Jenn Weddel, Longmont resident, took to music and dance at a young age. Her interest grew and became the focus of her education at Southern Methodist University in Texas, where she got a degree in dance.
Her degree took her as far as New York City where she danced with the Mark Morris Dance Group for 11 years (2005-2016) until her son was born. She's now back in Longmont, returning to spend more time with her parents and give her family the life they desire.
While Weddel's full-time job is at Cheese Importers, she teaches dance classes in Modern and Ballet at Vie De Danse, a budding dance studio for adults located at 1329 N. Sherman St. Longmont.
Weddel's love for music led her to understand her body and her passion for dance. She said she's always had a deep love for music, especially classical music, and the way her body moves to music.
"Growing up. I played piano, sang, played the flute, but piano and singing were my main focuses. And then I didn't have time for everything," Weddel said. "My piano teacher was like, 'alright, you're obviously not practicing anymore. So what is it you really want to do?' I was stretched very thin, and that's when I decided, around sophomore year of high school, the thing I always can't stop doing, that I always have to do, is dance."
While she appreciates ballet and says it's a good place for her body to go home to, Weddel's passion is for modern dance. Her style is inspired by the Graham Technique (Martha Graham), a classical take, and Mark Morris. His modern dance style, in addition to classical technique, incorporates some folk dance.
Weddel says she loves modern dance because it requires incredible strength, is complex, but doesn't look that way. She especially loves it for the freedom of movement it provides.
"It's so difficult, and it looks so not difficult. It's all about having that lower belly body core that's grounded and lifted and strong. And then your body is free on top of it, which it's like a lifelong challenge to learn to do. It's so wonderful," she said.
That connection to the core, that groundedness, is what she loves about dance. "Connecting to my core is so good for my spirit."
Weddel sees that when she teaches adult dancers, too. "I think with adults; they really want to be there. They are making that time and being that brave to go and be in a class that's for them," she said, "And they're open to different approaches to learning. They're never lazy. You know they're there to work, and they're there to learn and to dance."
Rachael Frisius-Henderson, co-owner of Vie de Danse, dancer and owner of The Bella Vita School Longmont, has known Weddel for quite some time. They've worked together in various capacities at her school. However, she just recently began taking dance classes with Weddel.
"Everything she does feels natural in my body and is easy to follow. Her rhythm is where my body wants to go," Frisius-Henderson said.
That commitment also leads to another favorite part of working with dancers: the chance to build community. Weddel has a vision for a welcoming space for all.
"If someone handed me lots of money, I'd want there to be a space where adults and teens: pre-professionals, post-professionals, and adults who want to dance recreationally, can come together to train seriously. It's not just ...that adult class at night that the older people take. I want them to have a place to come and focus and have a beautiful space to create art, perhaps adding yoga and pilates, and have classes open to all. That is my dream for the west and midwest."
