Today we’d like to introduce you to JasmineRenee.
Hi JasmineRenee, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Skills in Heels started from merely an idea and a Facebook post (LOL), no seriously. I danced from Junior High through College, so it has always held a special place on my list of passions, but I wanted to find a way to make it a safe space for adult dancers. I made a post asking would anyone be interested in adult dance classes that catered to heels and received lots of engagement that helped to encourage the idea!
I filmed for the first time a freestyle in heels and packaged to give to gift to my spouse and also get a visual of the what I wanted to put into placement for classes open to the public. I began to begin forming a business name and venue for classes and began to really put energy into my newfound business. I am STILL in shock how Skills in Heels has grown and the amount of dancers/patrons we have come in contact with!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Smooth??? Of course not! (LOL) I am also an educator. My first year in business I was so conflicted with the style of dance that I taught and my students or administration being inserted into my personal life I was only gaining access to a really small percentage of our city’s population. The second year, I said scrap it! Made my pages public and material shareable, and I feel like that alone helped in Skills in Heels growth.
That first year was and is always my most memorable. I remember wanting to give up and give in, feeling as though maybe these type of classes had no real purpose or need within the city. My attendees and friends that first year, I am forever grateful! I would be there week in and week out, regardless if it was just me or one other dancer, and WE DANCED! I took that very seriously that I was promising a service to the public and would continue to keep my word regardless!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been dancing since I was 3 (Beginner’s Ballet) and began to take on Hip Hop when I joined a local team by the name of House of Adonis, who went on to perform throughout the city and compete outside of the area. I danced for Rogers Showstoppers Dance Team in Highschool assisting Hip Hop dance at Daryl Jarvis Dance Studio. As an incentive, I was able to take class without tuition and took ballet (I sooo wish I would have stuck it out!!!)
In college, I attended Bowling Green State University where I danced with Elem3nt Dance Team at events throughout campus. While in high school and college, I would pursue Modeling (mainly the walking side was I most intrigued by, that performance aspect, all while in heels). Skills in Heels made her way honest, combining everything I loved dance and the difficulty of performing while in heels. I began teaching Skills in Heels in 2016, and we are currently in the midst of our 7th Season of Dance Classes!!!
Skills in Heels was the first of its kind within the city of Toledo. We specialize in heels routines, weekly dance classes, dancer bookings, and artistry development. We offer Skills in Heels parties where patrons may invite their own group of friends to a session tailored just for them to have a more private experience. We also offer one-on-one sessions that can be help dancers build upon individual growth,
I am so proud of Skills in Heels for withstanding the years and the dancers who can truly call Skills in Heels their home! I am proud of the positive image that Skills upholds and its professionalism! If our name is attached, we are GOING to put on a show, and a very entertaining one at that! Skills in Heels is a place for creatives to explore the parts that aren’t frequently traveled and tap into the best version of themselves.
What sets Skills in Heels apart from other classes is how family oriented we are. I am going to teach you and talk to you like we have known each other forever, I want everyone comfortable, and when you feel comfy, you relax a little more! If it isn’t myself helping, you are going to gain a new friend because someone else is always willing to assist! The training that you receive from Skills in Heels, no matter the level of class, will be clear in its breakdown and also give freedom for error. Classes are always WORK, but we PLAY as well. The environment is one that must be experienced to believe it!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Consistency! I have truly live by the idea that ‘Consistency is key.’ I think that has made my journey land where it did because I would tirelessly promote my business, spend hours at a time perfecting material for classes, envision how to not only push my brand but create job opportunities for dancers as well. Consistency is HARD, but being present shows the public not only are you working but working really really hard. Being consistent goes hand and hand with accountability. When offering a service to the public, follow through. It is totally a part of the plan, and if you can’t, always have a backup. backup plan!
Pricing:
- Classes are $12 each session
- Party Pricing starts at $200
- One-on-One Pricing starts at $150
- Annual Dance Showcase Tickets $15 (Tickets are now on sale)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillsinheels/p/Bq6DvAGATuO/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkillsInHeelsToledo
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/skills-in-heels-events-819509
Image Credits
Micheal Wood B.Visions
