Jessica Plonka is a native of Jacksonville, FL where she grew up dancing competitively for many years. She is a 2020 graduate from James Madison University receiving both a BA in Dance and a BS in Kinesiology. During her time in school she was a student member of the Virginia Repertory Dance Company, performing works by Kyle Abraham, DanceWorks Chicago, Rubén Graciani, Matt Pardo, and Scott Putman. After school, Jessica returned home joining Emily Cargill and Dancers as a company member for one season. She then went on to join Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) as a company member in 2021, performing in works by Bliss Kohlmyer, Roberto Forleo, Eboné Amos, James Morrow and company artistic director Rebecca Levy. As well as performing for JDT, Jessica also currently works as an instructor and choreographer in and around Jacksonville, FL. She serves on faculty for both LaVilla School of the Arts and local dance studio, Debbie’s Dance Company, specializing in Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, and Jazz technique. Jessica hopes to continue furthering her love of the arts in her community by helping her students grow and express themselves fully in dance.