Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Student Spotlight: Jasmine Forrest

06/12/2022

Student Spotlight: Jasmine Forrest The contemporary dance student reflects on their path to Boston Conservatory at Berklee, learning to push boundaries in movement, and the artists who inspire them.

By

Editorial Staff

December 5, 2022

What's it like to study at Berklee? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience-what they're learning in class, what kinds of projects they're involved in onstage or behind the scenes, how they recharge, and of course, what they're listening to. This week, get to know Jasmine Forrest, a seventh-semester B.F.A. in contemporary dance student and Black Scholars Initiative (BSI) ambassador from Redmond, Washington.

Follow Jasmine on Instagram.

Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here? Growing up in a predominantly white area and feeling extremely isolated at both school and at my dance studio, I knew that I needed to gain some perspective and move as far away as I could. Initially, I had my heart set on NYU Tisch School of the Arts and applied to Boston Conservatory, USC Glorya Kaufman, Arizona State, and Cornish School of the Arts as backups in case things didnt go to plan. I saw myself living in the big city, weaving in and out of the nooks and crannies of the bustling trains . I longed for loudness, yearning for the messiness and chaotic world that starkly contrasted the one I had lived in, and most of all I wanted to escape. It wasnt until I realized my name wasn't called to move into the next round of the audition at Tisch that I experienced heartbreak for the first time. The cramped bathroom stalls barely covered my tears as I asked myself, Why wasn't I what they were looking for?, feeling betrayed by the professors judgment and seemingly impressing demeanors. Later my mom chalked it up to a quota, saying, They just met their max for Black dancers for the year. More rejection followed, and by April I had only received one acceptance letter, from Cornish. I was debating whether or not a college education would be beneficial for me and that maybe I should just make the move to L.A. and tough it out as a dancer there. Sheepishly, I made the trip to Boston to audition for the Conservatory. This was my last chance to secure my escape plan and I wasn't going to let it pass me by. James Blake and Bon Ivers melodies flowed through me as I prepared myself for an opportunity of a lifetime. In high school, I had spent a month over the summer at the Conservatory's Summer Dance Intensive and felt comforted by that sense of familiarity. When it was my turn, I walked in and performed my senior solo, answered questions about my goals and intentions moving forward, and left smiling. Somehow I knew that I was going to get in, and once I received the acceptance letter it felt like I was given permission to spread my wings. I was set free. Coming to Berklee was an opportunity for me to figure out who I am as a Black woman confidently. I finally saw myself represented in positions of authority in higher education and as leaders within the dance community. When it felt like all I was getting was a No, you can't, the Conservatory welcomed me in with a Yes, you can.

Whats been your favorite class so far, and what has it taught you? My favorite class so far has to be Heels, taught by Tara Brown. It's a new class that has been added as a part of the development of the commercial dance program this year. Throughout my time at Berklee, I performed in the Rihanna Ensemble music video project and in Berklee's Beyonce Ensemble as a way to get more commercial dance experience to counter my classical ballet and modern dance training at the Conservatory, so when this class was offered I had to do anything to be in it. Tara has taught me how to shift from my divine feminine to the divine masculine, to trust myself, and to push my boundaries in movement. Her class is a highlight in my week and is always a source of inspiration for me. If it wasnt for her class, I wouldnt have felt so compelled to come out as nonbinary. Her love for teaching is infectious, and I'm looking forward to seeing how her lessons manifest in my career after graduation.

Watch Jasmine perform in the Berklee Rihanna Ensemble:

Whats a project youve worked on since coming to Berklee that youve been especially excited about? Currently, I am working my first residency as a professional choreographer at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, and it has been such a blessing. It's helped me to solidify my identity as a choreographer and showed me what I am capable of. The show is premiering in January, and I couldnt be more excited to see the dancers make my vision come to life. Thank you to Mila Thigpen and Brenda Divelbliss for facilitating this; I am so grateful for you both.

How do you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class? Lately, Trident [Booksellers and Cafe] has been a place of refuge for me, whether its finding a good book or drinking their hot apple cider. I always feel refreshed after spending time there. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, who are all outside of the dance department and go to Berklee or are voice principals at the Conservatory. Listening to artists like Doechii, Bree Runaway, chlothegod, Flo Milli, and FKA Twigs always gives me ideas for choreography or show concepts.

When you think towards your own future, who inspires you most? I inspire myself. The person I am in the future inspires me and pushes me to keep going. They tell me that I can do it and that it will all be worth it in the end as long as I keep asking for help, staying true to myself in the moment, and listening to understand.

Whats one piece of advice youd give to your high school self? They were very stubborn so I don't think I could get through to them. I would pr
LINK: https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/student-spotlight-jasmine-for...
See more stories from berklee

More from Berklee

28/03/2024

Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Huntington

Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night'...

27/03/2024

15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols

15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols Listen to iconic Latin musicians across genres in this playlist and read about how they've influenced Berklee st...

22/03/2024

Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berklee on the Road Program

Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berkle...

19/03/2024

What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon

What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon The story of the dembow beat, which can be found in reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, and far beyond, speaks t...

19/03/2024

Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architecture

Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architec...

19/03/2024

Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics

Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics The 39th edition of the program will be held from July 9-21. By Callista Chan March 21, 2024 Ima...

14/03/2024

Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment Industry

Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment...

14/03/2024

BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17

BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17 The Berklee Popular Music Institute will showcase performances from six rising stars who ...

08/03/2024

Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature

Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature The Signature Series concert honors the King of Pop, surveying the entirety of his iconic career. ...

07/03/2024

Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With

Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With Since The Way It Is, the visionary songwriter has made his mark on so many genres. His latest, Deep Se...

06/03/2024

Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar

Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar The clarinetist from Iran talks about discovering a love for Iranian classical music and how coming to Berklee has allo...

02/03/2024

Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024

Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024 Registration is open now through April 11. By Colette Greenstein March 1, 2024 Students perform at Berklee...

01/03/2024

Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj

Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj The vocalist, konnakol beatboxer, and percussionist reflects on his musical journey from Oman to India and beyond, and how ...

01/03/2024

Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval

Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval Berklee will recognize the Cuban-American legend's legacy and impact on jazz and Latin music. ...

28/02/2024

Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof

Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof This issue takes a deep dive into how a Boston Conservatory education lays the foundation for futu...

28/02/2024

40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates

40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates Professors Lil John Roberts and Mimi Jones, part of the team leading the upcoming Michael Jackson ...

27/02/2024

The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol

The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol Berklee alum Colescott Rubin and his brother, current student A.J., rode unicycles and sang about lov...

24/02/2024

Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs

Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs SAMMUS, DJ Troy Frost, and DJ WhySham are among featured guest speakers for th...

22/02/2024

Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educator Joel Ross

Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educa...

17/02/2024

Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao

Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao The video for Neopet features choreography by commercial dance major Sofia ...

17/02/2024

Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations

Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations A total of $25,000 will be distributed amongst the Boston-based nonprofits. By Co...

14/02/2024

Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Education

Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Educa...

14/02/2024

Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education

Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education The chair of Berklee's Music Education Department will serve as NAfME's...

14/02/2024

Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A Celebration of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A...

09/02/2024

Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall

Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall Boston Conservatory Orchestra will showcase works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Margaret Bonds, Valerie Coleman, and ot...

09/02/2024

Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards

Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards Carla Patullo, Gracie Laboy, and MT Aditya Srinivasan took home awards on musics biggest night. Febr...

09/02/2024

Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Berklee President

Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Ber...

07/02/2024

Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists

Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists The third annual event will focus on essential music business principles that enable creatives...

06/02/2024

Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Student Works

Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Stud...

05/02/2024

Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards

Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards Laufey, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Miguel Zen n, and Carla Patullo were among the winners of musi...

02/02/2024

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have received th...

01/02/2024

Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser

Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser The annual dance competition exceeded fundraising goals, fully endowing a new Dance Divisio...

01/02/2024

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have re...

31/01/2024

Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initiative

Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initia...

27/01/2024

Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo

Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo The entertainment legend was joined by performing arts industry leaders from Broadway t...

27/01/2024

Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership

Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership The two organizations signed a student credit transfer agreement in January 20...

26/01/2024

Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert

Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert The virtuosic foursome will visit the college for a weeklong residency, culminat...

24/01/2024

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert The Signature Series event will commemorate the life and artistry of the late Wayne Shorter. ...

20/01/2024

Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and Learning Capsule

Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and...

19/01/2024

Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album

Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album On So She Howls, the film composer, songwriter, and alum guides listeners through a cycle of h...

17/01/2024

Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight

Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Pand...

12/01/2024

Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls

Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls Francesca Castro and Matilde Heckler bring Band Freak energy to the cinematic version of Tina ...

11/01/2024

Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month

Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month This powerful performance, featuring Anita Hill reciting the words of Martin Luther King Jr., wil...

05/01/2024

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yatra Scholarship

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yatra Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...

22/12/2023

The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists

The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists Behind the mic, at the boards, or in the band, Berklee artists made some of the year's best music in ...

21/12/2023

Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023

Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023 From AI in the classroom to music licensing 101, 50 years of hip-hop to the next great American jam band, take a look at...

19/12/2023

Student Spotlight: Yamur Soydemir

Student Spotlight: Ya mur Soydemir The Berklee graduate student discusses her greatest inspirations, her love of ultimate frisbee, and the process of reworkin...

16/12/2023

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yarta Scholarship

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yarta Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...

15/12/2023

Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song

Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song Mike Sempert recently released Hold On to the Light, a catchy track with a sincere message about what it me...

14/12/2023

Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee

Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee The college's first woman tres player discusses the instrument's distinctive so...