Tradition. Precision. Grace.
The best majorette dance classes in Jackson
Our Philosophy
The "Purple Diamond Enrichment and Performing Arts Program," under the skilled leadership of Executive Director Shanika Kelly Lee, includes a pivotal goal of encouraging participants to pursue higher education, particularly at HBCUs renowned for their dance teams and nationwide performance opportunities. This goal is woven into the fabric of the project's curriculum and mentorship programs.
The Purple Diamond Dance program is particularly needed in Jackson, Mississippi, for several reasons:
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Socio-Economic Challenges: Jackson, with its diverse population, faces significant socio-economic challenges. Many families in the area struggle with poverty, and programs like this offer crucial opportunities for young people, especially girls, who might not otherwise have access to extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and development.
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Cultural Expression and Preservation: Jackson's rich cultural heritage, especially in terms of African American traditions and arts, provides a fertile ground for a program focused on dance. Offering styles like hip hop, contemporary, and cultural dances not only engages girls in physical activity but also connects them with their cultural roots and history.
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Educational Disparities: Educational challenges, such as lower graduation rates and limited resources in schools, are prevalent in parts of Jackson. Integrating educational workshops into a dance program can help bridge some of these gaps, offering alternative learning opportunities and mentorship that can boost academic performance and engagement.
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Building Self-Esteem and Leadership Skills: For girls from low socio-economic backgrounds, programs that foster self-esteem, leadership, and social skills are vital. Dance is a powerful medium for building confidence, discipline, teamwork, and creative expression – skills essential for personal and professional success.
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Community Engagement and Support: Jackson, with its strong sense of community, can greatly benefit from programs that bring people together, support local talent, and create a supportive environment for young girls. This program can help build a more cohesive community focused on uplifting and empowering its younger members.
Founder & Director
Her dance journey further evolved at Jackson State University, where she was a member of the renowned Prancing J-Settes. Additionally, Mrs. Lee showcased her talents as a dancer for the Jackson Rage Basketball Team, further broadening her experience in the field. From 2001 to 2006, Mrs. Lee took on an instructional role, guiding and mentoring the Jackson Jewels Dance Team. Her dedication to nurturing young talent in dance was evident during this period. Currently, Mrs. Lee is celebrating her 17th year as the founder and executive director of the Purple Diamonds Dance Team. Her visionary leadership in this role has been pivotal in the team's success and growth. Additionally, as the owner of the Diamond Dance Company in Jackson, MS, Mrs. Lee continues to make significant contributions to the dance community, fostering talent and inspiring a new generation of dancers with her expertise and passion.
Mrs. Shanika Kelly Lee
Shanika Kelly Lee boasts a rich and diverse background in dance, tracing her beginnings to the Brinkley Middle School Drill Team. Her passion and skill for dance continued to flourish throughout her academic years, particularly during her time with the Lanier High School Rangerettes. Here, she not only demonstrated her talent but also her leadership qualities, serving as captain in her senior year.
Instructors
Charlene Shumpert
Executive Assistant
Charlene Shumpert brings a rich background of over two decades in dance to her current roles. Her journey in the world of dance began at the young age of 11 when she joined the Jackson Jewels, laying the foundation for her future accomplishments in this art form. Furthering her passion, Charlene was a pivotal part of the inception of The Purple Diamonds, where she not only performed as a founding member but also took on the leadership role of Captain. This position was shared with her sister, Charlotte Johnson, marking a significant period in her dance career.
Furthering her passion, Charlene was a pivotal part of the inception of The Purple Diamonds, where she not only performed as a founding member but also took on the leadership role of Captain. This position was shared with her sister, Charlotte Johnson, marking a significant period in her dance career. Her talents and dedication to dance also led her to become a member of the prestigious Prancing J-Settes at Jackson State University, where she honed her skills and performance abilities. Following her graduation, Charlene continued to contribute to the dance community by joining the staff of Diamond Dance Company. Here, she took on the role of Assistant Instructor for The Purple Diamonds, nurturing and guiding aspiring dancers. Currently, Charlene holds the position of Executive Assistant, where she continues to leverage her extensive experience and love for dance in her administrative and leadership duties. Her journey reflects not only her skill and commitment to dance but also her ability to inspire and lead in the field.
Charlotte Johnson
Diamond Misses Instructor
Charlotte Johnson has been a dynamic presence in the dance community since her initial foray in 2003. Her journey began with the Jackson Jewels Dance Troupe, where she was mentored under the expert guidance of Annetta Brent and Shanika Kelly-Lee. This foundational experience set the stage for her subsequent achievements in dance.
In 2007, Charlotte's passion for dance led her to become a founding member and Captain of the Purple Diamonds Dance Team. This role was a significant milestone in her career, shared with her twin sister, Charlene, and under the continued tutelage of Shanika Kelly-Lee. Charlotte's dedication to dance took a new turn after high school graduation in 2009, as she became a member of the prestigious Prancing J-Settes at Jackson State University. Here, under the leadership of Mrs. Kathryn Pinkston-Worthy, she not only honed her skills but also ascended to the role of Captain for the 2011-2013 seasons, showcasing her leadership and talent. 2011 marked another significant achievement for Charlotte as she took on the role of the inaugural instructor for the Diamond Misses Dance Team. Her journey from a dance troupe member to a respected instructor and leader in the dance community speaks volumes about her commitment, skill, and influence in the world of dance. Charlotte continues to inspire and lead in her current role, nurturing the next generation of dancers with the same passion that has characterized her own illustrious career in dance.
Ti'ara Gibson
Diamond Minis and Misses Instructor
Ti'ara is renowned in the dance community for her dynamic energy and impressive acrobatic skills. She embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of 7, initially showcasing her talents as a member of the Baby Dancing Dolls. Her early years in dance also included valuable experiences with the Sassettes and Sapphires, where she honed her skills and developed her unique style.
At the age of 11, Ti'ara's passion for dance led her to join the Purple Diamonds, a group where she flourished for seven years. Her exceptional abilities and leadership qualities were recognized as she ascended to the role of head captain for three seasons, a testament to her dedication and talent. Currently, Ti'ara continues to impart her knowledge and passion for dance as the instructor of the Diamond Minis and as one of the instructors for the Diamond Misses. Her commitment to nurturing young talent and her ability to inspire her students are a reflection of her own journey and success in the world of dance.
Roberta Kelly
Office Manager
Roberta Kelly has been a cornerstone of the Diamond Dance Company as its dedicated Office Manager for the past 15 years. In her role, she has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the company's administrative functions. Her meticulous organizational skills and deep understanding of the company's operations have made her an invaluable asset.
Throughout her tenure, Roberta has been the backbone of day-to-day operations, managing everything from scheduling and communications to handling financial records and providing support to the staff and dancers. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to juggle multiple tasks effortlessly have contributed significantly to the success and professional atmosphere of the Diamond Dance Company. Roberta's unwavering dedication and her warm, approachable demeanor have not only made her a respected figure in the office but also a beloved member of the Diamond Dance Company family. Her contributions over the years have been a vital part of the company's growth and continued success.