At Hampden Dance, we know dance is one of the most joyous parts of the human experience. We strive to provide classes that celebrate this by providing the knowledge and foundations necessary for each class genre while keeping our classes upbeat and engaging through our staff’s joy for teaching.
Jenn Howells, Owner/Director, Teacher- Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern/Jazz, Little Feet, Tap
I am an experienced teacher and studio manager who has been in the industry for over 20 years. From two decades of experience teaching and working in the dance industry I have developed a unique style of teaching emphasizing the technical base of each genre being taught (the physical aspect) and the discipline (the mental focus) necessary to advance in dance while keeping classes relatable and fun for all students. Before opening Hampden Dance Arts, I worked as a full-time dance teacher and studio manager in the Philadelphia area, teaching jazz, modern, ballet, pointe, and predance. Particularly, I created a successful ballet and pointe program for children and adults and a youth ballet ensemble that performed throughout the Philadelphia region as well as Walt Disney World in Orlando. As part of the ContempraDance Theatre Company, I danced in numerous performances in Philadelphia theaters in the city including The Wilma, Suzanne Roberts, and Painted Bride Art Center. Beyond dancing and teaching, I love sewing and have designed and made dance costumes, of which I am sure I’ve easily made over 1000 costumes presented at annual recitals and for professional performances. I am a graduate of PACE Institute in Reading, PA with an Associate Degree in Business, summa cum laude. I further graduated with a BA, summa cum laude, with honors and with department distinction from Albright College in Reading, PA.
In 2018, I discovered the Baltimore area and fell in love with the people and culture here. I’ve been planning to open a studio of my own for some time and was captivated by the charm of Hampden. I knew this special place is where I would start my studio. I hope to see you soon!
Casey Hampshire, Teacher- Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, Little Feet
Casey began dancing at Dance X-Treme at the age of 3 studying ballet and later jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. In high school, she began dancing competitively with Parkville Dance Power where not only did she acquire an immense amount of performance experience and an advancement in technique, but the sense of comradery that follows from working with a team. Casey was inspired by her training and performance opportunities and continued to dance in college with InMotion Dance Ensemble at Temple University. Here she found her passion for choreography and continued to fall in love with the magic that is dance. Prior to teaching at Hampden Dance Arts she taught hip hop, contemporary, acro, jazz, musical theatre, and modern for competition students.
While Casey has had many successes in school, performance, and competition, she believes her greatest success is in providing dance classes that teach the value of challenging oneself while working as part of a group. She believes- “In the competitive world, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, but in the real world your weakest link is your biggest opportunity!” The 2022-23 season is Ms. Casey’s 3rd season teaching at Hampden Dance Arts.
Isabella Capps, Teacher- Little Feet, Ballet
After begging her mom at the age of 3 to be put in dance classes, Isabella started her dance journey at Pacific Dance in Southern California and Montage Studio. She quickly became enamored with dance, dancing every day and every style imaginable — ballet, tap, acrobatic jazz — and through immersion in many genres and classes she progressed rapidly. By elementary school, Isabella was performing in musical theatre productions as a dancer, singer and actor and a dancer in ballet productions. In middle and high school, through Lovett Dance Center, Isabella competed in ballet, contemporary and lyrical dance. She has earned numerous awards for her talent in ballet technique among other competitive achievements.
Isabella currently is a pre-med student at Johns Hopkins. This is her first season teaching with Hampden Dance Arts. While very busy with school, she finds time for teaching through her desire to continue to explore the arts. “I felt a piece of me was missing. I longed to move and interact with other dancers. That’s why I decided to share my love for movement and creativity by pursuing teaching.”