Rising Star - February 2007 - Jahaan Amin

Age: 11
Hair/Eyes: Dark Brown
Height: 4' 7"
Weight: 70 1bs.

Jahaan has had a passion for dancing all of her life. As I think back, her knack for timing was noticed even before she walked. We used to have video tapes of the old Addams Family show. If you recall the theme song, there were intervals of finger snapping (dah, dah, dah, dah, snap, snap). Jahaan would snap her fingers right at the appropriate time, she was six months old. Jahaan was eight months old when she stood up to dance with "Baby Bop" and realized she could also walk.

At age 2 she took her first dance class at a community center in Baltimore where they were taught ballet, jazz, and African dance. Every style was assisted by young men who played the congo drums (no music!). There was only one class for all levels. We paid $2 each week! Sadly, the Center was closed down for lack of money and Jahaan went on to take classes at many studios in the area.

Her natural ability was acknowledged by dance teachers who felt she had a gift. We laughed it off, attributing what appeared to be a gift as only a coincidence of being in a room full of kids who just couldn't dance!

Eventually Jahaan made her first professional dance debut at 8 in The Moscow Ballet's The Great Russian Nutcracker. To add to the honor, the "Prince/Nutcracker" took his final bow holding Jahaan's hand. I finally realized Jahaan had something special when other kids either loved or hated her, and parents requested her training secrets (none?! that I knew of).

Another of Jahaan's dance highlights was being chosen a finalist among over a thousand hopefuls at the Janet Jackson dance auditions in L.A. She was the youngest dancer to be chosen. She was ten, however, the age requirement was 16. Apparently, despite her age, Janet acknowledged Jahaan's talent by never cutting her. Ultimately, Gil Duldulao, Janet's choreographer, utilized her during a show for Monsters of Hip Hop. She performed the same choreography from Janet's audition. Jahaan can be seen learning the choreography on Janet's 20 Y.O. CD/DVD.

Jahaan works very hard at anything she sets her sites on. She maintained an A average, all while doing as many as 6 shows a week on Broadway. Her work ethic is remarkable as she has made many sacrifices to always perform in a professional manner. Of course, the rewards of being in a show of that magnitude were invaluable.

Jahaan is be honored to be featured as a Capezio Rising Star, and is especially humbled given the outstanding accomplishments of all the previous Rising Stars. Having this title will inspire Jahaan more to live up to the name.

Training

• 9 years (Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Break)
• Broadway Dance Center
• Future Shock DC
• B Funk Dance Company
• Towson University Children's Dance Division
• Moscow Ballet
• Washington Ballet
• The Rock School
• and others

Workshops/Competitions/Scholarships

• The Pulse - Broadway Dance Center - Advanced Level Scholarship
• Monsters of Hip Hop - Advanced Level - Multiple Scholarships
• Hollywood Vibe - Scholarship
• The Rock School - Summer Ballet Intensive - Scholarship
• LADF - Platinum Awards
• Dance USA - Platinum Awards
• Applause Talent - Platinum Awards
• Nexstar - Platinum Awards
• and others

Stage Experience

• On Broadway Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas - The Hilton Theater - Belle Who, Betty Lou Who, US and Ensemble
• Capitol Movement Project - The Lincoln Theater - Proceeds of performance go to College Fund for DC area students
• The Monsters of Hip Hop Fashion Show and Showcase
• The Moscow Ballet's The Great Russian Nutcracker - The Lyric and The Mechanic Theaters
• The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker - The Hippodrome
  Tacoma Park Art Festival

On Camera

• NBC - The Today Show - Grinch Original Broadway Cast Performance
• NBC - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Grinch Cast Performance
• Janet Jackson 20 Y.O. DVD/CD - Dancer Audition Segment
• Answers4dancers - Janet Jackson Dancer Auditions and Monsters of Hip Hop - interviews
• Will Interactive/Junior ROTC - Classroom Scene
• Sylvan/Catapult Education Station - Classroom Scene

Print

• Baltimore Magazine - Up close Dancing with the Stars December
• Broadwayworld.com - Gypsies of the Month December
• GrinchtheMusical.com - Opening Night Event @ Madame Tussauds
• Maryland Family Magazine
• The Rock School Brochure (Cover)
• American Chemical Society

Voice Over

• Public Service Announcement on Abstinence - "Mom, Dad ... can we talk?"

Other Talents/Training

• Voice - Monica Robinson, Bob Marks
• Piano - Alla Schereshevky
• Viola - Collette Wickert

Notable Mention

• Janet Jackson Dancer Finalist - Alley Kat Studios - Over 1000+ dancers, she was the youngest still standing among the finalists, age 10 when the required age was 16+
• Annie National Tour Finalist
• Hair Spray the Movie - "Lil Inez" role call back.