What makes a dance studio great? What compels one to vote
and say it is the best in the
city, perhaps one of the best in the
country? I would easily say the
definition is one where
the child that comes through the doors and participates
in the art of the study of dance there walks out a more confidant compassionate
human being more capable of being able to handle life’s hurdles.
Thus it is with that in mind I have to say Diamond Dance
Academy in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee fits the bill. Anyone who has followed the
circuit of dance studios knows the focus is winning, putting on stage the best
costumes, the best routines and highlighting the studio. This is the hallmark
of a successful Dance Studio and Dance team.
All of these matter very much at Diamond Academy. I am an out-of-town grandmother to one child
on the dance team. I watched a little girl happy to put on a tutu and stand
center stage several years ago. She needed prompting from a teacher off-stage. Now,
when I attend, I see the same girl on a competitive dance team, sometimes front
and center, beaming, dancing her heart out and, at times, unrecognizable, in
dance and in many other ways. Diamond Academy has given her maturity,
confidence and room to explore her identity.
I have had a close up of the dance studio’s philosophy from
a co-owner Justin Jenkins, married to the founder Tracy. Justin has
painstakingly worked with me on two large scale functions helping raise
awareness and donations for Breast Cancer for Nashville’s largest walk in
October for the past two years. Several of the mothers of the studio’s dance
team have given of time, money and sacrifice towards this as well asking
nothing in return. The reward for the
Cancer Walk was huge as the added attention they brought, I am certain,
increased sizeable donations.
What I have learned has shown me the focus of not only
Diamond Academy but of Justin, a leader in the Studio’s mission. To give you an
example, when he asked his wife’s hand in marriage, of all places, he chose the
end of the year dance recital, at the final act during a dance number he
choreographed to Bruno Mars, I Want to Marry You. His reasoning, he and his wife care
passionately about the children they teach as people, as family and are
teaching these children supporting each other in life is what matters most. It
is not about just what goes on while on a stage, infact that is secondary. Love
truly does make the world shine, like their love for each other.
Justin Jenkins was supposed to be interviewed locally by a
radio station and a TV station during Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Time
slipped away but I am hopeful in the future it will happen because his story is
quite interesting. Justin use to dance professionally and toured
with a group Southern Movement, hip hop and is extremely talented at both
dance, choreography and as an instructor. Growing up in Memphis, TN I am sure
he has plenty of interesting stories too! Getting to know Justin has been an honor and a
personal blessing. What he adds to these
dancers’ lives is priceless. His wife and all of the teachers embrace each
individual right where they are at and tap into their unlimited potential as a
human being trying to bring it all out to the surface so they can have
confidence in reaching inside in the future.
