From our Alumni: "Why I was glad to be a J.C.D..." |
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Here's
what a few of our JCD graduates
have to say about their experiences ... |
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I
can think of a million reasons why it was great to be a part of the JCD
team. As a teenager, it gave me something positive and active to be involved
in, it taught me about working hard as a team to accomplish goals, it
created a “home away from home”, and my teammates were more
like family than just friends. Today, what stands out most, is how much
being a JCD helped me become a successful professional dancer. I credit
a lot of my success to participating in dance competitions, and we sure
won lots of big awards! But what we learned as JCDs was how to be great
all-around dancers and how to act in a good professional way, not how
to win a trophy by doing the same dance over and over until it is perfect
like some places do. If there is a secret to my success, it was watching
dancers from other good studios hour after hour at each competition. Competing
also brought so many opportunities to make friends with people from around
the country. In the last two years, I have traveled across the world only
to take the stage with the same people who were my competitors or were
judging our performances. The connections amaze me - and it is so nice
to see a familiar face in places you are expecting not to know a soul.
And best of all? We all remember each other but no one EVER remembers
who won what! Many performers I have met have heard of the JCDs –
and what sticks in their minds is: “what a nice group of kids”,
or “they have SUCH great costumes”, or “very professional,”
or my personal favorite “aren’t you the girl who fell in the
middle of a tap dance at IDC Nationals? Your studio is so awesome!”
What matters is the friends you make, the impressions you leave, and the
things you learn to better yourself as a dancer, as well as a person.
That’s why it was so great to be a JCD. I learned these important
lessons, and I would not be able to call myself a professional dancer
today if I did not have such a wonderful team of dancers and teachers
to make my years on the team such a positive, rewarding experience. |
Jackie Colby |
I'm
glad I was a JCD because it has shaped me into the type of person I am
today. By having the privilege to pursue my hobby and talent, dance has
helped me to learn the discipline and motivation which helps me in my
college career. Being a JCD not only taught me individual qualities, but
taught me how to work together in a team. Practicing dances for competition
is the equivalent to studying for a college degree, and taught me how
to set long term as well as short term goals. Jen was my motivator. Just
as an advisor in college helps you through your problems and guides you
on the right track, Jen advised me how to become the person I wanted to
be. Overall, I don't believe I was a dancer who became a JCD, I believe
I was a JCD who became a dancer. A JCD means much more than performing
well. It means doing well, in dance and everyday. Perhaps that is why
I was on the dean's list at the University of Central Florida every semester! |
Christin Dychko |
There
are a million reasons why I was glad to be a JCD; the beautiful hand-made
costumes dripping with rhinestones; the ingenious choreography; the endless
weekend rehearsals filled with laughter, sweat, sour muscles, goofing
off, and inside jokes; the trips to McDonalds to order 120 happy meals
in an attempt to collect all 80 ferbees; the pre-recital madness; getting
the acro mats stuck in Miss Jen's car; the road trips; counting down the
days until we saw the Canadians at nationals; the "breaking out"
of the JCD room; playing in the snow in St. Louis an hour before some
of us had to be onstage performing; the rhinestone parties, and the list
could go on for 15 or 16 pages. I would have to say though, truly the
best part about being a JCD, was knowing that no matter what, I always
had a team there for me. We were always there for each other in times
of need. Whether it was someone's best friend was made at him or her,
someone needing help studying for finals, someone's parents getting divorced,
or you name it, it didn't matter, there were always forty friends there
for you to help anyway they could. And when one of us won something (which
happened a lot!), we all won something, and we were always there to celebrate
and share in the excitement. |
Shannon Mackie |
Being
a JCD has meant more to me than I can really express at this point in
my life. Having spent only one year as JCD and most of another being a
partial JCD, I still believe it has helped me grow into the human being
God has intended me to be. I have learned so many things about myself
and about some amazing people. I am truly thankful for all the special
relationships I have made. With all of the many, many hours we have spent
together each week, it's no surprise we have grown to be such close friends.
I know I will never laugh so much as I did this past year.I am so thankful
that all of the JCDs accepted me into their lives and friendships so willingly.
It meant and means more to me than I can say. I know I will never meet
such wonderful people in all my life. |
Amanda
Stepp |
When I look back at my 10 years of
dancing, the most prominent memories I have are of my JCD team. To me
this team represents not only an amazing group of dancers but also some
of the best people I know. Especially in my high school years, the studio
and the team provided an environment where I could go to forget the stresses
of everyday life, and no matter what kind of mood I was in, going to dance
for even an hour or so would always brighten up my day. Between the seemingly
endless stories, birthday parties, or some of most hilarious poems I've
ever heard, I always have something to look forward to at dance. When
competition season rolls around everyone is so supportive of one another.
It's an amazing feeling to know that no matter how you place at the competition
there is always the team of 40 friends there to share that feeling with
you and support you regardless of what happens. With all the time that
we spend together in classes, rehearsals, and competitions it's no wonder
that I've found some of my best friends in the team. Even though the JCD's
are a very successful competitive dance team, I know that what matters
most are the experiences and friends that are made along the way. Even
now, looking back on my 5 years as a JCD I honestly cannot recall which
dances got what awards, but I do remember so many amazing moments. It's
because of all of these memories that I feel so honored to have been part
of such a great team. |
Rachel
Wasserman |
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& Performing Arts, Inc.
& Performing Arts, Inc.
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