Meet the Dancers: Jada Vaughan’s Movement Language
From Saint Louis Dance Theatre's "Meet the Dancers" series.
I've always believed that who you are shows up in how you move. For me, that means blending contemporary dance with hip hop—two styles that might seem different on the surface, but together? They create something entirely my own. "I love to intertwine the two and I feel that's what makes my movement language so unique," I explain when people ask about my approach.
Growing up in Brooklyn, I trained predominantly in black dance practices. That foundation isn't something I left behind when I joined Saint Louis Dance Theatre—it's something I carry with me into every rehearsal, every performance. When I got to perform Notes On a Farewell, it felt the most like home because that piece represents the movement language I grew up doing. There's something powerful about seeing yourself reflected in the work you're performing.
The mental game of being a professional dancer? That's the hardest part for me. Second guessing whether or not you're on the right path, doing the right thing can really play on your mind and emotions especially if there's people who don't take what you're pursuing seriously and downplay your success! It's in those moments that I lean on my circle—my friends who inspire me most, who remind me why I'm doing this.
Words of affirmation matter to me. A lot. "It's nice to not feel uncertain," I say when asked about love languages. Having people in my corner who verbally affirm what I'm doing, who see the work and acknowledge it—that keeps me going when the doubt creeps in.
My playlist reflects the energy I bring to movement: "ZENZELE" by Uncle Waffles, "Bae Bae" by Ruger & BNXN, and "Make It To The Morning" by PARTYNEXTDOOR are on constant rotation. Music fuels everything I do, and these tracks have the rhythm and soul that match how I want to move.
When I'm not dancing, you'll find me cooking or shopping—two things that might surprise people who only see me in the studio. And if you catch me scrolling? I'm probably on TikTok. I love watching content and honestly, I aspire to make my own. Cooking shows and reality TV are my guilty pleasures, the kind of screen entertainment that lets my brain rest after a long day of rehearsals.
St. Louis has become home in unexpected ways. I love winding down at Good Company in Tower Grove or Brennan’s in the Central West End. And for fuel? I keep it real: seafood and burgers. That's what keeps me going strong.
One of my favorite memories from this past season was touring to Joplin. Our first touring experience and it was filled with great vibes and love! It was one of those moments where you realize you're exactly where you're supposed to be, surrounded by people who get it, doing what you were meant to do.
The best advice I've received? "Your journey looks different than the next person!" I hold onto that when comparison tries to sneak in, when I start wondering if I'm doing enough or moving fast enough. My path is mine. My movement language is mine. And that's exactly as it should be.
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