Learn more about returning company dancer Jessica Conniff!
By Cindy Case
Company dancer Jessica Conniff joined San Diego Ballet last season, and her beautiful lines and extension are quickly becoming familiar to our audiences. Born in Staten Island, New York, Jessica began dancing at the age of 3. After several summers dancing at the American Ballet Theatre intensive on full scholarship, in 2013 she joined their Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School under the direction of Franco DeVita. She signed a contract with Houston Ballet II in 2016, touring the country and performing corps de ballet roles with the main company during her time there. After a year at Charleston City Ballet, Jessica began dancing with SDB. She has previously performed works by George Balanchine, John Neumeier, Marius Petipa, Alexei Ratmansky, Ethan Stiefel, and Stanton Welch AM.
When and how did you decide you wanted to be a professional dancer?
My sister wanted to join a classical ballet school but I was unsure if I was interested. I tried a class and was hooked right away. I knew after a few years, once I found out I could pursue this as a career, that I wanted to try my best in order to get where I am today!
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Photo Credit: Danel Photography
One thing most people don’t know about me is my passion besides ballet. After I retire from dancing I will dive in to my other favorite thing, weddings! I am currently a part of an events team and organize and manage all types of events like weddings and festivals! Once I can’t dance anymore, I will become a full-time wedding planner!
What show are you most looking forward to performing this season?
I’m looking forward to Giselle this season because it is one full length ballet I have never performed. We are also performing in a theatre downtown that we have never used! This performance will be all new choreography and I’m excited to see the twist that Javier will put on the classic steps!
Keep your eyes open for more dancer spotlights later in the season. If you’d like to catch Jessica and the rest of the company in San Diego Ballet’s next production, tickets are available now for The Nutcracker!