Athens Reporter

Each morning, high school dance teachers Ashley Ware and Kelly Loggins begin their day with communication about various topics. As the sole dance instructors within the Jackson County School System, they rely on each other to enhance their programs.

Loggins, head dance teacher at East Jackson High School (EJHS), said of their frequent communication: “If someone saw the amount we texted each other, I am not sure what they would think. We are very good about talking to each other, like ‘how would you handle this? Or what would you do in this situation?’”

The two have a long-standing friendship dating back to their time working together at a dance studio over a decade ago. This connection has been pivotal in strengthening their respective programs.

Loggins returned to education by taking up the open dance position at EJHS in 2015 after Ware stepped aside. Reflecting on her decision, Loggins shared: “I was caught off guard because I was staying at home for 10 years with my kids... And then I talked with my husband and he said ‘you get to do what you love all day.’”

Ware rejoined the educational sector in 2020 at Jackson County High School (JCHS) during the Covid-19 pandemic. She worked on establishing a dance program there, initially testing student interest with one class which quickly required expansion.

“When we got back into this building... Ms. (Kendra) Philips and Mr. Wester said we will do one dance class and see how it cooks,” Ware explained.

Ware's experience includes helping establish theater and dance programs when East Jackson opened in 2007. Her efforts were met with significant student involvement across multiple areas of performing arts.

Reflecting on past coordination efforts, Ware noted: “It was great... It was just this beautiful harmony of everyone’s wheelhouse working together.”

Both teachers collaborated closely this year as JCHS entered competitive dance for the first time. Loggins’ experience proved invaluable for Ware: “She taught me a lot because she knew the rules and I knew nothing really about it.”

Both schools' teams qualified for the state tournament this year. Loggins described the competition as “high-energy, lots of changes, super competitive.”

Their programs continue to thrive with full days dedicated to teaching passionate students. Loggins attributed success to student commitment: “I have great kids, and they come in excited and work really hard.”

Ware emphasized that dance teaches important life skills such as teamwork and resilience: “It teaches them to be comfortable with being uncomfortable... My job is to push them to do that.”

As Jackson County grows rapidly, Loggins observed increased popularity and respect for dance programs: “Dance is definitely more recognized in the community... Kids that they didn’t really think were possible in school before know it is an option.”