Meet the Director
Tamika Jett was inspired by dance, when she attended the Benjamin’s School of Dance and Gymnastics in New Orleans. There she realized, even as a young girl, that her future calling was to teach dance to the world. Her steps were ordered to leadership when she became captain of the dance team at Xavier University Preparatory High School. In 2004, Tamika graduated from Xavier Prep and Benjamin’s. She taught at Benjamin’s for one year and planned to teach for many more, but due to hurricane Katrina the school never re-opened. She then decided to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. There she found it hard dealing with the loss of family, culture, and her daily dance routine. Deciding to use dance as an outlet, she thought of forming a dance group on campus.
Currently Tamika Jett is a popular dancer, choreographer, director & talent agent. She dances and choreographs for many singers and rappers in NOLA and all over the nation. Her most notable involvement thus far: Jonas Bros “Pom Poms” music video, Beyonce Superbowl Halftime, & Essence Music Festival where she choreographed and danced for recording artist Nefatari at the New & Next concert headlined by Diggy Simmons. She has organized & taught flash mobs for Lisa Marie Presley foundation and My Black is Beautiful. She is not shy from the public being that she’s performed for many events & festivals in New Orleans i.e. NOLA HIP HOP Awards, Jazzfest, BuzzFest, Gentilly Fest, Bayou Classic FAn Fest and step show and was part of the New Orleans Hornets interactive squad, Buzz Patrol. Opened up for Melanie Fiona, with Franklin IV at Dillard University Homecoming.
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With the help of Facebook, she saw a group of four LSU students who were looking to start a dance group called Legacy. The group of four was creative in hip hop and New Orleans style dancing. Tamika was also talented in those dance genres and joined Legacy, bringing her jazz and ballet elements as well. It was in 2005 when Legacy began to expand across the LSU Campus and the Baton Rouge community. Legacy Dancers are now an official LSU hip hop student organization. Tamika became President of Legacy Dancers from 2008-2009. She also has earned the title of choreographer for the group along with Ivore Rousell and Emanuel Washington. Legacy has won many college competitions across Louisiana.
In 2006, Tamika moved to New York City to complete a summer internship at Broadway Dance Center. There, she was pushed to the limit studying ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, jazz funk, pilates, jumps and turns and more from world renowned choreographers. Some of the most notable teachers were Kat Wildish, Jared Grimes, Luam, Rhapsody, Frank Hatchett, Germaine Salsberg and Calen. After mastering class from some of the hardest teachers in the big apple, Tamika knew then that she could bring everything that she was taught up North to the South.
Tamika graduated from LSU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and dance minor. The dance minor program allowed her focus on ballet, modern, jazz and improvisation. It also helped her understand the importance of knowing all elements of dance history and terminology. During the course of her college years and shortly after, she used her talents in many different performance ventures. On many occasions, she performed as a background dancer with recording artists Dee-1 and Elysian Fieldz. In 2010, she was honored to open up the Nerjyzed Entertainment Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands with celebrity choreographer Darrin Henson. The importance of community service was always instilled in Tamika, which is why she never hesitates to use dance as a service. At Benjamin’s, she performed for many balls and non- profit shows. Throughout her college career she choreographed and danced for MLK Dance Ensemble at LSU. She has also performed at recording artists Dee-1 and Syreeta Neal’s, Help for Haiti Benefit in Baton Rouge.
Now she is dedicated to sharing her experiences with all those who inspire to be top notch dancers. She vowed that when she opened her dancing company that she would teach students on a quality level that will allow them to dance and audition anywhere and not fall behind. She wants to instill into every student that it takes passion, determination and knowledge to be great dancers. She also enjoys the idea of students expressing creativity and freedom through movement.
“Never strive to dance just like me or anyone else. Always aim above and beyond!” -Tamika
