Five Fun Facts about Ms. Jessica

Before we say goodbye to our September "Someone you Should Know" star we have to dish out five random, entertaining, never-would-have-guessed facts about Ms. Jessica!

Five Fun Facts you Don't Know about Ms. Jessica



1. She's a sucker for McDonald's caramel sundaes.

2. She loves paying for one movie but sneaking in another- double feature!

3. Trying on super cute, expensive clothing is one of her favorite pasttimes-

 but actually buying them is not.

4. She is a HUGE Packers fan! Uh oh- watch out Bears fans!

5. Social media is not her thing, so don't bother stalking!

Ms. Jessica's Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili

Here's our September "Someone you Should Know" star, Ms. Jessica Hallam, dishing on one of her favorite recipes!

Vegetarian 3 Bean Chili

Sautee 2 cloves of garlic in Olive Oil
Add 1/2 Red Pepper, 1/2 Green pepper and 1/2 vidalia onion all chopped until softened
Add 28 oz can of San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes
Add 14 oz can each of Black Beans, Chili beans, Red Kidney Beans (drain kidney beans and black)
Add 14 oz can of sweet kernel corn, drained
Add 3 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
Add Chili Powder to you desired heat
Add dash of kosher salt and pepper
Add a pinch of sugar to ease the acidity.

Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes!
Top with sour cream & cheddar cheese.

Yummy!

Try out her recipe and post a review of what you think on our blog and Facebook!

Bring a Friend Week

This upcoming week is one of our favorite weeks at the studio: Bring a Friend Week! Dancers can take any of their friends to their class, no prior dance experience is necessary. Also if your friend wants to take a particular class that you are not enrolled in, you can both attend that class to try it out and see how you like it! The only exception to "Bring a Friend Week" is that your friend cannot already enrolled in classes at The Dance Workshop!

So dancers come out this week with your friends and share the love of dance! We can't wait to meet your friends!

Someone you Should Know: Jessica Hallam

The Dance Workshop Presents

"Someone you Should Know"

Jessica Hallam

Dance Workshop Ensemble Director & Dance Instructor



Jessica Hallam pictured with her summer pointe girls.

Jessica's Mission Statement

“I don’t want to be the teacher who just teaches steps. I want to teach the children musicality, expression, things that will make them feel uncomfortable but help them ultimately become more confident.”

A 32 year veteran in the dance world, Jessica Hallam is no stranger to hard work, dedication, and freedom of expression. As a current instructor at The Dance Workshop and Intuit Dance, Jessica specializes in ballet, jazz, and lyrical. She even runs the Oak Park River Forest drill team summer camp!

"The biggest gift of teaching is connecting with my students and developing their skill and expression."

 A true Madonna story- Jessica embarked on her dancing journey by driving cross country with almost no money in her pocket from job to job. Her perseverance paid off and you may have seen Jessica in music videos, television commercials, or performing alongside Christina Aguilera, Julie Andrews, or Elton John.  A fan of the live stage, she has done shows in Disney World, Disney Land, Atlantic City, Cirque De Soleil, and with Royal Caribbean cruise line.  Currently Jessica still professionally performs with Stage Factor and Impulse Talent. 

BESIDES DANCING?

* Jessica loves cooking, especially chicken parmesan & butternut squash soup!

* Traveling is one of her favorite pasttimes- especially in Italy and Bali!

Classes start this week!

Hello dancers and families!

Just wanted to send out a friendly reminder that dance classes begin tomorrow: Tuesday, September 6th. We hope you have all enjoyed your summer and are excited to get back in the studio! We are ready for another great year and hope you all are as well. If you have not completed registration yet please do so ASAP so you can reserve your spot for this year in your favorite classes. Also, if you are interested in always trying a particular class use our first session to test the waters! Rest up and get ready for your first week back to classes!

We look forward to seeing you!