Ballroom · First Dance · Social
Whatever your background, culture, or skill level, let my 30+ years of experience guide you to the moment you'll remember. Or come in just to enjoy the music — my fun, easy approach gives every dancer the confidence to step onto any floor.
The Repertoire
Most couples pick one of these styles — we'll choose the one that fits your song, your story, and how you want to feel on the floor.
Classic slow waltz. Timeless, romantic, and the go-to first dance for a reason.
American smooth. Sinatra-friendly, big-band ready, feels like a movie.
Cuban roots. Slow, close, and soulful — the dance of love.
American jazz-era joy. Playful, bright, perfect for reception energy.
Jen's signature — a playful, flirty spin on Foxtrot that feels uniquely yours.
For Wedding Couples
Custom choreography built around your song and your comfort level — no memorized routines, no awkward dips unless you want them. We work on a timeline that fits your planning, from a single polish session to a full multi-week arc.
Just for the Fun of It
Empty nesters, date nights, cruise-prep, anyone who's ever thought "I should really learn to dance" — this is your invitation. Fun, easy, and taught with as much laughter as footwork.
Meet Jen
A Gold Level certified instructor through the World Professional Dance Teachers Association, Jen brings deep roots in American Style Ballroom and Rhythm to every lesson. Her musical range spans the sweeping romance of a big-band Foxtrot, the fire of a Cuban Rumba, and the joyful energy of Latin Salsa.
Jen has a gift for meeting students exactly where they are — whether that's a first tentative step, a wedding first dance, or polishing technique for competition. Couples come from every background, every culture, and every stage of life; the floor is for all of them. With an improv comedy background, her lessons tend to involve as much laughter as footwork.
In 2010, Jen created Soldiers Who Salsa — bringing free dance lessons to wounded, ill, and injured military veterans and their families. What began on a local dance floor grew into something remarkable: an invitation to the White House Summit on The United State of Women as a Changemaker, and a flag flown in her honor at Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan. Her work has been covered by ABC, KUSI, the CW, and the San Diego Union Tribune.
WPDTA Gold Certified
White House Summit Changemaker
California State Senate — Outstanding Service
Inspiration Award, Center for Wealth & Legacy
Woman of the Year Nominee, San Diego Magazine
Kind Words
Jen is great! She has a fun and caring energy and is a great teacher.
I remember being a nervous wreck walking into dance class. For me, it started as recreational therapy with Jen Ables as my dance instructor. I give so much value and gratitude that she was my introduction to this ever fulfilling social activity. She was patient, understanding, fun, and was absolutely phenomenal at giving instructions and accommodating limitations on an individual basis in real time. I highly recommend her as a dance instructor. She goes above and beyond for her clients!
Jen is an aaaahhhhhmmmmaaaazzzziiinnnggg teacher. I learned to Salsa with her. She has given so much to help veterans and many social causes. You will love her style!
Jen and I taught dance together at the largest dance studio franchise in the world! I've been in the industry for 20+ years and I respect her as one of the best teachers I've ever met. She's funny, talented and genuinely passionate about helping others.
Jen goes above and beyond to make dancing easy and fun to learn. Her depth of knowledge and love of music and dance will be evident when you meet her! As a fellow instructor, I had the honor of being trained by and teaching alongside her earlier in her career, and I still carry many of her lessons with me to this day. If you are looking for dance lessons, look no further! Five stars, highly recommend!
Jen is great! She has a fun and caring energy and is a great teacher.
I remember being a nervous wreck walking into dance class. For me, it started as recreational therapy with Jen Ables as my dance instructor. I give so much value and gratitude that she was my introduction to this ever fulfilling social activity. She was patient, understanding, fun, and was absolutely phenomenal at giving instructions and accommodating limitations on an individual basis in real time. I highly recommend her as a dance instructor. She goes above and beyond for her clients!
Jen is an aaaahhhhhmmmmaaaazzzziiinnnggg teacher. I learned to Salsa with her. She has given so much to help veterans and many social causes. You will love her style!
Jen and I taught dance together at the largest dance studio franchise in the world! I've been in the industry for 20+ years and I respect her as one of the best teachers I've ever met. She's funny, talented and genuinely passionate about helping others.
Jen goes above and beyond to make dancing easy and fun to learn. Her depth of knowledge and love of music and dance will be evident when you meet her! As a fellow instructor, I had the honor of being trained by and teaching alongside her earlier in her career, and I still carry many of her lessons with me to this day. If you are looking for dance lessons, look no further! Five stars, highly recommend!
Contact
Tell me a little about what you're hoping for — a wedding first dance, a night out you want to feel confident at, or just curiosity. I'll get back to you personally within a couple of days.