Sumter's Next Generation, presented by CCTC: Pearson, Jenkins talk dancing into confidence at KayDiamonds Master Thee Arts

At KayDiamonds Master Thee Arts, Aalyric Pearson and Jordyn Jenkins have found a place where they can be unapologetically themselves. To them, this studio isn't just where they learn choreography - it's where they discover new parts of themselves and build lasting friendships.

For Aalyric, who's been with KayDiamonds since it opened five years ago, dance wasn't always on her radar. It wasn't until her mom, Kaleigh, started the team five years ago that she even considered giving it a shot. Now in eighth grade at Alice Drive Middle School, she can't imagine life without it. Crestwood High School freshman Jordyn, on the other hand, was hooked from the moment she saw the Lifetime series "Bring It!" The TV series documented the adversities and accomplishments of Jackson, Mississippi, team The Dancing Dolls for five years - and Jordyn was an avid watcher. The energy, the competition, the sheer confidence - they had her in awe and were her inspiration for joining KayDiamonds four years ago.

KayDiamonds offers a mix of dance styles, from intense, fast-paced moves of majorette - a favorite of Jordyn's, as she's able to showcase her perfected stunts - to the smooth, expressive flow of lyrical dance - which is the style Aalyric feels most comfortable with. One of the biggest lessons the duo has learned through their time at KayDiamonds is about themselves. Dance has shown them their competitive sides, their ability to push through when things get tough and the importance of bouncing back after disappointments. They've learned in dance, like in life, you don't always win, but that's no reason to stop giving it everything you've got.

Alongside allowing students to learn lessons on the dance floor, KayDiamonds offers several programs and classes - such as a mini medical program, self-esteem classes and even cursive writing classes - to give her students a leg up on being active, confident and capable members of the community.

But dancing at KayDiamonds is about more than technique; it's about connection. For both girls, the studio is where they go to forget about school and focus on the rhythm.

"For me, I like coming here because I love to dance, but I also want to be able to enjoy myself," Jordyn explained. "I come here [to] communicate and socialize while also doing something I love."

"I just like coming here to get my mind off things that are probably going on at school or let out a lot of emotion that I'm feeling through dance," Aalyric added.

Their journey hasn't been a solo act. Both Aalyric and Jordyn have learned the value of teamwork through working with team captains Taraji, Maddie and Amora. From cheering each other on to getting through a demanding performance to being their spot for one another when learning a new stunt, these three leaders have inspired these dancers to go above and beyond their positions for the betterment of the team and, in retrospect, themselves.

Right now, KayDiamonds is gearing up for a series of parades, a Christmas show and possibly another competition in November. Their excitement is clear, as their practices mirror the same intensity and professionalism as actual competitions. For Aalyric and Jordyn, for the KayDiamonds team, these aren't typical performances. They are opportunities to make new memories, to grow as dancers and to strengthen the bonds they've built with their teammates.

This duo found something special at KayDiamonds, a place where they can express their love for dance, learn new skills and be themselves without judgement. For them, it's not only about perfecting a routine, but also finding your rhythm in life. And at KayDiamonds, they're doing just that.