Photo Credit: Kareem Yearwood
Growing up, every girl wants to be a ballerina, but for Jahleeka “Jelly” Morris, becoming a dancer isn’t just a dream, it’s her reality. Whether you call her Jelly or Jahleeka, one thing is sure….this curvaceous dancer is passionate about what she does and #TeamJelly is in it to win it!
With no formal training, this natural talent was encouraged to try out for BET’s Born To Dance by close friends and fellow dancers and the rest is history in the making.
DVD: Do you prefer people call you Jelly or Jahleeka?
Jelly: Either is fine. Jelly is much more popular though.
DVD: There are so many things you could be doing, why dance?
Jelly: Dancing is a way of self expression. It’s a way for people to show their feelings without necessarily feeling vulnerable.
DVD: What about dance speaks to you as an individual?
Jelly: I’ve tried everything. I worked in corporate america for 6 years as a branch manager and I understand the art of professionalism and managerial sciences. My cousin Pee Wee always told me to do whatever I wanted then he passed away but now I really understand what he meant.
I love music! The way my body and my attitude can tell a story is absolutely amazing. I like watching other people tell their stories as well and I love to tell mine differently thru the art of dance.
DVD: You’re from Boston, Mass. Is that where you developed your love for dancing?
Jelly: Yes. Boston is a hardcore little city but the fight and feistiness in me is all my Boston side. The grooves and attitude is all Atlanta. I’ve been living in Atlanta for 11 years. So I refuse to be told no just because stereotypes say so and I put my own spice on every move I make with my Atlanta swag.
DVD: Tell me about the dance scene in Atlanta.
Jelly: The Atlanta dance scene is massive. It can be very intimidating so you have to push through your mind giving you negative ideas about your talent. Sean Bankhead, Mike Peele, Kiki Ely, Donald “D-ray” Colson and Codi Wigins are talented choreographers who have pushed me. Every dance class is like an audition so we literally sweat like we just did a show. The swag plus intricate dance moves that we groove to in Atlanta is like no other city that I know of.
Photo Credit: Kareem Yearwood
DVD: Tell me about the audition process for Born To Dance. What made you try out for it?
Jelly: Oh My GOD! I was not going to try out. Ironic huh? Sean Bankhead told me to try out since the auditions were held at the studio I teach at (I teach pole dance). Some of my friends were auditioning and the studio owners supported me so I went out for it and got it. A blessing is what that was.
DVD: The season is young but what’s your favorite moment so far?
Jelly: The way my talent has improved. Even when I wasn’t feeling that great about my performances I pushed and I pushed hard. I’m very proud of myself.
DVD: What is your favorite style of dance?
Jelly: I love grooves and hits where your body explains the words in the song. Sean Bankhead and Laura Edwards are two of my favorite choreographers.
DVD: As a curvier woman, do people assume that you’re not good at what you do?
Jelly: Always! They don’t expect me to be able to move as quick or with as much confidence as I do. I play basketball as well so I’m used to the surprised faces when I bust a move.
DVD: There are so many people rooting for you. How does it feel to receive all of that love?
Jelly: It feels amazing. I wasn’t expecting it and I really have been through a lot in my life but I am truly blessed to know that people support my dreams.
Photo Credit: Kareem Yearwood
DVD: What advice can you offer others pursuing a dance career in ATL?
Jelly: Take a lot of classes just to get different styles so u can master your own and most importantly don’t let anyone tell you no. Keep pushing.
DVD: Laurieann has #boomkack, what saying will you make famous during the season?
Jelly: #ClockIn and #HoneyHi, those were my 2 sayings. I’ve said those 2 phrases for years and clock in went straight with the concept of clocking into these challenges.
DVD: Once you win, are the costs of your dance classes going to increase?
Jelly: Of course not, LOL! I would never do that to the people that support me, EVER!
Make sure you tune into BET for Born To Dance w/ Laurieann Gibson every Tuesday at 10pm EST. Also visit Jelly’s website www.honeyhi.com to follow her on her dance journey.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
Not even going to front when I watched the first episode & they called her name out last I was so excited for her. I truly would love to see her take it all.