By: Soraya Janae
First things, first, she’s the realist! This dancer takes on any challenge in her way and crushes it, working her way to the top.
Growing up in Idaho, Jaclyn Villasenor has done it all, not only does this beauty have the dance moves to step it up, but she has a few secret weapons the world has yet to discover. Getting to this point in her life was a hard road, being an untrained dancer, trying to fit in and make it, she has made her way and still is on her journey to success.
“I was dancing out of the womb, said Jaclyn. Anytime I heard music, I would dance around my house. My family didn’t have the money to send me to dance classes, so I everything I know I taught myself.”
Truly, starting from the bottom; Jaclyn went to high school in Kyle, Texas, she danced her freshman and sophomore year then switch to cheer for her junior and senior year. After graduating high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Idaho, to pursue a degree in commutations and public relations after one semester, she left to come back to Texas.
While back in Texas, Jaclyn wasn’t sure what she wanted to pursue anymore while figuring her education plan out she auditioned for the San Antonio Roses which is an independent professional cheerleading team. Jaclyn had never auditioned for a professional team before, not knowing what to expect she, unfortunately, didn’t make the team. That rejection ignited a spark in Jaclyn.
“If I figured out a trick that knows one else could do, I would be a shoo-in,” said Jaclyn.
After countless months of practicing and training she audition for the Roses again and made the team.
After dancing for the Roses, Jaclyn took it a step further by auditioning for the Talons ALF cheerleading team, once again proving that with hard work and determination you can succeed.
Jaclyn dancing at at Talons game.
Jaclyn attended the University of Texas, San Antonio. While attending is when she had the day that changed her story. That night she and her now husband attended a Spurs game, Jaclyn had never attended a game before and her life was forever changed after watching the Silver Dancers perform.
“I watched them perform and knew I could do everything that they were doing,” said Jaclyn.
Her next step was to take the big leagues. Jaclyn auditioned for the NBA Silver Dancers and showed the world that you don’t have to be a classically trained dancer to make it. She danced as a Silver Dancer for one year before joining the sister league for the WNBA the Star Squad for the following summer.
Silver Dancers, pre-game. Photo by: Spurs Organization
Jaclyn performing at a Spurs game
“I can’t make a full life out of dancing for a professional league and it is not in my career path anymore,” said Jaclyn.
Now she is here, Jaclyn is a perfect example of hard work and perseverance. She has danced on every level imaginable and currently is taking over the acting world.
“I have been taking an acting class for the past 6 months and I am having so much fun,” said Jaclyn.
Recently, she was given a leading role in an upcoming short film. Jaclyn is wasting no time in her acting career. While she is developing her acting skills, her current passion is YouTube, with over 500 subscribers. Jaclyn wants to share her story to inspire girls all over that if she can do it so can you!
This beauty is a triple threat and is ready to take on the world, so watch out because Jaclyn has arrived.
