Jennifer Bishop, a Riverbend native, started dancing at the age of 3 and dancing professionally by the age of 12. She has been teaching the art of dance since the age of 14- an amazing 39 years.
She has trained under, Linda Parish, Berkeley Evans, Gus Giordano, Lisa Wolfsberger-St. Louis Ballet, St Louis Dancers, Professional Company- Ray Parks, St Louis Professional Dancers and Cheerleaders, KMOX pre Rams squad, Cheered for the NFL Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, President Show boat cast, Sammy Davis Jr telethon , was featured in a “Happy Birthday” video that was presented to Michael Jackson by Quincy Jones-this video featured talented youth dancers, actors and singers. Other St. Louis credits include: 42nd Street, Oklahoma, Pipin, The Music Man, Annie and many more.
She has choreographed for numerous college, High Schools and area school musicals.
In her youth she worked for local talent agencies and was featured/danced in numerous national commercials. She has won numerous dance competitions on both a regional and national level. Stand out dancer at many conventions.
Ms. Jennifer was a member of the Kansas State University Repertory Dance Theater. Kansas State University Big 12, division 1 Classy Cats Dance team-national title holding dance squad.
Ms. Jennifer has judged dance competitions, both regionally and nationally. Her creative talents have won many regional and National Dance Competitions for technique, entertainment and choreography. Her studio has won spirit awards, Top Studio awards and won National shoot outs across the United States. JBSD has been invited to Platinum National Dance Competition Best of the Best- Atlanta, North Carolina, Nashville, Orlando, virtual (Covid), New Orleans, Destin, and Chicago. JBSD has won BEST of the BEST TOP 8 times as well as won the prestigious ADCC Studio of excellence award under her leadership and talents, as well as a member of the Dance Studio Owners Association.
Ms Jennifer knows what it takes to be a student of dance, a college student in the dance world, as well as what it takes to make it in the professional world of dance.
Teaching at JBSD and directing the JBSD PAC will forever be Ms Jennifer’s passion, a lasting legacy to the dancers she trains weekly. She is especially grateful for her Children, Christian, Hannah, Lydia, and Sophia Ann as well as the many children that walk through the studio doors everyday over the years. She has great appreciation and love for her talented staff- which all have been her students and hold a very special place in her life.
Meet Our Faculty
Sohpia Bishop
Marie Townsend
Marie Townsend is 27 years old and has been teaching dance since the age of 16, specializing in Tap dance. Throughout her dance and teaching career, she has received numerous choreography, entertainment, and overall awards.
Marie began dancing at the age of 4 and started competing under Miss Jenn in 2005. As she grew as a dancer and teacher, she had the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in Tap dance, including Avi Miller, Ofer Ben, Anthony Lo Cascio, Hillary-Marie, and many more.
As one of the first students of Jennifer Bishop’s School of Dance, Marie is thrilled to share her knowledge, passion, and expertise throughout this season. She is also excited to continue being a part of the amazing JBSD family.
Jadon Hamilton
Meet Ja’Don Hamilton, JBSD’s resident technical instructor. He is currently a professional dancer, choreographer, and actor, having trained and performed for companies such as Saint Louis Dance Theatre, Modern American Dance Company, Saint Louis Ballet, Metro Theater Company, Resilience Dance Company, and more. 2026 marks his fifth season of sharing his experiences and educating dancers of Jennifer Bishop’s School of Dance in styles such as Ballet, Acrobatics, and Contemporary. He is eager to continue the legacy of the program that provided him with the opportunity to dance beyond the competition stage!
Sophia has been dancing practically since she could walk! Having grown up in the studio, she has always had a love for dance and the community that comes with it. Now, she helps keep things running behind the scenes while teaching a wide variety of classes and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Bailey McCarry
Kayla Rothe
Bailey has been teaching for Jennifer Bishop’s School of Dance for 12 years. Bailey teaches a number of styles but focuses mainly on hip hop. While at Jennifer Bishop’s, Bailey has taken from a number for well renowned choreographers and dancer like, Tony Bellissimo, Comfort Fedoke, FikShun Stegall, and many more. Bailey makes it her mission to not just be a teacher, but a mentor to all her students. Encouraging them to reach their fullest potential not only in dance, but in life. Bailey hopes to continue to create and environment where every student is encouraged to find their own rhythm and express themselves through the art of dance.
Kayla has been dancing since the age of 8 and has been sharing her love of dance through teaching since she was 19. She is excited to continue her passion for dance as an instructor at Jennifer Bishop’s School of Dance, where she teaches Baby Acro and the 7 & Up Jazz & Lyrical Combo classes.
Kayla believes that dance is about so much more than learning choreography—it’s about building confidence, finding your voice, and learning to believe in yourself. She loves speaking positivity into her students while encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones, try new things, and discover what they are capable of. Her goal is to create an environment where every dancer feels supported, encouraged, and proud of their progress.
Outside of the studio, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, listening to live music, reading, and renovating homes throughout the community. She is grateful to be able to combine her love of dance with the opportunity to help young dancers grow both on and off the stage.
Sloane Ballard
Sloane Ballard is an instructor here at JBSD. She helps teach Hip Hop Production with Miss Sophie. She has been apart of this program for many years now. She competed with Jen for years. “I am so appreciative of the opportunity to be able to teach! I love teaching all of the kids and I know the year will be great!” - Sloane
Sharon Townsend
Sharon has been a part of the Jennifer Bishop School of Dance for 20 years. She works at the front desk assisting students while also managing the studio’s finances and competition information. “Since 2006, it's been joy to watch my daughter, grow up and compete and dance each year brings even more happiness as I watch our students flourish” - Sharon Townsend