Welcome to the JJGirl Spotlight, a series featuring the smart, talented, fearless young faces of Jo+Jax.
Today, meet 17-year-old Jade Cloud from Westfield, MA. Jade, who dances at New England Dance and Gymnastics Centers, is already a familiar face on the dance scene, but this year, she got some awesome additional exposure: performing at the High Strung movie premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles! “It was possibly the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me,” Jade says. “I got to dance in such a famous theater in front of so many cool people. It was truly an honor.” What’s next? Stick around!
Favorite dance styles: Contemporary and ballet
Favorite teacher: Mark Meismer. “He’s definitely one of my favorite teachers and choreographers. Not only is his work outstanding, he’s an incredible human being as well. He’s such a gracious, encouraging person who truly draws something special out of you.”
Dance idols: Alex Wong and Royal Ballet Soloist Meaghan Grace Hinkis. “They are both extremely technical dancers and are incredibly versatile, with the ability to perform crazy classical variations as well as complex contemporary pieces.”
Dream role: “My dream company is Nederlands Dans Theatre, but I would also love to perform on Broadway. As long as I’m dancing on a big, beautiful stage, I’m happy!”
Favorite school subject: “I’ve always loved social sciences like geography. It’s so fun learning about our beautiful world and how diverse it is. There are so many cultures and places to explore.”
Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy PB & Cookies (Jade’s vegan!) or Banana Nice Cream
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Potatoes
Favorite book: “I love to read, so it’s really hard to choose! The Jellicoe Road, the Throne of Glass series, and Harry Potter are all definitely in my top 10.”
Favorite movie: “Any Christmas movie!”
Must-see TV: “I like watching baking competitions, like The Great British Bake-Off. My mom and I are also really into Secrets and Lies and The Bachelor/Bachelorette.”
If you could perform a duet with anyone, who would it be? “I would perform a duet with Chantel Aguirre. She’s one of the most beautiful dancers I’ve ever seen — so graceful and elegant.”
If your life were a movie, who would you cast in it? “Even though she doesn’t look like me in any way, I would have Emma Watson play me. She’s beautiful and I love her accent — British accents are my favorite, so the whole cast would probably be British!”
What’s the weirdest thing in your dance bag? “A baked sweet potato in a baggy with ketchup.”
Favorite way to hit the stage: “I love performing solos because I feel something so special whenever I’m onstage by myself. There isn’t anything I can compare that feeling to — it’s extraordinary.”
Favorite Jo+Jax: “The rompers and warm-ups. They’re so comfortable and stylish, and you can wear them anywhere. The leggings are to-die-for, too!”
Meet the rest of the JJGirls!