Jean Marquez trained extensively in the Performing Arts at Millikin University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She also trained at Lou Conte Studios in Chicago, The Edge in LA, and Pineapple Studios in London. Her early professional career as a choreographer started with mainstage productions of Pirates of Penzance and Man of La Mancha at M.U. She then traveled across the country to continue her career on stage. Some of her favorite stage credits include: lead roles in regional tours of A Chorus Line and West Side Story, 42nd Street with the Civic Light Opera in Los Angeles, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (lead understudy) with the Civic Light Opera in Santa Barbara, and Ann Reinking’s original choreography on Royal Caribbean Cruise lines in Alaska. She worked often in commercials, independent films, and print work in Los Angeles. Jean has been on faculty at Stage Door Dance Academy since 1999. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, who is passionate about teaching the art of dance to children. She is also a skilled and versatile choreographer for Stage Door’s Performance Company. She has received numerous choreography awards and has been nationally recognized for her choreography with the Performance Company. Jean’s passion for dance is second only to her love of her supportive family. She is a proud wife and mother of 4 children.