We’ve been dancing at Jami Masters School of Dance for 10+ years. My favorite time of year is Spring recital season and guess what, Smarties?! It’s almost here! I love everything about it – the costumes, the music, the choreography and the role models these dancers truly are.
One tradition I started when my daughter was 4 years old was a mommy/daughter Friday GNO the night before her recital. We’d go to dinner first and then watch the Company Dancers. It was so fun to watch my little aspiring ballerina take in every leap, spin and pique turn. You could see in her eyes that these girls were doing what she dreamed of doing someday. They were her idols year after year.
The Senior Solos are hands down my favorite – this year we will have ten, so it will be extra special! I love each and every one of them and hope that someday, it will be my Isabel up there doing her senior solo. Y’all are going to have to bring me a box of tissues because they always make me cry. I can only imagine what I’ll be like when my senior is up on stage! Jami’s prelude speech sending her seniors off to college is always so moving and one of my favorite lines of Jami’s is “we don’t know where dance will take these girls, but it will be with them forever and it will make them better at whatever they choose to do.” Jami truly stands by her promise to instill the love of dance in every dancer, no matter what level, shape or size.
I’m excited and honored to feature the 2018 Senior JMSD Company dancers. These young women are leaders at their schools and at dance – beautiful, intelligent, athletic and poised. They are prepared to do anything the world has in store for them – just look at this impressive list of colleges courting each one of them. I am so proud that year after year, these girls continue to be wonderful role models for my girls.
Smarties, I am honored to introduce you to the 2018 JMSD Company seniors! Meet Caroline Farley, Sophie Hardy, Chloe Jackson, Sophie Lamm, Rebecca Long, SK McCormick, Elizabeth Pandos, Ashley Robinson and Grace White.
Caroline Farley’s Smarty Stats:
Photo Creds: Wanda Koch Photography
How long have you been in dance?
I started dancing when I was 3, so this is my 15th year!
When did you realize dance was your passion?
I realized dance was my passion when I started performing in front of people. It is such a great feeling to be able to showcase all the work we put in throughout the year.
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Stick with it! There are many times when I was younger that I thought about quitting because I was overwhelmed. But looking back, I am so thankful that my mom encouraged me to go back to class because it has definitely been worth the time and energy.
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Have fun. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy schedule of dance and school and lose focus of what matters. Sometimes you need to step back and realize why you love to dance in the first place. By putting things in perspective, it makes the late nights and early mornings with your best friends so much more meaningful.
Favorite dance class?
My favorite class is Jazz A. I love the high energy of the class and it is my favorite style of dance as well.
What’s in your dance bag?
I love foam rolling after a long week of classes and rehearsals so a foam roller is a must. I also always have a Swell water bottle in my bag because it is my favorite water bottle to have during class.
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
Bullet Pointe skirts! I would say that just about every company dancer has one because they are so great!
Have you been in any productions?
Yes, I have performed in shows at Central Piedmont Community College, Children Theatre of Charlotte, and Matthews Playhouse since I was about 7. I was also in the National Tour of White Christmas in 2012.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
Yes, I was on my high school’s varsity dance team for 4 years and I was a captain my senior year.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD, school dance, theater and school workload?
I have learned to use my time very wisely. Every second that I have during the day when I am not learning, I use it to do homework. This helps my nights to not be as busy because I already have a head start on my assignments.
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dance has specifically helped me to grow in my confidence as I was growing up. Even on my worst days I could feel 10 feet tall that afternoon when I went to dance class. I hope this confidence that I learned through dance will stick with me through other areas of my life.
What does JMSD mean to you?
JMSD has been my home since I was just a few days old (no, really) and it has never felt like anything less. It is a community that I am proud to be a part of and I know that I can come home to it anytime I need to.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
I would like to say thank you. There is no way that I can say it enough. You guys have never missed a performance and it means the world to me. You encourage me to do what I love and never give up on a dream that I have. I appreciate you both more than you know!
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
Attend Elon College.
Sophie Hardy’s Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
I have been dancing since I was three and I never stopped 🙂
When did you realize dance was your passion?
I have always loved preforming since I can remember. dancing is a way for me to express who I am and my emotions. Sometimes dancing feels like letting go of air you didn’t know you were holding in.
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Look up youtube tutorials for how to do a ballet bun. Being able to do your own hair will make you feel more professional and grown up. Go all out in class. If you have a question, ask.
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Take as many classes as you can especially in ballet. Try and get into a tap class before hand also. Remember that the people behind the table want you to do well just as much as you do.
Favorite dance class?
I LOVE musical theater. I’m also I big fan of contemporary and ballet. I also love jazz. What can I say? I love to dance!
What’s in your dance bag?
Oh boy… I’d love to say something really creative but it’s mostly my shoes and some granola bar wrappers. I like to keep a little notebook in there too just to write down important corrections.
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
I love my leotards from discountdance.com and any leg warmers. I love my trash bag shorts but I’ve had them for so long I don’t remember where I got them.
Have you been in any productions?
YES! I’ve been in lots of musical theater productions around town including Hairspray at Theater Charlotte and Fiddler on the Roof at CPCC. This summer I will be in Newsies and Grease at CPCC Summer Theatre 2018.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
I am not. I found that I did not have enough time to do dance, my school show, dance team, and also keep my grades up.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD and school workload?
I learned to take advantage of the time I have at school. I go to the library to work during my lunch and my free period.
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
I actually am going to college to study Musical Theater. I would never have been able to do that if it weren’t for dance. Without dance, I don’t know who I’d be. It’s my release. It’s who I am.
What does JMSD mean to you?
It’s my home away from home. I’ve grown up with these girls. They are my family.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
Thank you for not letting me quit.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending Wright State University for musical theater.
Chloe Jackson’s Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
15 years
When did you realize dance was your passion?
Although I have danced for 15 years, I did other sports as well. My mom put me in just about any sport you can think of: soccer, gymnastics, swimming, etc. but nothing stuck like dance. There was nothing I enjoyed more than dancing. I know it was my passion because it was what I wanted to be doing all the time. It was around 6th grade that I choose dance over other sports and dedicated all my time to it.
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Enjoy it! The time flies, don’t get caught up in drama and focus on making memories.
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Two things. First, hard work pays off. Second, don’t compare yourself to other dancers. It can be easy to think you’re not good enough and compare yourself to others especially during try out week, but that’s not true! You have amazing dance qualities so show them off!
Favorite dance class?
Mr. Ben’s Ballet A/B
What’s in your dance bag?
I honestly only keep shoes and water in my dance bag
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
I love leotards and ballet skirts. I buy most of my leotards online from Discount Dance Supply.
Have you been in any productions?
No, but I have trained in Detroit, NYC and LA. Travel to different studios if you can do it! Working with different teachers, learning new methods, and training with students from around the country is invaluable to personal and professional development.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
I am on my school dance team. I personally love being on both the company team at JMSD and my school dance team. I find that I have bonded with both the company girls and dance team girls from seeing and practicing with them everyday.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD, school dance and school workload?
It may sound strange but for me the busier I am the better I am at time management. I realize what I have to do in a day vs when I have free time I know to use it appropriately for homework, volunteering etc.
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
JMSD has not only made me a better dancer but also a better person. JMSD has helped me work on self discipline. It has also allowed me to share my passion. The past four years I have assisted teachers in teaching dance to children of all ages. It was through this experience JMSD gave me that I realized how much I love working with children. I will always love dance but for me it’s not something I want to continue to do as a career. I hope to take what I have learned from JMSD and my love for working with children and become a speech pathologist for children.
What does JMSD mean to you?
JMSD means community. Here I have a thousand memories I will never forget and I am beyond thankful for.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
THANK YOU! Thank you for always being there for me, for supporting me, and putting me through dance classes. I don’t know where I would be without either of you.
What are your plans after you graduate?
I will be attending East Carolina University this fall. Majoring in Speech pathology.
Sophie Lamm’s Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
I have been in dance at JMSD since I was 3 years old.
When did you realize dance was your passion?
When I was in 4th grade. Once I realized that, I started focusing a lot more on improving so that I could audition and make Junior Company when I was in 6th grade- and I did!
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Some tips for little dancers and their moms is to learn how to do your bun at a young age! That way, as you start getting older, it’s easier and faster for you (which makes quick changes easier). There are a lot of easy tutorials on Youtube!
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
For dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company, remember to have fun!!!! Although auditions can be nerve wracking, you just have to remember that everyone there wants you to do well! Just take a deep breath and give it all you got! You can do it!!!
Favorite dance class?
Musical Theater II with Ron Chisholm
What’s in your dance bag?
-Hairspray- TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray – 14.6oz
-Lots of dance shoes- (mostly made by the dance company called Bloch)
-Perfume- Bath and Body Works
-Bobby pins, hair ties, etc.
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
I love Bloch jazz shoes! You can find these at the JMSD store in the lobby of the studio or online at discountdance.com. I also almost always wear a bullet point skirt when I go to ballet.
Have you been in any productions?
I have been involved in musical theater since I was 9 years old. I recently was Cinderella in Cinderella at my school. I was also in Fiddler on the Roof, Mamma Mia, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid at CPCC Halton Theater. I was in Sweet Charity, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Hairspray at Theater Charlotte, Seussical the Musical and Scrooge at Childrens Theater of Charlotte, and in The King and I, Oklahoma, The Wizard of Oz, and Snow Queen at Matthews Playhouse. I also participate every summer in a musical theater intensive called Broadway Dreams.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
I was just Cinderella in Providence High School’s production of Cinderella!
How do you manage your time doing JMSD, dance/theater and school workload?
It took some time to figure out how to balance my heavy dance schedule, school work, theater, and community service, but it is possible! The key is to be efficient and try to work ahead when it comes to homework. I also found that using my calendar on my phone is very very useful so that I do not overbook myself!
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dancing has allowed me to make friends that will last a lifetime and also made me a more confident person overall. In class, I was taught lessons that I can apply not only in the dance studio, but in life as well.
What does JMSD mean to you?
JMSD is and always will be my second home.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
To my mom and dad: thank you for supporting me in my dance career thus far and taking me to rehearsals and classes almost everyday of the week!!! Love y’all!!
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After I graduate high school, I plan to attend Wofford College to pursue a course of study in Government with a minor in Theater with my end goal landing a career in broadcast journalism. Also, I hope to be a part of the Wofford Dance Team.
Rebecca Long’s Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
13 years
When did you realize dance was your passion?
Right after I joined the JMSD Company
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Come to dance everyday ready to dance (hair and proper attire is nice and shows the teacher that the dancer really wants to be there).
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Make sure as a dancer you do all of the required classes (i.e ballet, tap, jazz, and modern) before trying out for Company. Make sure you really like dance before trying out for Company (they look for people who show their passion for dance).
Favorite dance class?
I have two: Modern and Jazz!
What’s in your dance bag?
All my dance shoes, bobby pins, hair ties, and hair spray.
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
Leggings and t-shirts (for every class but ballet) I buy them from lululemon.
Have you been in any productions?
I participate in JMSD’s Happy Holidays every year it comes around. I also participate in every recital each year. I have also participated in CEDA with Courtney Diepold for three years.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD and school workload?
To manage my workload I come home every day from school and start doing my homework right away before I go to dance. This strategy allows me to have little no no homework after I come home from dance. However, all people have different ways to manage their workload.
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dance allows me to be more disciplined with my school work because I know I have a certain amount of time to complete it and if I don’t complete it in that time it will don’t get done. I believe I will take the values that I have learned from dance, such as, discipline, leadership, and respect with me to college.
What does JMSD mean to you?
To me, JMSD means family and friendship and having a place where I love to go every day.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
I would like to say thank you for making me continue with dance even when I wanted to quit when I was in first grade. If they didn’t make me continue with dance lessons I would not be where I am today.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I plan on attending Davidson College in the fall and majoring in Business and minoring in German Studies. I also plan on continuing with dance classes throughout college.
Sara Kathryn McCormick’s Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
I have been dancing for 14 years.
When did you realize dance was your passion?
When I was in the sixth grade.
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Have as much fun with it as you can, and take all different types of classes!
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Work as hard as you can, but also remember to enjoy the experience of doing what you love.
Favorite dance class?
Ballet
What’s in your dance bag?
An extra pair of ballet shoes and leotard
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
I love bullet pointe skirts and Wear Moi leotards.
Have you been in any productions?
I have been in the Company showcase and JMSD Happy Holidays.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
I am a choreographer for a dance group at my church (Covenant Presbyterian).
How do you manage your time doing JMSD, school dance and school workload?
I make sure to have a plan so I get all of my homework done, and let dance be my break from all the stress without worrying about school work.
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dance has allowed me to express myself in a unique way, and I hope to continue to do what I love in college and afterwards.
What does JMSD mean to you?
Jami Masters is a welcoming studio where everybody can learn to dance.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
Thank you for signing me up to take classes at Jami Masters and for supporting me as I continued to dance.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I will attend Wake Forest University in the fall.
Elizabeth Pandos Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
I have been in dance since I was two.
When did you realize dance was your passion?
When I quit at the end of 5th grade and tried other things for a few years – nothing compared to dance.
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Make sure your daughter is in a class that she loves!
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Make sure you are taking the appropriate classes to prepare for company. Company dancers take ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, and tap, and some also take musical theater or hip-hop. I am a senior and this is only my second year of taking tap which sets me behind other seniors who have been taking tap from a young age so I wish I would have started much earlier!
Favorite dance class?
Ballet- when I was younger I was frustrated by how slow it was but now I appreciate it!
What’s in your dance bag?
I always keep tiger balm (a pain relieving muscle rub that you can get at a drugstore), band aids, legwarmers, extra bobby pins, hair-ties, and a hairbrush. I also like to have a foam roller to roll out my muscles before class.
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
discountdance.com and M.A.Zing Dancewear in Monroe- it’s a bit of a hike to get there but it’s worth it to me because it’s a boutique so it has a lot of things that you can’t find anywhere else and the owner is very friendly!
Have you been in any productions?
I have been in Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker, the Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty as well as Jami Master’s Happy Holidays.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD and school workload?
Managing my time between dance and school is sometimes tricky, but I think it has taught me great time management skills and has taught me that I have to start completing work ahead of time and to take advantage of every free moment that I have.
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dance has tremendously impacted my life and I hope to continue with it and take it past college. I think that dance teaches great self-discipline.
What does JMSD mean to you?
To me, JMSD is a comfortable, friendly environment to pursue my dance education. It’s the perfect mix of challenging and fun. The teachers always want to push us but want us to enjoy ourselves.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me, driving me to and from dance classes for years, and sitting through many recitals. I am so glad that you decided to put me in dance classes 16 years ago!
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I am attending college of Charleston’s Honors College.
Ashley Robinson’s Smarty Stats:
How long have you been in dance?
For about 16 years
When did you realize dance was your passion?
At a pretty young age, probably when I was in the 4th-5th grade, I realized my love for dance. It was just after I was told I would start pointe soon!
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Always stay positive. Confidence is key with dance. If you don’t have confidence, it shows in your dancing. The minute you start to feel that confidence, your dancing with change drastically. There will be days that you feel like quitting but at the end of the day, if you truly love it, stick with it and you will watch yourself grow. Also for the moms, make sure you let your tiny ballerina know that she is beautiful and great at what she does:) It always helped when my mom did that for me.
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Never feel alone. There’s always someone who will be there to help you through the auditioning process. I met some of my bestest friends during Company auditions. Always go full out when learning the new combos. And be prepared to work hard and stay super focused!
Favorite dance class?
Definitely Jazz or Contemporary
What’s in your dance bag?
DEODORANT, extra pair of tights, t-shirt, or yoga pants/leggings, hair ties with bobbie pins, a foam roller (for sore muscles), also some body muscle cream for injuries, and a water bottle of course!
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
I love the canvas ballet shoes the company uses. Also a favorite brand for workout clothes: Fabletics or Athleta
Have you been in any productions?
I have been in the Company showcase and JMSD Happy Holidays.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
I’ve been on the Charlotte Catholic Dance team for all four years of my high school career.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD, school dance and school workload?
I focus very hard in school. Sometimes in order to get all my school work done, I sacrifice my lunch and break time and spend it in the library. I often do not let my self get distracted at home whether it be watching Netflix, online shopping, or even napping. Keeping a very focused and motivated mind helps me manage everything. If need to, I sometimes write everything I need to get done into a list on my phone. It helps to keep me organized!
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dance has taught me lots of discipline and how to properly carry myself. It’ll take me places that will help show my maturity and poise. Especially when trying to get a job or starting your college career.
What does JMSD mean to you?
JMSD is not only just a dance studio, it’s home. It’s where I have made some of my bestest friends and memories. I have grown and learned many life lessons there that I will keep with me forever. JMSD has made me the strong, confident girl I am today. Also the teachers are AMAZING.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
Thank you for all your time, money and energy for everything you have done for me. The endless support has lead me to follow my dreams and help me maintain poise and concentration in what I want to do with my life.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
Attend the University of Alabama.
Grace White’s Smarty Stats:
Photo Creds: MK Cranford Photography
How long have you been in dance?
I have danced for 15 years at JMSD.
When did you realize dance was your passion?
In fifth grade I realized dance was my passion when I decided to quit my other activities: soccer and piano, to pursue dance and try out for the company at JMSD.
What are your tips for little tiny dancers (and their moms:-) who are just getting started with dance?
Don’t force too much at first and just see if it is something they enjoy. Some girls can get burned out in the beginning and dance can become a huge commitment after a while so it is important to love it!
What tips do you have for dancers who are trying out for Junior Company and Company?
Make sure you have taken at least one or two years of tap, ballet, jazz, and modern before trying out to make sure you have the basics down. Also, use all of your resources such as open studio time to practice the audition dances or ask older dancers you know to help critique and watch you before going into the audition room.
Favorite dance class?
It can depend on the day, but my all time favorite is jazz! I love the high energy aspect and all the different styles it has.
What’s in your dance bag?
Besides all of my dance shoes, my dance bag has deodorant, nail clippers, new skin, blister band-aids, foam roller, and a swell water bottle.
Favorite dance gear and where can we buy it?
My favorite leotards are either from discount dance, or if I have some extra spending money, Yumico. I get most of my leggings, warmups, and jackets from either lululemon or Dick’s.
Have you been in any productions?
I have been in all of the JMSD Spring recitals and company showcases, as well as many Happy Holiday performances at Christmas time.
Are you on a school dance team or other extracurricular team?
Yes, I have been on the Charlotte Catholic High School varsity dance team since freshman year and this year I was Captain.
How do you manage your time doing JMSD, school dance and school workload?
It can be hard to manage school, dance and have a social life but it is possible. You just have to be very motivated, disciplined and learn good time management skills. I try to get ahead on the weekends to lighten my load for the week or get as much done at school as I can. I also keep an agenda so I can keep organized and know exactly what I have to do each night. To me dance class is a good motivator to get work done in a more timely manner and it is also a nice study break in the afternoon!
How has dance affected your life and where do you hope it will take you?
Dance has taught me to how work well with others and that hard work pays off. I hope to carry that throughout college and beyond into my career in order to reach my goals.
What does JMSD mean to you?
To me, JMSD is a second home. I have spent 15 years of my life driving to the same Park Road Shopping Center almost every day of the week and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m pretty sure I spend more hours at the studio during the week than my own house. I’ve grown up with many of the JMSD teachers so they have become like second moms to me and the girls that I’ve been in class with since we were toddlers feel like sisters.
What would you like to say to your mom & dad?
To my mom and dad, I would like to thank them for introducing me to my passion and supporting me full heartedly through the last 15 years of JMSD. I would also like to thank them for helping to push me to always do my best and follow my dreams!
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I will attend NC State University and will dance on the NC State Dance Team.
You can find Jami Masters School of Dance at:
Park Road Shopping Center/Back Court
www.jamimastersschoolofdance.com
(P)704-525-6555
facebook: www.facebook.com/jamimastersschoolofdance
twitter: twitter.com/jmsd5678
The JMSD Showcase will be held Friday, May 18th at Dana Auditorium/Queens College. The Saturday recitals will start at 9am Saturday, May 19th and will be held throughout the entire day. Good luck to our little tiny dancers – we can’t wait to watch them twirl away!
