Super Starz~Community Events
May 2019 Student Spotlight
Brooklyn Merrill

Why I Dance ~ Brooklyn Merrill Around 2008 my mom brought me into the tradition of dance after seeing me move it to the ending credits of a Bratz movie. At that time I was really shy and even went red-faced when even just my parents saw me do little dance movements. This was one of the first times I had ever danced in my life.
Dance is one of the greatest ways to relieve stress and feel free in your own body. It is also the ability to say things with movement when words fail. It can be a great therapy for the mind, soul and has a great aesthetic and symbolic value. Dance helps you express yourself; find a way to connect with others. Dance has brought me many opportunities, lessons, tears, and love.
Over the years I believe dance has helped me become more outgoing and reach out to others. Overall I've seen myself grow more and more as a dancer even seeing improvement in the little things. It may frustrate me sometimes but in the end, all that hard work is worth it. I thank my dance teachers like Mrs. Joleen for what I know now and Mr. Ian for helping me grow out my shell. Why I dance is more than one reason but one thing for sure, dance has become a huge part of my life and I'm thankful to God for it.
Dance is one of the greatest ways to relieve stress and feel free in your own body. It is also the ability to say things with movement when words fail. It can be a great therapy for the mind, soul and has a great aesthetic and symbolic value. Dance helps you express yourself; find a way to connect with others. Dance has brought me many opportunities, lessons, tears, and love.
Over the years I believe dance has helped me become more outgoing and reach out to others. Overall I've seen myself grow more and more as a dancer even seeing improvement in the little things. It may frustrate me sometimes but in the end, all that hard work is worth it. I thank my dance teachers like Mrs. Joleen for what I know now and Mr. Ian for helping me grow out my shell. Why I dance is more than one reason but one thing for sure, dance has become a huge part of my life and I'm thankful to God for it.
July 2018 Student Spotlight
SHELBY FRAZIER

Shelby Frazier~Why I Dance
I dance because it helps me release all the problems happening within me. It helps me relieve stress and just let it all go. This is my eleventh year dancing and I never really took it seriously until about five or six years ago when I joined the competition team. Ever since then I've grown so much and I've connected it more to my personal life. Dancing has also expanded outside of the studio and I dance with my school now, too. Dancing changes my mood and it’s a passion; my passion. I’ve worked so hard to where I am now with dance and it’s just amazing to think how far I've come. My favorite style of dance is lyrical and contemporary. I love the slow and sometimes, sudden movements and the way the songs are. I dance because it’s my passion and I love everything about it.
I dance because it helps me release all the problems happening within me. It helps me relieve stress and just let it all go. This is my eleventh year dancing and I never really took it seriously until about five or six years ago when I joined the competition team. Ever since then I've grown so much and I've connected it more to my personal life. Dancing has also expanded outside of the studio and I dance with my school now, too. Dancing changes my mood and it’s a passion; my passion. I’ve worked so hard to where I am now with dance and it’s just amazing to think how far I've come. My favorite style of dance is lyrical and contemporary. I love the slow and sometimes, sudden movements and the way the songs are. I dance because it’s my passion and I love everything about it.
Congratulations, to Camryn Phillips for reaching 10 years of dancing with the STARZ!
June 2017

Why I Dance~ By Camryn Phillips
Why I Dance? When I was little and someone was dancing on television they had my full attention and I would pretend to be them, so I started taking classes. I have always liked dance class because I get to spend time with dance sisters. I call them sisters because you become like a family. Best of all I am part of the competition team so I get so many opportunities like meeting and taking classes with some of the very people I have watched on tv like Witney Carson from Dancing With the Stars. I have got to go to new places to dance, I have danced at Disney World and on cruise ships. On the stage I get to play different characters like Alice in Wonderland, Prince, Betty Boop and Amadeus. Most of all dance is fun.
February 2016 Student of the Month
Cari Sims
Why I Dance

“Why I Dance”
By : Cari Sims
As early as I can remember, I have danced. Dancing is a way I can express myself when words fail me. When I dance, all my troubles seem to disappear. Dance has taught me the power and need for perseverance, not only in the studio, but also in life. It challenges me and always has something new to be learned. Psalms 149:3 says , “ Praise His name with dancing.” I dance as an offering of praise to my Savior. Over the ten years I have been at the studio, Ms. Joleen has made a huge impact on my life. She encourages me and pushes me to reach beyond my limits. She has helped me develop my passion, not only for dance, but also for music. I am now a member of the VHS dance line/kick line, and I am also first chair clarinet in the VHS Symphonic Band. I am so thankful for Ms. Joleen and her willingness to share her love for dance with all of her students, including me. Altogether, dance has helped shape me into who I am. Dance has given me a confidence in myself that I can find almost nowhere else. I am blessed the God has given me a passion for dance.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique. They are great because of their passion.” ~Martha Graham
By : Cari Sims
As early as I can remember, I have danced. Dancing is a way I can express myself when words fail me. When I dance, all my troubles seem to disappear. Dance has taught me the power and need for perseverance, not only in the studio, but also in life. It challenges me and always has something new to be learned. Psalms 149:3 says , “ Praise His name with dancing.” I dance as an offering of praise to my Savior. Over the ten years I have been at the studio, Ms. Joleen has made a huge impact on my life. She encourages me and pushes me to reach beyond my limits. She has helped me develop my passion, not only for dance, but also for music. I am now a member of the VHS dance line/kick line, and I am also first chair clarinet in the VHS Symphonic Band. I am so thankful for Ms. Joleen and her willingness to share her love for dance with all of her students, including me. Altogether, dance has helped shape me into who I am. Dance has given me a confidence in myself that I can find almost nowhere else. I am blessed the God has given me a passion for dance.
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique. They are great because of their passion.” ~Martha Graham
Joleen's Starz perform Thriller for Vancleave Community Trunk or Treat 2015
October 2015 Student of the Month
Kyleigh Wilson
Why I Dance

Why do I dance?
By: Kyleigh Wilson
Throughout the fourteen years of my life, I have danced eleven of them. The first year I danced at Donna’s, the next year I moved to Joleen’s Starz of the South. Ever since then I have not stopped. When I dance it makes me feel amazing, no matter what else is going on in life. As I grew up I developed a passion for dancing. Five years ago, I joined the competition team simply because I loved performing. The extra practices were always stressful, but still fun. Once it came time to perform, all of the hard work always paid off. Throughout my years on the competition team, I have met many new friends and many new people. Over the years I have gotten sick and injured a lot and couldn’t dance for a while. When I couldn’t dance, all I wanted to do was dance. It was really hard for me to just sit there and knew that I couldn’t. Even through all of those times, Ms. Joleen was really understanding and still included me. When I watch old recital videos and see how much I have progressed, it makes me feel really good. It also wants to make me keep trying and try even harder. I love dancing, and I am so glad it is a part of my life.
-When you dance, your purpose is not to get a certain place on the floor. It is to enjoy each step along the way. –Wayne Dyer
By: Kyleigh Wilson
Throughout the fourteen years of my life, I have danced eleven of them. The first year I danced at Donna’s, the next year I moved to Joleen’s Starz of the South. Ever since then I have not stopped. When I dance it makes me feel amazing, no matter what else is going on in life. As I grew up I developed a passion for dancing. Five years ago, I joined the competition team simply because I loved performing. The extra practices were always stressful, but still fun. Once it came time to perform, all of the hard work always paid off. Throughout my years on the competition team, I have met many new friends and many new people. Over the years I have gotten sick and injured a lot and couldn’t dance for a while. When I couldn’t dance, all I wanted to do was dance. It was really hard for me to just sit there and knew that I couldn’t. Even through all of those times, Ms. Joleen was really understanding and still included me. When I watch old recital videos and see how much I have progressed, it makes me feel really good. It also wants to make me keep trying and try even harder. I love dancing, and I am so glad it is a part of my life.
-When you dance, your purpose is not to get a certain place on the floor. It is to enjoy each step along the way. –Wayne Dyer
February 2015 Student of the Month
Hope Rayborn
Why I Dance

Hope Rayborn~
Why do I dance?
I dance because I love it! Exactly 10 years ago I started taking dance at Joleens starz of the south. Every since I started dancing ten years ago I never once wanted to stop. This was one of the best decisions made in my whole entire childhood. Mrs. Joleen is also the reason I became a gymnast for eight years of my life. The reason I love dance is because I have a passion to dance. Thank you Mrs. Joleen for the best 10 years of dance memories any dancer could ever ask for.
I dance because I love it! Exactly 10 years ago I started taking dance at Joleens starz of the south. Every since I started dancing ten years ago I never once wanted to stop. This was one of the best decisions made in my whole entire childhood. Mrs. Joleen is also the reason I became a gymnast for eight years of my life. The reason I love dance is because I have a passion to dance. Thank you Mrs. Joleen for the best 10 years of dance memories any dancer could ever ask for.
January 2015 Student of the Month
MacKenzie Orr
Why I Dance

Why I Dance
By MacKenzie Orr
Why do I dance? There are a lot of reasons, like making new friends and being able to learn from different people from all over the country. But, I think the real reason that I’ve came back for 10 years is because I love the way it feels to show people what I ‘ve learned throughout the year. Being able to perform and show everyone what I love to do at the end of the season makes everything worth while.
When I was on the competition team, all the rehearsals and practices were worth the rewards we received for our hard work. To some people, dance is just something to do after school. It’s so much more than that to me. It’s a passion. It’s something I couldn’t live without. I’m constantly dancing wherever I am. Dancing is a part of my life and I hope it always will be.
By MacKenzie Orr
Why do I dance? There are a lot of reasons, like making new friends and being able to learn from different people from all over the country. But, I think the real reason that I’ve came back for 10 years is because I love the way it feels to show people what I ‘ve learned throughout the year. Being able to perform and show everyone what I love to do at the end of the season makes everything worth while.
When I was on the competition team, all the rehearsals and practices were worth the rewards we received for our hard work. To some people, dance is just something to do after school. It’s so much more than that to me. It’s a passion. It’s something I couldn’t live without. I’m constantly dancing wherever I am. Dancing is a part of my life and I hope it always will be.
December 2014 Student of the Month
Madison Lock
Why I Dance

Why I Dance by Madison Lock
Why do I dance? I dance because I simply can’t not dance. Dancing has completely taken over my heart, mind, and life. My life is dance, and I wouldn’t change anything about it if I had a choice.
Approximately ten years ago, I started taking classes here at Joleen’s. I didn’t take many, but it was enough for me to fall completely in love with dancing. Ever since then, my love for it has turned more into a passion. A passion is a strong and barely controllable emotion toward something. I can truly say that I have a passion for the art of dancing.
Entering my 10th year of dancing at the studio, I look back and realize how much dance has impacted my life. Dancing has opened so many opportunities for me that I can’t even keep up with the number. Not only has dancing opened doors for me, but it has also helped me discover who I truly am as a person and artist. Dance has made me confident in who I am and what I do. It has also brought relationships into my life that I am completely blessed with. I have also received many awards and honors because of dancing, including the I Love Dance “Sweetheart” Award, the “Best Dancer” for VHS Dance Team for two years, etc.
Dance is where I find my happiness, and my life would be completely different without it. I thank God every single day for blessing me with this talent and amazing opportunity.
THIS IS WHY I DANCE.
Why do I dance? I dance because I simply can’t not dance. Dancing has completely taken over my heart, mind, and life. My life is dance, and I wouldn’t change anything about it if I had a choice.
Approximately ten years ago, I started taking classes here at Joleen’s. I didn’t take many, but it was enough for me to fall completely in love with dancing. Ever since then, my love for it has turned more into a passion. A passion is a strong and barely controllable emotion toward something. I can truly say that I have a passion for the art of dancing.
Entering my 10th year of dancing at the studio, I look back and realize how much dance has impacted my life. Dancing has opened so many opportunities for me that I can’t even keep up with the number. Not only has dancing opened doors for me, but it has also helped me discover who I truly am as a person and artist. Dance has made me confident in who I am and what I do. It has also brought relationships into my life that I am completely blessed with. I have also received many awards and honors because of dancing, including the I Love Dance “Sweetheart” Award, the “Best Dancer” for VHS Dance Team for two years, etc.
Dance is where I find my happiness, and my life would be completely different without it. I thank God every single day for blessing me with this talent and amazing opportunity.
THIS IS WHY I DANCE.
Lu-Lu Sutterfield
Why I Dance
November 2014 Student of the Month

Why I Dance by Lu-Lu Sutterfield
Why I dance? I dance because it relieves my stress. I feel so happy when I am dancing. I have danced ever since I was 2 and I am 12 now, so that makes 10 years of dance. It makes me a stronger person. I am glad that I started dance, if I hadn’t, I would not have met my wonderful dance family. I wouldn’t be as happy and in shape as I am. Dancing is amazing. It shows you and others how the body moves and what muscles are needed in the process. Like, using your plie’ before jumping or leaping. It is something that can get us farther and higher. You will find yourself doing a sport such as football or soccer and taking a dance class can help you improve that sport.
I like dance because of the amazing friends I have made and the people I have met. I was in competition but I didn’t do it to win. I did it to have fun. Having fun is all that matters, that is why I do dance. I love my amazing dance instructors Ms. Joleen and Mrs. CJ. Most of all I love dance and the people I am around. But, I give a special thanks to my wonderful parents for letting me do the things I love to do.
Why I dance? I dance because it relieves my stress. I feel so happy when I am dancing. I have danced ever since I was 2 and I am 12 now, so that makes 10 years of dance. It makes me a stronger person. I am glad that I started dance, if I hadn’t, I would not have met my wonderful dance family. I wouldn’t be as happy and in shape as I am. Dancing is amazing. It shows you and others how the body moves and what muscles are needed in the process. Like, using your plie’ before jumping or leaping. It is something that can get us farther and higher. You will find yourself doing a sport such as football or soccer and taking a dance class can help you improve that sport.
I like dance because of the amazing friends I have made and the people I have met. I was in competition but I didn’t do it to win. I did it to have fun. Having fun is all that matters, that is why I do dance. I love my amazing dance instructors Ms. Joleen and Mrs. CJ. Most of all I love dance and the people I am around. But, I give a special thanks to my wonderful parents for letting me do the things I love to do.
October 2014 Student of the Month
Kelsey Smith
Why I Dance

Why I dance? Some say that dance is the hidden language
of the soul. I agree. Sometimes there are things you just can’t say out loud in
my opinion, dancing is the one way to release whatever is in you, good or bad,
and feeling that moment of relief.
I have been dancing since the age of two. At first I thought of it as just another thing to fill my time. As I matured, I realized I really had a passion for it. I started working harder and harder to be the best that I could be.
Through dancing, I’ve experienced things I never imagined to be a part of. I had the amazing opportunity to dance at the New Orleans Saints football game as a Junior Saintsation and at the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida. I was on Joleen’s Competition team for 3 years and through that I was also awarded the Michael Davenport Scholarship Award in 2013 by Ms. Joleen.
Without dance, I don’t think I would know what to do with myself. My studio is the one place that I’m not afraid to be myself and just let go. It’s the one place where I can go to relieve all of my stress and not worry about everything that may be going on in my life. The dance floor is like my second home, and I will keep on shining.
I have been dancing since the age of two. At first I thought of it as just another thing to fill my time. As I matured, I realized I really had a passion for it. I started working harder and harder to be the best that I could be.
Through dancing, I’ve experienced things I never imagined to be a part of. I had the amazing opportunity to dance at the New Orleans Saints football game as a Junior Saintsation and at the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida. I was on Joleen’s Competition team for 3 years and through that I was also awarded the Michael Davenport Scholarship Award in 2013 by Ms. Joleen.
Without dance, I don’t think I would know what to do with myself. My studio is the one place that I’m not afraid to be myself and just let go. It’s the one place where I can go to relieve all of my stress and not worry about everything that may be going on in my life. The dance floor is like my second home, and I will keep on shining.
September 2014 Student of the Month
Payton McKerchie
Why I Dance

I started taking dance when I was just two years old and I fell in love with it. After that first year, Ms. Joleen took over the studio and I continued with just tap and ballet classes for a couple of years. As I got older, and with some encouragement from Ms. Joleen, I started adding different classes to my schedule. I now enjoy dancing tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, pointe, acro and participating with the competition team!
I have always loved music and the way dancing makes me feel free. Dancing makes me feel like I can express myself without anyone judging me or my emotions. Dancing has helped me in other ways; like, I feel I am more graceful and healthier. That has helped in different sports I have played through the years, such as softball and currently volleyball for VMS. Dancing has definitely helped with my confidence and self esteem.
I have spent many, many nights at the studio learning new routines and through that I have stayed on the all "A" honor roll up until last year when I got my first "B". I have been a member of the VMS Student Council for the last two years.
I feel very blessed to have had the dance instructors I've had and I know I wouldn't be where I am today in my classes without Ms. Joleen, Mrs. CJ, and Mrs. Christi. They always encourage me to do what they know I can do and push me to get better.
I love to watch our recital on dvd throughout the summer and learn routines that I wasn't in. I also love to watch any show with dancing and hope that one day I can be on a big stage like that and dance to make other people happy.
Thank you Ms. Joleen for choosing me to be this month's student of the month.
I have always loved music and the way dancing makes me feel free. Dancing makes me feel like I can express myself without anyone judging me or my emotions. Dancing has helped me in other ways; like, I feel I am more graceful and healthier. That has helped in different sports I have played through the years, such as softball and currently volleyball for VMS. Dancing has definitely helped with my confidence and self esteem.
I have spent many, many nights at the studio learning new routines and through that I have stayed on the all "A" honor roll up until last year when I got my first "B". I have been a member of the VMS Student Council for the last two years.
I feel very blessed to have had the dance instructors I've had and I know I wouldn't be where I am today in my classes without Ms. Joleen, Mrs. CJ, and Mrs. Christi. They always encourage me to do what they know I can do and push me to get better.
I love to watch our recital on dvd throughout the summer and learn routines that I wasn't in. I also love to watch any show with dancing and hope that one day I can be on a big stage like that and dance to make other people happy.
Thank you Ms. Joleen for choosing me to be this month's student of the month.
August 2014 Student of the Month
Kaylee Molino
Why I Dance

Dance has made a great impact on my life. It's been my escape from the craziness in the world. It's led me to trying new things and meeting amazing people that I will call my lifelong friends. Without dance I have no idea where I would be right now. Dance enables me to relieve stress and to also express my feelings and my personality. I attribute my dancing career to my reason for making the VHS cheer squad. When I was in 8th grade, one of my friends begged me to try out for VHS cheer because she thought I was a good dancer. I have been a varsity cheerleader at VHS for four years. Being a cheerleader and a dancer is a part of who I am.
I have been on the A/B honor roll throughout my life. I have been involved in student council and I am a current member of the National Honor Society. When I am not at cheer or dance, you can find me at the kitchen counter until around midnight every night studying or doing my homework. I have completed two years of the Medical Program at the VHS technology center. Upon graduation, I will receive a technology scholarship which is 2 years full tuition at MGCCC. After that I plan to either attend William Carey or University of South Alabama to obtain my (BSN) bachelors degree as a registered nurse. I am very excited to see what God has planned for my life. He has blessed me with many talents to which I am grateful. I am also extremely blessed to have had Ms Joleen as my one and only dance instructor for 10 years. It has been a great privilege calling myself one of Joleens Starz. I am very honored to be selected as the first student of the month. Love you Ms Joleen.
I have been on the A/B honor roll throughout my life. I have been involved in student council and I am a current member of the National Honor Society. When I am not at cheer or dance, you can find me at the kitchen counter until around midnight every night studying or doing my homework. I have completed two years of the Medical Program at the VHS technology center. Upon graduation, I will receive a technology scholarship which is 2 years full tuition at MGCCC. After that I plan to either attend William Carey or University of South Alabama to obtain my (BSN) bachelors degree as a registered nurse. I am very excited to see what God has planned for my life. He has blessed me with many talents to which I am grateful. I am also extremely blessed to have had Ms Joleen as my one and only dance instructor for 10 years. It has been a great privilege calling myself one of Joleens Starz. I am very honored to be selected as the first student of the month. Love you Ms Joleen.
Miley Kostmayer wins 1st place in FROZEN Costume Contest! |
Starz of the South Halloween costume contest winners October 2013

Best Duo- Kyla & Sabrina Wyatt- Scarecrow & Dorothy
Most Original- Camryn Phillips- Paper Doll
Scariest Costume- Tristen Louviere- Monster High
Funniest Costume- Savannah Schneider- Funky Dinosaur
Overall Best Costume- Isabella Adorno- Peacock
Most Original- Camryn Phillips- Paper Doll
Scariest Costume- Tristen Louviere- Monster High
Funniest Costume- Savannah Schneider- Funky Dinosaur
Overall Best Costume- Isabella Adorno- Peacock
AMARI WHITTLE PARTICIPATES IN NEW LIGHT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FUNDRAISER

Amari was asked to be a participant in the King and Queen contest (fundraiser) at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. She donated over $2600 which was over $1000 more than any contestant. To God be the glory! Many thanks to all who contributed, helped distribute and purchased food items from her. Congrats to a Super Star!
Students Perform for Pascagoula Library Summer Reading Program

Level 3 students, Kyla Wyatt, Megan Wallace, Lu-Lu Sutterfield, Payton McKerchie, Callie Handler and Anna Claire Rice performed at the Pascagoula Library on July 11, 2013. They danced the routine "It Don't Mean A Thing" for the event. The girls also taught the patrons some fun dance moves such as the Lindy and the Charleston, which went well with the theme for the program. Thank you for volunteering your time and talents!
Lu-Lu Sutterfield performs at bulen church fundraiser

Lu-Lu performed her competition solo, "Sound The Bugle" at the Bulen Church Fundraiser in Vancleave on Saturday, June 29th, 2013. She did an outstanding job and represented Joleen's Starz of the South with grace! Way to go, Lu-Lu. Thank you for volunteering on such short notice.