Jen Barnett

Teaches at You Should Be Dancing

Known for bringing a little math and science into the ballroom (don’t worry, just a little), Jen Barnett specializes in Balboa, the swing-era partner dance that combines the technique and finesse of ballroom with the energy and spirit of swing.

Jen began tap dancing in pre-school and continued dancing and later teaching through high school. After putting aside dance to focus on chemistry in college, Jen was happy to return to dance during graduate school – this time the partnered swing dances of Lindy Hop, Balboa and Charleston. During that time, Jen began teaching and promoting, running beloved Philly events such as the Saturday Night Fish Fry and Bal Jam ’08.

Jen competes in Balboa on the international stage, having won the All Balboa Weekend J&J three times. She has also won the Canadian Balboa Championships, Favorite Social Follow (Bal Jam ’07), and various strictly competitions at events such as the Eastern Balboa Championships and the Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout. In addition to competing, Jen also enjoys performing. (What can you say? She’s an only child.) Jen’s favorite performance was smack dab in the middle of the Museum of Natural History, right under the giant blue whale.

As a teacher, she tries to balance her high expectations with lots of love, humor, and support for her students. Never forgetting to address both follows and leads, Jen blends technical presentation with the musicality and spirit that make swing dancing so enjoyable.