Jessica Stillman

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About Jess

Jessica Stillman (aka “Jess”) has been a vital part of ROOTS Academy since 2014. A native of the Franklin/Brentwood area, Jessica began her dance training at local studios such as Dance With Tracy, DC Dance Factory, and Music City All Stars (now known as DanceMania and Apex). Her love for dance began early but truly flourished in high school, where she competed with Ravenwood High School’s Dance Team. During her time on the team, Jessica earned three TSSAA State Championship titles and placed 2nd at UDA Nationals in Orlando.

In 2010, Jessica became a founding member of the first Music City All Stars Senior team, winning their first UDA National Championship in 2011 and competing at the USASF World Championship that same year.

After graduating high school, Jessica spent a year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she danced with the nationally ranked University of Tennessee Dance Team. She later transferred back to Nashville to focus on teaching and choreography while continuing her education. As a full-time student, Jessica coached for Music City All Stars, captained the Middle Tennessee State University Dance Team, choreographed for numerous middle and high school teams in Williamson and Rutherford Counties, and modeled for Varsity Spirit Fashions.

Jessica graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Organizational Communication. Since then, she has worked with prestigious dance programs at schools including Ensworth High School, Brentwood Academy, Ravenwood High School, Independence High School, Spain Park High School, and more. Her passion for mentoring dancers extends beyond technique—she is dedicated to fostering confidence and self-worth in every dancer she teaches.

Over the past decade, Jessica has witnessed the incredible growth of ROOTS Dance Academy, from a single small building with 15 dancers in 2012 to a thriving campus with over 700 dancers today. In just the last five years, she has led the transformation of the Company teams, growing from 15 performance dancers and 14 competitive dancers to over 140 competitive dancers, earning numerous awards for choreography and routines.

The future is bright, and Jessica is excited to see what the next decade holds for ROOTS Dance Academy.

Color: Beige/Neutral
Salty Treat: Salt & Vinegar Chips
Sweet Treat: Cheesecake
Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle
Sit Down Restaurant: Niko
Coffee Drink: Vanilla Latte with Almond Milk
Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 days
Place to Shop: Target/Amazon/Lululemon
Scent: Vanilla
Clothing Brand: Lululemon
Animal: Cat
Music Genre: Anything
Travel Destination: Depends on who I’m with

Take a class with Jess

class schedule

THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit — skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Beyond the Steps: Our Teaching Philosophy

Our approach to dance education goes beyond the traditional. While we undoubtedly focus on developing your technical skills and artistry, we understand that life's most valuable lessons extend far beyond the steps and choreography.

Our dance mentors are passionate about nurturing your movement abilities and your personal growth.

At ROOTS, we recognize that dance is a powerful vehicle for character development. Our mentors instill qualities like discipline, responsibility, and respect through the art of movement. Whether you're mastering ballet technique or perfecting your jazz performance, you'll also be enhancing essential life skills.

Learning choreography and refining your technique takes patience and perseverance. Our mentors are there to guide you through the challenging moments, teaching you the importance of determination and grit – qualities that transcend dance and apply to all areas of your life.

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of success. Our mentors help you build it through dance by celebrating your achievements and nurturing your self-belief. As you nail that challenging turn sequence or master a complex combination, you'll feel your confidence soar.

When you embark on a dance journey with ROOTS, you're not just gaining proficiency in your chosen style. You're also acquiring essential life skills that will serve you well in your academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

At ROOTS, it's not just about the dance classes. It's about the profound impact our dance mentors have on your life.

At ROOTS, we are proud to have mentors who are actively engaged in the dance community. They're not just teachers; they're performers, choreographers, and artists who live and breathe dance. This unique perspective enriches your learning experience, providing insights that go beyond the studio.

In the heart of Music City's vibrant arts scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as professional dancers and educators. While their occasional commitments with dance companies or performance tours may lead to mentor substitutions, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about any class changes. In the rare event of an unmissable performance opportunity, rest assured that our team will facilitate a seamless transition to a new mentor.

Join us today to embark on an artistic and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where performing arts education becomes a transformative life experience.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.

questions?

If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.

SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator

SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator