JEAN NELSON (tap choreographer) was born and raised in Chicago. She began her tap training at age 6, but left tap behind for competitive gymnastics. Jean rediscovered her love of tap at Carleton College, where she received a BA in Art History in 1982. She danced with Shirley Jenkins’ Seattle-based modern dance company STRONG WIND WILD HORSES from 1984-86, then moved to Eugene to begin the Graduate Program in Dance. While working on her Master’s Degree (1986-89) at the U of O, Jean began to tap again in earnest with the late, great Janet Descutner. She was a founding member of the Northwest Tap Consort in 1990 and performed with the company until 1992. Jean is currently faculty in the U of O Department of Dance, teaching Tap, Yoga For Dancers, and Looking at Dance. She has been teaching tap at The Shedd Institute since January 2015. She hopes to continue tapping her way into the hearts of millions for years to come.