Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Landeros.
Hi Jackie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up dancing in Fort Worth. Dance has always been a love of mine. I graduated from Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and moved to New York City to continue pursuing Dance. I have had the pleasure of performing with MWest & Company, Bolly Dhamaal Dance, imPULSE Dance Project, Cholorock Dance Collective, Muscle Memory Dance Theatre (M2DT), Rachel Wade, and presenting work as an independent artist. As much as I was drawn to dance, I also had a strong pull toward teaching. My mom was a teacher and was an inspiration to me to bring my love of dance to the classroom to share with students. I have an MFA in Dance from Montclair State University and a BA in Dance from Hunter College. I have taught dance in New York, New Jersey, and Texas.
I am currently the Director of Dance at Arlington Heights High School, in Fort Worth, where I just completed my 10th year. Getting to work with young people in pursuit of their dreams has been one of the highlights of my life. This is such a special and unique program that I feel so blessed to be part of! Working with Candace Rattliff, Assistant Director of Dance, has been an incredible experience. We have been building a positive and welcoming environment to train dancers of all levels in concert dance. I think back to what I wish I knew or opportunities I wish I had when I was their age and find ways to make that happen for them. Candace and I are a great team and are always bouncing ideas off each other for how we can better serve our students. I am grateful for all the amazing teachers I have had in my life who have inspired me on this journey. I hope I can provide that encouragement and inspiration to my students.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If there are never any obstacles then there are no opportunities for growth. Navigating how to teach Dance through the pandemic, completing grad school while working full-time, and becoming a mom have all been challenges that have made me a better educator.
Teaching dance classes online when some students would join, some would not, and then some would come in-person was quite the juggling act. I did not want my classes to lose a sense of community or the joy of performing. We had to get creative. We used the challenge as an opportunity to dive into creating dance films and hosted an outdoor showing projected on a large screen. We also created an interactive gallery that took small audience groups on a journey through various spaces to experience site-specific dances, dance films, and interactive projections to get them involved in the performance. It turned out to be one of the most unique and memorable performances I have created!
Completing grad school while teaching full-time helped me learn how to prioritize. I became an expert at time-management. It helped that everything I was learning and working on was directly helping me to become a better dancer and educator. Looking back, I do not know how I made it all work, but I am so grateful I did.
Becoming a mom is my greatest joy and achievement. Learning to dance again in a body that feels foreign has been challenging. Teaching through pregnancy and navigating a changing body through postpartum has taught me to be more forgiving of myself. I will always cherish the memories of dancing, teaching, and performing while pregnant and knowing I had my babies with me for all of it. Balancing with a new center of gravity, figuring out how to jump and roll, and just dealing with morning sickness all made my job more interesting. Returning to work after each of my boys has been incredibly difficult for me but my students make it worth it. I am still trying to figure out how to balance it all and that I am sure will forever be a challenge.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Arlington Heights High School, we offer classes in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Pointe, Tap, Dance Wellness, Production, and have two pre-professional dance companies, Repertory Dance Company and Heights Dance Ensemble. We believe that every student should be exposed to quality, fine arts dance training. In addition to technique, students learn classroom etiquette, choreography, critical analysis, and improvisational skills. They learn how to express themselves, develop discipline in their craft, and how to build community. Exceptional dancers and guest choreographers from the Dallas/Fort Worth area are an integral part of the AHHS Dance Program that we bring in throughout the year to teach master classes and set choreography.
We have a college recruitment event each Fall that connects our dancers with college dance programs for acceptances, scholarships, and summer opportunities. Professors and recruiters come to our campus to teach master classes, audition students, watch our senior spotlight performance, and connect with dancers at the college fair. We also travel nationally for performances, auditions, and workshop opportunities. Students are able to work closely with colleges and build relationships that help them navigate the process of applying and auditioning for college dance programs. I am most proud of the connection we have built between our dance program and colleges across the country. This is the place to be if you are a student wanting to pursue dance at the collegiate level and beyond.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding mentors that inspire you no matter what field you are in is the best thing you can do for yourself. People who are truly great at what they do are happy to share their knowledge and expertise to help others be successful. Do not be afraid to reach out and connect with people that inspire you. Introduce yourself at performances, events, or even through social media. Social media has made it possible for me to network with professionals that I may not have crossed paths with otherwise. I have had many mentors at different stages of my career who have all helped shape me into the dancer, educator, and artist I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ahhsdance.com
- Instagram: ahhsdance
- Facebook: AHHS Dance Department
- Other: https://www.dancebyjackie.com
Image Credits
Natalie Bracken
Marissa Bettman
