Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Sleight
Jackie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I say that I was always second-best, which is why I worked harder. One of my teachers said of me, “she’s not the best dancer, but she’s the best student.” Years later I realized that was a huge compliment. I found myself working as a professional dancer and teacher just three years after starting my training. I said yes to things before I was ready, so I learned a lot on the spot. That lead me to saying, “yes, I can” for most of my career.
My first job as a choreographer came during a conversation with a nightclub owner who said that they needed a new act, to which I replied, “I have one!” I did not. I was hired, with no idea of where to start, but three weeks later, the new act called “A Sleight Touch” performed a 30-minute show! I had found my place.
A few years later I was choreographing for television, stage, and some of music’s biggest recording artists. My career took several paths, one of which was teaching, which became my passion. I taught jazz at the respected Dupree Dance Academy, traveled around the world, and eventually started teaching on a dance convention. Several years later, I established L.A. DanceMagic Dance Convention, which recently celebrated its 25th year.
I definitely feel blessed, but I try to avoid the word lucky. It’s not luck; it’s work, and also a little bit of the crazies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I grew up in a lower-income family, and I went to seven different schools growing up. I never felt comfortable in my surroundings and said to myself one day, “I don’t belong here.” I didn’t know what that meant then, but found myself always looking for “something” to do, to learn, to change. I had no major interests growing up until I went with a friend to watch her dance class. That was it. I fell in love with dance, and focused all of my attention on figuring out how to be part of that world. Starting dancing at 18 meant that I had a lot of catching up to do. Financially I lived day to day; part-time jobs, worked at the dance studio to pay for classes, assisted teachers; and found myself living in my car for awhile. I remember that I had a pillow and a portable tv in the back seat, just not a plug! I have learned though, that your worst times become your best stories.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work as a dance teacher and choreographer/director. I’m not sure how to explain what I specialize in, because it depends on the needs of the situation so it always changes. My passion however, is jazz dance, and that is what I’m best known for. I’ve worked on several projects that I was proud of; most recently re-establishing the Los Angeles Jazz Company. Our goal is to keep alive and pass down the art of jazz dance. Getting to watch this room full of company dancers who are truly talented, big-hearted, chance-takers is a dream. I’m often asked how long are you going to do this. Hmmm there’s no time line, and what’s weird is that the more I do, the more that presents itself, and around and around. Dance isn’t something that you just stop doing. It’s a forever thing.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is knowing that a truly love my family, my friends, and my work. It took me years to learn how, but I’m finally noticing the things that are right in front of me.
