Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittani Jay.
Brittani, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
First and foremost, I would not be where I am today without God! I thank Him for the journey and give him all the glory! I began singing and dancing when I was six years old! I found my passion at Hibiscus Elementary School. I then went on to be apart of the African Heritage Cultural Center where I received the core of my dance training from Traci Byron Young, Shannon Haynes, and Akeithia Carey (whose dance company I later joined). I also trained vocally with Ms. Roberts.
From there, I went to Norland Middle and entered the magnet dance program where I received training by Mrs. Maribel Trujillo. I graduated from Carol City Senior High where I was the captain of the Diamond Dancer Danceline in 2007! I soaked up a lot of the diverse dance styles that I learned throughout the years and went on to graduate from St Thomas University and began working. I began working with Derrick Bolden with Harmony Inc. I began teaching some very talented teens that sparked what would soon be something bigger than I could ever imagine.
A lot of things happened before starting my own dance company! I initially started doing High Heel Adult classes Called “High Rise Dance Experience” the name came from a conversation I had with Derrick Bolden. I wanted a brand that would represent empowering women and loving the skin they are in.
Two years later, I prayed to God and asked for guidance on my next move. I had just gone through a divorce and was about to have another child and I was at my lowest of lows. Then one day, I got up and decided to start High Rise Performing Arts! Little did I know, God was way ahead of me. My daughter’s God’s mother owns a Banquet Hall and allowed me to host the meeting there and hold the first dance classes there. I started with six girls in that meeting, by the time I started in 2018 I had 12 girls. Fast forward one year later and the number of High Risers has tripled.
My goal with High Rise Performing Arts is to empower each and every person that comes through my studio doors. I want all the High Risers, especially my daughters to know that no matter what it is you go through in life, you can still achieve your dreams. Never limit yourself or let depression, anxiety or other people’s input on your life deter you from doing what God placed in your heart to do! Never stray away from your purpose in life!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the obstacles I’ve faced was going through a miscarriage, divorce and almost flunking out of college. I still had to take care of my first born when all of these things happened at once. I truly had to dig deep to overcome that phase in my life. It ultimately prepared me to have the will and drive I have now.
I remember sitting in the counselor’s office at school and she told me she didn’t think I would be able to graduate in time that I should just forget about it. I ended up graduating with all A’s in my classes. A lot of people will tell you what you can and can’t do! It is up to you to believe in yourself and show yourself that you can and will.
Tell us about your work.
My business is High Rise Performing Arts where I empower the youth through dance! I work with amazingly talented dancers called the High Risers! Their ages range from 3-18 and they receive training in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Liturgical, African and Tap! We also compete in dance competitions, host dance recitals and have empowerment activities for the High Risers and the High Rise Parents. What sets me apart from others is that after every rehearsal each dance group recites a positive mantra about themselves and their dance sisters! I believe in youth empowerment and having each and every High Riser feeling good about the skin they are in and expressing themselves in front of their peers. I also, promote the positive interaction between each dancer in hopes that they build long lasting bonds throughout their lives.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success in moments. Normally, success to me is seen as one Big Bang. To me, every month, I add new dancers to High Rise is a successful moment. After every recital, rehearsal, event, the competition is ultimately a success for High Rise Performing Arts!
Pricing:
- Registration-$40
Contact Info:
- Address: 17325 NW 27th Ave Suite 208
- Website: www.highrisepa.com
- Phone: 3054670228
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Highrisepa
- Facebook: High Rise Performing Arts
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