Jennamarie Aboul-Hosn: Portage Dance Studio Spotlight

Julia Wagner · 2026-02-04

You know that feeling when you walk into a space and just know it's special? That's exactly what happens when you step into Jennamarie Aboul-Hosn's dance studio in Portage. It's not just about the polished floors or the wall of mirrors—it's the energy. The kind that makes you want to move, to create, to be part of something bigger. Jennamarie has been shaping Portage's dance community for years now, and honestly, her story reads like a love letter to movement. She didn't just open a studio; she built a home for dancers of all ages and skill levels. From tiny three-year-olds taking their first ballet steps to adults rediscovering their passion after decades, her approach is the same: meet people where they are. ### Building More Than Just Dancers What sets Jennamarie's studio apart isn't just the technique she teaches—though that's certainly top-notch. It's the community she's cultivated. She runs her classes with this beautiful balance of discipline and joy. The kids learn proper form and respect for the art, but they're also laughing, creating, and supporting each other. It's the kind of environment where growth happens naturally. Her adult classes have this wonderful vibe too. People come in after work, maybe a little stressed from the day, and leave an hour later looking ten pounds lighter. There's something about moving to music in a judgment-free zone that just melts the tension away. ### The Business Behind the Movement Running a successful dance studio isn't just about knowing choreography. Jennamarie has mastered the business side too, which is something a lot of creative folks struggle with. Her classes are priced competitively—most group sessions run between $15-$25 per class, with package deals available. She's created different membership tiers so families can find what works for their budget. The studio itself is about 2,500 square feet, with sprung floors to protect dancers' joints and a proper ventilation system to keep the air fresh during those intense rehearsals. She's thought of everything, right down to the waiting area where parents can watch classes through viewing windows. ### What Makes Her Approach Different - **Personalized attention**: Even in group classes, she finds ways to give individual corrections - **Progressive curriculum**: Classes build logically from week to week, so students see real improvement - **Performance opportunities**: Regular recitals and community events give students goals to work toward - **Inclusive atmosphere**: All body types, ages, and experience levels are genuinely welcome One of her former students put it perfectly: "Jennamarie doesn't just teach steps—she teaches confidence. I walked in shy and unsure, and walked out standing taller." That's the magic, really. The technical skills are important, sure. But what people remember years later isn't whether they nailed that pirouette—it's how they felt in that studio. The friendships they made. The confidence they gained. The pure joy of moving their bodies to music. ### Looking to the Future Jennamarie's vision keeps expanding. She's talking about adding more adult fitness-dance fusion classes, maybe some specialized workshops for local school dance teams. There's even talk of a summer intensive program for serious students. But through it all, her core philosophy remains unchanged: dance should be accessible, joyful, and transformative. For anyone running a dance studio or teaching classes, there's a lot to learn from her approach. It's not about being the biggest or most famous—it's about creating something meaningful in your community. Building relationships that last. Helping people discover what their bodies can do. Portage is lucky to have her. And honestly, the dance world could use more teachers like Jennamarie—people who remember that at its heart, dance isn't about perfection. It's about expression, connection, and the simple, beautiful act of moving through space together.