JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The students and staff at Pine Forest School of the Arts were abuzz with excitement as they welcomed a special guest back to their halls. Amari Marshall, a former student and dance co-captain on Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour, returned to her elementary school, bringing with her an aura of greatness.
MORE: Jacksonville native who graced the stage with Beyoncé hits Tinseltown to watch Renaissance film | River City Plus: A dance deep with Amari Marshall
Amari, who performed alongside Queen B’s daughter, Blue Ivy, earned her spot not just for her remarkable skill but also for her ability to connect with people. This unique ability was on full display as she engaged with students and staff at Pine Forest, accompanied by Laura Hammock, the dance teacher who had recognized her potential many years ago.
“I didn’t know she was going to be a star,” Hammock reminisced. “But when she was in my second-grade class, I gave her the main part,” Hammock said.
She remembered Amari performing an Alvin Ailey piece with a white umbrella, a moment still vivid in Amari’s memory.
“I just remember being so scared, but the passion and emotions made me connect with the dance immediately,” Amari said.
Amari’s mother Tiffany remembers that performance as well.
“To see her come out with a little umbrella, doing ‘Wade in the Water,’ was breathtaking. I looked and thought, ‘Oh my god, she is a star,’” she said.
That dance planted a seed that would grow to take Amari around the world.
After graduating from Sandalwood, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles with just $14,000 to their name.
“We went broke, but we were determined,” Tiffany recalled.
In L.A., Amari faced numerous rejections but persevered.
“Being Black, dark-skinned, and plus-sized in the entertainment industry is tough,” she said. “But the successes were huge: choreographing for Janet Jackson, Ciara, TV appearances, ad campaigns.”
Despite her global success, Amari remains deeply connected to her roots.
“Sharing is caring. I want to show these kids that we can really do this,” she said, reflecting on her motivation to give back to her community.
A significant influence in Amari’s life was her brother, Andre, who inspired her to dance.
Tragically, Andre passed away in a car accident in June 2023. During a Renaissance Tour show, Beyoncé paused for a minute in his honor, and Amari took center stage, dedicating her performance to him.
“I feel happy to dedicate everything in his name. If you know about Amari, you’re going to know about Andre,” Amari said.
Despite her grief, Amari pushed forward, driven by her family and her brother’s spirit.
“Everyone thought I might leave, but my family and Andre’s spirit kept me going. This is our testimony,” she said.
Amari’s visit to Pine Forest School of the Arts not only highlighted her incredible journey but also served as an inspiration to the next generation of students. Surrounded by enthusiastic children, she encouraged them to dream beyond their immediate surroundings, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
The family is hosting Dre Day Block Party at Nexus Creative Hub, located at 1824 North Pearl Street in Jacksonville.
The event will be the ultimate celebration of all things Dre. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with music, food, and fun. The event will take place on June 29, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and there is a $10 entry fee. Tickets can be purchased here: Eventbrite - Dre Day Block Party.