We were lucky to catch up with Jacqueline Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One significant risk I took was the decision to change my career path and pursue a life dedicated to dance and education. The backstory is rooted in my childhood love for dance, which started with a simple toddler’s dance class. As the years went by, this interest bloomed into a deep passion that I couldn’t ignore.

Despite my love for dance, I faced doubt and skepticism from high school counselors and principals who believed a career in the arts was unrealistic. To address these concerns, I chose to study criminology and even became a successful crime scene investigator, a role that provided valuable insights into societal dynamics.

However, deep down, I knew that dance was where my heart truly belonged. The turning point came when I recognized that my journey was about more than just pursuing a personal dream; it was about helping others and making a meaningful impact. This realization pushed me to take a significant risk – leaving behind a stable career in criminology to fully embrace the world of dance and education.

The risk was multifaceted. It meant letting go of a well-established career and embracing uncertainty in pursuit of something deeply fulfilling. I was concerned about how this decision would be perceived, especially considering the doubts that had been cast upon me earlier. But the fire within me burned brighter than those doubts, and I knew I had to take the leap.

Going from being a crime scene investigator to becoming a performing artist and dance educator was a bold move. It required me to return to school (NWSA) to earn a BFA in dance, which would grant me the ability to teach dance in public schools within Miami-Dade County. Though I’m not yet a dance therapist, it’s a dream of mine to return to school for a master’s in dance therapy, allowing me to work with children in juvenile detention centers as well as victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Through my degree in criminology and work experience, I realized that at the end of the day, everything begins with the children. My belief in social bond theory and labeling theory has only grown stronger. The risk I took to follow my heart has not only led me to a fulfilling career but has given me the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on young lives.

The journey has been marked by challenges and moments of doubt, but I am immensely grateful for the choice I made to forge a path that is authentically mine. My aspiration to become a dance therapist is driven by a deep-rooted desire to effect positive change and create a brighter future for those who need it most.

Jacqueline , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jacqueline B Lopez, and I am a dancer and dance educator born and raised in Miami. My foray into the world of dance was a serendipitous one, starting at the tender age of 4. Dance entered my life as a remedy for my separation anxiety, affectionately known as “Mamitis,” as I prepared to embark on my journey into kindergarten. Little did I know then that this introduction would spark a lifelong love affair with movement and expression.

Currently in the process of establishing my own LLC, I’m excited to bring my unique perspective to the dance industry. The services I’m developing are centered around master classes in modern, contemporary, and jazz styles. I’m partnering with various private dance studios across Miami, Florida to offer these classes, as well as private sessions that focus on honing technique, building strength, and preparing for auditions. Looking ahead, I’m driven by a profound purpose to provide dance and movement therapy to troubled youth and survivors of domestic and sexual assault. I’ve even coined the name “Crime 2 Dance” (all credits for the name go to my best friend Caro, aka Mippi Jones) for this venture, a playful yet poignant play on words that encapsulates my journey from one world to another.

At its core, my service is all about sharing the knowledge of the diverse career paths dance can open up. I offer encouragement, emphasizing that dance is not solely about physical prowess but also about determination, passion, and heart. I proudly take on the role of the dance mentor I once yearned for.

What truly sets me apart is my unique experience. I’m often humorously referred to as a “crime fighting dancer” by my family and friends, thanks to my background in criminology and crime scene investigation. This blend of skills and passions is undoubtedly distinctive in the dance world.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m most proud of taking that daring leap to transition careers and answer the call of my true passion. Witnessing the growth of my students has also been a source of pride. Four of my students have secured spots in the dance division of NWSA, with three in the high school program and one in college. Additionally, two students have been accepted into Southwood Middle School’s dance program.

In essence, my brand is all about empowerment through dance, with a blend of experiences and skills that makes my approach truly one-of-a-kind. I aim to continue sharing my journey, my knowledge, and my unwavering belief that passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements in the world of dance.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, there is a profound goal and mission that propels my creative journey forward. My path in the dance world is driven by a deep-seated desire to inspire and uplift others, especially those who may have faced challenges similar to my own. Through my own transformation from a crime scene investigator to a dancer and educator, I’ve come to understand the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s true calling.

My mission is two-fold. First, I aim to debunk the notion that a career in the arts is unrealistic or unsustainable. By sharing my personal journey and providing mentorship, I want to show aspiring dancers that they can thrive and succeed in this field with determination, dedication, and a strategic approach.

Secondly, I’m passionate about using dance as a therapeutic tool to bring healing and empowerment to those who have endured trauma, specifically troubled youth and survivors of domestic and sexual assault. I envision “Crime 2 Dance” as not just a name, but a movement that signifies the transformative power of dance to shift from difficult circumstances to a place of strength and self-discovery.

In essence, my creative journey is guided by the belief that dance can be a vehicle for change, both on an individual level and within our society. It’s a journey of breaking boundaries, fostering resilience, and illuminating the potential for profound transformation through movement and self-expression.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that success was solely defined by societal expectations and conventional paths. The backstory lies in the doubts and skepticism I encountered when pursuing a career in dance. My high school counselor and principal believed a future in the arts was unrealistic, prompting me to choose criminology as a seemingly more practical direction.

Over the years, this ingrained belief that success followed a set formula began to unravel. Through introspection and life experiences, I came to realize that true success isn’t about conforming to predefined norms; it’s about embracing authenticity and pursuing what genuinely ignites one’s passion.

The turning point was when I recognized that I had inadvertently accepted limitations placed on my dreams. Unlearning this lesson required shedding the fear of judgment and defying expectations. Embracing dance as my path, I chose to redefine success as a journey of fulfillment, impact, and personal growth, rather than adhering to a predetermined script.

The shift in perspective was liberating. It led me to pursue a dance education, inspire others, and carve out a unique niche that combines dance and healing. This unlearning process not only altered my own trajectory but also reinforced the belief that success is as diverse as each individual’s journey, and true fulfillment comes from forging one’s own authentic path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jackie.dance87
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackiedance87-336315223924644
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user40645843

Image Credits
The Miami Herald (News Article on the University of Miami, 2005 Summer Scholar Forensics Program) A Crack in the Moon; Art of Alette Simmons-Jimenez (Performed at MOAS, 2022) Yef Bud (Instagram: papa_cake) Jennifer Glez Photography (Instagram: jenniferglezphotography) Vanessa A. Castaneda (Instagram: visuallyvane)