CONTEMPORARY DANCE ARTIST, CHOREOGRAPHER & TEACHER
Born and raised in Naarm/Melbourne, Jenni is an independent dancer, performer, teacher and award winning choreographer, based on unceded palawa country in lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia. Driven by the personal, political and transformational forces of embodiment, Jenni seeks joy and connection through the various limbs of her practice. Having lived and worked across all States, in regional and metropolitan landscapes, Jenni has a vast connection and contribution to the Australian dance sector. This geographical spread of networks and experiences informs her practice and inspires her to create challenging yet playful contemporary work.
A 2010 graduate of WAAPA and TNUA/Taipei exchange program, Jenni has performed extensively in independant and company environments, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Notably, Jenni was a formative ensemble member and rehearsal director with Kyle Page & Amber Haines at Dancenorth from 2015-2020 where she performed a plethora of works by renowned choreographers and toured throughout Australia, America, Mexico, Canada, Japan and Europe. Including the multi-award wining work ‘Attractor’ by Lucy Guerin and Gideon Obarzanek, ‘Dust’, ’Rainbow Vomit’, ‘Communal Table’ and ‘Spectra’ by Amber Haines and Kyle Page and ‘One Infinity’ by Gideon Obarzanek and Amber Haines. As well as works by Ross McCormack, Stephanie Lake, Lee Serle, Alisdair Macindoe and Jo Lloyd.
Independently, Jenni has performed in works by Ashleigh Musk (Fertile Ground, From Infancy & SUB), Aimee Smith (Wintering & Borderline), Sue Peacock (Reflect), Isabella Stone (Mouseprint), Leigh Warren & Dances and was a founding member of The Dance Makers Collective, NSW. Recently, Jenni performed in THAW by Legs On the Wall (Sydney Festival & Nelson Arts Festival) and she regularly collaborates with GUTS Dance Central Australia.
Jenni is currently a Creative Associate at Tasdance under the directorship of Adam Wheeler where she continues to develop her practice, performing in and also choreographing and producing her own works. Jenni also worked for Tasdance (2012-2013) under the directorship of Annie Greig performing and touring works by Larissa McGowan, Anton, Francis Rings, Tanja Leidtke and Byron Perry.
Jenni’s choreographic work is a cross section of dancing, performance/endurance art and object. Often centering materials and costuming (such as; foam, plaster, water, netting, 8 inch heels, gloves) to explore relationality, body politics and socio-political issues that impact women. Her works are known to push the limits of the body and confront audiences, utilising the tropes of horror and comedy to defiantly shake stigmas and celebrate feminine resilience.
Choreographic works include:
‘All Expenses Paid’ (Co-choreographer) - Stompin, Mona Foma 2021 (TAS)
‘Trio for Harp, Musician & Dancer’ (Choreographer & Performer with Emily Sanzaro) - Tasdance, Ten Days On The Island 2021 (TAS)
‘Faux Mo House Party’ (Choreographer & Performer) Mona Foma 2022 (TAS)
‘Wet Hard’ (Choreographer & Performer) Winner of the 2022 Keir Choreographic ‘People’s Choice Award’ (NSW/VIC)
‘Flesh Net’ (Choreographer) WAAPA 2022 (WA)
’S U C K E R’ (Choreographer) Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed 2022 (NSW)
‘Body Body Commodity’ (Choreographer & Performer) Mona Foma 2023 (TAS)
‘Phantom Femme Fatale’ (Choreographer & Performer) Redline Productions, The Old Fitz 2023 (NSW)
Jenni’s work and practice has been supported by residencies, organisations and funding bodies throughout Australia including; Dancenorth, Tasdance, Lucy Guerin Inc, Metro Arts, Phluxus2 Dance Collective, Guts Dance, Judith Wright Centre - First Night Program & Fresh Ground Program, AsiaLink - Singapore Arts Now, Regional Arts Fund, Arts Tasmania, RANT Arts, The Australia Council for The Arts and she was the recipient of a Chloe Munro Fellowship.
She has acted as rehearsal director for Dancenorth and Australasian Dance Collective and regularly teaches for professionals, companies and tertiary institutions across the country.
This website was made possible by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
