Ask Jackie

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We welcome your questions and comments! The volume of correspondence prevents us from responding individually, however, so we’ll answer as many of your questions as we can and post them monthly.

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  1. Comment by Teddy Lyn — November 10, 2009 @ 7:46 pm

    Jackie!
    I am sooo excited for my convention this year knowing you’ll be there again!! Our studio went to LADM two years ago and loved it. And now were back!!!!! And soo excited to take your class again. Hope to see you soon!
    Teddy

  2. Comment by Teddy Lyn — November 10, 2009 @ 8:14 pm

    Jackie,
    Will you be doing ladies choice at Detroits Convention this year?

  3. Comment by Caitlyn — November 15, 2009 @ 3:53 pm

    What’s it like being a judge/convention teacher and do you recommend it for a dancer’s career option?

  4. Comment by jackie — November 17, 2009 @ 4:42 pm

    Hi Caitlyn!
    Good question. Well, we love our job! Not only is it exciting and fun to teach the classes, but it’s also very cool to get to meet so many dancers. I’ve been teaching
    on convention for ummmmm……a long time! I was lucky enough to work as a dancer and then choreographer/director…all while teaching on conventions! It’s a great option, but I like to think of it as a great addition. As a working dancer, you’ll have to find different opportunities to keep growing and to ways to keep working! This is definitely one of those opportunities. Let us know when you have more questions!

  5. Comment by jackie — November 17, 2009 @ 4:47 pm

    Teddy Lyn!!
    I’m so happy to hear that you’ll be at LADM this year! Lots of great stuff this year….and some surprises too! I’m loving the routines! Come say hi when you’re there.

  6. Comment by Madelyne Clark — November 29, 2009 @ 9:07 am

    Hey Jackie! I’m from Louisiana and I have been coming to LADanceMagic ever since my first competition four years ago. Last year was my first year making it through the ballet round in auditions. What I’m trying to ask is what are ya’ll usually looking for in an audition.
    Thank you and God Bless You!

  7. Comment by jackie — November 29, 2009 @ 10:17 am

    Hi Madelyne,
    Of course, everyone’s looking at your technique, and by the way, if you made it through the ballet, then either the judges thought that you had good technique, or they remember you from the previous year, and noticed improvement. So congrats on that! We’re looking for effort, and an attitude that tells us you’re willing to try and commit, no matter what the outcome. Don’t be withdrawn. Transmit the feeling that you’re going to try! The audition starts the minute you walk in the door…it’s not just in the combo. Walk in with energy…don’t look tired or sluggish…even if that’s how you feel! Be awake…and look as if the audition matters…because, to the judges, it does! Hair, make-up, outfit…all matter…because if you take time to look and feel your best, it shows that the audition is important to you…and trust me, we’ll notice. The auditions are not about showing off…they’re about showing up. Then…keep trying until it happens for you…period. I’m excited for you this year! Let me know what happens!

  8. Comment by Mikaela — December 16, 2009 @ 1:41 pm

    Hi Jackiee!
    i quit dance two years ago, and now i’m a cheerleader for my school, but i really miss it and i miss ladies choice workshops in denver. those were fun and you taught me alot about the parties and things. I dont even go to them anymore after my best friend almost died at one. Thank you so much for telling me all about that. :)
    ♥mikaela.

  9. Comment by Lexi MIllias — January 24, 2010 @ 10:34 pm

    hey jackie! your amazing and soo fun! i just took your class in santa clara today for the senior ballroom and iwhen i asked you whta the name of the song was… you said it was boys and girls or something like that but i wouldnt be able to find it if i searched so i think i was supposed to write you so i could find out! i am in LOVE with the dance you taught!!

    ill see you next year(:
    Lexi<3

  10. Comment by Kuu Sanford — January 25, 2010 @ 2:45 pm

    Dear Jackie,
    You probably dont remember me but I was at the dance convention this weekend and I really wanted to know the name of the song to one of your dance routines……you said something like Pointful or Point-something. hehe, sorry i cant fully remember but if you have any idea and could hook me up with the song that would be awsome! i had so much fun and hope to go again next year! thanks so much!
    Sincerely,
    Kuu

  11. Comment by Laura — January 27, 2010 @ 5:49 pm

    Hey Jackie!

    I have two questions. The first one is, why aren’t there any other female teachers anymore? And two is what advice would you give if I want to persue a career in dance?

    Thanks
    Laura
    Lana’s Dance

  12. Comment by Jackie — January 28, 2010 @ 12:43 pm

    Hi Laura,
    Well, no plan…it just worked out that way for the last year…crazy, huh? But now we have Ayodele Casel! She’s an amazing tapper and fantastic teacher! The dancers are loving her…the real deal!

    Wow…that’s a big question. I think we may have to write some sort of article to put on our site…might help lots of people. But first, about you…how old are you? That will help me to answer. Let me know, and we’ll go from there!

    Happy to help however I can!
    Jackie

  13. Comment by Laura — January 28, 2010 @ 4:34 pm

    I’m 14 :)

  14. Comment by Laura — January 28, 2010 @ 5:34 pm

    I was the really tiny girl in Masquerade at the Santa Clara convention

  15. Comment by Madelyne Clark — February 13, 2010 @ 6:10 pm

    Hey Jackie, its me again. The thing I wanted to ask was, do you have to win a scholarship or an award to be in the Final Cut 2010?

  16. Comment by Dakota Canales — February 22, 2010 @ 8:26 am

    Hey Jackie!
    My name is Dakota, this past weekend i was at your Dallas Convention with my Studio Foot Works Performing Arts Center. I am 16 years old and ive danced since i was 3, at my first competetion of the year i made a promise to myself that no matter what it takes i want my dreams to come true… Recently i have been trying to work much harder to improve myself and so far it is going well but i would like to ask you what college you think would be best for a dancer like me to go to? I am best at lyrcal and Contemporary, love jazz and have been in Pointe for 6 years now. I have dona a lot of research but mainly on colleges in Texad and Oklahoma. I just need a jump start of my future career in dance and need a great place to get my dance degree! Just so you can maybe identify me and my studio we had the tap dance in the faculty show to paula Abdul. I was also in Gabriel the dance with ther-bands and blindfolds and The Dance paint It black with the red door that we painted. That might give you some idea haha… Thank you so much! I loved you class for all of the energy we all got to have, thank you so much for teaching me this weekend!
    Thank You , Dakota

  17. Comment by Madelyne Clark — March 16, 2010 @ 11:53 am

    Dear Jackie,
    I just wanted to tell you thank you for your advice about auditions. I went to the Baton Rouge convention last weekend and my school rocked it. And also wanted to thank you for my Final Cut and National Finals scholarships. Can you explain National Finals a little more?

  18. Comment by jackie — March 16, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

    Hi All!
    So sorry I haven’t answered in awhile…traveling every week gets crazy! But still lovin’ it!

  19. Comment by jackie — March 16, 2010 @ 12:26 pm

    Hey Madelyne,
    This year, Nationals are in Los Angeles from July 6-10. The first two days are competition only, then three days of classes and competition. On the last night, we have a huge banquet, faculty performances, and hold the Xtreme Dance Challenge! That’s when the top scores of the week compete against each other for several grand prizes! Nationals is a blast! Tons of dancing, tons of laughing! We always look forward to it! Hope you can make it!

  20. Comment by jackie — March 16, 2010 @ 12:44 pm

    Hi Laura,
    Ok…so you’re 14…awesome! Your focus right now should be on improving your skills in all styles. You don’t need to be in a hurry right now…kind of slow and steady would be the way to go. Start thinking of training as an athlete…stay focused. In a couple of years, you’ll start making a plan…which college/dance dept, what kind of a dance career do you want…no rush right now…there’s pleanty of time.

    I know this is gonna sound weird, but it’s true….teens are so busy with school and their activities, that sometimes you feel overwhelmed. Start working on your “time management” skills…writing in an agenda can help. Block out the time to get your homework done, go to dance class, and still have a little time to chill. Take care of your health…eat right…sleep. Doesn’t sound like dance advice? It’s totally dance advice!

    Right now, keep working to improve your skills. And one of the very best ways to improve is to enjoy what you’re doing! Don’t forget that this is dancing…and you love it!

    Keep me up on how things are going! xo

  21. Comment by Laura — March 17, 2010 @ 10:31 pm

    Thanks so much Jackie! Today at my studio we worked a lot on our flexibility and some new tricks. I’m not super flexible so that is something I need to work on. But as you were saying, I pretty good with time management. I make it priority to finish my homework before I go to dance. Which is why I have a 4.0 GPA! But thanks again for the advice!

    Laura

  22. Comment by Alex — March 25, 2010 @ 3:38 pm

    Hey Jackie, I was just at your convention in chicago. I had so much fun that i want to practice the dances i learned at home but im not sure what the song names where, maybe you could help? well i was wondering what the song name was for your jazz and dave’s funk class in the junior room. thanks! :)

  23. Comment by Barbara — April 18, 2010 @ 2:04 pm

    I am a former studio owner and judge and am writing to share observations of dance videos.
    In the seven years since I quit judging to become a grandaughter groupie I have purchased a plethora of DVDs at competitions too numerous to mention and have as yet found any to equal the quality of the ones done by the video people working the shows that I judged. I think the secret lies in the fact that the video cameras were set on a platform directly behind and above the level of the judges (they were shooting over our head in close proximity to the stage). The lightling was therefore excellent and the close-ups magnificent. Parents were happy by buy videos of audition tape quality. The ony downside to this is the elimination of prime center seats, however if the ballroom configuration is such that your center aisle is just behind the platform, the problem is somewhat eliminated. Stanchions were set up to preclude traffic in front of the judges and cameras. This company also did a land-office business in photo shoots in the foyer with a choice of backdrops.
    I wish to say that I have observed classes at your regionals and nationals and am very impressed with your staff and with your total operation. Congratulations on a job well done.

  24. Comment by Myra — July 18, 2010 @ 10:35 am

    Jackie and Dave,

    I just wanted to let you know how much final cut has done for my daughter, Alyssa (aka Chang Chang). She had the time of her life! This past week absolutely challenged her ability to conform, absorb and adapt. She has grown so much as a dancer and as a “pre-teen”. Since we’ve gotten home she has not stopped talking about the week. Alyssa LOVES LADM and cannot wait for the next opportunity to attend convention and final cut!! Alyssa has been bugging me to join company- but I’m not sure if she’s ready yet ;) thank u for everything this week!! Its been amazing!

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