When the incomparable talent of world renowned choreographer Fatima Robinson was met with the passion and creativity of Jae Blaze, a match made in choreographer heaven was born. At the time of their 2005 meeting, Jae Blaze had established a reputation as one of Canada’s premier choreographers thanks to her flawless ability to unite the aggression of Hiphop with the passion and excitement of Jamaican dancehall. Robinson was working with an unknown Rihanna on her first video for “Pon de Replay” and tapped Jae blaze to bring her authentic style of dance to the project. After seeing her in action Rihanna insisted Jae Blaze join the tour as a dancer and choreographer. Impressed by her work ethic and dedication to the craft, Fatima Robinson also requested Jae Blaze’s continued assistance, which resulted in the opportunity to showcase her incomparable work to international A list clientele.
In 2007, Jae Blaze was requested to assist with the choreography for the Academy Awards (Best Costume“Dreamgirls”) and again in 2009 (Best Song “JaiHo”Slumdog Millionaire). “The Black Eyed Peas” are big fans of the energy jae blaze showcases in her work and the highlights of their relationship include: the 2011 Superbowl HalfTime show, 2010’s “The End” world tour, the 2010 Grammy performance of the monster hits “Imma Be/Got A Feeling” and Fergie’s 2006 “My Humps” video (MTV award winner for Best HipHop video). Dancehall artist Sean Paul also received an MTV award in 2006 after showcasing Jae Blaze’s work in the “Get Busy” video. Kelly Rowland, Enrique Iglesias, Niki Minaj, Leona Lewis, R. Kelly and many others have benefited from her talent. Internationally, jae blaze has traveled the globe choreographing routines for the Japan MTV Awards and for the India based Disney production of “Cheetah Girls One World” along with all the dates on the Cheetah Girls North American tour. Ad agencies for Target, Old Navy, Kelloggs, IPod and McDonald’s have all used distinct elements of Jae Blaze’s choreography for prime time campaigns. When “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” introduced a Dancehall category to the competition, Toronto native Jae Blaze made history as the first choreographer to bring authentic dancehall to a nationally televised show. She returned to SYTYCDC in 2009 and in 2010 Jae Blaze choreographed a powerful dancehall piece called “Clarks”. The online video gained tens of thousands of views in a few short days and the viral popularity of the routine prompted several international news outlets, including CNN, to interview jae blaze about the influence of dancehall on the mainstream industry.
Jae Blaze specializes in a form of dance that claims no formal training which works to her advantage. Considered a dancer’s dancer, Jae Blaze is synonymous with unparalleled creativity, exceptional work ethic, a commitment to the client’s vision and the well being of her dancers. This can be seen on stage as jae completed Jordin Sparks break out performance “I AM WOMAN” on American Idol as well as Jordins tour opening for NKOTBSB. Jae completing the Black Eye Peas “THE BEGINNING” tour in France then quickly jumped right into the film production of the star studded remake of Sparkle starring the late Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks. Jae Blaze continues to build as she recently completed a promotional tour for singing sensation Jojo opening for The Big Time Rush band from Nickelodeon. Fresh from Miami, Jae recently artistic directed and choreographed a music video for Ericka Jaynes “Let’s Get It Tonight” featuring Flo Rida. Whether globetrotting from America to Japan, Australia to Jamaica, Jae continues to workshop Hip Hop/Dancehall and is not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon. As Women’s history month comes to a close Dance Mogul Magazine is opening up our doors to the successful women in our culture, to come in and encourage the next generation of female dancers. We are honored that Jae took the time to inspire and uplift. We hope her journey can help you navigate yours.
Dance Mogul: At what age did you discover the passion for dance?
Jae Blaze: I don’t think there was a particular age I discovered the passion for dance. I always loved dancing. In my home there was always music! My mom used to have parties on the weekends so I was always surrounded by adults who loved and appreciated many genres of music. My siblings would tell me my mom was always dancing when she was pregnant with me so I guess it just continued. lol.
Dance Mogul: Were your parents supportive of you?
Jae Blaze: Nope. Growing up in a Jamaican household you had only a few options. Doctor. Lawyer. Nurse. Why nurse was ever on the list I don’t know. However, that’s the Jamaican formula. lol. She wanted me to pursue a job that had security and benefits and could evolve into a career. I was in college taking courses and interning as a paralegal when I decided that is not what I want to do. I must dance!!
Dance Mogul: Tell us about the Dance Hall culture and its influence on the dance industry?
Jae Blaze: Dancehall is a lifestyle, its music, its food, its dance, its culture, its love. Dancehall gave birth to what we know as popular Rap music. Its influence on the world includes fashion, music, and food. The culture has become an international marker of “cool”. From Qwen Stefani’s fashion line, to the “Miseducation of Lauren Hill” album cover, Dancehall culture appeals to those in the mainstream because of its an underground staple. Its influence on the dance industry was highlighted in Beyonce’s 2013 Superbowl performance. Pop sensation Rihanna consistently uses Dancehall in her videos and on stage performances. Dancehall has become a category on the popular show So You Think You Can Dance in Australia and Finland. l showcased the high energy of Dancehall on So You Think You Can Dance Canada that was then featured on CNN, focusing on the influence of Dancehall around the world.
Dance Mogul: Once you broke into the industry how were you able to stay level headed and humble to keep getting work?
Jae Blaze: I understand this industry is a constant grind. I feel I have such a long way to go and so much more to offer. That so called “break” today means nothing tomorrow!! I stay humble because nothing is promised, and even if it is, promises are broken. I just thank God for my blessings everyday that I have been able to do what I love regardless of the fickle obstacles that come with the territory of this industry. God designed me to dance, express through dance, love dance, and appreciate dance and those who do it! It’s hard. This life isn’t for everyone but I wouldn’t trade it at all. Once I keep that in my mind everything else falls into place.
Dance Mogul: Tell us about some of the people you have had the chance to work with and what was your favorite experience thus far?
Jae Blaze: I’ve worked with the amazing Black Eye Peas who allowed me to see the world. They are amazingly talented its kinda scary. I think that would have to be my favourite experience thus far because all that I have experienced in so many different parts of the world. To see my choreography on a huge stage in Paris, Brazil or Kuala Lumpur is simply mind blowing. Plus, Fergie is the homegirl! Some of my favourite people would be the beautiful Jennifer Hudson. Her hum fills a stadium,she is so powerful. Rapper Nelly is so fun and really sweet. He called my mom (shes a big fan lol) Kelly Rowland is such a doll. Beautiful woman inside and out. Teen sensation but now full fledged woman, Jojo is one of my favorites! So much talent in that little body and is just an around the way girl.
Dance Mogul: As a woman what is the best advice you can give young up and coming female dancers?
Jae Blaze: The best advice I can give is “know yourself”!! We could talk about this all day!!! Knowing those 2 words opens a lot of doors to a lot of categories. Just to mention a few: body awareness, morals and etiquette, dance knowledge, technique, fashion sense and straight up knowing who you are as a individual. As a woman in this industry, you can be placed in a box of objectivity very quickly. You have to be knowledgeable to hold your own. Make wises decisions. Be great at what you do. Connect all the dots networking while fighting negative pre concieved notions of what the female dancer’s job entails. Theres a lot of smoke and mirrors used in the entertainment industry however lets keep it positive by focusing on being the “great you” you were designed to be by simply knowing yourself!! It will take you far and you will avoid a lot of stress!
Dance Mogul: Who are some of your inspirations past and present?
Jae Blaze: Of course Michael Jackson,just an inspiration. He changed the way I looked at music! Dancehall legend Bogle. He was an entertainer first! He had so much style that you were drawn to his presence every time you watched him dance. Grace Jones! An Icon and such a staple for women to know themselves and embrace individuality. Fred Astaire, Diana Ros, Carlene The Dancehall Queen, Chris Brown, Keith Young, Syd Charisse. We can be here forever!
Dance Mogul: Dancers have been known as back ground people since forever, How can Dance Mogul Magazine better bring the dancers to the forefront to get more credit and respect?
Jae Blaze: I think to better bring the dancers to the forefront is to simply acknowledge them. Promote and support them. I think Dance Mogul is doing a great job bringing awareness to the dancers that bring the energy and entertainment to live performances, commercials, movies and much more. The dancers bring the entertainment value up tenfold. And seeing them on the front of a magazine cover, on a website, telling their stories is what the audience should be exposed to! They are stars in their own right!
Dance Mogul: How can dance help with a young girl’s self esteem?
Jae Blaze: Dance can help give confidence, pride and overall knowledge of self! The discipline of dance helps in all areas of a young girls life including academic, personal relationships and self development. How amazing is it as a young girl to train in dance, receive accolades of accomplishments, and have friends like minded and steadfast in positive goals. How great is it to be a young girl growing up knowing you have achieved great things because of dance. There’s no feeling in the world! Take it from a once young girl who used to be a tyrant in the community. Constantly fighting, stealing and just obnoxious. (I can admit it!) But I used dance to soften the “hard” exterior, build confidence and was able to turn my life around. It could of gone many other ways however dance was the positive outlet!
Dance Mogul: In what ways are you giving back to the dance community?
Jae Blaze: I love to do free workshops geared to youth at risk. That’s where my passion is, that’s where this all started. I used to work for Parks and Recreation driving a van filled with sports gear. I would drive to areas that some would consider “not safe” and roll out the linoleum mat, a boom box and invite the youth in the area to participate. I love to keep that going by offering free classes to various community centers. I also offer my services to many scholarship and training programs for high school students in the performing and visual arts. That has also been very fulfilling!!
Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you want to thank for helping you along your journey?
Jae Blaze: I would like to thank my Mom and my family who have supported me along this crazy journey! My best friend and business partner for 18+ years: Fatima Wilson. She has been there literally through thick and thin and continues to look out for me! The Blaze dancers who gave their time and creativity to me day in and day out without question! Tazz Ricketts who continues to ride with me! Fatima Robinson for exposing me to the world and all the dancing that happens within it!!! All the directors, artist and managers who have entrusted their vision to me! And of course my agents MSA.Thanks for the continuous support!! Gratitude! Blessings!