Jreena's Story

I am Jreena Green, a professional dancer and choreographer. My journey has been shaped by performing in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning The Lion King and serving as Dance Captain for the NHS GOSH segment of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony. My passion for the arts extends beyond the stage, focusing on community engagement and nurturing talent. As Head of Dance at Theatre Peckham under Teresa Early OBE, I proudly guided many students to prestigious institutions such as The BRIT School and other renowned conservatoires.

I believe the arts belong to everyone, regardless of their background. My mission has always been to educate and inspire young artists about Jazz—an art form deeply rooted in music, poetry, visual art, and dance. Known as Black Classical Music, Jazz has captivated audiences for generations. It unites vernacular dance forms like Tap, the Foxtrot, Cakewalk, Charleston, and Lindy Hop, which have significantly influenced Hip Hop and modern street dance.

In 2021, as we emerged from the pandemic, the arts faced a critical moment. Young professional dancers, particularly those from marginalized communities, struggled with unemployment, fading dreams, and mental health challenges. The isolation heightened anxiety and eroded confidence. Witnessing this struggle, I felt compelled to act.

Through my company, Jazz Dance Elite, I launched a program to reignite hope and passion among these artists. With Natalie Bell’s help, we secured a space at Coin Street, providing a sanctuary for dancers to rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging through Jazz.

We introduced weekly sessions, offering the UK’s only professional training in Authentic Jazz, Rhythm Tap, the Annette Walker program, and UK Jazz IDJ. Coin Street became the hub for this vital work, partnering with IDJ Dance Company to revive and preserve lost dance forms. This initiative has supported over 20 dancers, leading to performances at esteemed venues like Cadogan Hall and collaborations with Tomorrow’s Warriors at the Royal Festival Hall. We’ve also strengthened community ties through projects with Southwark College and other events.

One of our standout classes, Shake Your Groove, invites everyone to join the fun, blending moves from the Twist to the Charleston. Over the last three years, these classes have brought more than 200 participants to our events and attracted over three million views on social media with highlights like our Boogie Woogie flash mob dances.

We’re proud to host the Jazz Dance Collective and an education hub that shares Jazz’s rich history with schools and colleges. Beyond preserving this cherished art form, we’re fostering an inclusive space where creativity thrives, and new generations of artists can flourish.

Jazz is more than an art form—it’s a bridge connecting history, culture, and community. I am honoured to continue this work, creating opportunities for artists and sharing the transformative power of Jazz with audiences far and wide.