Jennifer Porteous Rutherford began studying ballet as a young child, where she quickly fell in love with the art form. At 14, she was invited to attend the School of American Ballet (official school to the New York City Ballet) on full scholarship for their year-round program. Jennifer trained some of the most esteemed teachers in the world, from Olga Kostritsky, Suki Schorer, Kay Mazzo, Susanne Pilarre, Gelsey Kirkland, among many more. She performed the principal role of Choleric in the Four Temperaments in her debut year at the School of American Ballet.

Jennifer was invited to join New York City Ballet as an apprentice when she was only 17 years old. She was promoted to the Corps only a few months later. Jennifer performed over 50 Balanchine ballets while dancing in the company. She was chosen to originate roles in ballets choreographed by Robert LaFosse as well as the company’s Artistic Director, Peter Martins. She was well known for her sharp mind and virtuoso technique, and was reviewed by the New York Times as a standout performer for the “clarity and bold simplicity of her dancing”.

As Jennifer’s dance career finished, she began teaching ballet. She has run her own pre professional ballet program, as well as been the Ballet Director at Planet Dance Cincinnati for 10 plus years. Jennifer was hired to be the Professional Training Division Coordinator with Cincinnati Ballet in 2021. She had much success in her role, with every dancer graduating from the program receiving professional ballet contracts for the following year. Jennifer also helped the Cincinnati Ballet Academy launch their first Academy Dance Ensemble in 2023 under the direction of Artistic Director Jodie Gates. This new program added needed performance opportunities for the students of the academy. Jennifer is well known for being a positive and hands-on instructor. She is also a wife, adoptive mom, foster mom, and passionate advocate for children.