Jessie Jeanne Stinnett is a dancer, choreographer, and Climate Reality Leader trained by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, as well as the founder and co-artistic director of Boston Dance Theater. Her recent projects, SURGE, created with ocean scientist Dr. Larry J. Pratt of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and PLANTS, developed in collaboration with the North Shore’s Great Marsh, explore climate change through themes of sea level rise and native coastal ecosystems. Her work emphasizes the role of arts and science collaboration in fostering environmental awareness and sustainable futures. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance from The Boston Conservatory and an MFA in Creative Practice from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and has performed with institutions including the Metropolitan Opera, Tate Britain, and Boston Baroque.
Stinnett’s choreographic work has been recognized for its conceptually driven approach, examining complex social and environmental themes, and has been supported by major grants from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and The MAP Fund. In addition to her creative practice, she is an active educator and collaborator, working with a wide range of communities, institutions, and interdisciplinary partners, including Harvard University, TEDxNew England, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She has received numerous honors, including the 2020 Boston Dancemakers Residency and a choreographic residency at the Boston Center for the Arts, and has served as a Visiting Lecturer at Harvard University. She is also a core faculty member at the New Hampshire School of Ballet, where she trains pre-professional dancers.
