• MA, University at Buffalo
• New York State Teaching Certificate in Dance K-12
• BA, Mercyhurst University
• Certificate of Museum Studies, Northwestern University

Jeanne Fornarola is a Teaching Professor at the University at Buffalo, where she teaches courses in ballet, dance history, and dance pedagogy. With over a decade of leadership experience, she served as the Undergraduate Director of Dance for ten years. Jeanne holds New York State certification in Dance K-12 and founded Bridging Communities Through Dance, a UB community engagement program that introduces the joy of dance to children in Buffalo City Schools. She also coordinates the Friday Forum Series, which enriches the dance curriculum by bringing master classes and workshops led by industry professionals to UB students.

As a director and choreographer, Jeanne has led UB’s Zodiaque Dance Ensemble and produced the Back to Buffalo Alumni Dance Concerts. Her choreographic works have been showcased by UB’s resident dance companies, UB Art Galleries, Starring Buffalo, and NYC staged readings for new musicals in development.

Jeanne’s impact extends beyond UB. She has been a Teaching Artist for Southern Tier Arts in Education and founded Binghamton University’s Summer Dance Program and Danceworks of Rochester, Inc. Her teaching credits include SUNY Buffalo State, Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, Broome Community College, Dance Masters of America’s Teachers Training Program, and the Graduate School of Education at UB.

Her research focuses on innovative approaches to dance education, particularly blended learning strategies tailored to the learning styles of Digital Natives. She has published her work in the Journal of Dance Education, The Encyclopedia of Appalachia, Dance Studio Life, and Dance Teacher/Spirit. Jeanne has also served as an Arts Auditor for New York State and as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the New York State Dance Educator Association, the state affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization.

Jeanne’s excellence has been recognized with the 2018 Zodiaque Dance Company Directors Award from UB, the 2021 National Dance Educators Lifetime Achievement Award, and UB Recognition for her Positive Influence on Students.