Jaclyn Horsley Shiflett at The Dance Studio believes you don’t choose dance — it chooses you.
“I remember my mom picking me up from school one and day and telling me I was going to start classes that night,“ Shiflett said. “I cried, I was so happy. I haven't been out of the studio since.”
After graduating from Birmingham-Southern College with degrees in finance and dance, Shiflett had a successful career in the financial industry. Throughout the pursuit of her financial career, she never stopped teaching and studying dance across the Southeast and in New York.
It was always her dream to open a school in the Birmingham area, and now she is the Founder and Artistic Director at The Dance Studio in Hoover, enjoying their third season.
She is entering her 18th year as an educator training dancers in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz.
“My focus has always been to build a strong, healthy foundation first so dancers' bodies are correctly conditioned to handle the exciting challenges associated with becoming an advanced dancer and artist,” she said.
It is important to Shiflett that her students believe in themselves and their ability to set and achieve goals. The discipline and perseverance required to become a successful dancer are important skills that translate into all areas of students lives. Teaching dance isn't just about teaching the steps — it is about teaching commitment, discipline, perseverance and teamwork, skills important to acquire whether you intend to pursue dance at the collegiate/professional level or pursue other career opportunities. The sky is the limit if you practice the skills necessary for success.
The Dance Studio is a fun and safe environment for dancers to learn and grow under educated, experienced and caring professionals.