Meet Sunshine Dance Center’s

Co-Owner & Co-Director

Jacqueline Downs

Miss Peaches!

Hello, my amazing Sunshine dancers and families! My name is Jacqueline, but most have known me as Miss Peaches for a lifetime. I’ve been a Sunshine dancer since I was three years old. My sister, cousins, and friends were all previous Sunshine family. I moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, in '99 for college. I missed dance so much, I commuted my sophomore year every Monday to Sr. Company. I stayed in MA until I obtained two Master's degrees in Counseling Psychology & Criminal Justice. 

My thesis, Best Foot Forward Project, was turned into a Nonprofit organization, where I ran after-school programs for city youth. Using dance and therapy to give children a healthy outlet. Since then, I married my best friend, Shane. We had two babies, Jackson and Savannah, who now can be seen sharing the stage with me!

The first phone call I made when I knew I was moving back to Connecticut was to Miss Sheila. I never stopped dancing since. I’m so very excited to now co-own the studio with my lifelong friend, Miss Emily. COVID-19 threw us a lot of curveballs. I had to give up my home daycare, The Crowe’s Nest.  However, what we were gifted by Miss Sheila was gaining a family. I knew I could never give up on my second home. Thank you all for sticking with us then and now and giving us the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life. It means the world to have you be a part of our Sunshine family!!!

Love, Miss Peaches 💛