Concept Research

Kayleigh Jewell:

How old? 20

Attended DTOJ for 12 years, starting at age 7 (has been dancing for 14 years total)

Style of dance? Almost everything – ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern, etc.

What school does she go to? East Carolina University, Greenville; this is her junior year

What is her story?

-        A few years ago, her dad had an affair and left the family

-        Subsequently, Kayleigh’s family lacked the funds to send her to school; her options were limited and she wasn’t sure where she would be able to go

-        Kayleigh’s mom also got cancer, but she has recently overcome it

-        Now, Kayleigh’s pursuing a career in teaching dance, and is studying at ECU

-        Where will her dance dreams take her?

-        Since she is considered one of DTOJ’s best dancers, but has lacked the money for the professional opportunities others have been able to get (like performing in NYC, LA, on TV, etc.), we can call her the local “Hidden Jewell” with amazing dance talent—see what I did there?

Debra Becerra (Kayleigh’s main dance teacher):

34 years old

How long has she been dancing? 31 years

Teaching? 16 years

Other dancers we could interview:

-        Rebecca Chisholm (17) – lyrical, ballet, pointe, jazz, competitive protégé team, + more

-        Savannah Carter (10) – lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater

-        Skylar Lucas (17) – hip-hop, lyrical, jazz

-        McKenzie Lucas (15) – hip-hop, lyrical, jazz

Teachers?

-        Debbie Baile (65) – owner of Dance Theatre; owned the studio for 30+ years

Types of dance offered: website

What classes at what times? website

Kayleigh’s bio:

Kayleigh-Anne Jewell started dancing at Dance Theatre of Jacksonville at the age of seven and continued dancing there for twelve more years. During her time at Dance Theatre, she was a member of their competitive dance teams as well as performed in their annual Nutcracker production. Kayleigh-Anne is currently at East Carolina University earning her BFA in dance education and BS in psychology. While at ECU, she has had the opportunity to participate in numerous dance shows and has had the opportunity to work with several guest artists such as John Magnus from the Joffery Ballet, artists from River North Dance Company, and Lauren Edson. Kayleigh-Anne also teaches during the school year at Kinston Dance Academy. She teaches ballet, modern, and lyrical for all ages and works with their competitive dance team.

Debra’s Bio:

Debra Baile Becerra began dancing at the age of 3 at DTOJ. She started dancing competitively at the age of 6 years old. She studied under Desiree LeFebvre, Bridget Stone, Larry Payne and, of course, Debbie T. Baile, her mother and owner of Dance Theatre of Jacksonville.

She started assisting dance teachers at the age of 13 and started her dance teaching career at the age of 18. Under her direction, students have won regional and national honors at various competitions.

As a dance teacher, she has won choreography awards, top score awards, technical awards. DTOJ students and staff won the “Super Sport” award for good sportsmanship four times and the “Class Act” award at NYCDA for the most age appropriate choreography.

Debra has a deep passion for innovative and fresh choreography and instilling new concepts into her choreography. Debra also choreographs and directs the DTOJ Musical Theatre productions. For the past three years, she was hired as the choreographer / co-director of Broadway Junior Musical at DeLalio Elementary School in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Debra continues to educate herself on dance styles and improve her dance skills by attending conventions, workshops and master classes.