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Our Mission
Jabberwocky Studios empowers and enfranchises participants through the arts while celebrating the diversity of our community.
CoMo Africa Fest 2019
The Power and Promise of Women Gala Performance

Price: $12 individual, $20 family
Date: March 8, 2019
Time: Doors open at 6PM, Performance starts at 7PM.
Venue: Missouri Theatre, 203 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO 65211
Come at at 6PM to enjoy African art work and more! Performance begins at 7PM featuring:
- Ayodele all female Drum and Dance group from Chicago
- Vocalists Aina Cook from Saint Louis and Columbia's own Symonne SPARKS
- Redeem Christian Church Choir
- Made in Africa Dancers of the Mizzou African Student Association
- Speakers: Dr. Tola Pearce, Judith Mutamba, Gloria Mangoni
$5 admission to the afterparty at the Industry with ticket: African Dance music spun by DJs Tunde and Johnny Seven
CoMo Africa Fest 2019 Meet and Mingle
Price: $40 individual, $70 for two, includes admission to Gala performance on March 8.
Date: March 7, 2019
Time: 6:30- 8:00 PM
Venue: Orr Street Studios, 106 Orr St, Columbia, MO 65201
Meet and Mingle with members of Ayodele Drum and Dance, Enjoy African storytelling by Missouri Arts Council Touring Artist, Kenya Ajanaku, Sample South African Wines, Try homemade African appetizers, Network with Community leaders in the arts, inclusion and equity
Jabberwocky Studios Policies
1. Class Cancellations:
Every attempt will be made to schedule a make up class in the event that a class is canceled due to inclement weather. However, this cannot be guaranteed. If a class is cancelled by the instructor or studio for any other reason, one make up class will be offered either during or at the end of the semester.
2. Tuition:
Jabberwocky Studios realizes that economic differences are a significant source of diversity in our community. In an effort to represent this diversity among Jabberwocky participants we maintain the following policy: Children and adults from any family that qualifies for free or reduced school lunch may participate in Jabberwocky classes, camps or activities by making a donation to the studio. There should be one donation per student per activity. A donation level for each class will be suggested but any donation will be accepted as sufficient.
3. Space Rental Policy:
Jabberwocky Studios is dedicated to serving the Columbia community. Our studio will be available for rental to organizations whose mission aligns with that of Jabberwocky. Space rental is granted at the discretion of the Executive Director and only if there is no Jabberwocky activity scheduled at the time. The basic rental fee for the entire studio will be $20/hour. Special arrangements may be made for rental of a portion of the studio, or in the case of repeated use by the same renter. Revenue sharing agreements may be worked out on a per case basis.
4. Tuition Benefit for Instructors:
A tuition waiver in the amount of the tuition charged for the class being taught will be extended to each instructor in a semester in which they teach. If the instructor is teaching more than one class, the waiver will be in the amount of the highest tuition for a class that they are teaching. The waiver may be used by the instructor or immediate family of the instructor and spent on one or more classes up to the waived amount. Any portion of the waiver that is not used by the end of a given semester will not roll over.
5. Instructor Reviews:
In addition to periodic conversations during the period of instruction, each instructor will have a formal review with the Executive Director at the end of the class session. The review will be an opportunity to recognize instructor strengths and identify areas for improvement. It will also be an opportunity for the instructor to provide constructive feedback to studio staff. A written record of the review will be retained in the Jabberwocky files to allow for accurate and specific comments in the event that the instructor later seeks a letter of reference. If no positive comment is possible, Jabberwocky will decline to fill out a letter of reference but will never give a negative letter.
6. Instructor Salaries:
The following policy applies to employees teaching in-studio classes. Each instructor will receive a base pay of ten dollars per hour of instruction. Any revenues generated in excess of twenty dollars per hour will be divided 25% to the instructor and 75% to the studio. In most cases this will mean that, after two full pay tuitions for the class, revenues from additional students will be shared. There is no salary cap for instructors. (For instance, the wage for a class with 3 full pay students will be $12.50 per hour. The wage for a class with 4 full pay students will be $15 per hour.)
Our Courses
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Dance
Dance
Blues Dance
Instructor: Alycia Gamargo and Seth Bodine
Blues dancing is a family of historical dances that developed alongside and were danced to blues music. This class introduces the basic principles of blues dancing with and without a partner. We will start the session with one solo blues class. Then we will cover jookin’ and ballroomin’ blues where we can incorporate turns and dips into the dance.
11 classes, Sundays, 6:30-7:30 PMAges 15 to adult
Sundays, 6:30-7:30 PM
$70 per student.
Adult/Intermediate Tap
Instructor: Cato
This class is for more experienced tapper or more mature students. It will be move faster and cover more advanced skill than the beginner class but with the same fun, supportive environment. 11 classes. Tuesdays, January 8- March 19.
Ages 12-adult
5:00-6:00 pm
$130 per student.
Swing Choreographed Dance
Instructor: Jeanette Bailey and Chase Rother
This class is intermediate level that builds lead/follow skills as well as solo movement. Students will learn 1 or 2 classic swing choreographies as well as a "Chase and Jeanette" original, that will be performed around town at local events as well as at regional competitions. This class will also include instruction on dips, tricks, and lifts as they pertain to the choreography. Some experience with swing dancing is a prerequisite. 11 classes. Sundays, January 6- March17.
Ages all ages
Sundays 5:00-6:00 pm
$70 per student.
Hip Hop – Break Dance Beginner
Instructor: Joe Schlottach
In this introductory class students will learn basics of the four pillars of break dance; top rock, footwork, power moves and freezes. 11 classes. Sundays, 1:00-2:00 PM. January 6 - March 17.
Ages 6 and up
Sundays, 1:00-2:00 PM
$130 per student.
Bollywood Dance
Instructor: Abhilasha Sharma
Cinema is BIG in India and it even has it's own signature dance style: Bollywood! Learn the basics of this fun, upbeat Indian pop style and put them together to dance to Bollywood tunes. As a bonus you will also learn some elements of India folk dance from our award winning, New Delhi born instructor/choreographer. 10 classes, October 3- December 13.
Ages 10 to adult
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 PM
$116 per student.
Hip Hop Break Dance Intermediate
Instructor: Joe Schlottach
This class is for dancers who are ready to take their B-boy or B-girl game to the next level. Develop sets, broaden your repertoire and get ready to battle! 11 classes, Fridays, 7:30-8:30 PM, January 11- March 22.
Ages 13- adult
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 PM
$130 per student.
Beginner Ballet
Instructor: Jeanette Bailey
This class if for the tiniest dancers who want to learn in a relaxed, child centered environment or are exploring their interest in dance. No dress code. 11 classes. Sundays, 2:00 - 2:45 PM, January 6 - March 17 45 minute classes.
Ages 4-7
Saturdays 11:00 - 11:45 AM
$135 per student.
Hip Hop- Break Dance, Beginner II
Instructor: Alex Schust
This class is a step up from the beginner class for qualifying students. With additional rigor, we will focus on flow and style in addition to expanding our repertoire of moves. 11 classes. Fridays, 6:30-7:30 PM. January 11 - March 22.
Ages 7 and up
Fridays, 6:30-7:30 PM
$130 per student.
Hip Hop- Beginner
Instructor: Alex Schust
This class is for beginner hip hop dancers who want to learn basic dance techniques that will allow them to develop a unique dance style and improvise to music as well as dance choreography with classmates. This is a great confidence builder for school social events and lots of fun! 11 classes. Sundays, 2:00-3:00 PM. January 6 - March 17.
Ages 7 and up
Sundays, 2:00-3:00 PM
$130 per student.
Adult Hip Hop
Instructor: Rebecca Wallace
Meet new friends when you get together with like minded adults to learn hip hop techniques and choreography in a fun, low pressure environment. Great Fun, Great Exercise! This class can feed into our hip hop squad when appropriate. 11 classes. Sundays, January 1- March 17
Ages 16 and up
Sundays 3:00-4:00 PM
$174 per student.
Hip Hop: Performance Squad
Instructor: Guest choreographers
This class will teach you to polish skills, pick up choreography quickly, and present a clean performance. Invited dancers will form Jabberwocky's performance squad for private and public events. By invitation. Call to schedule an audition. Sundays, 4:00-5:00 PM. Ongoing.
Ages by invitation
Sundays, 4:00-5:00 PM
$50 per student.
Beginner Tap
Instructor: Cato
Our instructor will work with young tappers in a fun supportive environment. This class is for kids who are new to tapping. It won't be long until little tappers can create a joyful noise with those shoes! Beginner tap shoes are available at Payless. 11, 45 minute classes. Tuesdays, January 8 - March 19.
Ages 7 and up
Tuesdays 4:15- 5:00 PM
$116 per student.
Spoken Word Poetry
Jabberwocky’s Speak: Spoken Word Poetry Club
Instructor: Mike Barrett and Linda Schust
Jabberwocky Speaks: slam poetry club. This free club meets weekly to talk and write/share poetry. You will compete at Louder Than a Bomb and have many other opportunities to perform your poetry. To find out more or to sign up, contact Linda by calling or texting 573-239-9899 or by email at jabberwockycomo@gmail.com. Congratulations to all participants in the Spring 2018 Louder Than A Bomb Competition, where Jabberwocky placed 2nd. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS!
Ages 10 to adult
Sundays 5:00-6:00 PM
$0 per student.
Visual Arts
Around the World Workshop: German Christmas Traditions
Instructor: Grace Dablemont
Join us for a story about Christmas in Germany and a craft activity. Check back for the details as the date approaches! December 15. Minimum enrollment of six to hold the class.
Ages grades 2-5
3:00-4:30 pm
$42 per student.
Around the World Workshop: Pakistani Wedding Traditions
Instructor: Grace Dablemont
Join us for a story about a Pakistani-American girl and her worries about being accepted at school after having her hands decorated with henna. Then have you hands painted and create a mendhi designed scratch art project. November 17. Minimum enrollment of 6 to hold class.
Ages grades 2-5
3:00-4:00pm
$15 per student.
Around the World Workshop: Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, story and art project
Instructor: Grace Deblemont
Join us for a story about Mexico's Dia de los Meuartos celebration and learn about collage by making a neat skeleton composition. October 27 Minimum enrollment of 6 to hold class.
Ages grades 2-5
3:00-4:30 pm
$15 per student.
Voice
"I feel really comfortable in front of Kacie...I am learning new techniques and realizing I can hit notes I didn't know I could hit."
--Janylah T., student
Private Instruction
Instructor: Kacie Watson
Private lessons lasting 30 minutes. $20 per session. Please contact Linda Schust at jabberwockycomo@gmail.com to arrange for a trial lesson.
Throw a Party
Artsy Parties
Use our space to host a birthday party. We can offer arts or crafts activities for participants and arrange for catering.
Dance Parties
Use our 750 square foot dance floor, amplification system and adjoining rooms to host a dance party for your child, family, or organization.
Book Clubs
Use our reading room for your book club. Coffee available.
See our rental policy
Contact Linda Schust at jabberwockycomo@gmail.com for scheduling and pricing information.Register
Tuition Policy: Jabberwocky Studios realizes that economic differences are a significant source of diversity in our community. In an effort to represent this diversity among Jabberwocky participants we maintain the following policy: Children and adults from any family that qualifies for free or reduced school lunch may participate in Jabberwocky classes, camps, or activities by making a donation to the studio. There should be one donation per student per activity. A donation level for each class will be suggested but any donation will be accepted as sufficient.
Please bring payment by cash or check to the first class.
Thank You
Thank you for your interest in our classes! Bring your payment to the first class via cash or check.Register
Thank You
Thank you for your interest in the African Culture Fest! You should receive a confirmation email shortly.CoMo Africa Fest 2019 Meet and Mingle
Africa Fest
Our Team
Click photos for more information
Alycia Gamargo
Alycia started swing dancing in 2014 with the Mizzou Swing Society, where she was introduced to blues dance as well. Since then she has fallen in love and travels across the country to dance workshops and exchanges. She won 2nd place at both Dance St. Lou Blue and Blues with Friends jack and jill competition. Alycia taught her first lesson in 2016 and hopes to spread the love of dance. “I just want everybody to be happy and dance.”
Seth Bodine
Seth started blues dancing in 2012 in Denver Colorado where he was instructed by some of the country's best dancers. He began teaching in Colorado before coming to the University of Missouri for his masters in journalism. Seth has always loved to dance and is excited to be in Missouri to continue his studies and dance.
Hope Schust
Hope has studied hip hop and break dancing for four years at Jabberwocky Studios. She loves Chicago and house footwork, tutting, bone breaking and free styling. Hope was a member of the Rock Bridge High School dance team, Unique, in her freshman year. She is a current member of the Jabberwocky Squad. She was mentored, as a teacher, by Rebecca Wallace as part of Jabberwocky's "Learn to Work" program. Hope has taught hip hop at Jabberwocky, and for Jabberwocky at Adventure Club and Camp Hickory Hill. Hope wants to share the joy she gets from dancing and music with others!
Grace Dablemont
Grace Dablemont isa junior at Rock Bridge High School. She is involved in the fine art community in many ways including photography, henna design, and music through Dark Room Records and Columbia's Roots and Blues festival. She has missioned in several Latin American countries and loves to explore other cultures and traditions. Grace was an instructor at Jabberwocky's summer camp in 2018. She excels at working with children as a fun, supportive leader and instructor.
Alex Schust
Alex began dancing in 2014 as one of Jabberwocky's original students. As part of Jabberwocky's "Learn to Work" internship program, Alex learned to teach under the mentorship of instructor Joe Schlottach.He is a founding member of Jabberwocky's performance dance squad and served as our outreach teacher to the Youth Empowerment Zone in summer of 2018. Alex is a senior at Rock Bridge High School and is beginning his fourth year as a member of Rock Bridge Show Choirs. He loves to teach and to share his enjoyment of freestyling.
Cato
Briana “Cato” fell in love with dance at the age of 4 by watching music videos and learning the choreography. Cato hails from Chicago, where she was an all star cheerleader for 5 years and completed 3 years of dance classes in ballet, tap and hip-hop. She has won 2 state championships and 3 city championships with the Morgan Park Pom Team, and currently dances on Mizzou’s club sports team, Outer Limits. Cato is excited to get back into teaching tap and sharing the love of dance. Cato is also involved in OneMic Poetry Collective giving a platform for spoken word creatives, Louder Than A Bomb high school poetry competition and Faith Voices.
SymonneSparks
Originally from St. Louis, MO., Symonne has been involved creative arts all of her life, but singing is her first passion. She trained with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, then completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Vocal Performance at the University of Missouri. Symonne dabbles in many genres, including Pop, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theatre, and Opera. She has performed 100+ times locally, including solo performances and collaborations with local recording artist LOOSE LOOSE. SymonneSPARKS hopes to give others the chance she received at being a part of the world of music.
Rebecca Wallace
Rebecca trained in hip hop in Saint Louis under Nick Gates. She excels in team and freestyle dancing and is a valued member and choreographer on Jabberwocky's hip hop squad. Currently part of the guidance team at Battle High School, Rebecca is a talented teacher and mentor.
Chase Rother
Chase Rother started dancing in 2014 with two left feet, no rhythm, and a great fear of dancing at his friend’s wedding. Since joining Mizzou Swing Society he’s become the life of the party, and greatly enjoys the physical fitness, socialization, and artistic expression that dance has to offer. At 27 years old he is the physical embodiment if “it’s never too late to start”. Chase travels regularly to nearby cities to study vernacular jazz dance styles including Lindy Hop, Charleston, St. Louis Shag, and solo jazz choreographies from professional instructors. Chase has two years of experience teaching beginner dance lessons for Mizzou Swing Society and Columbia Parks and Recreation. His classes emphasize the parts of the dance he fell in love with: physical fitness, social connection, and artistic expression.
Jeanette Bailey
Jeanette Bailey has been studying vintage vernacular jazz dance since 2006. Her style is true to the swing era of the 20s, 30s, and 40s but incorporates modern elements to add structure and depth to choreographies. She specializes in solo and partnered swing dances including the Charleston, Lindy Hop, and Balboa. Her debut choreography featured original movement paired with imaginative rhythms and won first place at the Collegiate Jitterbug Championships. Jeanette has 5 years of teaching experience and enjoys sharing her knowledge of swing dance and its culture with students. Jeanette’s classes incorporate technical concepts while maintaining a light, casual, fun atmosphere and are designed to build students’ confidence on the dance floor.
Abhilasha Sharma
A resident of Columbia for eight years, New Delhi born Abhi began dancing as a child and has never stopped. She has danced Indian folk dances including Manipuri, Punjabi, Haryanvi etc. She loves Bollywood dance as well. In college she won prizes at the city and state level for her dancing and choreography. She says," I can’t imagine my life without dance. I love Bollywood dancing!"
Joe Schlottach
Joe has been B-Boying for about 14 years and has taught at several studios around Columbia. His students have ranged from five year olds to adults. Breakdance is a hobby and a passion of his that he plans to continue as long as he is capable of dancing. Joe has been drawing since second grade and considers it his first love. He began painting murals after graduating from Rock Bridge High School and his work is displayed in homes and business around Columbia including Mill Creek School. He is currently illustrating a 200 page graphic novel and planning for a mural at Jabberwocky. Joe loves to share his passion and talent with his students and is a master at establishing a positive excitement in his classes.
Get in touch
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