Rolling Toward a Bigger Mission: Meet the Co-Chairs of Bowling for Ballet

As Rejoice School of Ballet prepares for the fifth annual Bowling for Ballet, this year's co-chairs, Mackenzie Millet and Majornette Jefferson, are focused on more than strikes and spares. They're helping rally the Nashville community around a shared belief: every child deserves access to the arts.

For both women, saying yes to Bowling for Ballet was an easy decision. What began as a connection to Rejoice quickly became a commitment to its mission of breaking down barriers to dance education and creating opportunities for children across Nashville.

Mackenzie with founder Patricia Cross at Rejoice's Spring Performance

Mackenzie with her nieces, who are also Rejoice students, at Spring Showcase

Finding a Home at Rejoice

Mackenzie first crossed paths with Rejoice School of Ballet in 2024 after completing the Young Leaders Council of Nashville program. She attended a Spring Showcase and left changed. What struck her wasn't just the dancing — it was the atmosphere. Every person in the room, regardless of background, was made to feel seen and valued. 

She joined the Board of Directors shortly after, describing Rejoice as an organization that "looked at a world where ballet had long been gatekept by cost and access and simply decided to do something different."

It was Mackenzie who introduced Majornette to the organization, often speaking passionately about Rejoice's mission to provide arts education to Nashville's youth at little to no cost. When Majornette attended a Fall Open House, she experienced it firsthand.

"I was immediately struck by the love, joy, and genuine sense of belonging that filled the space,” Majornette said. “It was clear that Rejoice was creating something special, and I knew right away that I wanted to be part of it."

When Executive Director Sharyn Mahoney asked Mackenzie to co-chair Bowling for Ballet, she knew exactly who she wanted beside her. For Majornette, the answer was equally simple: knowing there was a chance to help make the arts more accessible to Nashville's youth was all the motivation she needed.

Mackenzie volunteering at Rejoice’s fall Open House

Breaking Down Barriers, One Student at a Time

For both co-chairs, supporting Rejoice is deeply personal.

Mackenzie has spent much of her career working to remove barriers for students who were told, directly or indirectly, that certain spaces weren't for them. She sees the arts as no different. 

"When we tell a child they can't dance because of their ZIP code or family's income, we don't just close a studio door, we close something inside of them," she said. "Every child deserves the chance to discover what they're capable of. Rejoice makes that possible."

Majornette shares that conviction with equal force. Research, she notes, consistently shows that participation in the arts has a profound impact on a child's confidence, creativity, and overall development. But too many children are shut out by financial barriers before they ever get the chance to discover that for themselves. She is particularly moved by Rejoice's presence across Nashville neighborhoods that are too often overlooked.

"Rejoice intentionally serves those communities and sends a powerful message: 'You belong here, too.' By bringing ballet directly into these neighborhoods, Rejoice removes barriers and ensures that location is never a limitation.” Majornette said. 

For Mackenzie, the work is guided by a verse she was raised on — Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much is required." The challenges of the world, she has come to understand, aren't burdens. They're invitations to serve.

Celebrate Five Years of Impact

This July, Bowling for Ballet celebrates its fifth anniversary with a goal of raising $50,000. Every dollar goes directly toward ensuring that a child who wants to dance, gets to dance. The impact made on a single evening ripples through the lives of more than 200 students throughout the entire year.

Bowling teams of six are registering now to start rolling toward the minimum $1,200 fundraising goal and beyond. Their friendly competition takes to the lanes on July 16 at Donelson Strike and Spare to celebrate with dinner, drinks, bowling, and awards. 

For those non-bowlers who want to join in on the fun, the newly introduced Gutter Gang tickets are a great way to get in on the fun while still supporting Rejoice’s mission to break down barriers to dance education. Priced at $30 during June and $40 in July, they include dinner, drinks, trivia, and games.

Majornette said she is especially looking forward to the family involvement and the themed costumes, expecting teams to bring creativity and excitement to a whole new level in this milestone year. Mackenzie is most excited about the people: families, businesses, friends, and strangers who become supporters, all showing up because they believe every child deserves a chance to shine.

Join the Fun, Change a Life

As Bowling for Ballet approaches, Mackenzie and Majornette hope the Nashville community will show up in full force for Rejoice's mission.

"Whether you register a team, become a fundraiser, or simply attend, your support helps create opportunities that can change lives," Majornette said.

However you show up, your presence sends a message to every student in that studio.

"You're not just attending an event. You're telling a child that their dream has a whole city behind it," Mackenzie said.

For more information on how you can participate or make a donation, click here.