Ballito dancer Jenna Lee Page (28) has found a renewed sense of self-expression through movement and is dedicated to helping children do the same.

Known as JivewithJen, Page has been ‘shuffling’ to her own tune these past three years since her impromptu business began during the early days of Covid-19.

Her business has been steadily growing ever since however, and you may have seen her performing at the Ballito Pro and on a smaller scale at birthday parties and silent discos too.

A ‘shuffle’ specialist, Page’s distinctive style is part Melbourne Shuffle, a dance that became popular in Australia in the 80s, part Miami street dancing and part South African flair, which together make for propulsive high energy performances.

Initially trained in a number of dance styles, Page has been honing her talents since she could first step onto a stage as a young girl.

“I grew up in Johannesburg and wanted to be an actress first, but always loved to dance as well. Being able to perform and do anything dramatic really made me feel confident,” said Page.

After matriculating, she spent a brief spell at Wits University studying drama, but it was not a good fit.

“I still wanted to act and went to America for a few months, taking classes in Los Angeles and performing in some New York Film Academy productions through friends,” she said.

She would later return to Johannesburg, earning a degree in fashion media and marketing, before spending four years working on the yachts.

“Luckily I was based in Miami for much of my time and found an amazing group of street dancers who became some of my best friends. When I danced with them it all came flooding back and I knew I eventually wanted to take it full circle.”

Covid-19 hastened those plans when Page was trapped in Ballito while visiting her grandmother, Marie.

“I was meant to fly back to Miami at the end of March, but obviously lockdown cancelled all travel. So, I decided to just take a shot at dancing full time.”

She started by offering at-home dance lessons for children.

“Parents were so keen to find activities for their kids because they lost all their extramural activities at school. Word spread quickly and I was soon dancing with four or five at a time – socially distanced of course!”

Although she does teach adults too, Page’s passion is helping children to improve their ability to express emotion and develop self-esteem.

To bolster her credentials, she completed an early childhood teaching diploma which has deepened her understanding of her pupils.

“So often creativity is stamped out of kids, but I try and show them that they are able to retain it. Most of them think I am just a big kid!”

She hosts classes at Umhlali Country Club and Flow Yoga Studio, while also being available for birthdays and events.

Visit jivewithjen.com to get in touch.

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