We were lucky to catch up with Joi Jamison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joi, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have danced since the tender age of 3 years old. From the moment I realized what a stage and performing was all about, I was in love. I continued to study and train with various studios, companies and choreographers throughout my adulthood. Actually, I do not think I would have done anything differently. The way things have lined up for me over the years worked out in my favor. Skills that I have acquired over time would be patience, discipline, structure and balance. All of these have aided tremendously in my growth as a entrepreneur. Some of my challenges I have faced along the way would be self-doubt, fear and anxiety, but I overcame them all. Yes, the road has definitely had it’s challenges and at times had me question should I even move forward with all that I have invested and sacrificed when I started my dance business but then I am reminded of why I do this every time I look at one of my dancer’s faces and hear them talk to me about how dance has saved their life. Dance for my girls has now become that safe space where they can release, be themselves, create, express and feel no judgments. For me, at this point, it is so much more than dance and being their coach/director or even having my own business. It is about being a light that is needed in my dancers’ lives and being obedient to my calling and my purpose.

Joi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a dancer, artist, creative, entrepreneur, mentor, choreographer, director and marketing specialist. I am a lover of all things arts and culture. I have had a passion for dance ever since the age of three. I have performed locally, nationally and professionally throughout my dance career. My connection on stage and performing has always been a safe place for me. It has been a place that I can truly be my authentic self, with no judgments, no boundaries, no restrictions…. JUST ME. As I continued to grow and train in dance, I realized that this would be something that I would do for the rest of my life. Even though I did not know as a child to what magnitude I would be in when it came to dance, I knew it would be a part of me forever. I danced throughout my elementary, middle, high and college career. I even have danced semi-pro and with local/national artists. I have choreographed various debutantes, award shows, fashion shows, halftime shows, school programs, pageants, etc.

Fast forward to me relocating to Georgia in 2008, I began working various dance contracts and then eventually implementing a small dance program within an elementary school in 2010. It was from that program that so much more was birthed inside of me. The program actually spoke for itself and within just a few years I had an ongoing youth team. The team would go on to perform at various events all throughout Metro-Atlanta and start creating a buzz….and then 2018 comes along and I decided to make another move and add on a competition team. This team would go on to win various local and national first-place award-winning titles. Covid (the pandemic) happened and even though we had a slight pause, it allowed me to reset, refocus and recharge on where I wanted to take my dance business next. So 2021 arrives and we are now an official non-profit corporation better known as On Pointe Creative Dance Company with three teams under its belt and a steady growing roster of beautiful, dedicated and talented dancers between the ages of 6 to 16 years old! I could not be more humble, proud, excited of this journey and all that has come with it over the years.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the creative freedom I have to showcase anything I like or choose to represent. This goes for myself personally as well as dancers within my company. When I am able to see a specific vision I have come to life it truly makes my heart smile.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

The future for our girls (youth – young adults) and being an inspiration for them drives my creative journey. I have always had a soft spot when it comes to girls and wanting to see the ultimate best out of them. For me, using my dance platform as a way to get them to creatively express themselves, judge free and not social media related is a big WIN! Seeing self-esteem and confidence build is a win. Being comfortable in their skin is a win. Respecting and loving themselves is another win. I will continue to provide that safe place for girls at the studio, on stage and beyond. I want them to be able to see a standard of excellence when they look at me, be encouraged and strive to follow their hearts desires knowing that I will support them every step of the way. I have to be obedient to my purpose and my calling because having my own dance company is so much bigger than just dance for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @onpointedancelife
• Facebook: On Pointe Creative Dance Company