— Faculty Profile —
Keep on Dancing: Jeanette Jacobson
by Sarah Fulton ’09

Jeanette Jacobson is one of The Storm King School’s senior and most beloved faculty members, having started at the School 12 years ago as a dance instructor. Hailing from New Windsor, New York, only 10 minutes from campus, Mrs. Jacobson began her life-long journey with dance at the age of three. Her parents put her in tap and ballet classes because she was always dancing and singing around the house. Once she started formal classes, she could be found practicing her dances at grocery stores, restaurants, and playgrounds; performing for whomever would watch! Today, she remains dedicated to sharing her experience, her passion for dance, and excellent choreography with Storm King students.

Q: What was your life in dance leading up to SKS?

“I auditioned and was accepted into several different college dance programs. I chose Manhattanville College in Westchester County, New York, because they offered a variety of dance styles, while a lot of other programs were just focused on modern and ballet. My degree is in Dance and Theatre with a concentration in Dance. I also have a minor in English with a concentration in Creative and Professional Writing. This allowed me to take dance classes in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary, Afro-Caribbean, Flamenco, and Irish while also taking acting, singing, directing, lighting design, set design, and sound design classes. 

I was a member of the competitive Dance Troupe for all four years and a captain for two, performed in the school’s Shakespeare productions and musicals, performed in eight dance concerts, and choreographed for two of them.

Since I wasn’t too far from home during my sophomore year of college, I started teaching at a local dance studio, Footworks Dance Center, in New Windsor. Being able to teach dance throughout my college years was such a great experience. 

Manhattanville College is also where I met my husband, Kevin Jacobson. Kevin also works at Storm King, and while some people may think it is hard to work with your spouse, we love it! We are in agreement that Storm King reminds us of our college experience–a small, diverse school with a strong sense of community. This is one of the reasons we love it here so much! 

Throughout my professional career in dance, I performed with Mooney Cooley Dance Company for four years, and I worked with amazing choreographers such as Bill Hastings, Keith Saunders, Peter Pucci, Hannah Fox, Darrah Carr, Claire Porter, Valerie Pulman, Ara Fitzgerald, Andrei Kisselev, Stephanie Larriere, Bonnie Walker, and Doug Elkins.”

Q: What are some of your best memories at Storm King so far?

“In my 12 years at SKS, I have had a lot of favorite moments. The obvious ones are the dance recitals where I get to highlight students who have never danced before and the ones who have been dancing since they could walk; each receiving wonderful applause and support from the audience. I enjoy the late night rehearsals leading up to the show, when no one is in the audience, yet after each dance there are still loud cheers from their fellow dancers. I think that speaks to the community that is built in dance class. The dancers support each other and want to see their classmates succeed. 

Each year, I choreograph our musical. Some of the best moments are found during the final performances. The audience is always delighted and sometimes surprised by how talented the students are. What the audience doesn’t get to see are the tears and hugs after the last performance. Every year the students are sad the show is over, but they are proud and happy about what they have accomplished. Again, the community that is built over the weeks of rehearsals and preparation for the show is such a wonderful thing to be a part of.

One of my favorite events at Storm King, that has nothing to do with dance or theater, is Senior Service. Giving all of our graduating seniors the opportunity to speak to their classmates, parents, and faculty is such a beautiful thing. Every year I laugh and cry listening to the seniors talk about how much Storm King means to them and thanking their families, friends and teachers for helping them along the way. This night, every year, reminds me why I went into teaching, it shows me why I am happy to be a member of the Storm King community, and it gets me excited for the following school year.”

Q: Are there any personal milestones you would like to share?

“Since joining Storm King in 2011, I got engaged, married, and had my two children, Tyler and Billy. I am so thankful to be able to go to work in such a beautiful, supportive environment. I love my job at The Storm King School and have the ability to pass on my passion to students every day.  It is truly a dream come true.”