:: Ballroom Dancing ::
Between the years of 1990-2003, Jaana’s dynamic partnership with her husband James included competing, performing, choreographing and appearing on TV shows all over the world! She has won many national and international championships – Including 4th place in the World Latin Showdance Championships in Holland, 2003. She has featured in major corporate event shows, opening acts on cruise ships, featured performers in dance companies, appeared on numerous national television programs, choreographed and starred in music videos and has appeared in a major motion picture release.
Jaana is one of the most televised DanceSport females in the world. Her appearances include PBS “Championship Ballroom Dancing”, NBC “DanceSport Series”, Goodlife TV, ESPN, and Ole Suzanna. You have also seen her in the hit movie “Dance with Me” starring Vanessa Williams.
The highlights of her championship titles include: American Championship Finalist, US Open to the World Finalist, World Showdance Finalist and North American Showdance Champion.
:: Fitness ::
Jaana is an ACE certified Fitness Instructor making her one of the leading authorities in dance fitness today.
Jaana’s latest endeavor; Core Rhythms® is a Latin-dance-based fitness program that has been featured on pay-per-view programs, QVC, “My Games Fever”, Fox news and The Daily TOP TEN. Core Rhythms has sold over 2 million DVD’s; has been on TV stations and in the homes of viewers in more than 12 countries around the world and is considered to be a breakthrough in fitness technology with unbelievable results.
:: Jaana’s Story in Her Own Words ::
“I am originally from Finland, at the age of 9 I was an over weight little girl who was picked on for being out of shape. Who would have known that was the start of my interest in fitness? At school I excelled in winter sports and baseball, but soon the passion for dance took over. Ballet, Jazz, and Ballroom were everything I loved. In 1990 Ballroom dance became my career when I moved to America. I am obsessed with keeping fit, but in fun and unique ways… I love to share my passion with others. I have seen so many people change their lives, mentally and physically through dancing. It is a thrill to know that I can inspire people and be part of improving their overall health and well being.”
:: Workout Philosophy ::
“There are many ways to exercise but you need to find the one that makes you smile and enjoy it. When you are capable of enjoying your workouts you can better reap the benefits of a healthier body and mind.”
“Remember, your body is like a machine. If you take care of it (exercise, rest and nourishment) it will run effectively and efficiently for a long time. The choice is always yours and yours alone.”
:: Education & Credentials ::
- Ft. Hays performing Arts
- Conservatory of Oulu (major in DanceSport)
- World renowned coaches including:
Rick Valenzuela - USA
Ruud Vermeij – Holland
Ron Montez – USA
Colin James – England
Vickie & Frank Regan – USA
Espen Salberg – Italy U
- ACE Certified Fitness Instructor
- NADTA Member
- PAN AM Member
- NDCA Member
- Terpsichore Member
:: Instructor & Show Choreographer ::
- Finland
- Canada
- Japan
- USA
- China
- Hong Kong
- London
- Puerto Rico
- Hawaii
- BYU World Championship Formation Team Choreographer
- SDSU Formation
- UCSD Formation
- Vanina Aronica - Music Video
- Japan Passion - Theater Production
- Russion Ballet of Delaware
- JazzMet
- Frank Regan’s - Ballroom Montage
:: TV & Movie Appearances ::
- Multiple episodes of PBS “Championship Ballroom Dancing”
- NBC “Dancesport Series”
- Multiple episodes of Goodlife TV Dancesport
- Multiple episodes of Ole Suzanna (Argentina)
- Multiple episodes of ESPN Dancesport
- Dance With Me starring Vanessa Williams
:: Competitive Winning Accomplishments ::
- The Eastern United States Championships
- The East Coast Dance Festival
- The DanceSport Showcase Spectacular
- Holiday Ball
- Challenge of Champions
- California Open
- Heritage Classic
- California Winter Festival
- Texas Challenge
- Southwest Regional
- The Yankee Classic
- Sapphire Ball
- Virginia State
- International Grand Ball
- Northwest Star Ball
- U.K. Rising Star Latin Finalists
- The United States Champions 1996
- Runners-up Blackpool Dance Festival
- United States Finalists
- U.S.D.S.C. Top Latin Couple
- Holiday Dance Classic
- Challenge of Championships Top Latin Couple
- Southwest Regional
- Nevada Star Ball
- Representatives to the Asian Championships in Bangkok, Thailand
- Champions of the Sino-American Invitational, Taiwan
- London Open Runners-up
- London I.S.T.D. Latin Finalists
- U.K. Rising Star Latin Finalists
- Blackpool Rising Star Latin Finalists
- United Sates Open to the World Latin Finalists
- Ohio Star Ball Showdance Champions
- World Latin American Showdance Finalists
