Jazmyn Jones is a creative, choreographer and dance educator from Lafayette. Growing up, she trained all over the country and performed with Debbie Allen and Houston’s Urban Souls Dance Company. She went on to attend Howard University on full academic scholarship. She returned home to serve her community and is now a dance instructor at FEPAC and the director of Difé II, a junior pre-professional dance company. Jazmyn has her ABT Teacher Certification Pre-Primary – Level 3. With her mentor and friend, Leigha Porter, she created The Creole Nutcracker – an original theatrical production that casts and educates youth of all experience levels. They realized they needed to expand their reach and get more young men involved in the arts. So they created Creole Garsons, an arts education program that exposes young men to the many facets of the arts.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle consists of the teachers and artists who have poured into me during my youth. My circle also includes the creatives and artistic directors who have invited me into their spaces to share my knowledge. And of course the Northside of Lafayette! That is where it all started for me and where I live, create and teach most now.

How do you expand your art circle?

I expand my art circle by attending artists’ shows, exhibits and classes and through my own teaching. As the youth I mentor and educate grow into artists my circle enlarges.  

What value do you see in having a creative community?

Creative people tend to be more curious, open minded and innovative. Our independence and self confidence combined with our unique perspectives often increases our ability to accept those who are different. These aspects make a creative community a place where not just artists but anyone can thrive.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My artistic approach is all about educating and inspiring the next generation. As my artistic mentors have taught me, my teaching goes beyond dance education and reaches into the souls and character of each student. It’s all about building up self-confident and productive citizens who appreciate the arts. So I’m planting seeds that will flourish and benefit North Lafayette for years to come.