Partnership 02

Jene
+ Jesse

Purpose Meets Artistry

Partnership photo of Jene Ray and Jesse Rennaker

This partnership brings together two people who know a thing or two about turning ideas into impact.

Jene Ray has spent her career working to create meaningful change through education, advocacy, and community leadership. Jesse Rennaker has built his around creating connection through dance, storytelling, and live experiences.

And unlike some of our community leaders, Jene isn't entirely new to the dance floor. With a background in ballroom competition and ballet, Jesse may have more to work with than she lets on.

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Meet Jene

Jene Ray

Community Leader

Inspiring – Purposeful – Resilient

Jene Ray
The ZONE Spokane
NECC Spokane
@jenerayspokane
@TheZONESpokane
@NECCSpokane

Jene Ray is Executive Director of Northeast Community Center and The ZONE, where she works alongside residents and community partners to improve the lives of families throughout Northeast Spokane.

Her career has spanned the classroom, education policy, research, workforce development, and community leadership, with a consistent focus on creating stronger outcomes for children and families.

Jene brings that same drive to Dance With Spokane!—along with some previous dance experience. A former member of her college ballroom competition team and a trained ballet dancer, Jene may just have a few surprises waiting for the competition.

Meet Jesse

Jesse Rennaker

Professional Dancer

@jesse.rennaker
@dance.alegria
@soulbarrespokane
Alegria Dance & Entertainment
SoulBarre Studio

Jesse Rennaker is the Founder and Artistic Director of Alegría Dance & Entertainment and one of the visionaries behind Dance With Spokane!

A Spokane native, dancer, choreographer, producer, and creative director, Jesse has trained and performed throughout the United States and internationally in Mexico, Guatemala, and Lebanon, including touring with world-renowned Latin dance champion Alién Ramírez.

From coaching Gonzaga University's Bomb Squad to creating immersive productions in Spokane, Jesse's work centers around one idea: using movement and storytelling to create experiences audiences remember.

Follow Their Journey