No matter the means, Jackie Fisher finds fascinating each chance to tout “the joy we call dance.” Having become the executive director of the Philadelphia Dance Foundation in January, the resident of the 200 block of Mountain Street has pursued perfect execution of every literal and figurative step in sharing enthusiasm for the art form and will promote her passion for it tomorrow when giving Salsa Night instruction at The Schmidt’s Commons.
“I absolutely love dancing,” the 35-year-old said from the Society Hill Dance Academy, the headquarters for the eight-year-old foundation. “I really admire it for how it allows people to build confidence and reduce inhibition because aside from the physical benefits, those elements are the quintessential components of developing a lifelong interest in it.”
The Pennsport inhabitant will initiate the festivities by presenting a 30-minute lesson at 7 p.m., with the offering dovetailing with Siempre Salsa Philly’s commitment to cultural immersion to craft a three-hour expression of infatuation with movement. Tomorrow not only marks another occasion to strengthen her employer’s connection to Siempre Salsa but also stands as a chance for Fisher to focus on future interactions with the public, especially with regards to the youth population whom the foundation assists.
“We’re going to be happy to welcome anyone who wants to participate,” she said of the Northern Liberties-situated occasion. “With respect to our main mission, I’m eager to grow our outreach and to make dance another amazing outlet for Philadelphia children.”
A social dance beacon, the Philadelphia Dance Foundation stresses to pupils that “being ladies and gentlemen can have far reaching effects in both their personal and professional life.” Adding that students “learn the importance of cooperation, respect, and confidence, as well as fitness, coordination, and rhythm,” the brainchild has given the executive overseer immense joy, especially thanks to its spring presence at South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St., and Horace Furness High School, 1900 S. Third St.
“What a tremendous joy that was!” Fisher beamed of aiding a few of the Lower Moyamensing and Pennsport facilities’ charges in learning partner dancing over a 10-week, 20-class course. “The students realized so much about themselves through their discipline and determination. Dance can obviously be an immense challenge, but when people put their minds to it, and the South Philly High and Furness kids did, the possibilities are amazing.”
Fisher fostered her love for the heart rate-raising practice as a bit of a self-professed late bloomer. Always enamored with the art form, particularly for its emphasis on creativity through movement, she came to find ballroom dancing thrilling and enthralling at 19.
“That was pretty much my beginning,” the Yardley product said of gaining knowledge of the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of dance. “It had all just really been for fun before, but at that age, I had some thoughts about what sort of journey I could take through it all.”
With multiple trips to the City of Brotherly Love throughout her youth as encouragement, the Bucks County product made good use of fascination with fashion marketing through the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Dance again proved a great giver of perspective in 2002 when she commenced her professional career in the field. Fast forward six years, and she learned that the City That Never Sleeps can keep someone’s ambition likewise tireless.
“There was immense energy among those children, and that made me even more enthused to provide them with a push,” Fisher said of her stint with Dancing Classrooms in New York City, for whom she became a senior teaching artist. “It’s come full circle for me in that I began working for one reputable nonprofit and now have a great role at another.”
While in The Big Apple, she taught students in fourth, fifth, eighth, 11th, and 12th grades, ultimately coming to fall in love with high school tutelage, which she stated changed her perspective on life, with the foundation’s website stating she “was frequently impressed with the enthusiasm high school students displayed for their social dance program.” When moving to Philadelphia in April 2015, Fisher, through connecting with foundation directors Shana Heidorn and Leigh Byron, concluded her heart was with the high school set and received Heidorn’s blessing to go full throttle.
“It’s easy to see that in Philadelphia, teenagers often need that nudge to learn that there is so much to understand about interacting and connecting with peers,” she said. “The lasting effects are amazing, so when we wanted those school programs to flourish, I thought it would be wise to align ourselves with local schools. Looking back, I’m thrilled that we interacted with them, and we’re excited to continue those relationships.”
As a new school year dawns, the leader has set herself to growing the Take the Lead Dance Project, with The Academy at Palumbo, 1100 Catharine St., as a celebrated hopeful in adding to the foundation’s track record. Fisher noted that as the initiative gains more renown and recognition, she hopes that scores of School District of Philadelphia registrants can one day have an opportunity to compare rosters and note Take the Lead Dance Project as a commonality.
“We believe we can strengthen our communities through this,” she explained, adding that the foundation is seeking sponsors and has set up a crowdfunding campaign through Razoo. “We want to expand our mission through as many schools as possible and cross lines in a good way.”
Also firmly committed to expanding her comprehension of and respect for South Philly, Fisher, who is rearing daughters Peri and Aden with husband Bernard, looks forward to keeping in step with its rapid pace and to evolving as an altruistic individual.
“South Philly is wonderful,” she stated. “I love being there because there’s so much possibility to explore, especially as a creative person.” ■
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Visit razoo.com/us/story/Take-The-Lead-Dance-Project?referral_code=share
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com.
Portrait Photo by Tina Garceau
