Jessica Jimenez: Co-Owner, Business Operations

Born and raised in San Jose, Jessica Jimenez’s love for dance began in elementary school at The Joy of Dancing. Inspired by her older sister, she dreamed of following in her footsteps. In middle school, she transferred to Capitol Dance Company, where a pivotal moment in the 6th grade changed everything: her hip hop teacher gave her the chance to choreograph four eight-counts for the annual recital. From that moment on, Jessica knew she wanted to one day own a dance studio to teach dance and give others the opportunity to tap into their creative side.

By the time she entered Independence High School, dance had become life. Initially invited to a Marching Band meeting because she played the clarinet, Jessica noticed a sign that read “IHS Marching Band & Color Guard” and asked her mother what Color Guard was. Her mom’s reply—“The dancing girls with flags in parades”—sparked an instant connection. Jessica went on to dance with the IHS Color Guard and Winter Guard for four years, often rehearsing daily until 10 p.m., and was named Sabre Captain by her sophomore year.

Simultaneously, she auditioned for Independence High’s dance company, IndepenDANCE (or "iDance"), and earned the distinction of being the only sophomore accepted that year—making her the youngest and only three-year member in her graduating class. As a senior, she served as one of three Student Directors. Throughout high school, Jessica earned numerous accolades in dance and Color Guard, including “Rookie of the Year,” the “Lyceum Award for Best Choreography,” the “Bank of America Rising Star Award,” and the “Excellence in Performing Arts” award, among others.

After graduation, Jessica continued dancing in college and briefly performed with San Jose’s hip hop group Soul Conspiracy alongside her brother. Ultimately, she chose to pursue a career in business, earning a degree and building a successful career in Human Resources and Operations, where she’s spent over a decade thriving in compliance and business efficiency.

Outside of her professional life, Jessica is a proud mom of two sons and two daughters—both of whom have danced under the guidance of Nicole for more than seven years. Nicole has not only been a talented teacher and dancer but also a meaningful mentor to her children.

Now, Jessica is thrilled to be opening her own dance studio with Nicole. What was once a childhood dream is now becoming a reality—one built on years of passion, hard work, and the joy of sharing dance with the next generation. She couldn’t be more excited to begin this new chapter alongside someone so inspiring and dear to her heart.

Mackenzie Welch (Ballet)

Mackenzie Welch began her serious ballet training at the School of the Sacramento Ballet. In 2017, she was cast as Clara in Sac Ballet’s production of Ron Cunningham’s The Nutcracker. In 2018, she joined Hawkins School of Performing Arts’s pre-professional ballet company. Beyond her year-round training, Mackenzie has trained at summer programs such as the Joffrey Ballet School’s Contemporary Ballet Intensive in San Francisco and Philadelphia Ballet’s Choreographic Intensive. In 2024 she reprised her role as Clara in Folsom Lake College’s Nutcracker Reimagined, where she was a part of the choreographic process of blending her classical training with a multitude of other styles. She had been teaching Ballet and Pointe at Hawkins School of Performing Arts for the past two years, as well as choreographing showcase and competition pieces. Mackenzie is currently with New Ballet of San Jose as a Studio Company Apprentice.

With over 20 years of diverse dance training, Joshua’s journey began at Independence High School, where he stood out in indepenDANCE Co. and the award-winning Independence Cavalry Marching Band & Color Guard. He made his professional debut with Mixed Element at California’s Great America and went on to perform with San José State University’s University Dance Theater.

Joshua’s versatility shines through his work with contemporary and hip-hop companies such as NorCal Dance Project, Soul Con, and Bliss Dance Co., along with performances for numerous artists and groups across the Bay Area—including a feature at the 2011 Senior Olympics.

He has had the privilege of training under and performing works by renowned choreographers including Mike Esperanza, Gary Masters, Holly Johnston, and Kara Davis. Joshua credits his sister Jessica as his greatest inspiration and driving force throughout his artistic journey.

Kristian is a seasoned dancer and educator with over a decade of experience in the dance industry and nine years dedicated to teaching. His performance career includes five competitive seasons with San Jose’s renowned Syndicate hip hop team, where he contributed to first-place wins at prestigious events such as Fusion San Diego and Prelude NorCal. His training has been shaped under the guidance of acclaimed creative directors Kevin Nguyen and Daniel Gutierrez, whose mentorship helped refine his dynamic style and technical foundation. Today, Kristian is passionate about teaching youth hip hop, fostering a high-energy and inclusive environment where young dancers are encouraged to build confidence, master their craft, and express themselves authentically through movement.

Katelyn Chun began her dance journey at three years old. Her dedication and drive led her into the competitive dance world, where she excelled in multiple genres—ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop. She also embraced cultural styles including hula and Tahitian, as well as joining a Bollywood dance team in high school—never limiting herself creatively. Katelyn choreographed multiple dance routines and was captain of her high school dance team.

With heart, fun, and discipline, she brings her full self to every class she teaches. A former student of Nicole Pagan, Katelyn treasures the bond they've built over the years. She’s honored to be part of Bellissimo Dance Co.’s inaugural season and is excited to help build something special from the ground up. Above all, Katelyn hopes to ignite a passion for dance in young dancers—serving as someone who inspires, uplifts, and leaves a lasting impact.