Swing Dance Instructor • Performer • Community Builder

Jenn Lee Balboa Headshot

Jenn Lee (She/her) is an internationally recognized swing dance instructor and performer whose dynamic presence and deep musicality have made her a beloved figure in the global jazz dance community. With nearly two decades of experience, Jenn has developed a distinctive style grounded in rhythm, creativity, and a profound respect for the Black American roots of swing dance.

As a professional follow without a fixed partner, Jenn has cultivated a remarkable versatility, adapting fluidly to diverse teaching collaborations and social dance settings. Her improvisational skill and expressive clarity have earned her top placements at major international competitions, including The Snowball, California Balboa Classic, Swing Paradise, and The Great Lakes Balboa Escape, across Balboa, Lindy Hop, and Collegiate Shag.

Jenn’s teaching approach centers on musical connection, partner responsiveness, and equal agency for both leads and follows. She is known for her ability to break down complex rhythm structures and help students of all levels access their own artistic voice. Her workshops often explore themes reflecting her belief that dance is not just about steps but about listening, trust, and presence.

In addition to teaching and performing, Jenn is an award-winning dance filmmaker. Her film One Girl and Two Boys was a featured winner at the Jazz Dance Film Festival, showcasing her commitment to storytelling and movement beyond the classroom and social floor.

Jenn is a frequent collaborator with musicians, percussionists, and dance educators around the world, crafting interdisciplinary classes that allow dancers to feel rhythm through both body and sound. Her classes have been featured in festivals throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and she continues to advocate for diversity, visibility, and intergenerational inclusion in swing dance spaces.

With every class, performance, or conversation, Jenn invites dancers to connect more deeply—with the music, their partners, and themselves.