We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Carswell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because Dance has always been a part of my life along with a love of music. It gives me just the space that I need to have time to self, explore my passions and also has created so many beautiful relationships within the city of Toledo and even further than I could have imagined. Skills in Heels is everything I have wanted, and we still have bounds to reach, Not only did I want a space to create new material, I wanted to create a place where the adult can unload their work week, fall in love with themselves and train to become an even better dancer. I still work a 9-5, yet having dance in my corner, definitely gives me a sense of freedom.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When Skills in Heels came into fruition, it was merely an idea of how to combine dance and create an adult friendly atmosphere, all in one. I was a dancer and was transitioning from college to an every day adult life, which didn’t leave too much room for all of the things I enjoyed doing. I knew I had yet to find what I was looking for in our area, so with the help of social media, I made a post that received such great feedback, it gave me the confidence to actually move forward and launch classes.

Sounds easy, it most certainly was not. This was something new, many were not confident in dancing let alone in heels and spreading the word about classes really took that first year to really expand. Consistency will forever be the key. I stayed active online. I continued to post classes, flyers and other material online and slowly but surely began to expand from classes to workshops, Skills in Heels Parties, working with local artists and even being a resource for dancers to obtain bookings. It has truly unfolded into a space I dreamed of having one day, with still, so much room to grow.

Skills in Heels is not just for the trained dancer, it is for a person who does not assume it will be easy, for the person who plans to work hard, for the person who has person goals to reach, for the person who is going to actually do the work and push themselves each and every time they hit the dancefloor! It is a judgment free zone, YOU might be your own worst enemy. The environment is so uplifting and supportive of new attendees and overall such a family dynamic. Once you attend you ARE family and that just makes it even more of a beautiful experience.

Skills in Heels 5th Annual Showcase Debuts Friday February 16th at Ohio Theatre! Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite under: Skills in Heels. This year’s showcase is all about love as we explore The Language of Love, come celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with us or your loved one !

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The most fun and exciting places to visit in Toledo, OH are: 1) 406 Craft Cocktail Lounge (L Rolls on Tuesdays and for drinks Friday or Saturday Night)
2) The Art Museum
3) Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar (Eat and Drink)
4) Urban Wine Pinery (Appetizers and Wine)
5) J. Alexander’s (Eat)
6) Peacock Cafe (Sunday Nights offer live music and open mic)
7) Skills in Heels by JasmineRenee (of course)
8) Grynd House Fitness Center and Gym
9) First Watch (Eat Breakfast)
10) Facaccias (Brunch on Saturdays or Sundays)
11) Onyx Cafe (Coffee Shop)
12) Shokudo (Eat)
13) Kato Ramen (Eat)
14) House of Dow (Thrift store)
15) Evolution (Taco Tuesday)
16) Georgiz (Saturday Night dance and drinks)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A very Special Shout Out to my Skills in Heels Family, Supporters, Clients, Media Outlets, Musicians & Artists, My Family and Friends, THANK YOU ALL for pouring into my craft, and into my dance career. You help to keep me motivated and I am proud to be here 7 years later, still trying to invent new ways to tailor classes, new collaborations and reach a higher volume of clientele.

Instagram: Skillsinheels

Facebook: Skills in Heels

Image Credits
Skills in Heels 4th Annual Showcase Photos: Micheal Wood

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