We recently connected with Jazmine Freeman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jazmine, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
“I found my purpose by making errors to be honest, but let me explain. Dance always knew it was me, but I did not always know it was dance.
My mom took me to my very first Ballet class when I was two years old. She took me because she wanted to see if dance was an extracurricular that I may enjoy. Since the year of 2000, I can’t remember a time where I have not danced or been in training. I have competed on local, regional, and national levels. I have performed alongside some of the best dancers on both the East and West Coasts. Initially for me dance began as a hobby and activity to do after school. However, in high school, I realized that dance was not just an activity but my passion.
In college, my initial major was Biology. Then, I switched my major to Health Sciences. Afterwards, I finally became a Theater Major with a Dance Concentration. The Dance Choreography & Performance Major was in the process of being created at Spelman College, and I was unable to participate in Dance Theater because of my commitment to my Dance line: Mahogany N Motion. At the time, one could not participate in both. I mention these details, because I literally changed my major three times before I finally realized my true calling. So, I picked up the phone when God and Dance and called and said to myself “So, are you going to follow through and live in your calling or, keep doing what you THINK you want to do?” In the Spring of 2017, I left my Chemistry Lab, I stopped logging my experiment, and I went to the Dean’s office to not only change my major but the course and trajectory of my life.
I found my purpose by making errors. I found my purpose by opening doors that I thought were intended for me. The door that God had for me was always there, I just never walked through it. After graduating in the Spring of 2019, I knew that I was going to seek the knowledge needed to climb the ladder as a dancer and performer.
Since then, I have not only performed underneath the instruction of greats such as Robert Moses and Sheldon Smith, I obtained my master’s in fine arts from Mills College, started my dance consulting business as a professional technical trainer, choreographer & artist, in addition to my most proud accomplishment of being in my full first year as one of the two Directors of Dance at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts.
I found my purpose by truly letting God lead me. I thought I knew, but God ultimately had the final say. Thank God I listened.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Jazmine Rachel Freeman, and I am one of the two Directors of Dance at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. I am also the owner of Jazmine Rachel Creative LLC. (@JRCdance.training), a quality educational dance business where I consult clients that range from a pre-teen to adult.
As a teaching artist, I am currently focused on becoming a K- 12 certified teacher in the state of Georgia. I also am focused on finding new innovative ways to learn. I aim to become a teaching-artist whose choreography breaks barriers and boundaries, with a little ‘razzle dazzle.’ I create groovy, story-telling movement that is musically intrinsic, and makes the audience want to bob their heads along. I am focused on becoming an all-around Director of Dance. As interesting as dance is, the role also includes a lot of responsibility that is not always seen on a competition floor or stage.
On January 18th and January 19th of 2024, Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts will be performing Sister Act: The Musical and myself and my wonderful colleague Mrs. Brianna Smart choreographed the musical.
JRC, plans on hosting its first high school dance preparation clinic in the Spring Season for rising 9th graders!
What makes me special, is my gift that God gave me and how I try to constantly utilize it to serve those within the arts. Now that I know I am sure I am working in my purpose, I am focused on executing God’s will for me in my faith and my work.
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?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were the most impactful in my journey were/are:
My favorite scripture:
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- Perseverance & Humility
- Work Ethic & “The Push”
- Fostering Genuine Relationships
These three phrases have literally carried me through each performance, interview, audition, and class. I have used these phrases to further myself academically, artistically, and intellectually. Each phrase is self-explanatory but will give you the strength to continue when it may feel like life has won or has become too overwhelming.
If you are early in your journey, trust the process. Fully immerse yourself within your craft, whether it be dance, music, voice, theatre, visual arts, orchestra, band or whatever. Get the training, audition, perform, go to that artist retreat, experience the class, do not operate in fear, do not sit in silence or sadness (for too long). Try your absolute best and aim for your version of excellence. It takes time to develop to what you want to become. It is not going to happen overnight. Lastly, fall in love with the process. Enjoy every moment, because in a blink of an eye…you will look up and have achieved your dreams.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I actually have a goal to produce a dance on film contemporary concept project. If you are a dancer/performer/mover with contemporary, modern, and jazz training and experience, I would love to have you!
I am in a phase of Revitalization, Re-Assessing, and being Re-Born with a clear understanding of where I am spiritually and mentally. This piece will emulate what that process looks like.
A flyer will drop soon with the rehearsal schedule and compensation will be provided.
I also love collaboration with photographers, videographers, and various types of creatives. If you are interested please email me at [email protected]!
Also, if anyone just wants some friendly guidance or conversation I also would love to connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: My website is currently being built! (N/A)
- Instagram: @jazminerachel
- Facebook: Jazmine Rachel Freeman
- Linkedin: Jazmine Freeman
Image Credits
@chrisclip @kejayurbane
