an inspiration to our younger students. Thank you for making our job a little easier!!

Student Teachers

 Gina Caracappa, Megan Murphy, Ashley Taylor, Gina Caracappa, Erin Carney, Amanda Edling & Kristen Gravinese

Student Aides

Alissa Malandro, Casey Carney, Allison Boyle, Brenna Carney & McKenzy Nocito