Jessica Payne

Jessica was born and raised in San Clemente and received her dance training at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. In 2015, she joined Tulsa Ballet, where she danced professionally until joining Colorado Ballet in 2020. With Colorado Ballet, she was promoted to Soloist in 2022 and to Principal in 2024.

Throughout her career, Jessica has toured and performed internationally in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and New York City. She has served as a guest teacher for multiple summer intensive programs in California and Colorado and has coached students for Youth America Grand Prix and Denver Ballet Guild competitions.

Prior to her professional ballet career, Jessica was a parade and show performer at the Disneyland Resort. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology from Oklahoma State University.