What Makes Us Unique

More Than Dance

Here, dance is about more than perfecting technique — it’s about growth, self-love, and connection. JB Dance Wellness is where dancers learn to shine on and off the stage.

Mindset & Mindfulness – A Core Part of Our Training

At JB Dance Wellness, we don’t just teach dance — we nurture strong, confident humans.

All Starbound and competition dancers ages 6+ participate in dedicated mindset and mindfulness classes and/or private sessions. These practices give dancers tools to manage stress, build resilience, and cultivate a healthy mindset that supports them both on and off the stage.

For our younger and recreational dancers, mindfulness and wellness are woven into every class, helping them develop emotional awareness, confidence, and self-expression right from the start.
Families also have the option to enroll younger and recreational dancers in separate Creative Movement & Mindfulness classes, designed to provide even more wellness training in a fun, age-appropriate way.

No Bullying. Ever.

Kindness isn’t optional here — it’s the foundation of everything we do.

JB Dance Wellness has a strict zero-tolerance bullying policy so every dancer feels safe, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

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Founder's Message

Why I Started JB Dance Wellness

I’ve been dancing since the age of two—growing up in the competitive dance world, performing in college, and now teaching for over 11 years. Dance has always been my passion, and I believe deeply in the life-changing benefits it can offer people of all ages. But over the years, I’ve also witnessed the darker side of the dance industry—where pressure, perfectionism, and negativity can dim the very light that makes dance so beautiful. It’s become a toxic space for too many kids and adults alike. That’s why I started JB Dance Wellness. I’m on a mission to bring light, love, appreciation, and purpose back into the dance world—to help dancers reconnect with the true meaning of dance: joy, expression, healing, and freedom. Dance should be fun first and foremost. It should lift you up, not wear you down. It should be a release from the stress of school, work, or life—not the cause of it.

At JB Dance Wellness, I’m creating a safe space where dancers can feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Where they’re reminded of their worth, their potential, and the importance of being kind—to themselves and to others. The world doesn’t need more pressure and negativity. It needs more joy, more positivity, and more love.

And that’s exactly what we’re here to dance in.

Are you ready?

- Julianne Balavender, JB Dance Wellness LLC

Who is JB?

Miss Julianne Balavender is the founder of JB Dance Wellness and a passionate dance coach and educator with more than 11 years of teaching experience. She began dancing at the age of two and has been immersed in the dance world ever since. Julianne holds a degree in Business Management from Central Connecticut State University, where she was also a proud member of the award-winning CCSU Dance Team, competing in Orlando at the UDA College Dance and Cheer National Championship.

A certified Reiki Level 1 & 2 practitioner, trained life coach, and yoga trainee, Julianne blends her expertise in both dance and wellness to create a unique, holistic approach to teaching. She has taught both recreational and competitive dance, receiving numerous awards for her choreography and technique, and coaching countless students to become overall champions at regional and national competitions. She specializes in tap and jazz—with a particular love for tap—and is dedicated to guiding students of all ages to grow in confidence, skill, and love for dance.

With a deep-rooted passion for self-development and the mind-body connection, Julianne has spent years studying how the mind works and how mindfulness can transform lives. Her mission is to bring more light, love, and intention into the dance world—helping kids and adults alike rediscover the joy, meaning, and healing power of dance by weaving mindful wellness practices into traditional dance education.

Anna G

“Miss Julianne creates a welcoming atmosphere, connects with her students, and makes them feel confident and inspired to work hard. She excels at technique work and strength training and has made me a well rounded dancer in areas I don't particularly excel in. She has a genuine talent for creating dancers that are able to focus on their technique and precision, setting them up for success. Having the opportunity to be coached by Julianne is an opportunity I would tell any dancer to take in an instant!"

Kamryn G

"Miss Julianne has taught me so much about dance and technique. Her attention to detail is like no other, and she works incredibly hard with whoever she’s working with to help them grow! Not only is she a great choreographer and coach, she is an amazing human. Her kindness shines through any room she’s in, and her ability to connect with her students is amazing and genuine. She has not only helped me grow as a dancer, but also a person. Anyone that works with her is lucky to have the opportunity!”

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Angelica P

“As a dancer of 17 years, Julianne Balavender is one of the best teachers I’ve had the opportunity to work with! Miss Julianne has really guided my dance journey allowing my joy of dance to grow with my technique. Miss Julianne gave me a deeper understanding of my technique and stage presence, but also a deeper understanding of the role dance played in my life.”

Meet the Team

Our teachers at JB Dance Wellness bring passion, expertise, and heart to every class. They’re here to inspire, support, and help each dancer shine—mind, body, and soul.

Miss Linnea Tucker

Linnea brings over 7 years of teaching experience and a genuine love for helping dancers grow inside and out. A graduate of the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, she trained under Caroline Van Austin for 15 years and completed 4 years of dance pedagogy studies. She has performed with the DanceCentral Dance Company at CCSU, choreographed for local amusement parks, and traveled nationwide to expand her artistry.

Passionate about creative expression and early childhood dance, Linnea has a gift for touching the lives of her students of all ages—especially the youngest dancers—by fostering joy, imagination, and confidence through movement. She continues her own growth through ballet and circus arts, blending classical foundations with innovative practices.

In every class, Linnea creates a supportive space where dancers build strong technique while feeling seen, inspired, and free to express themselves. Her teaching perfectly embodies the JB Dance Wellness mission: raising kind, confident, resilient dancers who thrive mind, body, and soul.

Miss Lily Baran

Lily fell in love with dance at the age of four and trained extensively at Connecticut Dance Academy, where she also competed for several years. In her time at CDA, Lily developed a strong foundation in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and acro. She then continued her journey with the Marist College Dance Ensemble, where she expanded her training in contemporary and jazz. Although Lily shines most in contemporary and lyrical, she is passionate about using all forms of movement as artistic expression, helping dancers connect with themselves while growing in confidence, skill, and love for dance.

In addition to her dance background, Lily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science from Central Connecticut State University. She is a certified Reiki Master Practitioner and is currently pursuing yoga teacher training, with plans to integrate these wellness practices into the JB Dance Wellness experience.

Lily also brings valuable experience working with children of all abilities in both academic and dance settings. From assisting at CDA to mentoring and interning with programs that serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she has developed a compassionate, inclusive teaching style. She looks forward to combining her love of dance, her wellness expertise, and her child development background to create a joyful, supportive environment where every dancer can grow—mind, body, and soul.