Jess Novotny, known by her studio families as “Miss Jess”, is the owner and Artistic Director for Prestige Dance Studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With over 30 years of experience in the dance world, Miss Jess provides her students with a comprehensive view on the techniques,
determination, and respect that are essential in becoming not only successful dancers, but also people with integrity.

Miss Jess started dancing at the age of 2 and at 13 began competing with the Moser School of Dance Performance Ensemble. She continued her intensive dance training by joining the pre-professional group Relevé Contemporary Dance Company. She has performed across the country and has trained in Los Angeles at the EDGE Performing Arts Center, Millennium Dance Complex, and Debbie Reynolds Dance Studios. After high school, Miss Jess attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a B.A. in Dance.

While attending the University of Iowa, Miss Jess was able to refine her choreographic technique and began her professional teaching career. After graduation, Miss Jess moved to Chicago and was given the opportunity to work closely with Kate Jablonski with whom she received firsthand experience and guidance on how to be an exceptional instructor and production manager.

Miss Jess opened Prestige Dance Studio in 2013 to share her passion of dance in a safe, technically sound, creative environment that offers new and innovative styles unmatched in the Cedar Rapids area. Miss Jess has been honored with choreography and most entertaining awards throughout the country and enjoys sharing her talents with the dancers and instructors at the studio. Miss Jess is also very passionate about the dance competition world as a coach, judge, and dance mom. At Prestige Dance Studio, her competition teams have been awarded multiple National Titles and received Judges’ Awards, including the honorable “Kind-Hearts Award” and “Angels Award”. Many of her competition dancers have gone on to compete at the high school and collegiate levels. Miss Jess is also the Head Coach of the Xavier High School Varsity Dance Team, and the Cedar Rapids Elite All-Stars.

Miss Jess shares her life with her fun and supportive husband Dan her three daughters and one son all of whom are an active part of Prestige. She loves being part of the Cedar Rapids and Marion communities and is beyond thankful to raise her family here!