Dance

Jessica Riss Waltrip, Adjunct Dance Faculty at Illinois Wesleyan University, has been teaching Tap and Jazz technique within the School of Theatre Arts since fall 2003. She received her B.S. from Illinois State University with a major in Dance Performance in 2002. Jessica currently is Coordinator/Choreographer of the Illinois State University Redline Express Dance Team, Director of the Orchesis Intercity Dance Company within University High School, visiting instructor within the ISU School of Theatre and Dance, and Dance Faculty at McLean County Dance Center, Bloomington, IL and J’s Dance Studio, Heyworth, IL.

On campus works include choreography for the IWU Faculty Choreographed Dance Concerts and mainstage musicals Once Upon a Mattress, Drowsy Chaperone, The Life and SoTA Senior Showcase.

Jessica has had many opportunities to collaborate and choreograph for many local organizations: Prairie Fire Theatre, Heartland Community Education, U-High Orchesis, Dance Team and Color Guard, Tri-Valley Color Guard, Bloomington & Normal Parks and Rec Theatre and Dance Programs, Heartland Community Education, Edge Dancers, Day of Dance, and Central Illinois Dance Fest.

Education

B.S., Illinois State University

A.A., Illinois Valley Community College