Jessica has been seen in many shows on the Great White Way but is best known for her portrayal of the roles of Val & Cassie in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line, in which she made her Broadway debut at the age of 19. She was also featured in the documentary film “Every Little Step” about the casting & creation of the show. Jessica is a true triple threat & has already made her mark in NY as one of the best dancers in the industry.
AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND?
Full out. If I do something, I do it with everything I’ve got & with all of my heart. I hope to inspire. To take risks, be bold & brave.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I’m originally from Parsippany, NJ.
WHAT STYLE OF DANCE DO YOU LOVE AT THE MOMENT?
I have always considered myself an actor who dances. I believe in storytelling through movement. With my training in gymnastics and ballet, I thrive when I’m working hard and my skill set is most utilized in pieces that require a good deal of strength and endurance. Conveying passion and freedom through grounded reckless abandon in pieces like the great Michael Bennett’s “Music & The Mirror” or “Turkey Lurkey Time”, will always be my favorite.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
I was 10 when I saw my first Broadway show, Chicago. I saw Bebe Neuwirth as Velma and from that moment on I was hooked. Bob Fosse’s work is beyond inspiring and was the reason I fell in love with Musical Theatre. I was 17 when I landed my first big job which was the national and international tour of the show “Fosse” Dancing his brilliance for that year solidified my decision to persue a career in theatre. The discipline, the control and technique required to truly grasp such movement always keeps me striving to be a better dancer. Having a work horse mentality, I love the time, rehearsal and repetition it takes to perfect his choreography. It will always be my favorite style to dance and because I love to sweat and the phrase “again”, it will forever keep me coming back for more.
WHAT DOES DANCE MEAN TO YOU?
Dance has been my life. I started dancing when I was three. Right away it felt as natural to me as breathing. Dance is and always has been the gift I’ve been given to best express myself. Whatever I feel, I can never convey it more clearly than when I dance it. It’s the thing that makes me feel most alive and free.
WHEN IT COMES TO TEACHING DANCE, WHAT STYLE OF DANCE ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN TEACHING?
I’ve been teaching dance for almost 20 years now. I love being able to to pass on the joy of dance to the next generation & sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through years in the business. I enjoy teaching theatre jazz mostly, through private lessons & masterclasses but my heart will always be with the little ones. There’s something about teaching three and four-year-olds in their first ballet class and watching them fall in love with dance that is just magic.
HOW IMPORTANT IS PERSONAL BRANDING AND WHAT DO YOU DO TO GROW YOUR PERSONAL BRAND?
Clearly outlining who I am, what I stand for and what I can do is very important in my line of work. Using Social Media to share photos & videos is a great tool. It keeps me in the loop of what’s happening in the Broadway community & let’s my fans & followers in on what I’m up to personally & what’s next for me professionally.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
I’ve been drug and alcohol-free for almost 8 years now. Making the decision to get sober at the age of 27 was the best thing I ever did. It is my greatest success and the accomplishment I am most proud of. Sobriety has given me a life that I could only ever dream of. Without this life of gratitude and incredible support system that helped get me here, I would not be where I am today. It’s not easy but it’s worth it.. & it just keeps getting better. I hope sharing this helps anyone who is struggling. To anyone who has lost hope.. IT IS POSSIBLE! One day at a time. I love you & believe in you.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
Instagram @jessicaleegoldyn
