JAM Dance Academy- Confidence Through Dance

What does it mean to have a dream? We've all had them. Sometimes those dreams come true and sometimes they evolve into new dreams or a variation of our original dream. Seven years ago Jennifer Muselin had a dream of sharing her love of dance with the younger generations. She has done so through JAM Dance Academy in North Ridgeville, OH. Monday through Sunday she and her staff gracefully give young girls and boys of all ages the gift of dance and in turn the gift of confidence, security, independence, and  community. My family has witnessed this first hand. My now five year old was so shy as a toddler. She would not talk to anyone outside of our immediate family. We started her at JAM when she turned three. It took a while for her to warm up, but Jen was patient and sure enough two years later my daughter has told me on her own that the reason she loves dance is because it makes her feel special. She cannot wait to go to class to see her dance friends who she actually laughs and plays with. My youngest spent the entire dance season last year watching her older sister take class, dressing from head to toe in full dance gear anxiously awaiting her turn. The 2019-2020 season was her turn. She was finally old enough for Little Jammers and she entered that room on day one with a sense of pure excitement and pride that would melt any parent's heart. These are my personal stories. I know each JAM parent or caregiver has a special story of his or her own. It is because of these moments that I have started this GoFundMe page. As most small businesses these days, JAM Dance Academy's future is unclear. For the health and well being of her students and their families, classes have had to be cancelled and there is no set date to re-open. Jennifer Muselin (owner and teacher) has stayed connected to her students during the COVID-19 pandemic through Facebook Live sessions and ZOOM classes. She even hosts regular bedtime stories for her youngest students. She has gone above and beyond to show that to her, JAM is not just a business. It is a family and one thing I know about family is that they are always there for one another when times get tough. I am reaching out to my fellow JAM dance parents, grandparents, neighbors, and over all creative arts supporters. I am asking for any size donation to help JAM Dance Academy survive this unusual time in history. The arts have always been a form of comfort throughout history when things are tough. This is our opportunity to be there for the arts! There are more than 100 young people ranging from age  3 to 18 who have devoted time, energy, sweat, and yes, some tears to their craft and I know in my heart with your generosity we can ensure their love of dance will not end with this pandemic. Please donate for the kids. Any amount will help JAM Dance Academy stay open for the students. I did the math, if each student donated $50 we would surpass the goal. Fifty dollars is less than two months worth of class. Everyone is in a different financial situation so nothing is expected, but if you cannot donate, would you please share this with friends and family? This is an opportunity  to help out a small, local business whose product is not something to wear or eat or put in your yard, but rather something far more valuable, smiles on young people's faces and confidence in their hearts!

Please know I did reach out to the owner of the studio to get permission before posting this.