Jill Ann Schwartz

Jill Ann Schwartz is a multifaceted dance professional based in the Hudson Valley. She is a choreographer, improvisational performer, teaching artist, dance educator, creative arts facilitator, and movement choir leader. Jill holds a Master's Degree in Dance & Movement Studies from Wesleyan University.

Since 1991, Jill has been actively designing and implementing interdisciplinary arts programs in the Hudson Valley. She serves as an independent educational consultant and the performer/director of the UpRiver/Downtown Dance Company. Her work spans various mediums and often integrates other art forms, reflecting her innovative approach to dance education and performance.

Jill's notable projects include site-specific performances at Olana State Historic Site and the Hudson Opera House, where she directed and performed with her company during the Winterwalk event. She also choreographed a large-scale puppet celebration for the opening of the Walkway Over the Hudson and created numerous other performance pieces throughout the region.

In addition to her dance work, Jill is a certified Qigong practitioner, teaching classes that blend her dance expertise with this ancient Chinese practice. Her teaching style is characterized by creativity and a playful approach, aiming to foster deep embodiment and creative expression among her students.

Jill Ann has worked with The Vanaver Caravan is one of the most sought-after teaching artists in our school programs and is stepping in as a primary faculty member in our dance institute classes.

For more information about her work and classes, you can visit Jill Ann Schwartz Dance​.