The JaM Space Introduce
For families and aspiring dancers across Maryland, especially those in the Rockville and North Bethesda areas, The JaM Space offers a truly distinctive and enriching environment for dance education. This isn't just another dance studio; it's a passionately crafted community where youth can connect, express themselves, and expand their dance training under the caring and professional leadership of co-directors Mark Orsborn and Jen Ray. The JaM Space believes in the "JaMily" – a philosophy that emphasizes a thoughtful and nurturing community where dancers develop not only as artists but also as confident, well-rounded individuals.
At The JaM Space, the focus is on providing top-quality dance training with a particular emphasis on the uniquely American art forms of Tap and Jazz Dance. While many studios center around competitive dance, The JaM Space strives to be an alternative experience, offering a common space for all "JaMily" regardless of wherever else they may train. This makes it an ideal place to supplement existing dance education or to be the primary source of training for those seeking a different model. The curriculum is designed to be invaluable, helping students refine their technique while exploring the rich history and expressive potential of these dance styles.
The impact of The JaM Space on its students is consistently highlighted in heartfelt testimonials. One former student fondly recalled JYP (The JaM Youth Project, now housed at The JaM Space) as one of their "favorite places growing up," stating they "would not be the dancer and artist that I am today without being a part of it." This student, initially shy, credited the studio with helping them "come out of my shell and be confident in myself that truly translated to my life outside of dance." Such stories underscore the profound personal growth fostered alongside technical dance skills.
Imagine your child finding a place where they feel completely comfortable to express themselves, where kindness is as valued as choreography, and where professional guidance helps them unlock their full potential. Mark Orsborn and Jen Ray are described as creating "magic" through their efforts, building a community where the people you meet are "incredibly kind." This nurturing atmosphere is crucial for young dancers, allowing them to take risks, make mistakes, and learn in a supportive setting that encourages both artistic and socio-emotional development.
The JaM Space is more than just classes; it's an experience that extends beyond the studio walls, empowering dancers with skills and confidence that positively impact their lives outside of dance. The directors' vision for a healthy culture is evident in every aspect of the studio, making it a truly exceptional environment for artistic and personal growth. For locals in Maryland, particularly those seeking a dance studio that prioritizes holistic development and fosters a genuine sense of belonging, The JaM Space is an invaluable resource.
Location and Accessibility
The JaM Space is conveniently located at 12009 Nebel St, Rockville, MD 20852, USA, making it easily accessible for families throughout Rockville, North Bethesda, Bethesda, and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. Nebel Street is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation to the studio. Its location within a commercial area often provides convenient parking options, which is a significant advantage for busy parents dropping off or picking up students. This prime placement means that top-quality dance training, particularly in Tap and Jazz, is readily available to a broad segment of the Maryland population, minimizing commute times and making consistent participation in their enriching programs both practical and enjoyable.
Services Offered
- Tap Dance Classes: Instruction in the unique American art form of tap dance.
- Jazz Dance Classes: Comprehensive training in various styles of jazz dance.
- Youth Dance Programs (The JaM Youth Project): Programs specifically designed for young dancers to connect, express, and expand their training.
- Pre-Professional Company Opportunities: Training and performance opportunities for serious young dancers.
- Drop-in Classes: Flexibility for students to attend classes without long-term commitment.
- Workshops: Special intensive sessions focusing on specific techniques or guest artists.
- Technique Classes: Focused instruction on foundational dance techniques to build skill and precision.
- Performance Opportunities: Chances for students to showcase their development and artistry.
- Community Building: Fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for dancers and families.
- Socio-Emotional Development: Programs designed to build confidence, self-expression, and positive interpersonal skills.
- Professional Leadership: Guidance from experienced and caring directors, Mark Orsborn and Jen Ray.
Features / Highlights
- Dedicated to Tap and Jazz: Specializes in these uniquely American dance forms, offering in-depth training.
- Nurturing Community ("JaMily"): Prioritizes a supportive and kind environment where dancers feel safe to grow.
- Professional Leadership: Co-directed by experienced artists Mark Orsborn and Jen Ray, known for their thoughtful approach.
- Holistic Development: Focuses on developing dancers as artists and as people, fostering confidence and self-expression.
- Alternative to Competitive Studio Model: Offers a different experience not centered on intense competition, ideal for supplemental training or primary focus.
- Invaluable Technique Classes: Students report significant improvement in their dance skills.
- Positive Impact on Life Skills: Helps dancers come out of their shell, build confidence, and apply lessons outside of dance.
- Welcoming to All Skill Levels: Encourages both beginners and more experienced dancers.
- Convenient Rockville Location: Easily accessible for locals in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Contact Information
Address: 12009 Nebel St, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For residents across Maryland, particularly those in Rockville and the surrounding communities, The JaM Space is an exceptional local resource for dance education. Its convenient location on Nebel Street ensures easy accessibility, making it practical for busy families to integrate high-quality dance training into their children's or their own schedules. This local presence means that a unique and nurturing dance environment is available right in their backyard, without the need for extensive commutes.
What truly makes The JaM Space suitable for the local community is its distinctive philosophy of fostering a "JaMily" – a supportive and kind community where dancers are encouraged to develop holistically. Under the professional and caring leadership of Mark Orsborn and Jen Ray, students receive top-tier training in Tap and Jazz, while also building invaluable life skills such as confidence, self-expression, and resilience. The testimonials from students who have experienced profound personal growth, extending beyond the dance studio into their daily lives, underscore the transformative impact of this approach.
For Maryland locals seeking a dance studio that prioritizes a healthy culture, individualized artistic development, and a strong sense of belonging over pure competition, The JaM Space is an ideal and highly recommended choice. It provides a sanctuary where young artists can thrive, express themselves freely, and discover their full potential, enriching the cultural landscape of Rockville and the wider Montgomery County area.
This video provides a brief glimpse into a "jam" session, showcasing the lively and improvisational energy often found in dance communities like The JaM Space: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UfG_Nf0-3g)
The JaM Space Photos










The JaM Space Location
The JaM Space Reviews
A place where youth can connect, express, and expand their dance training under caring and professional leadership. Mark & Jen provide a thoughtful and nurturing community for dancers to develop as artists and people.
May 28, 2025 · Tamara Thompson LeviJYP was one of my favorite places growing up, and I would not be the dancer and artist that I am today without being a part of it. Not only are the technique classes invaluable, but the people you meet along the way are incredibly kind. Being a shy dancer and artist growing up, they really showed me how to come out of my shell and be confident in myself that truly translated to my life outside of dance. I am extremely grateful for my experience and I highly recommend if you have the opportunity to experience the magic that Mark and Jen create.
Aug 02, 2024 · Meghan HuttoI had the pleasure of judging alongside Jen and Mark on the competition circuit and also witnessed their remarkable skills in action through my own children's classes. I also spent years working closely with Jen as an Advisory Panel member for Youth Protection Association for Dance and found her commitment to the well-being and development of young dancers truly impressive. Both Jen and Mark prioritize safety, ensuring that their choreography and teaching methods are developmentally appropriate. Their focus on nurturing artistry while maintaining a supportive and secure environment for kids is commendable and unparalleled. They consistently demonstrate a profound dedication to fostering both talent and personal growth in their students. The JaM space is where dancers of all ages will thrive on and off the dance floor.
Aug 26, 2024 · Tiffany Prout-LeitaoJaM was an extremely formative and positive experience for me growing up! Jen and Mark take such care in creating a supportive and safe learning environment for their students, which makes all the difference for dancers.Jen was an incredible mentor and took me in as a Dancinema Intern, and Mark was a fantastic role model as my tap teacher and choreographer. I would highly recommend giving them a chance and joining the JaMily!!
Aug 04, 2024 · Sydney HoltonJYP is one of my favorite memories from growing up. I was lucky to be there from the very beginning when they held their first auditions for the group. I learned a lot about myself being a part of a community that was designed to lift each other up, strive for unimaginable growth and of course create life lasting friendships. As a pre-pro company member Mark and Jen gave us so many amazing opportunities to perform, audition, and learn that normal dance studios don’t provide. With those experiences they also taught me about leadership and how to inspire those around me, because whether you know it or not even at 16 years old you have people that look up to you. Even after 6+ years of graduating from the company I always rep them with my keychain and crewneck! I am the woman I am today because of my JaMily and I highly encourage anyone interested in tap dance and being a part of a solid community to join JYP!
Aug 02, 2024 · DeAnne Catterton
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