PANHANDLE PORTRAITS SPOTLIGHT: JESSICA KINNAMAN

​After Jessica graduated from the Akhmedova Ballet Academy in 2017, she signed a contract for a paid apprentice position with the American National Ballet, a new ballet company. Unfortunately, six weeks into their season, they fired over 70 percent of the dancers (including Jessica), after they lost their funding. It was a tough year for the ballerina, as she had turned down other contracts to take the ANB job. She persevered, signing a contract with Ballet Magnificat earlier this year. The company will perform in Texas, Tennessee, Guatemala, Mexico and Cuba within the next seven months. According to her mom, Jessica is excited to be with this company as she gets to share two passions: her faith and love of ballet.

Want to read about all the other folks in Panhandle Portraits? I profiled 77 wonderful West Virginians. Details about the two-volume set at http://www.katherinecobb.com/panhandle-portraits.html