Testimonials
Over fifteen years ago, my mom heard great things about this young choreographer who drew something special out of Santa Barbara theater kids. Intrigued and encouraged by a network of proud and passionate families, she enrolled me in a production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I was hooked. As with most preteens, being flexible, strong, and dynamic in your words and movements is a rare set of skills. Starting with an educational foundation of stretching, dynamic workouts, and intensely technical dance routines, I not only became a better performer, but a better student, a better athlete, and a better friend. As the years progressed, I felt like Jess never left my side- I saw her after school as a choreographer for middle and high school musicals, on Friday nights when she coached the cheer/dance team (and while I was in the stands, she always made sure I had a safe ride home), and on those days where students just needed a moment to breathe, she had an office on campus that we could step into. Not to mention when year after year, she’d spearhead hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to make sure other kids got the same experiences: to be athletic, flexible, and strong in their academic and physical lives. There’s no one I would recommend more.
— Jack B, Don't Break the Rules from Catch Me if You Can 2019
Jess has an incredible ability to make exercise and improving your health a refreshing and enjoyable experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with her since high school, and the benefits have stayed with me throughout my life. Jess was the dance instructor for many of the plays I was involved in, both in and out of school, and for most of us, her classes were the highlight of our day!
Our classes brought together a variety of students with different levels of experience and abilities. Some had worked with Jess for years and were already highly fit and skilled dancers, while others, like me, were as new to dance as you can imagine. Jess had this remarkable way of bringing us all together. In less than an hour, she led us through warm-ups, stretching, general physical education, and choreography, making the most of every minute. Her approach is both structured and fun, allowing us to work hard while still enjoying the process.
Even after high school, Jess continued to be a guiding force in my health journey. Whether it was yoga, spin, or Pilates, she always found ways to keep me active and motivated. Her dedication and passion for her students is unmatched, and I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned from her.
-Ricardo L, Student since 2014
With over twenty years of experience working with young people, Jess has an exceptional ability to connect with individuals of all ages. She possesses a deep mastery of the human body, coupled with an incredible intuition for the needs of those she works with. While teaching choreography, Jess goes above and beyond—she educates her students about the complexities of how their bodies function, leaving them with a greater understanding of how to care for both body and mind. On top of this, she is a brilliant artist who raises the level of any production or project she works on. It has been an honor to share leadership with her in our various roles, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Those fortunate enough to work with her will find themselves incredibly lucky to collaborate with such a remarkable individual.
— Riley Berris, M.Ed Specialty Arts Teacher LAUSD
I have been a dance, theatre and movement professional in the Southern California area since the early 80s. I have worked extensively with Jessica Ballonoff, as a contemporary, a student, mentor and as a friend. I have handed her students who needed something different, referred her to choreograph and teach, run auditions, all ages, all levels. As a professional, she is the one who can either “do it all” or will truly research and figure it all out. Jess and I have literally been on this path together since she was a child, and I am not really surprised at the level of accomplishment that she has developed since she left for college nearly 20 years ago. She is an “out of the box” kind of thinker and she just goes for it when she is doing something she loves.
If you found Groove or Jess in your search to move or improve, you could not have found a better place to be. As a teacher, you can trust her to care for your body’s personal needs and where you would like to go with it. She has at this point, a rather impressive “bag of tricks” with bodies in space. Strength building, flexibility, whatever your needs are, she can be there for you. And it will always be pleasant because to her core, she brings that. Always has. May this be a great new beginning for you and your body. Blessings!!
-Steven Lovelace, SB Dance Legend