Dance teacher Ben Olson

Get To Know Mr. Ben

Senior Instructor

What is your education background? 
I Graduated from Hudson High School in 2004. I attended Hill-Murray for 2 years during high school. I also have received education from Scot-Lewis School of Cosmetology, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, where I received my Associate of Arts (A.A.) Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.

What are your dance & teaching backgrounds? 
I attended the Classical Ballet Academy, where I studied Ballet, Partnering, and Performance. I was also a student of Larkin Dance Studio, where I trained in tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop.

Professionally, I have danced with the Continental Ballet Company, Minneapolis Ballet Dancers, and Ballet Minnesota. I have danced many principal roles including the Nutcracker Prince & Cavalier (The Nutcracker - multiple companies), and Franz in Sleeping Beauty.

I was a Fringe Festival Encore Performance winner in 2016, and I've been the recipient of many other Platinum and Specialty Awards.

I have loved teaching at Jam Hops since 2019. I've also taught with Katie Lien School of Dance, Continental Ballet Academy, Studio Vibe Dance & Performance, Edina Dance Team, and Jamm Dance Company.

What do you love most about teaching dance at Jam Hops?
What I love most about teaching at Jam Hops is the culture. Everybody is so uplifting and supportive of each other. I also love working with such a variety of talent amongst the students and coworkers. 

Who is someone that inspires you, and why? 
Honestly, I am so inspired by our Dance Director, Erin Antilla. She is probably the calmest, and most patient person I know. She creates such beautiful work, and doesn't boast or compare herself to others. She quietly motivates me consistently by just being herself.

What is your favorite snack food?
Organic smoothies!