Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Azenberg

Bio

Jessica was born and raised in New York City and she made her professional debut on ABC’s One Life to Live as “Baby Jessica.” Jessica was a serious ballet student growing up and trained at Manhattan Youth Ballet and Ballet Academy East. She also started tap dancing classes at 8 years old at Usdan! She attended high school at the Professional Children’s School and received a B.F.A. in Dance from The Boston Conservatory. Since graduating college, Jessica worked at many theatres around the country. Some of her favorite theatre credits include, Spamalot, The Will Rogers Follies, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Hello, Dolly! and Thoroughly Modern Millie. In addition to performing, Jessica is a passionate dance teacher and has taught at many schools in New York City including Brooklyn Ballet, Bridge for Dance, Dance With Miss Rachel, Shuffles Broadway Tap and Musical Theater School and now on Zoom! She has taught ages 18 months - 56 years. She is also the author of her father’s memoir entitled, Stories Dad Told Me ~ Manny Azenberg’s Adventures in Life and the Theatre, which made Amazon’s #1 New Release in Broadway and Musicals!

Recent Work

Book cover (left) and Jessica with father Manny Azenberg (right)

Stories Dad Told Me ~ Manny Azenberg’s Adventures in Life and the Theatre, can be purchased on Amazon, The Drama BookShop, and the gift shop at the Museum of Broadway. 

Jessica's Usdan Experience

What was your favorite class or Usdan activity?

My favorite class at Usdan was my tap class. I loved it, and after my first summer at Usdan, I kept studying tap dance throughout the school year. Many years later, I ended up coming back to Usdan as the tap teacher and had an equally wonderful time teaching it. 

What is your favorite Usdan memory?

My favorite memories of Usdan are the friendships I made and the scenery. I remember laughing with my friends – and non stop laughing too! I also loved the feeling of being surrounded by the woods. The trees, the birds...it was so peaceful, and still is. 

How did your experience as a Usdan student prepare you to contribute creatively to your community?

My summers at Usdan gave me a structured and busy schedule but it also gave me the space to be myself. My teachers taught me the discipline of dance while also making me smile throughout the day. I believe this is a beautiful balance between structure and creativity. In order to succeed, you must work hard, but you must also have the freedom to take up space and shine! Usdan gave me this wonderful experience.

Thank U for sharing your story, Jessica!