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Excellence and Expertise

Former Bengals cheerleader turned choreographer inspires Miami University Students in Jazz dance

The class allowed students to delve into the intricacies of jazz dance while drawing from Harris's unique background.

Excellence and Expertise

Former Bengals cheerleader turned choreographer inspires Miami University Students in Jazz dance

Jessica Harris, a seasoned choreographer and former Bengals cheerleader, brought a wave of inspiration to Miami University during a vibrant jazz dance class. Hailing from Neptune, New Jersey, Harris boasts over two decades of dance training across various styles. Her journey in dance has seen her on the stages of acclaimed television shows like ABC's "The Apprentice," "Good Morning America," CBS Sports, and ESPN.

The class, which resonated with the energy of her diverse experiences, allowed students to delve into the intricacies of jazz dance while drawing from Harris's unique background. Leveraging her tenure as a Bengals cheerleader, she infused the course with a blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes, creating a dynamic learning atmosphere.

Her impressive portfolio includes choreography in jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance, showcased across multiple professional sports arenas nationwide. Notably, Harris has lent her creative talents to NFL and NBA dance teams, such as the Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleaders, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders, and the Charlotte Hornet "HoneyBees," among others.

Moreover, Harris has left a mark in the performing arts realm by contributing her choreography to various organizations, including the "Lachey Arts", the "Exhale Dance Tribe", and collaborating with recording artists like "JPOLND" and "7Hills Worship."

Her accolades and international recognition further underscore her contribution to the field, with her hip hop choreography earning the gold medal at the World Dance Championships in 2018. Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in Journalism and Media Studies, where she was a four-year member and captain of the nationally renowned Rutgers University Dance Team.

Presently, Harris shares her passion for movement through teaching classes and workshops. Her commitment to dance resonates deeply, as she continues to embrace each opportunity to connect with others through the power of movement.

The Intermediate Jazz course at Miami University served as a testament to Jessica Harris's unwavering dedication to her craft, leaving an impact on aspiring dancers and embodying the spirit of passion and creativity within the dance field.