Jackie Davis-Manigaulte grew up in the Queensbridge Projects in Long Island City, NY, one of five children who learned how to entertain themselves at home. Music and dance were a big part of that, presenting dance routines for their mother and her friends. Jackie was formally introduced to modern dance as part of her gym class requirements at Julia Richman High School. Her passionate instructor was Lynda Gudde, who had danced with Anna Sokolow, who was taught by Martha Graham. Jackie had definitely caught the dancing bug! While at college Jackie danced in a college production, choreographed by Dianne McIntyre, entitled “To All Things Black & Beautiful,” and it was an exhilarating experience! Jackie and her dance teammates were invited to work with Ms. McIntyre that summer as she developed dance moves for her Harlem-based company, Sounds in Motion. After graduation Jackie took dance classes taught by Bernadine Jennings at Sounds in Motion, and later at Henry Street Settlement. Jackie balanced work as Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s NYC 4-H Youth Development Program and motherhood to her son, Khalil. She also continued her education and ultimately obtained her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Education.

Jackie still yearned to dance! Every time she went to a MoJazz Dance performance, she expressed that she planned to join the group once she completed her studies. In March of 2015, Jackie started taking classes with MoJazz, which she loved. Subsequently she became a member of the ensemble in her first performance of Inspiration Rising. Finally! Jackie is thrilled to be part of MoJazz. “I love all the dances we do. I genuinely relate to the messages of each piece we perform, and I am truly grateful for the awesome sisterhood we’ve established. MoJazz Dance is My Rock, and I am honored to be part of this group.”