Professional Instructors
Our team consists of trained professionals dedicated to nurturing young dancers.
Diverse Program Offerings
We provide a range of classes tailored to varying skill levels and ages.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with local daycares to make dance accessible to all children.
Enrichment Workshops
Special workshops designed to enhance creativity and movement for kids.
Uplifting Children Through Dance and Creativity
Commitment to Excellence and Joy
Join the Dance Family Today!
The Sprouts Team
The Founder Kezia Rolle
Jacksonville Centre of the Arts (JCA)“JCA, The Dance Powerhouse of the South!“For 28 years, Jacksonville Centre of the Arts (JCA) has been a pillar of growth, intensity, and artistic excellence in the Jacksonville dance community. Founded in 1997 by Executive Director Ms. Kezia Rolle, JCA provides elite pre-professional and recreational dance training, shaping students into highly skilled performers, well-rounded individuals and professional dancers choreographing, dancing, and producing shows across the world. JCA’s Pre-Professional Program operates in two locations:JCA Central – a 6,000+ sq. ft. studio in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, boasting 20-foot-high ceilings and a vibrant warehouse artistic atmosphere.JCA South – a 2,400 sq. ft. studio in Merrill Road Crossing Plaza, offering an intimate and inspiring space…
Meet Our Instructors & Staff
Kaila Milan Justice
Kaila Milan Justice is a performing artist, model, and arts administrator based in Jacksonville, Florida. She began training in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and West African dance at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts at just 3 years old — though considering her mom owns the company, it was less of a choice and more of a life assignment. She later studied musical theater at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and New World School of the Arts. Her modeling work includes campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, JCPenney, Disney Vacation Club, Publix, and the Florida Department of Citrus, along with runway and commercial appearances for Gottex Swimwear, Dillard’s, the Southern Women’s Show, the University of Pittsburgh, Baptist Hospital, and E-Z-Go Golf Carts. Years of watching her mother, Kezia, teach and shape generations of performers became the foundation for her own path. Today, Kaila teaches ballet and creative movement through the JCA Sprouts program at schools like Scott’s New Beginnings, Future Leaders, Impact Northside, and Kids United, while also serving as Office Manager at JCA South Studio and Rental Manager, leading marketing and instruction for JCA Sprouts, and managing backstage for the MLK Day performances and events. In her free time, she enjoys biking, film photography, and spraying down our studio with Lysol.
Kennedy Richardson
Kennedy Richardson, 23, from Jacksonville, Florida, began dancing at eleven and trained at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts before continuing at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she graduated as a member of the Dance Theatre program. She later studied at New World School of the Arts College and now attends the University of North Florida, majoring in Psychology. Her accomplishments include performing the role of Claire in The Nutcracker Ballet, receiving national recognition for her choreographic work “Remembering,” and earning scholarships to programs such as Alvin Ailey and Earl Mosley. Kennedy is the founder of Kenesthetics Stretch, a wellness brand offering weekly stretch classes for children and monthly events for adults. In just one year, she has built a community of over 200 members. She also assists at JCA South, offers private training, and continues to grow her entrepreneurial ventures, including her hair company, as she expands her impact in both dance and wellness.
Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth Williams is an accomplished and passionate dance educator with over 20 years of experience shaping the next generation of dancers. Her journey began with intensive classical ballet training at the Florida Ballet in Jacksonville, under the expert guidance of Laurie Picinich-Byrd. Throughout her decade-long scholarship, Elizabeth honed her skills in some of the most revered classical works, including Giselle, Swan Lake, La Bayadère, Don Quixote, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. A proud alumna of the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Elizabeth’s deep commitment to the art of dance led her to pursue teaching with an unwavering passion. Recently certified by the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York, she now serves as the operations manager of the Daycare Division JCA Sprouts (Kezia Rolle). Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy is grounded in a love for the technical precision of ballet and the transformative power of dance. She is known for fostering a nurturing environment where students thrive, developing not only their technique but also their artistry. Her students have gone on to perform with professional dance companies, attend renowned colleges, and collaborate with internationally acclaimed guest artists. Through her guidance, Elizabeth continues to inspire and shape the future of dance, instilling both discipline and a profound appreciation for the art form in every dancer she mentors.
Marlon Smith
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Marlon is a powerhouse performer whose heart beats to the rhythm of Hip Hop. Fusing smooth grooves, intricate movement, and mesmerizing animation, his style captivates audiences and commands the stage. With training in Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Modern Fusion, Marlon has performed on some of the biggest platforms — including the Super Bowl 55 Halftime Show with The Weeknd — and shared the stage with stars like Rachel Platten, Nile Rodgers & Cher, and B2K. As Co-Director of the i-Move U-Move workshop series and Artistic Director of Da Hype Family and Wreckless Dance Crew, he is a driving force in shaping the next generation of dance. His bold choreography has been featured all over Florida, Atlanta, South Carolina, and Paris, France by Lavilla School of the Arts, Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N’ Out Girls, AFL’s Jacksonville Shark Attack Dance Team, Bartram Trail High School, and Disney World’s Dancing Destinations, with competitive success including leading Oakleaf High School, Bartram Trail High School, and 1st Class Athletics’ Hip Hop team to the World’s stage. Marlon currently shares his passion and expertise as an instructor at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts and Britney Boyd Dance Company.
Trenton “TJ” Shakespeare
Trenton “TJ” Shakespeare is a dynamic force in the hip hop dance world, having trained extensively with Kollage Dance Troupe (FS), A Kavin Grant Productions, Spectrum Dance Factory, Mega Mind Productions, I-Move U-Move, Monsters of Hip-Hop, Build-A-Beast Experience, and in Los Angeles. He has toured the U.S. with Showtime Australia’s The Greatest Love of All: Whitney Houston Tribute (2018, 2019, 2022) and served as rehearsal director for the Proud Tina Show (Tina Turner Tribute 2022). His major credits include performing on the Millennium Tour (B2K) and in the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show with The Weeknd. TJ’s choreography has been featured across Florida, Atlanta, NYC, Las Vegas, and Paris, and he has served as a guest choreographer for schools, cheer squads, pro dance teams, and competitive crews. He co-directs the I-Move U-Move Workshop Series, WreckLess Dance Crew, and Da Hype Fam (2 Hype, Jr. Hype, Lil Hype & Mini Hype), and is an alumnus of ImmaBeast, ImmaBreathe, A Rhythm Nation, RareBreed, and Systematic Illite. Guided by the quote, “I have to be my best so I can help others be their best,” TJ is dedicated to uplifting others through dance, connection, and creativity.
Malachi Woods
Malachi Woods is a 27 year-old who started dancing at the age of 12 at his community church following the steps of his mother. He is a well-rounded and versatile dancer who has trained under Jacksonville Center of the Arts and at Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive. He attended Lavilla School of the Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Following high school, he attended the University of Arizona to receive his BFA, then came back home to share his experiences and talents with others. He is now teaching at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts Studio and guest teaches here and there.
Chelsey Williams.
My name is My name is Chelsey Williams. I am a native here in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been dancing for 8 years. I started at the age of 14. I trained under Jacksonville Centre of the Arts for 4 years. I attended and trained at Douglas Anderson high school from my sophomore to senior year and graduated in 2022. I then attended Jacksonville University on a full scholarship and was one of five to have the honor to receive the Steiner four year award and graduated May 2026. At JU I’ve had the opportunity to work with Brian Nicholson, John Lehrer, Miguel Perez, Jennifer Muller company, Rochelle Underdue, Lana Heylock, etc. During my Senior year, I created my piece called Elohim which is about my testimony to Christ and how I got through my four years of college. My artistic passion is shaped by my faith in Christ. I create from a place of gratitude, knowing that every gift I’ve been given including the ability to move is meant to serve a greater purpose. Dance is how I express what God has placed in my heart. It’s how I process, reflect, and share stories that matter. I’m drawn to choreography that speaks to identity, healing, and truth especially when those truths have been overlooked or misunderstood. I believe that movement can be a form of ministry. My philosophy is to create work that is honest, spiritually grounded, and emotionally real. I hope to continue this work as I grow as an artist, teacher and a person.. I am a native here in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been dancing for 8 years. I started at the age of 14. I trained under Jacksonville Centre of the Arts for 4 years. I attended and trained at Douglas Anderson high school from my sophomore to senior year and graduated in 2022. I then attended Jacksonville University on a full scholarship and was one of five to have the honor to receive the Steiner four year award and graduated May 2026. At JU I’ve had the opportunity to work with Brian Nicholson, John Lehrer, Miguel Perez, Jennifer Muller company, Rochelle Underdue, Lana Heylock, etc. During my Senior year, I created my piece called Elohim which is about my testimony to Christ and how I got through my four years of college. My artistic passion is shaped by my faith in Christ. I create from a place of gratitude, knowing that every gift I’ve been given including the ability to move is meant to serve a greater purpose. Dance is how I express what God has placed in my heart. It’s how I process, reflect, and share stories that matter. I’m drawn to choreography that speaks to identity, healing, and truth especially when those truths have been overlooked or misunderstood. I believe that movement can be a form of ministry. My philosophy is to create work that is honest, spiritually grounded, and emotionally real. I hope to continue this work as I grow as an artist, teacher and a person.
