Jennifer Snyder was invited to join JLDC in 2001 and today serves as Artistic Director. Jen heads upper school curriculum development and performance refining levels of technique for advanced students. Jen also directs performances in the JLDC School for Excellence and oversees JLDC recital programs. Jen spotlights JLDC as a leader in student-centered performance by directing each year a Winter Concert program which features SFE students with guest professionals – a highlight for JLDC SFE Students. She also heads the Teacher Assistant Training Program under Faculty in the school. Jen is head resident choreographer mentoring new teachers in the choreographic process. She heads the JLDC Competitive Dance program aligning chosen competitions with JLDC’s mission of developing well-rounded dancers across a wide range of skill levels. She has choreographed original works for Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, and University of New Hampshire dance departments.

Jen trained at the Hackworth School of Performing Arts in Easthampton, MA. She moved to New York City to continue her training under many great teachers such as Mia Michaels, Michelle Assaf and Sheila Barker. While in NYC she performed in MIA Live, choreographed by Mia Michaels. Life brought her to Boston, MA where she performed for Adrienne Hawkins and began teaching. In 2012, Jen was invited to become Faculty of the Generation IV, a nationally recognized advanced student summer workshop held at Smith College and is now a member of its creative team. To Jen, becoming a teacher /mentor has been a wonderful gift allowing her to share her love and passion for the art of dance with so many wonderfully talented people while being inspired to create every day. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jen’s daughter Scarlett is now a dance student at JLDC.