We recently connected with Jazmine Freeman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jazmine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

“As a teaching-artist, I have been blessed to earn a full-time living from my creative work. Since the ripe age of 2, I have been training in various styles of dance. My mother enrolled me into a baby ballet class, and from that moment on, there was never a time in my life when I did not dance. My parents, who were also first generational college students, were progressive about my twin brother and I pursuing extra-curricular activities that we were passionate about. Between both of my parents being musicians in high school and college, becoming a patron of the arts was instilled into me at young age.

I have trained at various studios in the Metropolitan area such as:

– Dazz with Jazz Dance Studio (SW Atlanta,GA)
– Education Thru Dance, Dance Studio (Mableton, GA)
– Dance Makers of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)

I furthered my dance training attending Westlake High School, under the direction of legendary performer, coach, and dance educator Rae Ransom Coleman. Following, I attended Spelman College and became the first freshman student to make the Morehouse College Dance Team: Mahogany N Motion. After pursuing the STEM Health Science major for the first two years of my career, I changed my major to Theater w/ a Dance Concentration and took courses that aligned with my ideal career goal at that time: becoming a successful artist. However, after graduating from Spelman, I was not quite sure how I was going to achieve that. At Spelman, I tried my best to achieve every goal I set out: becoming an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. woman, completing 3 seasons on the Danceline, maintaining a standard GPA of 3.0 and/or higher, choreographing for several organizations and performances on campus, and etc. Even with all of that, setting my goals on campus, my post-graduate plans were not solidified until late May, early June.

Because of God’s grace, a few months graduating from Mills College in Spring of 2021, I was able to find my footing and found myself at a school that literally has everything (LOL.)

Now that I have been in the field, beginning my third year teaching, there was nothing that could have sped this process up. COVID-19 put a horrible gap in my development, but the entire country was stagnant. But, I am making it up now lol.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jazmine Rachel Freeman, Jerry and Jolene’s daughter, Emanuel, Joan, Willie Avie and Jerry Sr.’s first granddaughter. I introduce myself highlighting my linage, because each of them were instrumental in the development of who I am. I am an Atlanta Princess lol, which means my family roots that expand deep into the history of Atlanta GA. I can dance, sing, host, and keep a room engaged.

I got my foot into realm of dance and performance at 2 years old underneath the instruction of Mrs. Kim Coln. (Morris Brown, Bubbling Brown Sugar) I knew that dance was more than a hobby in high school. However, it was when I attended Spelman College that I knew Dance and Performance was what I was supposed to pursue professionally. Once I graduated from Mills College with my Master’s in Fine Arts in the middle one of the most historic pandemics to date, I began teaching and performing. During the early 2020’s I performed with the Adinkra Dance Company, Abundance Dance Company, and individually as a freelance artist.

In 2021, I created JRCdance.training (Jazmine Rachel Creative): a company that focuses on sculpting resilient, professional, strong dancers. Our mission is to instill unwavering confidence, mastery of various dance styles, physical strength, and exceptional technical ability in every individual. Through personal training and a nurturing environment, we strive to empower our dancers to achieve their highest potential, both on and off the stage, the field, or competition floor. I offer various services from private training, to choreography, to dance support/resources consultations.

I like to think, I am helping to build the next generations of artists through my business, and as one of the two Directors of Dance at Martha Ellen Stilwell School to the Arts, in Jonesboro, GA.

What sets me apart from others in the field, is that I am a life-long learner. I know for a fact, that I do not know everything. I know that I am in the beginning of my career, and with that comes a lot of trial & error—–and that’s okay. I am open to making changes, reflecting on my choices, and coming back being more exceptional than before.

What I am most proud of, is that I have been able to track and monitor the progress of my students at JRC and at Stilwell. Having tangible proof of the growth shows that ideas and concepts are clicking on both ends as the teacher and student. For that, I am grateful of the field I am in.

After reading this, I would like the reader to know and understand that I am devoted to Dance. I am devoted to the process and the product, and if given the opportunity to collaborate and/or set work on anyone, I will give it 110%.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As a creative, I think non-creatives struggle with the concept that there are systems, processes, and frameworks that we too—work out of. I think some non-creatives think that artists just rummage through life just producing work, but we work through a process. My partner is a financial consultant for a Fortune 500 company, and we often find ourselves discussing the parallels in our careers. She is well-versed within the performing arts not only as a former violinist, but also as someone who understands that there is a ladder to climb within the arts. She understands the long hours in time commitment after school and on weekends, and she understands the knowledge that one must have before entering a professional arts space. Non-creatives, keep an open mind!

Also, if you are a non-creative inquiring for services or work, please PAY the artists, in full, their provided rate. Be kind to us too!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative, is to see the hard work pay off, it’s magical. When I see my students finally get the skill they have been working on, there is a little twinkle in their eye. When a choreographed work finally comes together, and everyone goes full out, there’s a wind chill that comes across the space. The most rewarding aspect of being a teaching-artist is seeing the joy, light, and love that comes from others. Simply being able to be part of the process is what I am thankful for.

Contact Info:

• Website:  (in progress)
• Instagram: @jazminerachel
• Facebook: Jazmine Rachel Freeman
• Linkedin: Jazmine Freeman
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jrcdance.training?si=kdwSCh-tTDzieMNr

Image Credits

– BrandenAdamsPhotography