Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessica Phillips

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Phillips.

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began dancing at the age of eight after seeing my first ballet performance in a small town outside of Houston, Texas. That moment lit a fire in me, and from there I pursued my training with dedication and curiosity, eventually studying at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., as well as with institutions such as The School of American Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. I was also a finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix for several years, which helped shape both my discipline and resilience at a young age.

At eighteen, I joined Ballet Arizona, where I spent nine seasons performing in over 500 shows. During that time, I danced a wide range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary, progressing through corps de ballet, soloist, and principal roles. Performing professionally taught me not only artistry and technique, but also endurance, collaboration, and the importance of caring for the body and mind.

After retiring from the stage, I felt called toward education and community building. I shifted my focus to teaching, wellness, and creating spaces where people could experience movement as something supportive and life-giving. In 2020, I founded Sedona Dance Academy and Sun & Moon Studio of Sedona. Over the past several years, I’ve grown these spaces from the ground up, offering high-quality dance training while also nurturing a strong sense of connection within the Sedona community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road—and I don’t think meaningful paths ever are. Becoming a professional dancer required immense sacrifice, resilience, and persistence, often in the face of self-doubt, physical strain, and uncertainty. Transitioning out of a performance career brought its own challenges, including redefining my identity and purpose beyond the stage.

Building a business from the ground up—especially during a time of global uncertainty—required adaptability, faith, and a willingness to learn skills far outside the dance world. There were moments of financial strain, exhaustion, and growth through trial and error. What sustained me was a deep belief in the power of movement, community, and kindness, and a commitment to creating something meaningful and lasting.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Artistic Director of Sedona Dance Academy and the owner of Sun & Moon Studio of Sedona. My work centers around ballet education, movement wellness, and community-based programming. I specialize in ballet technique, pointe work, and sustainable movement practices that support both technical growth and long-term dancer health. I also teach yoga, meditation, and dance fitness, integrating holistic wellness into my approach.

What I am most proud of is creating an environment where dancers of all ages and levels feel supported, seen, and inspired. I strive to hold high artistic standards while also fostering kindness, inclusivity, and joy. My background as a professional dancer deeply informs my teaching, but equally important is my emphasis on emotional well-being and healthy relationships with movement.

What sets my work apart is the combination of professional-level training with a heart-centered, community-focused philosophy. I believe excellence and compassion can coexist, and that dance should be both disciplined and deeply human.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways to work with and support my work. Dancers and families can engage through classes, intensives, private lessons, and community events at Sedona Dance Academy. I also collaborate with artists, educators, and organizations on workshops, retreats, and interdisciplinary projects that center movement, creativity, and connection.

Support can also come through attending performances, spreading the word about our programs, or contributing to our scholarship fund, which helps make dance accessible to more members of our community. Above all, I welcome collaboration with those who share a passion for movement, education, and building meaningful, inclusive spaces.

Pricing:

• $20 to drop in and attend an Adult Ballet Class
• $45-60 to rent the space out for your own event or class.
• Donations for Student Scholarship

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sedonadanceacademy.org/ and https://www.sunmoonstudiosedona.com/
• Instagram: @sedona.dance.academy, @sun.moon.studio.sedona, and @Jessica.Marie.Phillips

Image Credits
Kelsey Erin Sky

https://www.starshipsky.com/