Today we’d like to introduce you to Jassmin Clark.
Hi Jassmin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story is both unique and deeply rooted in faith, purpose, and community. Originally, we were two separate studio owners with a shared passion for creating a space where young dancers could thrive—especially dancers of color.
I (Jassmin) moved to Rocky Mount in 2015 to begin my career as an educator. Not long after, in January 2016, I started offering dance classes at the Booker T. Washington and South Rocky Mount Community Centers. I poured my heart into those classes for three years before opening my own studio in 2019. It was a dream fulfilled—but in 2021, I made the difficult decision to close the studio following the loss of my father and a temporary move to Fayetteville. Even then, I didn’t feel defeated. I knew the story wasn’t over. At our final showcase, I wrote on the flyer: “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.” Deep down, I believed that.
Around the same time, my partner Lundun was on a journey of her own. She had recently relocated from California. She frequently traveled to Rocky Mount so her eldest son—an award-winning judo fighter—could train locally. Her two younger children, full of talent and personality, didn’t find the creative outlets they needed. After trying another studio that didn’t quite feel like home, Lundun felt called to start her own. In January 2021, she opened Lulu Jones Dance Academy right in the space we now share.
I came across her studio online and was thrilled to see another Black woman stepping into the dance studio space. I reached out to offer support, and we connected quickly. I attended her Open House and was genuinely excited to see how beautifully she was serving the community.
Over time, the Lord began placing the idea of partnership on both of our hearts. At first, we hesitated—we barely knew each other—but the call was undeniable. When we finally sat down to talk, we realized God had been speaking the same thing to us both. In April 2022, we answered that call and officially merged our visions to become Studio252.
Now, together, we are building something even greater than we imagined—something rooted in excellence, representation, and love. And we truly believe… this is only the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but it’s been worth every bump and bend.
When we started this journey, we were essentially strangers. That meant we weren’t just learning each other personally—we were learning each other professionally. And the truth is, your personality shows up in your business. Early on, we realized just how different we were! At times, we found ourselves unintentionally trying to mold the other into our own image. But over time—and through a lot of honest conversations—we developed a deep respect for each other’s strengths.
One of the most memorable moments that highlights this was when we first sat down to design our website. Our individual styles couldn’t have been more different! My website was clean, bright, and full of vibrant energy that reflected dance as fun and joyful expression. Lundun’s site, on the other hand, leaned into deep earth tones, centered Blackness, and spoke to the discipline and seriousness of training. Even our advertising tones and photos clashed!
Enter our incredible graphic designer, Kim Shields of SDP Business Studios. She stopped us mid-debate (bless her!) and asked some simple, powerful questions: What’s your purpose? What’s your passion? What’s the vision for Studio252? In that moment, we realized something important—our approaches were different, but our core values were exactly the same. Kim was able to take all those thoughts, emotions, and aspirations and translate them into a website that we could both proudly stand behind.
And honestly, that’s what our journey has looked like. Different perspectives, one shared purpose. We’re still learning and growing every day—but that’s the beauty of building something meaningful. You never truly “arrive.” There’s always something to learn, unlearn, and relearn. And we’re fully here for the process.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Studio252, we use dance as more than just movement—it’s a vehicle for empowerment, identity, and transformation.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help the next generation of dancers believe in their limitless potential—both on and off the stage. We offer training in lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, and majorette styles, and our instruction is rooted in excellence, artistry, and cultural pride.
What sets us apart is the intentional space we’ve created: a space where dancers of color feel safe, seen, and celebrated. In an industry where representation can be limited, we are proud to center Black and Brown dancers and make room for their brilliance to flourish. Our dancers train hard, perform boldly, and carry themselves with pride—on stage, in studios, and in their communities.
We’re especially proud of the way we’ve championed diversity in spaces where it hasn’t always existed. Every year, we encourage our students to audition for elite programs—one of which is the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive. In the past three summers, seven of our dancers have auditioned—and all seven have been accepted. That’s not just talent. That’s preparation, belief, and boldness.
We also shine on the competition stage. At many events, we are the only studio with a staff and student body that is 100% made up of people of color. Yet we show up, show out, and leave a lasting impression. Our dancers are known for their passion, their professionalism, and their poise.
We don’t just teach dance. We build confidence. We nurture identity. We help young people step fully into who they are—and who they’re becoming.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that partnership doesn’t require sameness—it requires trust, communication, and humility. When we first merged, we were still learning each other—personally and professionally. There were growing pains, moments of tension, and times when we had to choose grace over ego. But in the process, I realized that honoring our differences made the work stronger. Once we embraced the unique strengths we each brought to the table, we found alignment and flow.
I’ve also learned the power of faith when the path ahead is unclear. Closing my first studio could’ve felt like the end, but I knew in my spirit that it was just a pause—not a full stop. Sometimes you don’t have to know what’s next to keep moving. You just have to trust the nudge and take the next faithful step.
Through it all, I’ve learned to stay grounded in my “why.” This work is more than choreography and competitions. It’s about creating a space where dancers of color feel seen, supported, and celebrated. That purpose is what anchors me, even in the hard seasons. It’s what reminds me that this is bigger than me—and absolutely worth it.
Pricing:
- Tuition- $125/month
- Audition Fee- $10/dancer
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dancestudio252.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancestudio252
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancestudio252
