Jan Mongell has danced since she was six years old and her experiences are as diverse as she is talented.  She is also known for her culinary skills, flower design and community involvement.  She was the resident demonstration chef at the Orange County Fair for 15 years and has published five cookbooks as well as creating special menus for cancer patients.

Jan has been a competitive dancer, a professional dancer, has choreographed the dance program for the Villa park Women’s League Christmas Festivities, taught line dancing as part of the fun at Villa Park’s 4^th of July celebration, was pressed into service to teach the cast

Jan’s new goal is to work with St. Joseph’s Hospital on a dance program for heart patients.  Jan said, “Doctors have begun to embrace waltzing as beneficial to heart patients because of its regular rhythm, and I am anxious to help introduce such therapy.”

Renewed resurgence in the popularity of ballroom dancing has sprung from the TV show “Dancing with the Stars.”  Those who would like to hone their terpsichorean skills are welcome to join Jan’s free one-hour lessons on Thursday evenings that are included in the admission to the big band dances at the Phoenix Club in Aaheim.