Jessica Taylor Edwards is a South Carolina-based dance educator and choreographer with a dynamic background in performance and instruction. She began her training in a competitive dance studio, where she studied a wide range of styles that shaped her versatility and passion for the art form.

Prior to moving back to Columbia, Jessica lived in New York City and had a performance career while also earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Her performance credits span live stage, film, television, music videos, and theme park productions. Highlights include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Good Morning America, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Gypsy of the Year alongside the Broadway cast of Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, a fitness video with Shaun T, Neon Trees, and Buglisi Dance Theatre’s Table of Silence 9/11 at Lincoln Center.

Although Jessica thrived as a performer, she discovered early on that her true passion lies in teaching and choreographing. She is deeply committed to guiding and mentoring the next generation of dancers, particularly those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Jessica currently serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Carolina, where she teaches jazz, instructs at multiple studios as well as travels throughout the country setting choreography. She also travels nationally as a competition adjudicator and guest educator, and has worked as an artist in residence in public schools, sharing her knowledge and love for dance with students of all ages.