She started dancing as a young adult who was fascinated and moved by any rhythm.
Today, she dances for the Lord. The journey to her current place has been interesting, to say the least, but it was preceded by rebellion, partying, social drinking, and just enjoying life in the fast lane.
Prior to her conversion, one only had to play music and Jacqueline de Jude would automatically dance. It was no surprise, therefore, knowing her love for dancing and music that the rhythms of Danse Nationale Afrique drew her into their grip. She joined this popular dance group and thereafter, for a while, danced in hotels, participated in dance productions and performed at concerts.
Now going by the title, Reverend Jacqueline de Jude, she confessed: “Growing up, I realised I had a gift for dancing. I would go out, party, and just dance. I always loved moving.”
Her dance moves also saw her creating rhythmic moves at Cockspur Gold Cup for two years and subsequently performing in a floor show. As if that was not enough, de Jude also became a back-up dancer in a leading calypso tent and for two calypsonians – one of whom is now a fellow Christian. And while today she waves a flag during her ministry in dance on the gospel scene, back then she performed the role of flag woman in a Kadooment band for two consecutive years.
According to her: “I was on the party scene from early – around 17 years old or so. The thing is, I grew up in the Methodist church and my parents were very strict. When I left secondary school I started partying hard, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. I would party until the wee hours of Sunday morning and make it home in time for the morning service. Of course, my parents were not pleased with my wayward lifestyle, but they were glad that I was at least attending church.”
It was not long after that de Jude stopped attending church. However, as God would have it, her spiritual journey was far from over. In 2003, between the partying and dancing, a friend invited her to church. She accepted the invitation and thereafter, rededicated her life to Jesus Christ. (CH)
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