Sep 26 – Dec 19
Kendra Jorstad
Teaching Artist
Kendra Jorstad is currently the artistic director and founder of jorsTAP Chicago, the only all female concert tap dance company in Chicago. Originally from Newark, IL, Kendra graduated from Point Park University with a BA in Dance Performance and an emphasis in jazz dance. She moved to Chicago and began her career with the Joel Hall Dancers. During that time, she also performed with Rasa Dance Theatre and became an original member of Chicago Tap Theatre. Kendra was the rehearsal director and dancer for Chicago Tap Theatre for nine seasons. She choreographed many pieces for the company as well, receiving critical acclaim. Performance credits include Dance Chicago, Giordano Jazz Dance World Congress, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Lollapalooza (with the Polyphonic Spree), Ravinia, Duets for my Valentine, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and other Chicago Tap Theatre performances in Chicago, France, Cincinnati, Pennsylvania, and NYC. Teaching credits include the Omaha Dance Teachers Association workshop, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Des Plaines Dance Idol, Wisconsin Dance Masters Workshop, Indiana State Dance Championships, suburban high school orchesis/dance programs, and numerous studios in the Chicagoland area. She is sought after for her innovative approach to choreography and unique take on technique, incorporating a full body approach where the movement of the upper body sometimes contradicts the lower body-a challenge for many dancers. After taking many years of yoga to calm her mind and challenge her own body, Kendra became certified to teach kids yoga in Fall of 2018. She plans to leave her mark on the world by encouraging the future generation to tune into mindfulness and meditation.