Part-Time Instructor
Jay was introduced to ballroom dancing growing up in Marietta, Georgia. As a middle schooler, he attended Mrs. Stubb’s Southern Cotillion, where he learned proper etiquette and formal social dancing. Fast forward a few years later, Jay joined the Bates College Ballroom Dancing Club and was quickly inspired by his first coach Laurence Miller, former New England Latin Champion. The following year he was president of the club and helped create their first competitive team. Jay originally competed in American Style Smooth and Rhythm before focusing his attention on International Style Latin. After college, Jay moved to Boston and trained and competed Pro-Am with Gail Rundlett, also a former New England Latin Champion, in both International Style Standard and Latin. Eventually, Jay formed a very successful amateur partnership and competed in Open Amateur International Latin for 5+ years. He trained mostly in New York City and competed all over the country. Some of his coaches included Esther Don, Eduard Apolonov, Vibeke Toft, Allan Tornsberg, Roman Nabatov, and Irina Boubnovskaia.
Today, Jay is very excited to be part of Fred Astaire Franklin! He loves sharing his passion for dancing with students of all levels and goals. When not teaching at the studio, Jay loves to practice and go social dancing with his wife. His other hobbies include hanging out with middle school science students, playing 80’s hair metal guitar, hobbits, riding a proper motorbike, very large Maine Coon cats, and when he has the time, growing pumpkins. Jay lives in Franklin with his wife and three sons.
