Jennifer Kortsen & Daniel Kent
jennifer kortsen
Jennifer Kortsen likes new challenges and enjoyed gymnastics and dance growing up, so being part of this season’s cast looked like a lot of fun to her! Jennifer was born in Casa Grande and grew up on a cotton farm in Stanfield. As a native of Casa Grande, Jennifer has been involved in a variety of community organizations and events over the years.
Jennifer always wanted to be a teacher and found it extremely rewarding teaching middle and high school for 29 years. The past two years, Jennifer has been the public relations officer for Casa Grande Union High School District. Jennifer shared that “the best thing about being a teacher is seeing my students grow up and be successful, including my fellow dancer, Zoe Cooper!”
Jennifer ran a mile a day, every day for 1,172 days, which is the same number of days Forrest Gump ran. She ended her streak in Monument Valley on the same highway that Forrest Gump decided to stop. In Jennifer’s “life is like a box of chocolates”, she’s hoping for the Mirror Ball center of Season 3 of Dancing for Our Stars!
daniel kent
Daniel Kent has been teaching dance for over 20 years and has coached many teams along the way. In 2015 he took ownership of the The Studio of Dance when the previous owner retired; and now has tripled in size. Daniel has been a part of this event since its inception and has helped pair up the professional dancers with our celebrities. He believes that it does take a strong community to raise confident and happy youth; “Better programs for our youth equals a better future for them and our community”, he stated. When asked to be a part of season 3, he jumped at the opportunity to help The Boys and Girls Club and said he would do so every year. As a bonus he loves being on stage!
Daniels dancing experience began at age 12 and he became an International Latin ballroom competitor shortly after. As a competitor, Daniel achieved becoming a two-time national finalist in the Youth Open Latin division and has traveled the world to compete. In addition to his ballroom expertise, he has also studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Dance Education.
Daniel and his beautiful wife, Amber, have five children, ages 6 to 17. In addition to his love of dance, Daniel loves to snowboard, golf and travel with his family. This year Daniel and his partner have their eyes on that Mirror Ball trophy!
