Jessica Jafari is an award-winning choreographer and director renowned for her innovative and compelling dance compositions. In 2025, her exceptional talent was recognized with choreography awards at the Rainbow National Dance Competition. Her latest piece, “Eleanor Rigby”, has garnered significant acclaim, earning a nomination for the People’s Choice Award at the Industry Dance Awards 2025.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Jessica began her dance training at the age of 13. She honed her skills as a member of the Tustin High Dance Team, training in various styles including jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, prop, pom, and kick. Jessica competed in numerous prestigious competitions such as USA Dance Team/Drill Nationals, NDA Dance Nationals, Jamz Dance Nationals, and Miss Dance Team Drill Nationals. Her performance repertoire also includes appearances in the annual Tustin Tillers Parade, assembly and football dance performances, and a special guest performance at a Los Angeles Clippers halftime show.

After high school, Jessica continued her dance education at Orange Coast College, diversifying her training to encompass ballet, modern, hip-hop, West African dance and drumming, Latin styles, jazz, dance composition/repertoire, and improvisation. She studied under esteemed faculty members such as Linda Sohl-Ellison, Amelie Hunter, Jose Costas, Monti Ellison, Shana Menaker, Amythyst Fritzler, Kathy Kahn, Kari Jensen, and Jeff Mayor. Jessica actively participated in fall and spring dance concerts, showcasing both faculty and student works, and premiered her first college choreography during this time.

Jessica furthered her education at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where she trained under distinguished professors including Debra Noble, Alvin Rangel, Muriel Joyce, Gladys Kares, and Lisa D. Long. Her choreographic works were featured in both fall and spring dance concerts at CSUF, and she had the honor of presenting her piece, “The Dogma Affect,” as a guest performance at Fullerton College. In 2017, Jessica received the Outstanding Student Scholarly and Creative Activities Award. She also participated in the American College Dance Festival Association, performing “Windows and Doors,” choreographed by guest artist Leslie Scott, and engaged in workshops led by numerous university professors.

Currently, Jessica leads an award-winning competition team, performs at the Disneyland Resort, and is a cherished instructor within the dance community. She is also a certified Bounce Fitness instructor, bringing her passion for movement to the fitness community. Jessica’s profound love for dance, choreography, and teaching has inspired her to pursue her greatest aspiration: establishing her own dance studio, Dance 4:13, where she continues to empower her students to discover and develop their unique artistic voices.