Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Forst.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Dance has always been a major part of my life. I began dancing at age 2 and never stopped! Thanks to the support of my parents and grandparents, I was able to continue with my training and pursue my goals and dream. I knew by the age of 15 that I wanted to teach and choreograph. I was a member of the Academy Dancers at Dana’s Dance Academy in Irving. I decided to join the Toy Tiger Drill Team at Irving HS where I became an Officer for the team. During this time, Dana, allowed me to begin teaching at the age of 15. I felt it was truly my calling and thus began the journey of working on perfecting my craft as a teacher, choreographer and dancer!
After high school graduation, I attended Sam Houston State University, earning my BA in Dance. The summer after graduation I applied for my teaching certification to teach in the public school system. I always felt I would be a High School dance team Director for several years and then, after I had gained experience running a program, open my own dance studio!!! And that is exactly what I did! I was a dance team director for 7 years. I decided to open JDF Elite Dance Academy in 2010! So I set my goals and worked my tail off to achieve them. It would not have been possible without the love and support of my husband, Eddie Forst. The first year was brutal being that I worked at the high school AND started the business, but, all of that paid off and almost 8 years later, here we are! The saying it takes a village is so true! This journey has had many ups and downs, as all journeys do, but I have had the support of my family, friends and dance families to help me through it all and I will forever be grateful to them!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I truly feel the most successful people have been through the ringer! And working through these challenges is what makes us stronger, wiser and more resilient to change! I try to go with the flow, but in truth I hate change. But in order to grow, you must change. Working with someone’s child is an important job! Emotions are high, expectations are high and you must be open to suggestions from your dance families! This is something I have definitely had to learn along the way. Everything is not black and white. I like order, rules, clear expectations, etc., and all of that is great, but every family is different. So to find the perfect balance of accommodation without losing the vision and mission of the business are constant works in progress.
Another challenge for me is definitely balancing the “business” side and the “creative” side because they are one in the same in my profession. I have a tendency to want to focus on the creative side because that is the part of my job I truly love and can’t live without! So, with the help of my business savvy husband, I’m learning to find a balance. But no matter what, the joy and reward I get from watching a student grow both as a dancer and individual and having just a tiny part in helping to form young minds and hearts is why I do what I do!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JDF Elite Dance Academy – what should we know?
JDF Elite Dance Academy is a dance studio that specializes in instruction for children ages 2-Adult. We offer all styles of dance in all levels. We offer the recreational route and the competitive route. We have innovative and highly qualified professional instructors that all share in the same vision.
I’m not quite sure what we are “known” for… We have a National Award Winning Competitive Company. I will say one of my favorite ways to choreograph is with large props. I am all about the shock and awe in a performance…standing out from the others in a positive way! No one loves hauling these props, but they do love it when we win and the kids get a one of a kind experience that they probably won’t get anywhere else in Houston!
I am most proud of the dancers that JDF helps mold. All of the JDF graduates have gone to dance in college, professional dance companies, or have become nurses, teachers, etc. To help guide them to reach these goals and then watch them fulfill that is what makes JDF special. All of the dancer’s lives I have had the privilege to be a part of will forever stay with me!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
To name a few, my Husband, Eddie Forst, Mom, Dad, Sister, Grandparents, In-Laws all go through the struggles and successes with me! They guide me in decisions, they donate time, they provide donations, etc. Without them, there would be no JDF!
The many dance moms and dads over the years that have supported the studio with their time, money and love. I will be forever grateful for. The success of the kids comes from the cooperation of the parents to follow me in whatever the vision for the business may be!
Diana Manion, dance mom, friend and manager of my front desk. I literally cannot live without! She keeps me organized with all of the books and behind the scenes and is the face of JDF as soon as you walk in the door!
Alice Campbell, dance mom, friend and unofficial therapist! She is so caring, wise, funny and going a day without Alice is a day in the dark. She literally brings light and love to any room!
Jeremey Williams, past student, friend and dance instructor. Jeremey has been my right-hand man since he was a student of mine in high school. He is always there to help and it has been a joy to watch him grow into the wonderful instructor he is today!
Sky Lynn Gibbons, dance mom and comic relief! Sky Lynn has been with us since the beginning and is our biggest cheerleader and one of the biggest supporters! We are forever grateful for her loyalty and love!
So many more have stepped up the plate over the years, but these are the big hitters for JDF! And we cannot thank them enough!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4325 FM 2351
Friendswood, TX
77546 - Website: www.jdfelitedanceacademy.com
- Phone: 281-993-4559
- Email: jdf.elite@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdfelitedanceacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloodsweatteal/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDFEliteDance
Image Credit:
Ashkan Image
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