Jerry Opdenaker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia he danced in many jazz and modern companies as well as with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Mr. Opdenaker graduated from the University of the Arts with a degree in dance. After dancing with the Kansas City Ballet as a soloist, he joined Ballet Florida in 1992. He currently serves as the director of Step Ahead, the choreographic workshop of Ballet Florida. Within the workshop he has choreographed several ballets including Coeur de Basque, which won a choreographic award and was presented in New York City with Ballet Builders in 2003. Coeur de Basque also appeared as a part of Ballet Florida's 2003-2004 season, along with Fall Ascending and Absence of White, other pieces choreographed by Mr. Opdenaker. Coeur de Basque has been performed by Ballet Gamonet Maximum Dance.