LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Many kids in Kentucky grow up dreaming of wowing crowds on the floor of Rupp Arena. Joseph “JoJo” Edmonds Jr. was the first man at the University of Kentucky to accomplish that as a member of the UK Dance Team.
“It certainly gave us an opportunity to establish a platform,” Edmonds said.
Edmonds said artists such as Michael Jackson, Usher and Chris Brown have left an impression on him.
“I have vivid memories of watching old Michael Jackson music videos and things like that. My grandfather had them on VHS,” Edmonds said.
“I took my first dance class and it felt like all the pieces came together,” he said.
Joseph Edmonds Sr. is proud to watch his son lead the way.
“Young black men can really reach out and be a part of something different than what they’ve traditionally been a part of,” he said.
“I can honestly say that my son has definitely opened my eyes to so much more. I’m so grateful that my son was allowed to do those things and that the Lord gave him this gift. “I’m doing it,” Edmonds Sr. said.
Lily Miracle has been dancing with Edmonds for years and is now one of his approximately 50 teammates.
“He always gets everyone excited and dances around,” Miracle said. “It’s really fun to be around him.”
“I was really proud of him because I’ve known him for a long time and I knew he could do it,” she said.
Edmonds said he doesn’t think much about being the team’s starting man, but is happy with the way things are going and hopes others dream the way he does. Told.
“Men in general have the opportunity to express themselves artistically more than ever before, and I think that’s probably one of the greatest things,” he said.
“If you support me, look forward to it. If you don’t support me, don’t!”
The University of Kentucky dance team will compete at the Universal Dance Association College Nationals at Walt Disney World from January 12th to 14th.