Journie took her first dance class at the age of 2 and joined her first competitive dance company when she was just 5 years old. Working with several amazing Chicagoland mentors, such as Lizzie Mckenzie, Jennifer Grapes, and Ted Jackson, Journie was the recipient of many national scholarships and the winner of several regional and national titles. After receiving a scholarship to the Ballet Chicago Summer Intensive at the age of 12, Journie decided to switch to an all ballet focus and joined the Ballet Chicago Studio Company that fall. Journie spent 4 years as a member of Ballet Chicago under the direction of Daniel Duell, former New York City Ballet Principal dancer, and Patricia Blair (Répétiteurs of the George Balanchine Trust). During her time at Ballet Chicago, she was lucky enough to perform several corps, soloist, and principal roles in many of George Balanchine’s prestigious ballets, including Stars and Stripes, Who Cares?, Serenade, Rubies, Concerto Barocco, Square Dance, Swan Lake, Theme and Variations, Walpurgisnacht, and Divertimento No.15.  

After her time at Ballet Chicago, Journie joined Fort Wayne Ballet on scholarship as a Trainee and appeared in Alice in Wonderland, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Nutcracker. 

Journie has received additional ballet training at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago as well as the School of Milwaukee Ballet. She has also spent extensive time training in contemporary and modern with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Elements Contemporary Ballet, and Visceral Dance Chicago.

Journie joined the Indianapolis Ballet in 2021 as a Professional Level Program student and was thrilled to get back to her Balanchine roots and dance alongside the company. She had a great year as a PLP appearing in IndyFringe, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, New Works, Love Springs Eternal, and Swan Lake. Journie was ecstatic to be promoted to an apprentice for the 2022-23 season and cannot wait to continue to grow during season 2023-24.

Sponsor: Patti Neal and Karl R. Zimmer III