JMSD Company Showcase 2024

2024

35TH ANNIVERSARY SPRING CONCERT

Company Showcase • Friday, May 17th, 2024 • 7:00pm

35th Anniversary

SARAH BELK GAMBRELL CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT • QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE

Hollywood Premiere COMPANY SHOWCASE

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024 • 7:00PM

1.) “Everybody Cut...Footloose!” .................................................................

JMSD Company and Junior Company

Betsy Astley, Sedona Barnett, Ashley Bean, Lena Bird, Charlotte Bloom, Mary Allison Boor, Hayden Bresnahan, Mia Caldwell, Gracie Myers Chalfant, Darden Cone, Grace Cowan, Maggie Farmer, Eloise Givens, Francie Hankins, Maya Hoover, Caroline Howley, Caroline Hurlbert, Rayna Khandelwal, Caroline Lam, Eliza Lam, Annabel Lamm, Rachel Mack, Tillie Mathis, Logan MazurekLucy McCurry, Ashley McKewon, Corinne Meyer, Katelyn O’Malley, Chloe Parsons, Miller Ruggles, Natalie Rukus, Violet Salameh, Graham Scott, Lily Seaman, Gwendolyn Shumate, Lara Smith, Lexy Smith, Sally Sozzi, Cooper Stuckey, Atticus Ware, Annmarie Wolfe, Katharine Wood choreographed by Amelia Binford

2.) “James Bond”

Lena Bird, Darden Cone, Celeste Domenech, Maggie Farmer, Maya Hoover, Caroline Howley, Caroline Hurlbert, Caroline Lam, Annabel Lamm, Rachel Mack, Ashley McKewon, Katelyn O’Malley, Natalie Rukus, Gwendolyn Shumate, Lexy Smith choreographed by Nicole Smith

3.) “Blue Ridge Mountains” ................................................................................................................................................

Katharine Wood, Senior Solo choreographed by Courtney Diepold

4.) “Razzle Dazzle” from Chicago ........................................................................................................................................

Sedona Barnett, Ashley Bean, Caroline Howley, Eliza Lam, Katelyn O’Malley, Violet Salameh, Lily Seaman, Gwendolyn Shumate, Lexy Smith, Sally Sozzi, Atticus Ware choreographed by Susan Thorsland

5.) “Vienna” ........................................................................................................................................................................

Lena Bird, Senior Solo choreographed by Elizabeth Dewey

“Fast Car” from Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood .............................................................................................................

Betsy Astley, Sedona Barnett, Ashley Bean, Hayden Bresnahan, Rayna Khandelwal, Logan Mazurek, Lily Seaman, Cooper Stuckey choreographed by Amelia Binford

7.) “100% Pure Love” from The Big Leap ............................................................................................................................

Lena Bird, Darden Cone, Celeste Domenech, Maggie Farmer, Maya Hoover, Caroline Hurlbert, Caroline Lam, Annabel Lamm, Rachel Mack, Ashley McKewon, Katelyn O’Malley, Natalie Rukus, Lexy Smith, Atticus Ware, Katharine Wood choreographed by Amelia Binford

8.) “Knockout” from Rocky

Gracie Myers Chalfant, Caroline Lam, Eliza Lam, Logan Mazurek, Chloe Parsons, Graham Scott, Gwendolyn Shumate, Lara Smith, Sally Sozzi, Annmarie Wolfe choreographed by Amelia Binford

9.) “longing, rusted” inspired by The Winter Soldier ..............................................................................................................

Sedona Barnett, Hayden Bresnahan, Darden Cone, Grace Cowan, Maggie Farmer, Eloise Givens, Maya Hoover, Caroline Hurlbert, Ashley McKewon, Corinne Meyer, Natalie Rukus, Lexy Smith, Annmarie Wolfe, Katharine Wood choreographed by Courtney Diepold

10.) “When We Were Young” .............................................................................................................................................

Caroline Howley, Senior Solo choreographed by Nicole Buonocore

11.) “Star Crossed” from Romeo and Juliet ............................................................................................................................

Lena Bird, Darden Cone, Grace Cowan, Celeste Domenech, Maggie Farmer, Maya Hoover, Caroline Hurlbert, Caroline Lam, Annabel Lamm, Rachel Mack, Ashley McKewon, Chloe Parsons, Natalie Rukus, Graham Scott, Lexy Smith, Katharine Wood choreographed by Elizabeth Dewey

12.) “Amelie”

Charlotte Bloom, Hayden Bresnahan, Mia Caldwell, Gracie Myers Chalfant, Eloise Givens, Rayna Khandelwal, Tillie Mathis, Logan Mazurek, Lucy McCurry, Corinne Meyer, Lara Smith, Cooper Stuckey choreographed by Elizabeth Dewey

13.) “Edward Scissorhands” ................................................................................................................................................

Sedona Barnett, Ashley Bean, Caroline Howley, Eliza Lam, Katelyn O’Malley, Chloe Parsons, Violet Salameh, Graham Scott, Lily Seaman, Gwendolyn Shumate, Sally Sozzi, Atticus Ware choreographed by Kim Diepold

14.) “Everlasting Love” .......................................................................................................................................................

Caroline Hurlbert, Senior Solo choreographed by Nicole Buonocore

15.) “Dance The Night” from Barbie ..................................................................................................................................

Betsy Astley, Charlotte Bloom, Mary Allison Boor, Abby Cordeiro, Kathryn Dewey, Katherine Dunn, Francie Hankins, Rayna Khandelwal, Corinne Meyer, Miller Ruggles, Ava Lynn Weisner choreographed by Sterling Masters-Deeney

16.) “Conceited” from Mean Girls .......................................................................................................................................

Celeste Domenech, Sofia Fernandez, Caroline Hurlbert, Annabel Lamm, Ella Matchett, Lara Smith, Lexy Smith, Annmarie Wolfe choreographed by Zaria Franklin

17.) “Tiny Dancer”

Rachel Mack, Senior Solo choreographed by Elizabeth Dewey

18.) “Shake Your Groove Thing” from Priscilla Queen of the Desert ......................................................................................

Gracie Myers Chalfant, Grace Cowan, Eliza Lam, Chloe Parsons, Violet Salameh, Graham Scott, Lara Smith, Sally Sozzi, Atticus Ware, Annmarie Wolfe, Katharine Wood choreographed by Sterling Masters-Deeney

19.) “Graceland Too”

Maya Hoover, Senior Solo choreographed by Courtney Diepold

20.) “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic ..........................................................................................................................

Ashley Bean, Charlotte Bloom, Mary Allison Boor, Grace Cowan, Eloise Givens, Francie Hankins, Eliza Lam, Tillie Mathis, Lucy McCurry, Corinne Meyer, Lily Seaman, Cooper Stuckey choreographed by Sterling Masters-Deeney

22.) “Skyfall”

Celeste Domenech, Senior Solo choreographed by Elizabeth Dewey

Betsy Astley, Charlotte Bloom, Mary Allison Boor, Abby Cordeiro, Kathryn Dewey, Katherine Dunn, Eloise Givens, Francie Hankins, Tillie Mathis, Lucy McCurry, Corinne Meyer, Miller Ruggles, Ava Lynn Weisner choreographed by Courtney Diepold

23.) “Pathways” inspired by The Hours .................................................................................................................................

Sedona Barnett, Lena Bird, Gracie Myers Chalfant, Darden Cone, Grace Cowan, Eliza Lam, Rachel Mack, Katelyn O’Malley, Natalie Rukus, Lexy Smith, Cooper Stuckey, Katharine Wood choreographed by Emily Kavenagh

24.) “When Doves Cry” from Romeo and Juliet

25.) “Daylight”

26.) “Little Women”

Sedona Barnett, Ashley Bean, Hayden Bresnahan, Mia Caldwell, Gracie Myers Chalfant, Eloise Givens, Tillie Mathis, Logan Mazurek, Lucy McCurry, Lily Seaman, Cooper Stuckey choreographed by Nicole Buonocore

Katelyn O’Malley, Senior Solo choreographed by Courtney Diepold

Betsy Astley, Charlotte Bloom, Mary Allison Boor, Hayden Bresnahan, Mia Caldwell, Gracie Myers Chalfant, Eloise Givens, Francie Hankins, Rayna Khandelwal, Tillie Mathis, Logan Mazurek, Lucy McCurry, Corinne Meyer, Miller Ruggles, Lara Smith, Cooper Stuckey, Annmarie Wolfe choreographed by Kim Diepold

27.) “La Bayadere” inspired by Aladdin ................................................................................................................................

Lena Bird, Darden Cone, Grace Cowan, Celeste Domenech, Maggie Farmer, Annabel Lamm, Rachel Mack, Ashley McKewon, Natalie Rukus, Katharine Wood choreographed by Susan Thorsland

28.) “Revolting Children” from Matilda ..............................................................................................................................

Charlotte Bloom, Mary Allison Boor, Mia Caldwell, Abby Cordeiro, Eloise Givens, Francie Hankins, Tillie Mathis, Lucy McCurry, Corinne Meyer, Miller Ruggles choreographed by Courtney Diepold

29.) “The Deathly Hallows Suite” inspired by Harry Potter ..................................................................................................

I. The Elder Wand

Lena Bird, Darden Cone, Grace Cowan, Maggie Farmer, Maya Hoover, Caroline Hurlbert, Caroline Lam, Annabel Lamm, Ashley McKewon, Natalie Rukus, Lexy Smith

II. The Resurrection Stone Sedona Barnett, Celeste Domenech, Caroline Howley, Caroline Hurlbert, Rachel Mack, Katelyn O’Malley, Chloe Parsons, Violet Salameh, Graham Scott, Gwendolyn Shumate, Sally Sozzi, Atticus Ware, Annmarie Wolfe, Katharine Wood

III. The Cloak of Invisibility

Ashley Bean, Hayden Bresnahan, Mia Caldwell, Gracie Myers Chalfant, Eloise Givens, Rayna Khandelwal, Eliza Lam, Tillie Mathis, Logan Mazurek, Lucy McCurry, Lily Seaman, Lara Smith, Cooper Stuckey

IV. Master of Death choreographed by Courtney Diepold

Sedona Barnett

Darden Cone

Maya Hoover

Annabel Lamm

Ashley Bean

Grace Cowan

Caroline Howley

Rachel Mack

Lena Bird

Celeste Domenech

Caroline Hurlbert

Logan Mazurek

Gracie Myers Chalfant

Maggie Farmer

Caroline Lam

Ashley McKewon

Katelyn O’Malley

Graham Scott

Atticus Ware

Chloe Parsons

Gwendolyn Shumate

Annmarie Wolfe Katharine Wood

Natalie Rukus

Lexy Smith

Violet Salameh

Sally Sozzi

Betsy Astley

Mia Caldwell

Eliza Lam

Charlotte Bloom

Eloise Givens

Tillie Mathis

Mary Allison Boor

Francie Hankins

Lucy McCurry

Hayden Bresnahan

Rayna Khandelwal

Corinne Meyer

Miller Ruggles Lily Seaman

Lara Smith Cooper Stuckey

WISHING ALL JMSD 2024 GRADUATING SENIORS BEST OF LUCK!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN PICTURE

Katharine Wood – Rhodes College

Maya Hoover – North Carolina State University

Caroline Hurlbert – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Katelyn O’Malley – Clemson University

Celeste Domenech – North Carolina State University

Caroline Howley – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lena Bird – Dartmouth College

Rachel Mack – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Caroline Hurlbert

Thank you, Jami, and all of the special teachers and staff at JMSD for providing a place where Caroline’s love of dance was born and blossomed, and where she was given the opportunity to share her love of dance with others. - Linda and Michael

In the fall of 2008, we took you to your first dance class when you were only 3 years old. You delighted us as a “little mouse” in your first ballet recital with Miss Jessie. As the years passed, you added jazz and tap into your skill set. It was such a surprise when you asked to go to the meeting for junior company auditions. When we walked out of that meeting, you were committed to making it happen! The 5th grade audition resulted in a spot with the junior company and that is where your life really changed. The dedication and commitment that you showed during your middle school years really made us proud! The friends that you made during those years became your confidants and supporters. The young lady you are today is in great part due to what you learned during your years dancing. From the late nights doing homework after dance, grabbing food on the go, keeping track of a complicated schedule, and dancing even when you were sore or injured, you persevered with maturity because of your love of dancing. It has been a joy to watch you dance for these past 15 years and we hope you will carry these treasured memories with you throughout your life. We certainly will!

Katelyn O’Malley

Katelyn,

It has been a true gift to watch you grow over the past 18 years. From beginner ballet and tap recitals to Irish dancing, competitive dance to the Governor’s School dance program, Providence Day varsity dance team to JSMD, you have risen to meet each challenge and flourished in every setting.

We are so proud of your work ethic, in awe of your skills, and love to watch you immerse yourself in the world of dance. Martha Graham poignantly states, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”

Thank you for allowing us a window into your soul as you share your artistry, talents, and joy both on stage and off. We cannot wait to see you continue your passion for dance at Clemson as you begin your next chapter.

We love you with all of our hearts.

Mom, Dad, Julia, Clarissa, and all of the grandparents e e e e e

Katharine Wood

Katharine, we are SO PROUD of you!

We have loved being with you on your dance journey, and we have watched you grow into a graceful and accomplished dancer.

You have shown such hard work and dedication with both dance and academics, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve in college and beyond. Keep Dancing!

Love, Mom, Dad, Mary Amelia and Charles

Lena Bird

Congratulations, Lena!

From your first recital performance of “Doodli-Do” to your Senior Solo performance of “Vienna,” what a joy it has been to watch you dance!

We are proud of your hard work, generous heart, and accomplishments both on and off the stage.

We hope you continue to dance, pursue your dreams, and experience the kind of friendship and fun you have enjoyed as part of - and with many thanks to - JMSD!

Love always, Dad, Mom, Andrew, and Francie

Maya Hoover

Maya Campbell, our tiny dancer....

From the first tutu to the last, it has been a pleasure. Watching you so comfortable and stunning on stage has been pure joy. The numerous incredible teachers, friends and mentors you have met at JMSD are irreplaceable.

While I will not miss the last minute phone calls about a missing dance shoe, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.

You are the most beautiful combination of strength and grace and we are so proud of the person you’ve become.

The journey has been an honor. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.....

We love you more than all the stars in the sky and will always be your biggest fans.

Mom, Dad and Beck

Rachel Mack

Rachel,

Congratulations on your senior recital!

It is hard to believe that 13 years of dance at JMSD are coming to an end. It has been a joy to watch you grow up at the studio and on stage.

When you chose to commit to dance at this level, you were rewarded with confidence, grace, poise, strength, courage, and some of the dearest dance friends.

God has big plans for you and I can’t wait to see how He uses dance in your life moving forward. You are beautiful, on stage and off, inside and out! I am so proud of you!

Much love, Mom, Andrew, Dad and the rest of your fan club

Charley Grace Asher

Campbell Baker

Riley Battle

Addison Blake

Sophia Bleiman

Scarlett Bohl

Darby Bremer

Lily Burgess

Laney Calaman

Lila Carney

Kate Cassady

Julia Chance

Emmie Chapman

Paige Christmann

Evelyn Ann Ciciarelli

Arabella Cooper

Michelle Cunningham

Lauren Curtin

Stewart Dedmon

Nora Dunham

Katherine Dunn

Avery Ellis

Gigi Flynn

5 Year Dancers

Lottie Fuller

Harriet Haubenhofer

Grace Henry

Lauren Hildebrand

Harper Hoidal

Cayden Holtshausen

Lucy Hunt

Emma Hurley

Palmer Jacobson

Lillian Jaeger

Genevieve Jeffries

Leighton Jones

Louisa Kearney

Amalia Koutsoupias

Covington Kracke

Audrey Kraich

Brianna Kreicher

Amelia Lawrence

Emilee Love

Lottie Manis

Penelope Manna

Olivia McCarthy

Sally Meldau

10

Year Dancers

Anna Gray Beason

Estelle Betler-Hodges

Mary Allison Boor

Hannah Boulware

Camryn Clyne

Reese Hackney

Rayna Khandelwal

Stella Linn

Mia Pharr

Elise Reilly

Rose Spisso

Elisabeth Toms

Charlotte Walsh

Grayson Wardlaw

Ava Melton

Barrett Melvin

Lucy Melvin

Olive Montgomery

Mary Mosser

Annie Nannini

Ellie Norris

Tinsley Ourso

Emilie Pearson

Elizabeth Peterson

Lucy Peterson

Claire Phipps

Laura Rogers

Rebecca Rogers

Virginia Ruggles

Hannah Shaw

Caroline Smith

Hadley Smith

Collins Teddy

Izzy Rae Weisner

Rose Williams

Chenni Zhu

Adeline Zvara

15

Year Dancers

DECEMBER

LARA SMITH STEWART DEDMON

Jami Masters School of Dance, Ltd. Faculty

Jami Masters is a graduate of Missouri State University with a B.S. in Education, Dance Major. She has owned and operated JMSD for 35 years. She is a 37 year member and multiple elected board member and officer of Carolina Dance Masters, Inc., a division of Dance Masters of America, Inc., an international organization of dance teachers certified by test to teach.

Sterling Masters-Deeney has an extensive background performing on Broadway, most recently in the blockbuster hit musical WICKED! Her journey to Broadway included performing in five National Tours: WICKED (Dance Captain/ Witch’s Mother). A CHORUS LINE (1st National, Original Cast), JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Dance Captain), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Dance Captain), and FOSSE. Sterling trained at JMSD her whole life under the direction of her mother, Jami. She also attended programs at North Carolina School of the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, Kirov Academy of Ballet, Ann Reinking’s Broadway Theatre Project, and is a former Petite Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss and Miss Dance of North Carolina for Carolina Dance Masters. She holds a children’s yoga certification with Yogi Beans and is a member of Dance Masters of America, an international organization of dance teachers certified by test to teach. This is Sterling’s 4th year teaching at JMSD.

Susan Thorsland Plaza holds a BFA in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA in Dance from Florida State University. She received her Dance Education K-12 Certification from UNCC. Susan spent 10 years as ballet faculty and Dance Department Chair at Northwest School of the Arts and has taught and performed in New York, Florida, and North Carolina. This is Susan’s 26th year teaching at JMSD.

Elizabeth Dewey is a graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts in Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA where she received a BA in Dance with a concentration in ballet. Elizabeth attended Point Park on a dance and presidential academic scholarship. She has performed with the Morgantown Ballet and the Pittsburgh Playhouse Dance Company. This is Elizabeth’s 20th year teaching at JMSD.

Courtney Diepold received her BA in Dance Studies from Appalachian State University and continued her dance education at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and at the American Dance Festival’s Dance Professionals Workshop. She has performed in Broadway Dance Center’s Summer Intern Program Showcase and as a guest artist with John Gamble Dance Theatre in Greensboro, NC. Her choreography has been featured in the North Carolina Dance Festival, in collaboration with Appalachian Philharmonic Orchestra, UNCSA’s Festival of North Carolina Dance, and the Charlotte Emerging Dance Awards/Charlotte Dance Festival Youth Gala. This is Courtney’s 12th year teaching at JMSD.

Nicole Smith received a BCA in Dance from UNC-Charlotte. While at UNCC, Nicole was captain of the top five nationally ranked Division 1 cheerleading team and a performer with the Charlotte Dance Ensemble. Nicole’s love for sports and dancing took her to the NBA for four years and the NFL for 12 seasons. In her tenure with the Carolina Panthers, Nicole was the choreographer of the TopCats for eight years and was a Pro Bowl Cheerleader. Nicole was a member of the United States Gymnastics Federation and USA Gymnastics. She has been teaching dance and acrobatics for 26 years. This is Nicole’s 12th year teaching at JMSD.

Kim Diepold holds a BFA in Dance from Florida State University and has performed professionally with Moving Poets, Kinetic Works, and Asheville Ballet.  She teaches and choreographs for multiple studios in the Charlotte area, focusing primarily on ballet and pointe. Kim is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique - a strengthening and conditioning program designed specifically for ballet dancers. This is Kim’s 9th year teaching at JMSD

Jami Masters School of Dance, Ltd. Faculty

Lisa Wright is a graduate of North Carolina A & T State University. Lisa has had the opportunity to study under some of the industry’s most celebrated choreographers, such as her mentors Chonique Sneed and Lisette Bustamante, as well as hold her own reign as Founder of EleKtriK Dance Company. Highlights in her dance career have included appearing as a principle dancer in a commercial for AT&T, appearing as principle dancer in music videos both nationally and internationally, dancer and choreographer for promo tours for BETs 106 and Park and Nike, principle dancer in the opening act of Broadway’s Hairspray, and winning numerous awards for choreography & performance. Being chosen as an Elite Team Leader of the Los Angeles based dance mentorship program “Creating Opportunities” has been one of the most rewarding experiences and thanks to Lisette and Chonique. This is Lisa’s 5th year teaching at JMSD.

Zaria Franklin has been dancing her whole life but she began dancing professionally about 8 years ago. Zaria is a 2018 graduate of UNC Charlotte where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in dance education with a K-12 licensure. She has been teaching for about 7 years and working in education for 5 years. She currently works as a high school dance teacher, dance instructor and professional cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers. This is her 3rd year teaching at JMSD.

Alexis Harder is a South Carolina school of the Arts graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre. After graduation, Alexis hit the high seas as a Playlist Performer on Carnival Cruise Lines! Being a Charlotte local, Alexis has performed at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Matthews Playhouse, and CPCC Summer Theatre. Alexis is passionate about the performing arts and loves watching dancers grow in their craft! This is her 3rd year teaching at JMSD.

Nicole Buonocore grew up dancing since the age of four. She began her college education at SUNY Purchase, ultimately graduating from The University of the Arts with a BFA in Dance and concentration in Jazz/Theatre Studies. After school, Nicole performed with Royal Caribbean in a number of shows aboard their cruise ships. Choosing next to focus on teaching and choreography, Nicole has been training children for the last 18 years, both competitively and recreationally. Her choreography has won awards in some of the most prestigious national competitions. In 2017, Nicole was the coach and in house choreographer for the Montclair University collegiate dance team. She is a recent transplant to the Charlotte metro area and excited to be on faculty at Jami Masters School of Dance! This is Nicole’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Emily Kavenagh received her B.F.A. in Ballet Performance from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in 2021. At CCM, she was lead by world-renowned dance faculty and choreographers including members of The New York City Ballet’s Balanchine Trust. Emily became a professional ballerina in 2020 and danced with The Columbia Classical Ballet for two years. There she had the privilege of performing ballet and contemporary pieces user artistic directors Radenko Pavlovich and Brooklyn Mack, as well as company choreographer Simone Cuttino. Emily is originally from Bath, Ohio and trained under Mia Klinger at Ballet Excel Ohio, formally the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet. She also studied dance at Cincinnati Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, and in Saratoga Springs, NY. After many years of dancing, Emily’s true passion is teaching dance. She has taught dance for the past four years and is also a group fitness instructor. Emily moved to Charlotte last summer and this is her 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Elena Gleason is mom to four young kiddos and lives in Ballantyne. She began her ballet training at the Fort Wayne Ballet Academy in 1993 under the artistic direction of Karen Gibbons Brown from American Ballet Theatre and Derek Reid of the Dance Theater of Harlem. She has studied many forms of ballet technique including Ceccheti, Vagonova and American Ballet Theatre. Elena’s repertoire includes thirteen consecutive seasons of the Nutcracker in lead roles including “Sugar Plum Fairy”, “Arabian Coffee” Pas de Deux and “Snow Queen”. She has also performed in many major ballet productions in lead roles such as “Hermia” from a Midsummer Nights Dream and “Dawn” from Coppelia. Elena was selected to represent her company in Paris, France performing an “American in Paris” with the Paris Opera Ballet. She was given a full ride scholarship to Butler Ballet in 2005. When Elena isn’t at carpool or running her kids to all their activities, you will find her enjoying some R&R at her country club or shopping! This is Elena’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Georgie DeCosmo is a graduate from The University of Lynchburg with a degree in Music Theatre, Georgie has been dancing since the age of 3. She has performed regionally throughout the east coast in hip hop, jazz and musical theatre. Recently seen as the dance captain for Theatre Charlotte’s Pippin. She is also on staff as a choreographer for Theatre Charlottes upcoming season as well as the first annual Need A Little Christmas show this past year. This is Georgie’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Jami Masters School of Dance, Ltd. Faculty

Amelia Binford

has been involved in dancing for over 30 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Performance and Dance Education Certification from Winthrop University. While at Winthrop, she performed in many shows with Winthrop Dance Theatre and Rhythm Quest, as well as several student choreography showcases. Amelia has toured with Dance Caravan and has also performed with Sinergismo Dance Company of Charlotte, North Carolina. She has performed with the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra, Carolina Voices, and the Singing Christmas Tree. She was a semi-finalist in Fox Network’s television show So You Think You Can Dance. Amelia has played the role of Bebe in Theatre Charlotte’s production of A Chorus Line, and has also received several awards for her innovative choreography. Amelia is currently teaching Modern, Jazz, and Tap Dance for Northwest School of the Arts in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, where she created a Tap Dance Curriculum which is one of the only programs in public school in the state of North Carolina. She is the former Owner/ Artist Director of Momentum Dance and has taught Jazz Classes at Davidson College, and is currently teaching Tap and Jazz technique at Jami Master’s School of Dance. She was the choreographer for NWSA’s production of Les Miserables and has served as Assistant Choreographer for their productions of West Side Story, Footloose, The Color Purple, A Chorus Line, and 17 other main stage productions. Amelia has been the Assistant Choreographer for Theatre Charlotte’s production of The Full Monty, the Choreographer for C.A.S.T.’s production of Marat/Sade, and 16 of NWSA’s Middle School Musical Productions. Amelia has served as a Guest Artist in Residence at Winthrop University for their Summer ST-ARTS program and Guest Choreographer for the Nations Ford Dance Team in Fort Mill, South Carolina and Gamut Dance at Davidson College, along with many new works on the Northwest School of the Arts stage every Fall and Spring Semesters. This is Amelia’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Jane Lowery trained at Johansen Olympia Dance Center in Washington State where she was born and raised for over a decade. She spent the first half of her life focused as a child actor traveling between the U.S. and Canada auditioning for various projects, a lot of which incorporated her dance training. In 8th grade she decided to transition into the competition side of the dance world. In 2015 she made the Tumwater High School Varsity Dance Team. During her time at Tumwater she won 12 state titles and 10 national awards. She was also a captain her senior year, and teaching at multiple local studios in her free time. She acquired her bachelors in Multimedia Storytelling at Queens University Charlotte. During her time in undergrad she was on the Queens Dance Team from 2019-2023 and was a captain from 2021-2023 winning 6 national trophies in the first 2 years of the team competing. She is now the assistant Dance and Cheer coach at Queens. This is Jane’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Dawsen Saley was born and raised in South Florida where she began her dance training. Over the course of 10 years, she attended many local and national level competitions and conventions. Dawsen moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to continue her dance education, attending Point Park University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Dawsen spent the following year performing onboard the Norwegian Spirit as a Select Artist Ensemble dancer and serving as the Aerial Captain. After completing her contract, she moved to Charlotte, NC, where she found roots here at Jami Masters. In addition to teaching, Dawsen is also a part of the 2024-2025 Carolina Panther TopCat Cheerleaders! She loves performing, teaching the next generation, and having fun with her students! This is Dawsen’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Brittany Lovell was born and raised in Los Angeles. At the young age of 16 she moved to Chicago to begin her dance career. She had the honor of performing countless classical, Balanchine, and contemporary ballets.  She also began her teaching career in Chicago as well. She has mentored dancers who have been accepted into dance programs and companies all over the world. Brittany is honored and thrilled to have joined the JMSD faculty this year. This is Brittany’s 1st year teaching at JMSD.

Eliza Lam won the title of Teen Miss Dance of North Carolina at Carolina Dance Masters Solo Title Competition in November 2023. The competition required Eliza to take audition classes, interview with judges, and perform her lyrical solo, “Speechless,” which was choreographed by Sterling Masters-Deeney. Eliza also won the Interview Award for Teen Miss Dance of North Carolina. Eliza will

compete for the title of Teen Miss Dance of America in July 2024 in Anaheim, California where she will represent JMSD, Carolina Dance Masters, and the State of North Carolina. Additionally, Eliza

performed for the non-profit Our Time to Shine in Burlington, NC in December of 2023 to help raise funds to send their special needs and differently-abled dancers to Broadway to perform at the Gershwin Theater this summer. This spring, Eliza performed her solo and served as a presenter at Carolina Dance Masters Performing Arts Scholarship Competition. Eliza is also a cheerleader for Alexander Graham Middle School and is the Golden Ambassador for Exulting Images, a dance photography company. In addition to the audition classes and master classes she will take throughout

DMA’s Teen Miss Dance of America Solo Title Competition, Eliza was accepted to attend DMA’s Student Honors Intensive Program at Ball State University in July 2024.

LucyMcCurrywasselectedtobeanarrator and a dancer in the Carmel Middle School performanceofBeautyandtheBeast.Lucy alsocompetedinCarolinaDanceMasters PASC in March and achieved Platinum for her solo‘SignoftheTimes’choreographedby CourtneyDiepold.Sheearned1stplacein theJuniorcompetitivecategory.Finally,Lucy wasacceptedintoJoffreyBalletSummer Intensive.ShewillbeattendingJoffreySouth atUniversityofGeorgia.

Maggie Farmer performed at the Ambassadors Ball dancing with the Children of Allegro for the guests and the Ambassador of Austria.

Cooper Stuckey auditioned for, was accepted to, and will be attending this year’s Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive in New York City, as well as the Charlotte Ballet Summer Intensive program.

Francie Hankins was the co-captain ofthe first ever Charlotte Latin School middle school dance team coached by the amazing Masters-Deeney!Sterling

JMSD Dance & Theatre ACCOLADES

DardenConewasselected CarolinaforandisattendingNorthGovernor’sSchoolfor 4weeksthissummerinthe areaofDance.

Annabel Lamm participated in Broadway Dreams Summer Intensive (August 2023) where she danced, sang and acted in classes and rehearsals all day long ending the program with a showcase performance at the Booth Theater. She also participated in Need

A Little Christmas at CPCC. Annabel was a kick line dancer for the Christmas variety show that mimicked the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The show was produced by Laura Little Productions and performed at CPCC Pease Auditorium the month of December. The choreographer was Nicole Smith and Annabel was the Dance Captain.

thisCarolineHowleyperformedinMeanGirls danceyearatCharlotteLatinandnumerous competitionswhenshewasmemberofcompetitivedanceteamatCarolina DanceCapital2021-2022.

Natalie Rukus attended Point Park University Summer Intensive program in July 2023. She was an assistant at The Thrive Dance Experience in Concord, NC in November 2023. Natalie was a Solo Title Miss Dance Contestant at Carolina Dance Masters (CDM) in Greensboro, NC in November 2023. In February 2024, Natalie participated in the Charlotte CDM Winter Workshop, receiving the ballet scholarship award. She competed with her solo routine and with the JMSD Group Ensemble at CDM Performing Arts Competition (PASC) in March 2024. Natalie auditioned and was accepted to the prestigious Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Summer Intensive program in NYC and will attend this July.

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Sedona Barnett danced in the waltz of the flowers in the Charlotte Youth Ballet production of The Nutcracker. She also prepared two solos, Ruska and the Princess Florine variation, for competition in the Youth American Grand Prix and the Carolina Dance Masters Performing Arts Competition, where she placed in the top 10 in the senior elite division. Sedona also danced in the Northwest School of the Arts Student Showcase, Big Read, and Spring Concert. As part of NWSA, Sedona participated in the Regional High School Dance Festival in Norfolk, Virginia. She has enjoyed contributing choreography to performance pieces at NWSA and her first role as choreographer of a group piece at JMSD.

After being accepted into over ten ballet summer intensives throughout the United States, Sedona will spend six weeks at the Philadelphia Ballet, participating in the summer intensive and choreographic workshop.

Summer Technique Camp

Summer Technique at Jami Masters School of Dance Ltd. (JMSD) is designed for dancers 1st grade through 12th grade and is scheduled in weekly camps. To decide which camp is best for your dancer, please use their rising 2024-25 grade when registering. To register for a summer technique camp, log into your JMSD Parent Portal, go to JamiMastersSchoolofDance. com, send an email to Registration@JamiMastersSchoolofDance.com, or call the office at 704.525.6555. Tuition is non-refundable and due with camp registration.

1ST-2ND GRADE CAMPS

1st-2nd Grade Dance Camps are the perfect transition from our Pre-School Camp program to our Summer Technique Camps! They will include Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. Tuition for 1st-2rd grade camp is $175.00 per week of camp.

June 17th-June 21st Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-4:00pm

July 22nd-July 26th .............. Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-4:00pm

3RD-5TH GRADE & TEEN CAMPS

3rd-5th Grade and Teen Technique Camps will include: Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Leaps & Turns, Lyrical, Modern, Pointe (if applicable), Tap. *Specific Daily Schedules will be available a week before each camp. Tuition for 3rd-5th grade and teen camps is $250.00 per week of camp.

3rd-5th Grade Camp:

July 15th-July 19th .............. Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-5:00pm

July 22nd-July 26th Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-5:00pm

August 5th-August 9th Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-5:00pm

Teen Camp:

June 17th-June 21st ............. Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-5:00pm

July 22nd-July 26th .............. Monday-Friday • 5:15pm-8:15pm

COMPANY AND JUNIOR COMPANY TECHNIQUE CAMPS & BOOTCAMPS

Tuition for Company and Junior Company Technique Camps and Bootcamps is $250.00 per week of camp.

Teen/Companies Technique Camp

June 17th-June 21st Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-5:00pm

Company and Junior Company Technique Camp

June 24th-June 28th Monday-Friday • 5:15pm-8:15pm

Teen/Companies Technique Camp

July 22nd-July 26th Monday-Friday • 5:15pm-8:15pm

Company and Junior Company Bootcamp

August 5th-August 9th ......... Monday-Friday • 2:00pm-5:00pm

Picture by: Vironica Photo 2019

Picture by: Vironica Photo 2019

Picture by: Vironica Photo 2019

Thank You

Putting on a Dance Concert is a monumental task, and only those behind the scenes know all that goes into giving a child that magical moment on the stage, a moment that will last a lifetime.

Thank You to our dedicated and talented staff for making dreams come true for all our JMSD dancers:

Amelia Binford, Nicole Buonocore, Darden Cone, Trina Cone, Georgie DeCosmo, Elizabeth Dewey, Courtney Diepold, Kim Diepold, Zaria Franklin, Elena Gleason, Alexis Harder, Jamie Hubbard, Caroline Hurlbert, Brittany Hurst, Emily Kavenagh, Anita Kraynik,

Maria Long, Randall Masters, Randy Masters, Sterling Masters-Deeney, Kendel Parks, Dawsen Saley, Nicole Smith, Susan Thorsland Plaza, Zoelle Williams, & Lisa Wright

Special Thanks to our Staff, Company and Junior Company dancers, and parent volunteers who have helped us to bring this year’s Concerts to the stage.

Dancingly Yours,

Jami Masters

The Beauty of the Dance

A little girl and a teacher transform the

lives of generations

In many lives, a pivotal experience comes along that changes everything that follows. For some, it’s an encounter with a musical instrument, a movie, comic books or a teacher. For Jami Masters, it was dance, an experience that envelopes her and became her career as an adult. This is her story.

“My family [Jim and Mary Crist and kids] moved to Monett in 1965 when I was in the third grade,” she recalled. “I walked to Plymouth school every day with the neighborhood friends. Lisa Davis was definitely one of them, not sure who all else was in our walking group. They were all taking ballet at Mary Beck School of Dance, so I wanted to go there, too. My mom enrolled me in dance class and I loved it! I was a very shy child and dance seemed to resonate with me because it was a way to express myself without talking. I remember the ‘big girls’ assisting in the class and I was impressed with them, Andra Douthitt and Janene George. They seemed to pay a lot of attention to me so it gave me confidence.”

“I kept dancing by taking classes in ballet, tap, and jazz. There was no such thing as Hip Hop back then. My best friends were Kay Kaiser, Leasa Cook and Jean Ray (from Cassville). Kay, Leasa, and I eventually became Mary’s ‘big girl’ assistants and went to the studio after school many days each week to help with the younger dancers’ classes. That is where I learned to teach and decided that I one day wanted to be ‘Mary Beck’ and have my own dance studio.”

Jami ran the gamut of experiences as a dancer with Mary Beck. She prepared solo and ensemble dances. She traveled to compete in the Dance Masters conventions in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

“As soon as I opened my own dance studio I became a member of Dance Masters’ of America and so did my daughter, Sterling,” Jami continued. “Dance Masters of America, Inc. is an International organization of dance teachers who are certified by test; college degreed and/or professional status to teach dance.”

Once she reached college at SMSU, now Missouri State University, Jami majored in dance education. She joined the Sugar Bears dance troupe and the Repertory Dance Company and gave many performances throughout college.

“The college experience was very different than my early dance education,” she observed. “I was introduced to Modern Dance, which is the most prominent form of dance in college curriculums, though I still continued with ballet, tap and jazz training. Hip hop was still not a thing, to my knowledge. The dance major back then was part of the Science department, not Arts, for some reason, so I had to take a lot of classes like biomechanics, kinesiology, etc. But as part of the Repertory Dance Company, I was able to experience performing with the Music Department in the Johann Strauss operetta ‘Die Fledermaus’ [The Bat] and had the opportunity to take theater and acting classes.”

After graduating from college, Jami came back to Monett. She got a job at United Missouri Bank, but her instincts literally kept her on her toes. “I went back to Mary Beck to help with dance classes,” she said. “That’s when Mary mentored me and I really started paying attention to everything she did and said to her students. I kept a notebook and I still use those notes today. Mary encouraged me to go out to the surrounding communities to teach so I started dance classes in Aurora, Sarcoxie and places where there were not dance opportunities for children and it was too far for them to come to Monett or classes. That taught me to promote myself and to instill the love of dance in others.”

After she married fellow Monettan Randy Masters, the couple moved when he took a job in Atlanta, Georgia. By then, dance was such a part of her that she sent her resumé to all the Atlanta- area dance studios and began substitute teaching at various places. After the Masters bought their first house, Randy built a dance studio in the basement for Jami. There she taught neighboring children and thus produced her first dance recital on her own. During that time she kept studying with the Atlanta Ballet and took adult classes with local jazz studios.

“In 1984 we moved to Charlotte, NC,” Jami recalled. “Our daughter, Sterling, was born in 1985 and our son, Randall in 1988. In 1989 I opened the first official Jami Masters’ School of Dance. I had no real business plan, though I knew I wanted to share my love of dance to the Charlotte community. I opened the studio to my church friends’ children ‘just for fun’ while I was raising my two small children. ‘Word of mouth’ was my true business plan. During this time, I joined the Junior

Here is Jami’s first costume as a performing dancer for the Mary Beck School of Dance. The costume today is framed and hangs in the studio with the photo.

League of Charlotte and volunteered in the community’s underserved population teaching dance classes to those who would never have the opportunity to dance. As a member of the Junior League, I performed as Madonna in the annual fundraiser event for the entire city of Charlotte. I also got involved in the theater community in Charlotte performing in ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Pippin’ at Theater Charlotte, a community theater.”

“At this time, my daughter, Sterling, started performing in theater productions and at the age of 6 declared that she was going to Broadway. Well, that got me encouraged to start hiring the best dance teachers I could find to help train her for a professional career. She has a very multifaceted story of her own and did have a very successful Broadway career which ended in 2019 after a multiyear with ‘Wicked’ at Broadway’s Gershwin Theater. Sterling decided to move back to Charlotte with her husband and son to begin teaching at Jami Masters School of Dance. But along the way Sterling was the first dancer in the Carolina chapter of Dance Masters of America to win all titles: Petite, Junior, Teen and Miss Dance.”

In 2024 Jami Masters marks the 35th anniversary of her dance school. She has approximately 1,500 students, eight dance rooms, 12 teachers and an office staff of six. “We are in the process of building a second location within the same shopping center with more dance

rooms, so we will open Fall 2024 with about 17,000 square feet of dance studio and retail space. We now offer classes for 2 year olds through adults. We offer classes in Preschool dance, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary/ modern, jazz funk, hip hop, Pilates and Acrobatics.

“But, ultimately, my reason for opening a dance studio and love for dancing was instilled from my experiences with Mary Beck School of Dance in Monett. As I’ve learned and grown as an educator, I realize what a genius Mary Beck is. Wherever I’ve taken dance classes – New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte – I was always recognized for my good technique... that came from Mary. And she knew all about every style of dance and was very good at it herself! She continues to be a true inspiration to me and how I run my dance studio. I keep in touch with Mary and I thank her for instilling the love of dance in me all those years ago. ‘Instilling the Love of Dance is my studio’s mission statement.”

One experience, growing out of a walk to school, wanting to participate like her friends were, and a special teacher became a transformative experience for Jami Masters. She lives that to this day. “Mary signed her notes ‘Dancingly Yours, and so do I,” Jami added.

Jami Masters and husband Randy with daughter Sterling backstage at the Broadway show “A Chorus Line where Sterling performed.

Jami Masters’ School of Dance dancers taking a bow after a dance recital. Hundreds of dancers appeared on stage together prior to COVID. Now the school offers 20 smaller shows presented over two Saturdays.

Jami Masters with her daughter, Sterling, in the early 1990s when Jami opened her dance studio in North Carolina.

COMING SOON! WE’RE EXPANDING

We are excited to announce that we are expanding at Park Road Shopping Center!

School Of Dance & Boutique

Join us soon as we celebrate opening

in the front of the Shopping Center.

We will have a soft opening with some classes and camps this summer! And a GRAND OPENING with our FALL CLASSES

At the heart of the philosophy of Jami Masters School of Dance, Ltd. is the concept of instilling the love of dance. We encourage each child to be the best they can be, and we do this in a loving, caring, nurturing and noncompetitive environment.

We endeavor to aid in the development of each child’s personality, spirit of cooperation, coordination and ability. Through careful, supervised dance training, students gain confidence and charm while developing stronger, healthier bodies.

We don’t know at this stage of training who will or will not become professional dancers. We do know that the children in our program will be better at whatever they choose to do in life because of this experience.

Thank you for allowing your children this opportunity and for being here with them today.

Dancingly Yours, Jami Masters