Jill Hammond, a Pocatello, Idaho native, began her ballet journey at an early age, studying pre-ballet and ballet under Mrs. Pinkerton, who trained under the famous Fokine-known for his rigorous Russian technique. With the passing of Mrs. Pinkerton, Jill was immersed in the Cecchetti method, developing a strong classical foundation. She trained extensively with Mary Kasai of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. Miss Kasai was the president and head examiner of the International Cecchetti Society. Under Kasai's mentorship, Jill was selected for a goodwill performing arts tour to Russia. She was lucky enough to study with one of Enricho Cecchetti's last living students during a prestigious summer intensive in California. Jill also studied in New York at Steps On Broadway and Broadway Dance Center.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in dental hygiene, Jill's love of ballet led her to Southern California where she trained withDavis Howard, Finis Junj, Nikolaj Hubbe, and Kim Hurley. She later moved to Phoenix wher she quickly became involved with the dance community taking company class with Ballet Arizona. Jill was a Dance Instructor at Dance Studio III for 25 years and Artistic Director of the Ahwatukee Foothills for two decades.
Throughout her career, Jill pursued advanced study with as many of the world's top ballet Masters as she could take classes from. She continued her education at Arizona State University, trying to improve, both as a dancer and an educator.
At the heart of Jill's work is a profound love for ballet as an art form and a belief in its power to inspire, discipline and develop artistry. She has been fortunate enough to see students pursue professional careers in International Ballet companies, dancing on Broadway, with Disney, commercially with musical artists, and as the head of the Dance Department at the University of Southern California.
Jill also travelled with her students to New York, California, and the midwest to help expand their opprtunities and artistic horizons, and experience the different types of ballet. She brings the same passion and dedication to her work with Julie Moffitt Ballet School. She is so happy to foster a culture of respect, excellence, and a lifelong love of dance with this outstanding studio.