Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Judith James Ries - Season 8, Episode 109

Judith James Ries grew up in Wales Great Britain and was 4 when
she started dancing at the Royal Academy of Dance. After moving
to Minnesota with her family she continued training at Larkin
Dance Studio.


After choosing a business degree at the University of Minnesota,
she made her way back to dance when she joined the Zenon
Scholarship program where she met Danny Buraczeski.


Judith spent ten years performing and touring nationally with
JAZZDANCE! as soloist, principle dancer and company member - one
of the best jobs ever! After leaving in 2002 to start a family
Judith started her teaching career which lead her to Four Seasons
Dance, Shattuck/St. Mary’s, University of Minnesota, Gustavus,
Adolphus College, Hamline University, Concordia University and
Macalester College.


As a Choreographer, her work has been produced by Zenon Dance
Company, Hamline University Dance Ensemble, and Eclectic Edge
Ensemble. As Movement Coach her work has been seen at Park Square
Theater and the Phipps Center for the Arts.


She joined the teaching staff of St. Paul Conservatory for
Performing Artists in 2009 and has taught Jazz Dance, Jazz
History, Jazz Improvisation, Social Dance, Choreography, Musical
Theater Repertory and Directing in the Dance and Musical Theater
departments. She is currently the Co-Chair of the Musical Theater
department and is an Administrative Assistant to the Arts and
Academic staff.