Dancing Toward Her Dreams: Ki'Marra’s Journey to The Wiz

Hous Foundation Activity Scholarship recipient Ki'Marra Jones (standing, third from right) as a member of the dance ensemble for the Short North Stage production of the Wiz in November and December of 2025.

When Ki'Marra Jones steps onto a stage, she brings years of hard work, confidence, and joy. The Gahanna Lincoln High School senior has been dancing since she was six years old, learning majorette, hip hop, ballet, and contemporary. Of all the styles, majorette has her heart. “It’s the absolute best,” she says.

This year, Ki'Marra took a big step outside her comfort zone when she auditioned for the musical The Wiz. The opportunity came through her dance coach, Mr. Semaj Wright, who was also in the production. Although she was nervous about trying a new style of dance, she refused to let fear hold her back. “I felt like some of the style I had not yet mastered, but I definitely wasn’t going to let that stop me,” she said. When she learned she made the cast, her reaction was pure excitement: “Yay!”

Rehearsals were intense, especially as the youngest cast member. There were long nights and busy weekends, but Ki'Marra embraced every moment. Balancing school and performance was challenging, yet familiar—she has done it for years through majorette competitions and practices while maintaining strong grades. She sees the experience as preparation for college and for her future.

Ki'Marra gained more than stage experience from The Wiz. She learned to hydrate, pack extra snacks, stand up for herself, and try new challenges even when they feel uncomfortable. She also enjoyed meeting new people and being part of a creative community. “When you’re having fun, it goes by fast,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ki'Marra hopes to attend Morgan State University and dance with the The Magnificent Marching Machine Majorettes. She plans to study law, explore interior design, and ultimately become a prosecutor.

The Hous Foundation is proud to support students like Ki'Marra, whose dedication shows how access to activities helps young people grow, dream, and shine.