About

Humble Beginnings:

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jake Speakman began dancing at the age of 12. After participating in the annual school musical, he was encouraged by guest choreographer, Gina Veith, to take classes under her mentorship. He continued his training at the Academy of International Ballet, building a strong foundation in Vaganova-based ballet technique. While completing his senior year of high school, he moved to New York City and began dancing professionally as an apprentice with Ajkun Ballet Theatre. In the summer of 2016, Jake participated in the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation College Scholarship Program, where he was accepted into the BFA Dance Department at Marymount Manhattan College. He was awarded a NYCDAF scholarship and two MMC performing arts scholarships. While at Marymount Manhattan College, he studied in techniques such as: Ballet, Graham, Horton, and Taylor. He also performed works by: Gerald Arpino, Andrea Miller, Larry Keigwin, Yin Yue, Kyle Abraham, Jenn Freeman, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, and Tami Stronach. In the Spring of 2020, Jake graduated from Marymount Manhattan College, under the direction of Katie Langan, with a BFA in Dance, concentrating in Ballet.

Upon Graduation, Jake has performed with New York Dance Project for their 2021 season, and New York Theater Ballet for their Winter 2021 Nutcracker season. You can currently find Jake performing globally as a Company Member of Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo. During his time with Ballet Trockadero, he has performed both male and female leading roles in ballets such as Odette in Swan Lake Act II, and the Pas de trio from Swan Lake Act I.