Jill Kemp opened the Jill Foster Dance Centre in 1980. This established dance centre now has eight schools catering for over 500 pupils. Jill’s policy is to make dance available to all and as such offers equal opportunities and is totally non-selective. With this in mind Jill created “Weenie Wiggler” classes to give the under threes access to dance and teaches in both mainstream and special needs school.
Jill has trained many hundreds of Freestyle competitors and undefeated teams. She judges championships and festivals, and promotes events on a regular basis. Jill spent many years as committee member, secretary and chairman of the ADFP Midland Area and was presented both the professional and the area award. However, the highlight of Jill's career was being awarded the "Carl Alan" award for outstanding Freestyle Teacher in 2007 and again in 2014.
Jill was appointed an IDTA examiner in 1999. This has given her the opportunity of examining thousands of professional and amateur candidates both at home and abroad. The JFDC has maintained it's position in the top dance schools in the world for IDTA examination work.
Professional coaching is an integral part of the school and Jill is rewarded by the excellent results achieved by candidates, many of whom have been nominated for the John Dilworth award, including the Freestyle winner 2003 and 2011.
Lecturing all levels of dance has kept Jill busy, but dance associations regularly request her choreography for young children.
Jill has contributed to the Bucks New University Dance Foundation Degree and has developed units in both event and medal test organisation and choreographic practice.
Jill’s passion for Freestyle has “rubbed off” on her family. Her son and two daughters, having retired from competing teach within the dance centre. Her husband, Chris, is her continued support.