Our Story: A Vision Built to Last
Welcome to Jensen Performing Arts—Milpitas’s vibrant dance community, where passion, family, and artistry come together in every step. Founded by Patricia “Patty” Jensen in 1979, our studio has been a cornerstone for generations of dancers, from eager toddlers to lifelong enthusiasts. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where students of all ages and backgrounds can find joy, confidence, and a love of movement.
Patty Jensen’s journey in dance began at home, with small classes that soon blossomed into a dream for something greater. In the mid-80s, her dream took root when she found a newly built space on Milpitas Boulevard. Although property owners were skeptical about leasing to a dance studio, one landlord saw the potential in her vision. His decision to support a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry led to the establishment of Jensen Performing Arts in the very location we occupy to this day.
“We’re the first ones to occupy this space—it was built for me. I learned then never to listen when people say you can’t do something,” Patty shares. Nearly five decades later, Jensen Performing Arts continues to inspire, uplift, and serve our community through dance, with that same pioneering spirit at our core.
A Family Tradition in Every Step
A Family-Led Legacy
Family is the heart of Jensen Performing Arts. Patty’s sister, Tina Jensen, plays a vital role as the Director of our children’s programs, shaping the foundation of our students’ dance journeys. Tina’s creative vision brought the Little Stars Learning Academy to life—a City of Milpitas chartered program that introduces children ages 18 months through Kindergarten to dance. Together, Patty and Tina create a unique and nurturing environment where every student feels like family.
Our legacy is a true multi-generational story. Many of our dancers, such as Marcy Keith Balbas, began their training with us as young children and now teach with the same passion that inspired them. Marcy’s daughter, Sophia, has been dancing here since before she was born. This close-knit, enduring community is a hallmark of our studio, and we take pride in watching each new generation join our Jensen Performing Arts family.
WHY DOES OUR COMMUNITY CHOOSE Jensen Performing Arts?
Jensen Performing Arts is centrally located, with a class schedule that fits seamlessly into your busy life. We’ve designed our programs to be accessible and flexible, making your dance experience enjoyable and stress-free.
At Jensen Performing Arts, you’ll find a state-of-the-art dance facility, led by some of the best instructors in the industry. Our studio is designed with safety and comfort in mind, so parents can feel confident that their dancers are in good hands.
Jensen Performing Arts is a hub of creativity and positivity for dancers of all ages. You’ll become part of a supportive family where friendships are formed, and personal growth thrives in a welcoming, diverse environment.
Little Stars Learning Academy
The Little Stars Learning Academy at Jensen Performing Arts is more than just a dance program—it’s where many of our students begin their lifelong journey with us. Designed for children from 18 months to Kindergarten, this early childhood enrichment program has not only introduced young dancers to the magic of movement, but has also become a beloved part of the Milpitas community. Endorsed by the City of Milpitas, Little Stars reflects our commitment to fostering artistic growth and personal confidence in our youngest learners, right here in their hometown.
This foundational program has played a significant role in shaping our studio’s reputation and in weaving us into the fabric of the community. For many families, Little Stars is their first introduction to Jensen Performing Arts, and it has become a stepping stone for children who go on to grow, perform, and excel in our other programs. It’s been an honor to watch these students mature into dedicated, passionate dancers who bring joy and energy to our studio each week.
The success and impact of Little Stars have elevated our studio by helping us support families in raising confident, expressive, and engaged children. We’re proud to offer a nurturing, joyful environment where children can thrive, setting a foundation for lifelong confidence, creativity, and community connection.
Classes For Every Age & Skill Level
At Jensen Performing Arts, we believe dance is for everyone—whether you’re just learning to shuffle, spinning in advanced pirouettes, or tapping for pure joy. Our class offerings include: Rising Stars (Ages 5 – 8), Shining Stars (Ages 8 – 11), Super Stars (Ages 12 – 17), Adult Classes (Ages 18+), Ballet Academy (Ages 4 – 18), Lyrical & Contemporary (Ages 8+), and Musical Theater (Ages 8+).
Our classes cover Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Lyrical, and Musical Theater, fostering creativity, coordination, and discipline for each age group. Each class is thoughtfully designed to engage dancers and nurture their talents, whether they’re in preschool or performing on stage.
Performance & Competition Teams
At Jensen Performing Arts, our Performance & Competition Teams bring dancers together to experience the thrill of performance, the discipline of competitive training, and the pride of representing their studio within the community and beyond. These programs are about more than trophies or applause—they foster teamwork, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment that inspires dancers to grow both on and off the stage. Through structured training, dancers refine their skills, build confidence, and develop a strong work ethic that fuels their passion and potential.
Our teams have become ambassadors for Jensen Performing Arts, performing at beloved local events and competing at prestigious competitions that connect our dancers to the larger world of dance. This opportunity to perform and compete enhances every aspect of our studio community, encouraging dancers to pursue excellence while deepening their love of dance. From local stages to international competitions, our dancers proudly embody the values of dedication, artistry, and community that Jensen Performing Arts stands for.
Check Out The New JPA APP Today!
From industry-leading brands to valued partners, these affiliations enhance our students’ experience and support our mission to provide top-tier dance education.
From industry-leading brands to valued partners, these affiliations enhance our students’ experience and support our mission to provide top-tier dance education.