Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Brewer-Poole
Hi Jaclyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
ance. Throughout my academic training years I had the privilege of traveling across the country as well as Spain and Canada to pursue my dance training and professional career goals. During my years of training I had the privilege of studying under some of the greats, I am incredibly grateful for all of my teachers, choreographers and family for supporting me and pushing me along the way. I moved home shortly after graduating from Juilliard and started my teaching career. I’ve taught at several dance studio, built successful ballet programs and helped my students achieve their goals of dancing professionally and attending prestigious colleges including The Juilliard School. Dancing professionally with the Bruce Wood Dance Company in Dallas helped shaped me as an artist and see dance as the true art it is. My experiences have shaped me to be the teacher I am today and lead me to create my vision for my own studio: To build and create a thriving arts center to serve the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are often told no. I tell my students all of the time, “you will get far more ‘nos’ than ‘yeses’”. Upon graduating from Juilliard, I was told no too many times to count. I did not get into a professional company and was devastated. I applied to teach at a local studio and was told no. I felt like I wasn’t living up to the full potential of my training. Professionally I was told no a multitude of times in different regards. As a business owner, it isn’t the “no” I struggle with, but staying true to myself and my brand while still growing the business. I’m a no drama, no frills person, what you see is what you get, I’m not going to oversell potential families on my studio. Because of this, we have not grown as quickly as we possibly could have. However, Collective Arts Center is authentic, we have a fantastic family dynamic, and support each student on their individual journey. Dance is for everyone and everyone’s journey will look different and unique!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Collective Arts Center?
Our brand supports the members of our community and aims to provide dance instruction for all. Our mission: To provide a safe space to educate children and adults alike in the arts through a culturally rich, multidisciplinary curriculum and inclusive learning environment. We specialize in dance instruction for all ages. We have classes in a range of styles, a competitive company, classical ballet performance opportunities, community service events and a classical ballet day program for dancers serious about pursuing their passion in dance. All of our instructors are CPR certified, trained extensively in first aid, epilepsy, diabetes, injury prevention, as well as other medical conditions. We have a variety of degrees in the arts and certifications from different programs including: Progressing Ballet Technique, American Ballet Theater certified teachers, and the Acrobatic Arts training. What sets us apart from others is that we provide high quality dance training for every student while giving room for them to be children! We have a methodical curriculum for pointe work and many avenues to provide opportunities for growth and each individual dancer’s dreams!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The dance world is small and massive at the same time! Social media has really connected people from every walk of life to make us feel connected and invested. I often use Instagram to connect with others as well as keep up with the dance world both local and abroad. My favorite book is “Atomic Habits”, I’m currently reading it for a second time!
Pricing:
- Our school season pricing is based on minutes danced per week and paid monthly, based on a 10 month school season.
- We offer drop in classes, pop up classes, workshops, master classes and summer camps!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collectiveartscenter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectiveartscenter/profilecard/?igsh=MTY4bDB1emFueDc2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19cqVXLpwo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Ilona Serchenko
Justin Belt
Kaila Belt
Sharen Bradford
Various studio parents and students
