Meet IGNITE'S Guest Artists
Jessica Wellington
Jessica Wellington is a passionate, reputable dance
educator with 23 years of experience. She grew up
dancing in Warren, Ohio where she trained extensively in
Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro, and
Musical Theater. As a competitor, Jessica was recognized
in Dance Spirit magazine for being the first ever recipient
of The Future Star Award, she won scholarships to Edge
Performing Arts Center (LA), Broadway Dance Center
(NYC), and Steps on Broadway (NYC), held many titles
throughout the years, and attended Dance Masters of
America’s Teachers Training School in Buffalo, New York.
She earned her minor in dance from The University of
Akron where she was a principal dancer in their
company. Jessica is the Founder and Owner/Artistic
Director of The Pennsylvania Dance Company in Sharon,
Pennsylvania, holds several dance certifications including
Acrobatic Arts and Youth Protection Association for
Dance, and is on the faculty at Firewall Dance Theater in
Pittsburgh, PA. She is an adjudicator for StarQuest
International Dance Competition, and her choreography
credits include competition and collegiate dance as well
as regional theater, and is nationally recognized for being
outstanding, innovative, and stylistic. Most recently,
Jessica co-founded Livington Books, and her first book,
Livington’s Ballet Dictionary for Children is now available
online through Amazon, Target, and Barnes and Noble.
Stephanie Brooks Martin
Stephanie Brooks Martin is a performer, teaching artist, choreographer, and Pilates instructor. National Tours: White Christmas, 42nd Street, Mamma Mia!; the equestrian show, Apassionata; USA and European tour with Ad Deum Dance Company. Regional productions: Swing!, Mary Poppins, Chicago. Commercials: Zips Dry Cleaning and Major Lazer’s “Lay Your Head on Me” music video. TV: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”. She received a BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona. Stephanie had the honor of restaging the original choreography of Tony-nominated choreographer Randy Skinner for the National Tour of 42nd Street. She spent over a decade in NYC teaching at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Ballet Academy East; as the Outreach and Co-Founder of ALMA NYC; and as a member of Atmosphere Dance Company. Stephanie currently lives in Lancaster, PA with her amazing husband and two children. She teaches at CAVOD Performing Arts Academy, works with ORNATE Dance Theatre, and recently choreographed an original musical- ELVIS: A Musical Revolution, at Dutch Apple Theatre.
Jessica Joos
Jessica Joos was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, where her passion for dance and movement began at an early age. Her academic journey reflects a profound commitment to both athletic training and dance. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance from Seton Hill University in August 2019. To further enhance her expertise, she pursued a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Chatham University, graduating in April 2021.
Jessica's performance career is marked by diverse roles and productions that highlight her versatility and dedication as a dancer. At Seton Hill University, she performed in numerous productions, ranging from solos like "Pulling at the Threads of Life" by Stefan Zubal to ensemble pieces such as "Veiled Transcendence" by Aubrey Worek and "Second Self" by TaMara Swank. Her talent shone through in various genres, including dance films like "Hoofin'" and musical theater productions such as "Guys and Dolls" and "Hairspray." Jessica also performed with the Millennium Dance Complex and CCAC South Campus.
Since then, Jessica has taught at Brookline Dance Studio, CLO Academy, and MURRDance to children between the ages of 3 to 15 years old. She currently works for Inner Strength Personal Training, where she provides strength training guidance to athletes and adults to create safer environments and more capable bodies to continue living the life they want. She also works at Varsity Spirit, where she ensures the safety and security of participants at cheerleading and dance competitions nationwide. Jessica hopes to continue to work with dancers to provide strength and resiliency throughout their careers.