SEEING IMPAIRED LISTENING FOR THE BEAT THROUGH DANCING!
Nov 13, 2026
Lady J had retinal detachment, but she STILL teaches dance. Her disability is not stopping her or her students as they feel the rhythm! Lady J wants her students and others to know, they can make it, so keep dancing!
What makes America wonderful?
We do it every day in the hopes of putting a smile on your face.
Jamondas Elston is a dance instructor who goes by the nickname Lady J.
And her story is unique in the world of dancing.
Around six years ago, she had retinal detachment,
which caused vision loss.
But that wasn't going to stop her from moving to the beat.
Now, not only is she still dancing strong,
but she teaches others with similar stories
to get out there and move with rhythm.
She teaches at the Disability Network Wayne County
and has about 15 students every Monday evening.
There aren't the typical mirrors in the studio,
but instead the 15 students are learning by listening,
trusting, and feeling the rhythm.
Many of the participants have limited access to transportation
or affordable activities, but they make the effort to show up.
...to their dance class, enjoying the laughter
and the camaraderie with each other.
Turns out that with patience and an enthusiastic teacher,
finding your steps and movement is still possible.
Oftentimes, people passing by the studio are confused
when they see the group holding canes
and would never guess that they have sight impairment.
Lady J wants people who go through the same struggles
that she does to know they can make it.
And that's what makes America wonderful.
The people that find joy and stay strong even
when life throws curveballs.
They keep dancing, they keep singing,
and they enjoy life in our amazing country.
That makes America wonderful.