From the Studio to the Classroom: How Rejoice Board Member Marcus Bradford Champions Arts Education

A Board Member Shaped by Dance

Marcus Bradford brings a unique perspective to Rejoice as both a former professional dancer and a classroom teacher. Now serving as a board member, Marcus sees his role as a way to give back to the art form and the mentors who shaped his own path.

“My participation on the board is because of the many people who helped me on my journey to becoming a professional ballet dancer,” he shared. “Once I learned about Rejoice, I wanted to assist in helping young dancers explore and develop their passion.”

What first drew him in was Rejoice’s commitment to access. 

“The fact that Rejoice provides training to dancers who might not be able to attend a traditional ballet school for whatever reason was a hook for me,” Marcus said.

Finding His Footing Through Dance

Marcus describes himself as a struggling or average student until dance entered his life during his junior year of high school. That moment changed how he learned and how he saw himself.

“Dance helped me figure out how to learn information, how to get it into my long-term memory, and how to retrieve it quickly,” he explained. 

Those skills followed him through his training at duPont Manual High School Youth Performing Arts School, North Carolina School of the Arts, and the University of Louisville, as well as into a professional career that included six seasons with Nashville Ballet.

Those lessons now inform his work as an elementary teacher. 

“My dance experience helps me be patient with my scholars and meet their individual needs,” Marcus said. “In many ways, teaching is a performance. My dance career helps me craft my lessons into a performance.”

Why the Arts Matter for Kids

From Marcus’ perspective, ballet and arts education give children something they cannot always find elsewhere.

“Arts education provides students with the chance to be creative and to take risks,” he said. “Kids need the chance to explore what makes them happy.”

That joy does not stay in the studio. “Happiness in arts education transfers over to the classroom,” Marcus explained. “Kids build confidence, and that confidence can show up in math, reading, and social studies.”

He also points to the developmental benefits of early exposure. “Basic counting, fine motor skills, and muscle coordination are great reasons for children to participate,” he noted. “Learning how to listen to music and count music can help students in math and science.”

Rejoice and the Importance of Access

Marcus’ values around equity and education align closely with Rejoice’s mission. 

“Your socioeconomic status, race, religion, or background should not prevent you from being exposed to the arts,” he said. “Young people need outlets like the arts, sports, theater, and museums.”

For him, Rejoice provides that space. “Rejoice gives young people a place to explore their passion,” Marcus shared. “That is something I identify with wholeheartedly.”

Mentorship, Perspective, and Looking Ahead

Marcus is also a strong advocate for mentorship, especially as young artists begin professional careers. 

“It can be a lonely journey developing your craft,” he said. “Artists are often in their heads, asking how to make things better. Dealing with success and failure takes a toll.”

He credits mentors from his own career with helping him maintain perspective and protect his mental health. “Having someone there to help keep everything in balance is critical,” he said, noting his support of emerging professionals like former Rejoice student Eva Pregont, who is dancing with Louisville Ballet’s second company.

Eva Pregont and fellow dancer Khalil Jackson with Marcus Bradford.

When asked what excites him most about Rejoice’s future, Marcus is clear. “I am excited about Rejoice staying on course to becoming an institution of dance education in the Nashville community,” he said. “Rejoice is maturing into a fine organization that serves the community well.”

And for anyone still unsure of the impact of dance education, Marcus offers simple advice. “Come to a Rejoice performance. Show up early and stay late. Watch the excitement of the young dancers,” he said. “You will see the benefits with your own eyes.”