Guest choreographer, Jane Barnes, teaches vintage jazz

Jane Xavier Barnes

Jane Barnes joins College Prep as part of the rotating guest choreographer program. She is working with the advanced dance class teaching them a vintage jazz dance from the swing dance vernacular. She is also the choreographer who taught the Lindy Hop aerial partner dances that students and audiences alike have so enjoyed both learning and watching in the past. Perhaps you remember Jump Jiven Wail! from the dance show last spring. This year she has also offered to teach two different Intraterm classes, Swing It Baby!  and Dancing With The Stars- Ballroom Dance Teaser, so that more students will have the benefit of working with this incredible dancer/teacher/ and choreographer. College Prep is thrilled to have her working with us again.

Jane Xavier Barnes began her lifelong love of dance as soon as she could walk to a beat. Her earliest training at age 4 began with jazz, ballet and tap and several musical instruments. Today, Jane is an accomplished dance teacher, choreographer, and performer in Lindy Hop, Balboa, Jazz, Tap, Vintage Partner Dances and Theatre Arts.

Jane has taught extensively in high schools, nightclubs and ballrooms. In 1999-2003 she taught, trained and managed "The Subway Express," a troupe of teen Lindy Hop dancers, many of whom placed high in the Junior Lindy Hop Division of the US Swing Open and continued to win national and world competitions. Her former students still travel the world performing, teaching and competing today. She choreographs for the Deco Bells, a group of young women who perform vintage showgirl-type routines for the Art Deco Society of Northern California. Her daughter is Miss Junior Art Deco.

Jane has been active in the performing arts since her early years and earned a Bachelors Degree in Dramatic Arts at Mills College. She frequently performs as a dancer, actress and singer in professional, community and corporate venues throughout the West Coast. Jane Barnes is also a couture and clothing designer of high reputation and a licensed hairstylist specializing in color, everyday cuts and special occasion vintage looks.

Wherever she goes, Jane brings her infectious enthusiasm and sheer joy of dance to delight and inspire her students and audiences.

JUST SWING! Lindy Hop Classes & Swing Dance Party on Saturday Nights with Jane Xavier Barnes and Jeff Kroll at Just Dance Ballroom 2500 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606 510.436.9888.