Meet Jade Whaley!

A great work ethic and strong faith in God are what fuel Jade to live out her calling - DANCE!

For this week’s edition of MTP we are exclusively featuring…

Jade Whaley 

Jade’s 3 major dance experiences include:

• Aspirations Dance Company

• University of St. Thomas

• Chicago Luvabulls 

1. Give us a full run-down of your dance background and where you are today. Has dance always remained as your first love?

I started dancing when I was 2 years old at a dance studio. I competed through a dance company all the way through high school.

I wanted to continue dancing in college, so I decided to tryout for the University of St Thomas Dance Team. That was my dream team since I was a freshman in high school. I was given amazing opportunities through USTDT, such as being able to perform at the Super Bowl LII halftime show.

That was when I realized I’d love to be a professional dancer. After college I decided to try out for the Chicago Luvabulls to continue my dance career. I am currently still dancing and will keep dancing as long as my body allows me. Dance has ALWAYS been my first love and will most likely remain that way. It’s a way I express myself and I couldn’t imagine life without it. 

2. How was it being on a national championship winning college dance team? What are some things you truly value from your time with the University of St. Thomas?

It was an amazing experience to be given the chance to dance for USTDT. It was a lot of hard work physically and mentally. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize how strong I really am.

I had wonderful teammates and coaches who were and still are extremely supportive. Everyone had the same goal and drive, which was amazing to see. I value the relationships I’ve built from my team. It’s a place where I can go back and still feel a part of it. I’ve made many forever best friends from that team and I will always be grateful for that. 

3. How did you prepare for your NBA audition and what excites you for this season of life as you continue your pro dance journey? 

In order to prepare for NBA auditions, I continued the work ethic that I’ve had throughout my dance career. This included taking dance classes, teaching dance, choreographing my own routines, working out, and eating healthy. All of these things helped me stay on top of my skills. I also did research.

It’s important to look up the team you’re trying out for and learn their style. It’s important to envision yourself on the team and embody what it would feel like to be a part of it. I’m excited for all the unknowns of my pro dance journey. I’m riding the waves and just living through every moment. I want to continue dancing as long as I can and I can’t wait to experience every chance that I will get to do that. 

4. Tell us something that you think is unique about you. How has that quality given you an edge in the dance world? 

Something unique about me is that I do not dance to be seen or to stand out. I dance because I believe that it was a gift given to me by God. I believe that it’s my calling. Every time I dance I hope that I am spreading the love and blessings that I feel every time I hit the stage.

It’s a way for me to honor God. Before I dance, I always pray that people may be able to see God through me and that I’m making Him proud. I don’t know if I would say that this has given me an edge, but I will say it humbles me and reminds me that everything I do, I do it for something bigger than me. 

Did you just get teary eyed? Because I did! WOW, what a wonderful role model in the dance worldl! Huge thanks to Jade for sharing her story with the MTP fam. I hope this interview inspires you. Period.

Thanks for reading! Until next time…

P.S. Sorry this was a day late - I am not a savvy G-mail user and didn’t realize I wasn’t connected properly to receive her message. Hotmail for life! LOL