Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jasmine Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jasmine, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My strength comes from God and the unwavering support of my family and friends. Where should I start without complicating things? When I discovered dance outside the confines of my childhood apartment, it quickly became the focal point of my life. As a very shy girl, communication felt nearly impossible for me. My parents recognized my passion for dance when they would come home to find me performing prepared dances for them at least every other night. Sometimes, I would sit at the dining room table, using whatever bottles I could find around the house to create a dance formations.
In an effort to help me overcome my shyness, my parents believed a professional dance studio could make a difference. They found a studio in our neighborhood and enrolled my sisters and me, though I still can’t figure out how they managed to afford it. I was incredibly fortunate to have parents who encouraged us to see the world as limitless, even amidst financial challenges. They always found ways to make it work. After they enrolled me, my life transformed.
It didn’t take long to realize that I had found my voice through movement; dance turned my bad days into good ones and provided me with a space where I felt most comfortable, ultimately leading me to gain confidence. I found an environment where I could be myself without fear of judgment. I formed lifelong connections, looked up to mentors, and eventually became a role model for younger dancers. After close to ten years of dancing, I would later become a teacher at the studio I grew up in.
Yet, while the art of dance is beautiful, it can also be disheartening depending on circumstances. Through various life experiences, I learned what true resilience meant beyond the protective love of my parents. As I matured, I discovered that my genuine happiness stemmed from the joy of the children I taught; their excitement was my motivation. Watching them flourish was incredibly rewarding. However, a shift occurred within the studio, and though I felt it, I remained loyal because it was my home. There’s a saying that “God will make a situation so uncomfortable that you’re forced to move on,” and that soon applied to me.
While some people criticized how I was treated, my love for dance and the kids kept me invested. Perhaps I overlooked many issues because of my passion, but eventually, it reached a point where I could no longer ignore them. I faced a choice: to leave what I knew without a backup plan or to stay even though I was unhappy. I chose to leave.
After my departure, negative rumors about me began circulating on social media, filled with insincerity. Deep down, I knew dance had to remain a part of my life. With little savings, I took a leap of faith and opened Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance. Having experienced the therapeutic nature of dance, I recognized that many young children, like I once was, were seeking to understand themselves and find their voice. I didn’t know what God had in store for me, but I felt compelled to keep going—not for myself but for the youth. I let God guide me, and my faith strengthened. As word spread about my new studio, I faced a wave of untruths. Although it was disheartening to hear, I trusted that God had a plan for me and wouldn’t give me more than I could handle. With my heart in the right place, no negativity could deter me, so I kept my focus forward and pushed on.
In October 2016, Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance opened. I cried when my initial registration yielded only 20 dancers, but I held on to my faith, and soon our numbers doubled, then doubled again. By 2019, we had around 100 dancers, and it was hard to believe how far we’d come. We were bursting at the seams, but then COVID hit. It was devastating; I knew I had to prioritize the health of my dance family by adhering to all regulations announced by the CDC. Because of the close contact involved in dance, my work was deemed not permissible, and while I understood it was the right choice, that decision cost me everything and meant Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance as I knew it would not reopen.
I didn’t give up. My son once told me he was on TikTok trying to get help to open a dance studio, even as a fourth or fifth grader, and he never lost hope either. As things started to normalize, I began searching for a new location but faced countless setbacks. I can’t even count the number of dark moments I experienced. It felt like no opportunities were presenting themselves, and I was plagued by feelings of disappointment. I had nearly 50 dancers waiting for me to reopen, but I couldn’t provide that. Still, deep inside, I knew to maintain my faith. I had to accept that God was with me and trust that He was preparing something great.
I believe that the average person might have given up, but those who have witnessed God’s goodness know that He is capable of anything. Because of that assurance, I refused to yield to fear and maintained a fighting spirit, convinced that Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance would rise again. In July 2023, through divine intervention, we secured a new location that only God could have arranged. The trials I faced became vital life lessons, and seeing the excitement leading up to our first recital back in action, and the joy on the dancers’ faces, made everything worthwhile. As Fantasia said, “Without the test, you have no testimony”—a mantra I will carry with me forever.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance, we believe that every movement tells a story and every story deserves to be heard. Our studio is more than just a space for dance; it’s a sanctuary where individuality is celebrated and self-expression is encouraged. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where dancers of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences can come together to explore the transformative power of dance.
Our mission is to foster a community that empowers youth to find their voice through movement. Just as I discovered my own path through dance, we invite our students to embrace their uniqueness and share their narratives with confidence. Each class at Jazz It Up! is designed to nurture creativity and self-discovery, encouraging participants to connect with themselves and each other while developing their skills.
We envision a vibrant community where growth, support, and a passion for the arts flourish. Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or bringing years of experience, you are welcome here. At Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance, we are committed to preserving a safe, nurturing space where everyone can thrive, inspire, and grow as artists and individuals.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three impactful pieces of advice I would give someone would be:
1. Keep God at the Center- First and foremost, prioritize your relationship with God and invite His presence into your daily life. Cultivating faith is transformative; when you truly believe that all things are possible through Him, it empowers you to face life’s challenges with courage and hope. Let your faith be your guiding light, reminding you that you are never alone on your journey.
2. Practice Kindness and Patience- Be gentle with yourself. Understand that growth takes time, and it’s essential to show yourself the same kindness you would extend to others. It’s easy to get frustrated over situations beyond our control, but recognize that some things are in God’s hands. Learning to embrace patience will help you navigate life’s ups and downs. Remember, there is beauty in waiting, and often, things unfold in their own perfect timing.
3. Cultivate Resilience- Challenges may arise, and doors may close when you least expect it, but don’t lose your resolve. Stay resilient and hold onto your faith, knowing that God has a plan for you. Trust the process, even when it feels difficult, and don’t give up. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, as blessings from God, and practice gratitude for the opportunities yet to come. Embrace tough days as part of your growth and trust that you will overcome them in time.
Remember, your journey is uniquely yours. Trust in God’s timing and embrace each step along the way with joy and faith.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Currently, the number one challenge I am facing is managing the loans I took out in preparation for reopening Jazz It Up! Studio of Dance. During the uncertainty of 2020, I was fortunate to secure three loans while searching for our new location, which allowed me to move forward with my vision. One of the loans helped cover the down payment on our new space, while the other two, though they require interest payments, essentially fund themselves as we begin to grow.
As we are still in the early stages of relaunching the studio, our income primarily goes towards essential expenses like rent, utilities, and recital necessities. I trust that as we build our student base, we will reach a point where we can fully focus on paying down these loans.
Despite the challenges, I see this as a testament to God’s provision. After experiencing many setbacks and hearing “no” to my plans, I know that the doors opening now are part of His plan. I am confident that with time and faith, I will overcome this obstacle. I believe that within the next year, our student enrollment will increase significantly, allowing me to address these financial responsibilities with greater ease.
Until then, I remain steadfast in my faith, trusting that God will guide me through this journey and provide the opportunity to find financial freedom from these loans.
Contact Info:
- Website:[email protected]
- Instagram: jazzitupbklyn
- Facebook: jazzitupbklyn
Image Credits
Donner Photographic Inc. and Elegance In Focus Magazine
