A dancer is sometimes more than just a body moving. In Jamie Laughlin's case, a true dancer is an artistic ambassador. Webster defines an ambassador as an authorized representative or messenger. Jamie considers himself this and more. "I am a poet. My body speaks in ways I cannot put into words." To Daniel, "Mr. Jamie" is an ambassador with angel wings.

When Daniel was seven years old, his mother was so sure that he would not have a regular life. Despite Daniel's liver problems, his mother wanted him to enjoy physical activity. But most coaches knew that Daniel was waiting on a liver transplant. They didn't want to risk him getting hurt. His mother talked to coaches of all sports, and the answer was always no.
Then, along came "Mr. Jamie." Jamie knew the boy well.
"I knew he was waiting on a liver. I saw his spine brace. I knew he needed to frequent the men's room. But I told the mother that he was welcomed to take my dance class," Jamie said. Jamie enrolled Daniel non-gratis. He wouldn't take a dime of tuition despite the mother's protest. Daniel was elated. He came to as many as he could. The other days, he was in the hospital. "Daniel functioned like any other kid," Jamie remembers. "I was really happy to make him a part of a community of young performers," Jamie said. "When his mother saw him peform, she cried." Now, Daniel's family is an extended part of Jamie's family. Daniel's mom helps my dance company however she can. And Daniel is a Jamie's son's BFF.

Children find it hard to forget "Mr. Jamie." Many of his former students follow his career. Jamie fondly remembers an African boy he taught from Park Lane Elementary in Lansdowne. He was just in kindergarten when Jamie became the school's dance instructor. When the classes ended, Jamie knew the boy would forget him.

"Two years later, when I returned to the school, the same boy approached me. He asked me about my dance program. He was now a second grader. I told him I would see what could be done to bring the dance classes back. He was elated about the possibility," Jamie said. "I love children. I am very sensitive to things that affect their self-esteem and development. My life is rewarding." Jamie Laughlin's love of dance grew in a church ministry in the late 80's.

"I was always athletic and into football and gymnastics. But, as a shy kid, dance was a way I could express myself without speaking. I was really drawn to dance," Jamie said. As he finished middle school, his mother suggested he audition for Philadelphia's School of Creative and Performing Arts. His career flourished at CAPA. He was even asked to open for The Backstreet Boys.

Now at 34 years old, Jamie is sure that the Hopi Indian proverb is true. "To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak."

He is a senior in Temple University's dance program, and recently opened his own dance studio called Ajala Essence Dance Productions in Lansdowne.

Jamie helps young people express themselves through dance at Ajala. Ajala which is African for earth "has really made me see who I am as a human being," Jamie said. "It has helped me to be in tune with the human condition."

For more information on Ajala Essence Dance Productions, please call (610) 220-3643. Ajala is also on Facebook.

"Movement Speaks"

by Jamie Laughlin,

Ajala Essence Dance Productions

When I dance I feel free. I can feel who I am supposed to be. Joy surrounds me and speaks when I move. Emotion is visual inside rhythm's groove. I break away and forget the world around. Lifted high above the chaos of the ground. I taste music in my mind, sweeter every time. When I dance I feel pure. I feel my being is made confidently sure.