Jennifer DeSantis has been with the Arthur Murray Organization for over 15 years as an instructor, manager, and now as Franchisee/Owner of the Charlotte studios. Jennifer has competed both professionally and in the pro-am division in many competitions throughout the United States and Canada. She holds certifications from Arthur Murray International in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Standards of Social dancing and also has Masters Certification in the Bronze and Silver Standards. Jennifer has received many awards for teaching and dance knowledge throughout her 15 years.
Even as an owner, Jennifer enjoys teaching and dancing daily. She enjoys working with both staff and students to further their dancing abilities. Jennifer has been a choreographer for many pro - am and professional routines for both show and competition. She has also choreographed for Will Ferrell and the motion picture Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
She had danced for hundreds of charity fundraisers and for other exhibitions. She has appeared on television dancing for the Syracuse Music Awards and for numerous media pieces. She has also had the privilege of teaching hundreds of people from many walks of life and has loved every minute!
Jennifer is originally from upstate New York. She graduated from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY which eventually brought her to the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Syracuse. Before joining the Syracuse studio Jennifer taught learning disabled children in the area and started a Social Skills program that was brought into many of the Syracuse area schools. Jennifer loves teaching which is why teaching ballroom dancing appeals so much... just now, she teaches big kids!
Jennifer loves all types of dancing from Ballet, Tap and Jazz (which she danced for 15 years) to Country & Western (in which she competed with her father) to Social and Ballroom. Teaching people to be comfortable, self-confidant, and to participate in social settings is what drew and keeps Jennifer involved in the studio.