News-Record.com

For about as long as she could walk, Brandi Jeffers has been dancing.

So when the opportunity to turn her lifelong love of dancing into Dancer for Life (DNCR4LYF, LLC), Jeffers knew it was "do or die."

"Dancing is all I have ever known," said Jeffers who started DNCR4LYF because of her desire to change the impact that dance has on the world.

But when she first opened a dance studio in 2004, Jeffers said she closed after six months because she was struggling with personal issues that held her back from helping others.

"I had clients coming to me with low self-esteem, thoughts of suicide and financial issues," she said. "At that point in my life, I was dealing with the exact same issues - I knew that I couldn't help them if I was broken, too."

Jeffers tried to keep the studio open, but she realized that the timing was off. She took time to work on herself, and when she was ready, she opened her studio in 2005 in suite 352 at 620 S. Elm St. Jeffers said she wanted to show dancers that they can dance with a purpose and never compromise themselves in the process.

Jeffers described DNCR4LYF as a ministry where skills and anointing meet in dance that is more than just movement - it also uplifts the soul.

"Through dance, we tell a story, giving an emotional reflection of what the song is saying. It can be very emotional," Jeffers said.

Jeffers teaches liturgical, lyrical, hip hop and mime to ages 3 to adult, but she has also expanded her ministry to offer dance workshops, summer dance camps and independent choreography services.

Right now, Jeffers said she is spending most of her time choreographing and perfecting a dance concert that she and her students will hold Sept. 13 in Chester, S.C.

"We are in the process of searching for a venue here in Greensboro so that we can also have the concert here," she said.

Jeffers said she will also hold auditions at 1 p.m. Aug. 9 for additional dancers.

"We hope to bring on more dancers for our concert in South Carolina," she said.

Jeffers is also busy completing a double major in dance and business administration at UNCG.

And she is testing the waters in retail with a line of handmade soaps and aromatherapy products.

She is also hoping to launch Flow Dancewear and Consignment, which will offer dance clothing, accessories and supplies at reasonable prices.

"I am so blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams," she said. "Anytime you dance in your sleep and wake up with dancing on your mind, you just know that this is what you were meant to do."

For more information, visit www.movementsofpraz.com or call 456-4017.

Contact Adria Hairston at 412-5929 or ahairston@news-record.com