Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Community Service
Training
Timeline
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Jaina Barden

Ithaca

Summary

Dedicated and versatile dancer with extensive experience in performance, instruction, and choreography across a broad range of styles. Committed to fostering artistic expression, inclusive dance education, and advancing dance pedagogy through professional certification and lifelong learning.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Dance Instructor

Academy of Performing Arts
01.2018 - 01.2024
  • Taught Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, ASL Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theater Jazz, and Choreography to diverse age groups and skill levels
  • Developed lesson plans integrating safe technique, musicality, and creative expression
  • Mentored pre-professional students and choreographed for recitals and community performances

Company Dancer

Michigan Ballet Academy
01.2016 - 01.2023
  • Performed in classical and contemporary ballet repertoire
  • Attended summer intensives annually (2016–2022)

Guest Artist

Deos Ballet
01.2016 - 01.2023
  • Performed contemporary ballet and original choreographic works

Academy of Performing Arts
01.2010 - 01.2022
  • Performed recital as well as community performance pieces in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, ASL Lyrical, Musical Theater Jazz, Modern, Choreography, Poms, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)

Grand Rapids Ballet Company
01.2012 - 01.2018
  • The Nutcracker (2012, 2018)

Highland Dancer

Mid-Michigan Highland Dance Academy
01.2007 - 01.2012

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Major

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
05.2026

Skills

  • Advanced Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Choreography & Creative Direction
  • Dance Curriculum Development
  • Student Mentorship
  • Performance & Rehearsal Etiquette
  • Strong Stage Presence & Adaptability

Certification

  • PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Certification – Expected September 7, 2025
  • Pointe Safe Certification – In Progress: August 6 – September 24, 2025

Community Service

LDS Service Mission, New York City, 2024-01, 2025-07, Served 18 months assisting and engaging with the Deaf community in NYC, Strengthened communication skills in ASL and cross-cultural outreach

Training

  • Genres Studied (2010 – Present):
  • Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, ASL Lyrical, Musical Theater Jazz, Modern, Choreography, Poms, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
  • Michigan Ballet Academy Intensives (2016 – 2022)
  • Hubbard Street Dance, Chicago – Master Classes
  • Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Chicago – Drop-in & Intensive Classes
  • Steps on Broadway, New York City – Open Classes

Timeline

Dance Instructor

Academy of Performing Arts
01.2018 - 01.2024

Company Dancer

Michigan Ballet Academy
01.2016 - 01.2023

Guest Artist

Deos Ballet
01.2016 - 01.2023

Grand Rapids Ballet Company
01.2012 - 01.2018

Academy of Performing Arts
01.2010 - 01.2022

Highland Dancer

Mid-Michigan Highland Dance Academy
01.2007 - 01.2012

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Major

Central Michigan University

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