
Introducing the April Kent Island Community Spotlight! Our Kent Island Community Spotlight is a monthly feature honoring those community members and businesses who make a BIG impact on our tiny island. There are so many community members and businesses that impact Kent Island. Meet our April Kent Island Community Spotlight:
Introducing Jessica Gallew of Step 1 Dance 2 Academy
Meet Jessica!

Shawn, Jessica’s husband, who nominated her, had this to say: “The positive impact, the constant love, and passion she provides for youth and adults thru dance in the community is why she’s deserving of the Kent Island Community Spotlight.”
About Jessica – our Kent Island Community Spotlight
We asked Jessica to share about Step 1 Dance 2 Academy:
I own Step 1 Dance Academy in Chester- going into our 13th season this coming fall, yet I have owned the studio for 15 years starting in Kansas. Our mission at Step 1 Dance 2 Academy (S1D2) is a non-competitive, friendly, fun, family community-based and innovative dance studio whose goals are to help each student build confidence, self-esteem, strength, flexibility, and an appreciation for the art of dance and movement. S1D2 is a place of encouragement where students will learn and grow in movement, performance, and self-assurance. Classes are designed to help our students develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally through a solid foundation of creativity, proper technique, and developmentally appropriate movements. We have a “strong” reliable dance family bond, which makes S1D2 special. |
What Do You Love About Kent Island And What Fuels You to Give Back?
I am fueled by the kids I teach. they give me a purpose to want to be a better mentor, listener, and motivator each day. The kids in the community fuel me to offer them more opportunities to get involved in.
Ways They Give Back
I also have an award-winning non-profit performance company in which our dancers fundraise to travel to perform at conventions. I strive to give the youth in our community a safe place to build their artistry and create an outlet. I give them artistic opportunities outside of the community allowing them to see what dance is like outside of the studio walls. I love giving them a place to build life long friendships, and self-confidence. Mostly, I love to help nurture their passion for their future plans and goals. Our motto- train as a dancer, grow as an artist.
What Brings You Happiness?
My family. The gift of being able to teach my children and others. The ability to dance. My love language is giving back!






Know Another Community Spotlight? Nominate Today!
Who should we know that contributes to our Kent Island community? Do you know a resident or business that shows up in a big way? Someone who makes a positive impact right here on our little island? I Love Kent Island wants to recognize them in the Kent Island Community Spotlight!
We want recognize them in a way that they deserve! We want to share an example for others of what community and kindness is all about. Click HERE to nominate today!
Subscribe Today
Subscribe to our free newsletter! You will receive fresh ideas of local family-friendly fun and events. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We love keeping you updated with local happenings on Kent Island. ilovekentisland.com is a free website serving the community of Kent Island. If you’d like to sponsor ilovekentisland.com, email ilovekentisland@gmail.com today.