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Meet Jelinda Ellis of Elevé Dance Studio in Jackson

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jelinda Ellis.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jelinda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always loved dance. I started at age three in my hometown Jackson, GA. I took ballet, tap, and jazz classes up until age 18. When I was 19, My cousin Phallon told me her daughter’s dance studio was looking for more teachers (shoutout to Mrs. Keila Harvey and Gift of Dance Studio)! I was like, “THIS WOULD BE THE PERFECT JOB!” (I always knew I was not the 9-5 worker). Anyways, I finally got the job the summer of 2013. And guess what, almost seven years later, I’m still there! Now, I’m not going to lie, by the end of 2013, I was ready to quit. Teaching dance was like another college course. I had to download music, prepare dance combinations, think of stretches, pick recital music, pick costumes, and more. In my mind I was not about to add extra homework, but I stuck with it and began loving it more and more. As years went by, I taught more classes, choreographed for competitions routine, and also was the receptionist/assistant for the studio. I never had a day that I didn’t enjoy doing something. That’s how much I loved dancing and anything associated with the art of dance. Working there made me really want to pursue opening my own dance studio one day. I remember wanting to open a studio back in Jackson to offer more genres and modern-day dancing. I knew how hard it was for me when I went to college trying to learn new dance genres. I wanted to promote versatility and make it possible for students to make dancing a career, receive scholarships, attend performing arts school, etc.

So, as time went on, I kept random notes, drew out what my studio would look like, and writing out several name ideas. I didn’t rush it, but I was always thinking about it in the back of my head. I tried other ways to use my idea in Jackson, but I was denied in different ways. Fast forward to December of last year, I was in school working towards my master’s degree. Had been enrolled since that February. By December, I was tired… mentally and emotionally. I didn’t want to continue school, but I “HAD” to. I needed a job that had benefits and great consistent pay. I’m very picky with jobs and by now I only wanted to be working in a field that I KNEW I’d enjoy. So, I had to get my master’s first. But in all honestly I wanted to pursue dancing and opening my studio. I broke down during an assignment and was like no! I’m dropping out. I can’t take this. I’m not interested. I hate this pressure. I want OUT. All in front of my mom. She said what do you want to do then. I said I want to open my studio. She said okay. Let’s do it. See, this is where I simply say that my mom is WONDERFUL! Without her, I would not have my studio. AT ALL. Ok, back to the story, in January of this year, day after New Year’s, I went looking for a building. The place I ended up with basically fell in my lap. So, as it went under construction, I began doing dance clinics monthly to raise money. And by May, I was opening. It all happened so fast and I just shake my head in awe of God. He heard and saw my heart yearning for this. I prayed for this very moment. It is now September and classes have been in session for two months. It is hard work that never stops, but I’d like to say I manage well for this to be my first few months. It’s only greatness from here on out!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh no. I think anything that takes you on a crazy ride and causes twists and turns end at the most beautiful destination. It took me a while to decide on the building that I’m in and once I did, seemed like everything backfired. So much had to be rebuilt, added, removed, etc. Money for this, money for that… and many didn’t seem to want to donate or help out. You know, that’s when the real supporters showed up and the fakes were revealed. I can admit, I was shocked, but I kept praying and moving on. I raised money little by little, but it all went back into dance materials, bills, and business documents. I became discouraged almost every day, but I had to remember: “Lord, I prayed for this… don’t worry Jelinda. You will be fine. Keep trusting God.” So, I kept going… then things seemed to not be getting done in time. Had to cancel many classes, had to do construction work all by myself because people left me high and dry. Laying down my dance floor and painting almost the whole studio by myself. I broke down many times. I didn’t have many men in my family to take care of the handiwork I needed. The few I had weren’t much help either. So, I woke up early and stayed late to finish everything. The first day of my first summer camp I was in the Emergency Room. Yes. THE HOSPITAL…. that morning, I bent over to pick up my suitcase and felt a tight pain in my left hip. Stood up tried to walk it off and the next step I took I was in tears.

My whole left side locked up on me and I legit could not move. Tears rolling down uncontrollably. It took my mom and grandma forever to help me get to in my mom’s car to even make it the ER. I’m there for about 35 minutes… the doctor told me I had a pinched nerve/sciatic nerve pain (I had 20 minutes before camp was set to start). As I sat in the wheelchair waiting for meds, I was like no I can’t cancel. I gotta go… so, meds kicked in and off I went hopping to the studio to teach my ONE student that signed up for class… I paused and said God, you’re funny… here I was down about only having one confirmed camp student and He knew all along that I wouldn’t even be able to fully teach. The little girl was 3 so I didn’t have to demonstrate much, just have fun and teach basic dance skills. God knew why I needed just one student. I laughed and was like Thank you, God. You really knew all along while I was stressing. I had more obstacles to get in the way, but I made it! It’s still a bumpy road, but God’s got me. I’ll continue to be just fine if I put my complete trust in Him.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the owner and instructor of Elevé Dance Studio. I teach ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, majorette, heels, and exercise dance classes from ages 1 1/2 to adults. I am most proud of simply being established. As a young black woman, I have accomplished a lot. I am a business owner, I am working in one of my fields (I minored in dance in college), and I have opened the doors for all ages and races to dance and be free no matter their skill level. I offer something for EVERYONE. What sets me apart from others is that I teach modern day genres that weren’t always available to dancers in Jackson (lyrical, hip hop, and majorette). I have adult classes, I do private lessons/classes for people who want more practice, and I host parties, and other events to the public.

What were you like growing up?
Hmm… I’d said inquisitively. I used to climb on everything as a child and meddle in all drawers and cabinets. I always wanted to see something that wasn’t in my reach. I always loved music and danced around in a tank top and underwear lol. I used to have a keyboard and I’d play all the beats while doing a runway walk or dance. I have always been witty too. There are so many stories of how comical I was. I liked being outside, watching cartoons and sitcoms, playing games, and being under my grandmother (still do).

Pricing:

  • Registration = $25
  • 45 minute classes = $50 monthly
  • 60 minute classes = $65 monthly
  • Private Lessons/Classes = $15-$40
  • Adult Classes = $10-$15 per class

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Jayla White Photography

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