Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Gray.
Jasmine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hailing from Thomaston, Georgia, I started my professional dance career at the age of eight. I attended Avondale Elementary School of the Performing Arts and DeKalb School of the Arts, where I received Dancer of the Year 2007 from my graduating class. I was blessed with the opportunity to study Dance at Camp New Look, ran by Usher’s team, which jump-started my passion for the industry. Dancing was as equally important to me as my academics. Upon graduation, I received The Gates Millennium Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship from Bill Gates to any University of my choice.
I graduated from The University of Central Florida with a B.S in Event Management and Minor in Dance. While in college I created my own dance company named D.W.E.E.B.S Dance Crew (Delivering What Everyone Expects the Bold to Seek). We became one of the top companies out of Florida. I had the pleasure of dancing and choreographing for BET, MTV and HSN Networks, Lil Wayne, Skrillex, DJ Khaled, and for multiple music videos. I also explored creative choreography for teams and went on to win numerous awards including Prelude, NDA, UDA, and World of Dance Orlando.
After graduating from college, I started an Artist Development and Entertainment Company named Rare Breed Society. Our mission is to “Transform The Ordinary Into The Extraordinary.” I saw a need for more intense training programs and realized I have a gift of bringing out the best in people. The Jasmine Gray Experience was birthed from that idea and has transitioned into a unique industry training program in Georgia and Florida. It was designed to bring out the true essence of each dancer and prep them spiritually, physically and emotionally for the entertainment industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“To whom much is given, much is tested” is a quote I have lived by since I was a child. I have always been put in leadership positions and positioned myself to present change to anything I believed needed improvement. With that, comes plenty of adversity but I have learned to embrace it all, and I have a supreme understanding that every trial is setting me up for a triumph.
When I started dancing, I wasn’t the greatest at it, and my parents couldn’t afford to send me to outside dance programs. I took it upon myself to study music videos, take advantage of the training I received at school, ask the right questions and even study the students who were privileged enough to train extensively outside of school. I mimicked their movements and would ask fundamental questions afterwards. This skill set transformed me into a chameleon and has allowed me to adapt pretty quickly to any style of dance. I have always felt like the “underdog” in things, and that feeling has attracted others to me, who may feel the same way about themselves. We always end teaming up and creating magic from that energy.
Starting any business has its ups and downs. Trying to lock in clientele, establish your brand and stay afloat financially in an unstable industry can really test you, but I believe in having a strong internal and external foundation to get you through it. I was able to create two companies, built on the foundation of my hardships, in order to help mold the next generation of artists to be greater. I created the name Fearless Artist as a staple to the idea of choosing to FEAR-less. Anything that scares me, I make sure I conquer it. I want to be an example of a boundless life as a human and a creator.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
The Jasmine Gray Experience is an extension of all of my talents into one entity. I choreograph for artists, teams, conventions, flashmobs, do video editing, creative directing, personal training, just to name a few. This company has allowed me to leave my personal imprint on others.
I created two programs called The Industry Etiquette Workshop and Intensive. In the workshop, I am able to transform a dancers delivery and perception of self within the 1.5hr class. I saw a need for the old school tradition of training: no talking, no worrying about looking good for Instagram or youtube or being noncommittal to the process. I wanted to bring back proper class etiquette and create a space that was focused, intense and rewarding for creatives.
The Industry Etiquette Intensive is a 3-day program that goes more in-depth with the expectations of professional dancers and finding your spiritual grounding to push through the hardships. I prep them with headshot, reel and resume critiques, styling, filming for their portfolios, and intense training classes including conditioning. I am known to connect with people, help them break through mental barriers and become their true selves.
Rare Breed Society has two sectors: Artist Development and Event Entertainment. Our mission is to “Transform The Ordinary Into The Extraordinary.” Artist Development is a much-needed art form that is becoming rare in the industry. We saw a need for this, so we have taken it upon ourselves to bring it back and develop artists to be the best in the game. We team up with the Alumni from The Industry Etiquette Intensive and offer them jobs as dancers or choreographers for the artists on our rosters. Iron sharpens iron, and this merger creates a professional environment to cultivate greatness. After completing our training programs, our artists have gone on to sign with major record labels including Universal Music Group, Epic Records, Zone4inc and Atlantic Records.
It’s an awesome feeling to know we are impacting the next wave of musical and movement artists. Our Event Entertainment sector was developed from the idea of re-energizing events and the nightlife environment. We created a one-of-a-kind street team marketing experience that utilizes our professional dancers as a new wave of promotion for venues and events. They also become Atmosphere Creators in the venue to keep the crowd energized. We even provide opportunities for specialty acts including stilt walkers and statues. We are changing the way events, and the nightlife industry creates experiences for their guests.
I am proud of the impact both companies have had on people, the community and the industry itself. I know you have to BE the change you want to see and both companies stand firmly in that belief. The people around us can see that, and from that pure place, they have accepted and helped both companies accelerate to new heights. You can find out more information about both companies at www.bookjasminegray.com and www.rarebreedscty.com.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents, sisters and close friends have created the strongest foundation for me as a woman. They have been very supportive in my endeavors and have been accepting of my “non-traditional” way of life. With that type of love and support, I never feel alone.
Joshua Jones and Keisha Browne are the Co-Founders of Rare Breed Society. I consider them to be my right and left hand. They excel where I do not, and that balance creates a great harmony and work environment. Every dancer that has worked with me and has been open to my process deserves an incredible amount of credit for my growth as an artist and leader.
I have to say my mentor Linda Elchak was the one that changed the direction of my life and my perception of myself. As a strong woman, leader, and creator, she showed me patience, tough love and the power of self-acceptance. Her ideas of success were monumental in my development and gave me the space to create my own ideas instead of following the norm. She gave me permission to validate myself, and that is the greatest gift I have EVER received.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookjasminegray.com and www.rarebreedscty.com
- Phone: 6784718477
- Email: jasmine_gry@yahoo.com and rarebreedsociety@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fearless_artist and @rarebreedsociety
Image Credit:
In Abstract Photography @inabstractphotography
Shotbypvyne Photography @shotbypvyne
Collins Collectives @collinscollectives
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