In the words of Lady Gaga, “just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm,” Jamie Burton knows how to spin that record with his artistic dance moves.

Jamie Burton, 20, dance major, not only leads when he is choreographing, but he also leads with his determination to mark a difference in peoples lives.

“I think people should look at what he has done,” Daniel Berney, dance professor said. “He did not have the most technical background, yet he has been very successful in choreographing.”

Burton’s background in regards to the dance field started by dancing outside of school and by his old high school’s parking lot. It was only until one of Burton’s friends recommended him to join EC’s dance program.

“[At EC] I got a lot of ballet training, a lot of jazz training and things like that,” Burton said. “As soon as I got here I sky-rocketed, I took every opportunity I could.”

Burton is determined to grow as a dancer, and hopes to one day give back to those who aren’t so privileged.

“He has a great ability to move people through space and his pieces are always highly emotional,” Liz Adamis, dance professor said. “Not only is he a fantastic choreographer, but he really learns from the people he is dancing with and I see him utilizing tools that he has learned, not copying, but utilizing which is very different.”

On her last semester before retiring, dance professor Pamela Santelman admits that Burton “came in not knowing much about dance” but is now destined for greater things if he goes on to a university.

“After this for sure I want to go to a university. I’m looking at UCLA, USC, Cal State Long Beach, and San Francisco State University,” Burton said. “I like those schools in particular because I got to see a lot of these colleges performing and I can see myself performing in them.”

Besides attending a university and growing as a dancer, Burton hopes to one day open a dance studio and also start “I Dance 4 Kids,” a program where underprivileged kids can get help by becoming great dancers.

“I want to be able to give back,” Burton said. “It is unfair that the good dancers have the money and that in order for them to do good, they have to be taking private classes.”

With different avenues being opened, what makes Burton stand out is not only his choreographing skills, but his desire to lead and help others.

“He’s at the point where he’s ready to make that leap,” Berney said. “I think he will be successful and I would be happy to recommend him.”