Behind the Magic of a BC Dance Video – Forrest Gump Jr
A dance video may dazzle with its polish. Another dance video will stay with you because it caught something real — a spark, a shift, a truth you didn’t know you were looking for. Forrest Gump Jr. did both. It wasn’t made for clicks, trophies, or viral fame. It was made with heart. And right at the centre was a 12-year-old Jacksun Fryer stepping into the spotlight before anyone outside of Nanaimo knew his name.
You may know Jacksun now — maybe from World of Dance, America’s Got Talent, or Canada’s Got Talent. Maybe you’ve seen the viral clips, the stage battles, the smooth charisma that wins over millions. Before the stages got bigger, before the followers and fame, there was Jacksun — grounded, focused, and fully in it. Not chasing a dream, but embodying the moment. This is the story behind Forrest Gump Jr. and the story of the dancer, leader, and human Jacksun was already becoming.
The Dance Video Collection: Storytelling in Motion
For parents, the Dance Video Collection is a chance to be part of something deeper than tuition payments and costume runs. Parents are encouraged to be present, involved, and witness their kids step into something unforgettable. It’s about making memories that would live far beyond the final cut. And for dance studios, it’s a branding tool unlike anything most marketing efforts could offer.
Jacksun Fryer Turned Make Strong Normal into a Standard
Before TikTok followers and televised competitions, Jacksun Fryer was just a dedicated kid in my class at Vibe Dance Studios. I started teaching him back in 2009, and while other instructors were eager to bump him into older age groups, I took a different route. With his mom Nichole’s support, we kept him in his peer-level classes so he could build leadership, not just technique. That decision shaped him into the kind of dancer who leads not with ego, but with intention.
He wasn’t just a student — he was the lead in my first-ever theatre production, Neverland (2014). He was there when I first said the words “Make Strong Normal,” which sparked an entire DVC era. He danced until he puked during rehearsal — and then jumped right back in. (Sorry, Jacksun!) He was involved in countless DVC shoots over the years. But Forrest Gump Jr. was the only one whose story truly revolved around him.
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Final Reflection
Over the course of eight years, I watched Jacksun evolve from a shy, hardworking kid into a leader, not just in the studio, but on set and in life. While his dancing always had potential, what truly stood out was his humility, patience, and consistency. Now a dance teacher in his own right, he brings a relatability and charisma I never quite had as an instructor.
I’m endlessly proud of the journey we’ve shared — from teacher and student to collaborators and friends. Big shoutout to his parents, Jerome and Nichole, who raised him with both discipline and love. And to his sister Cypress, who set the tone early on. Watching Jacksun embrace his prime dance years is a joy, and I can’t wait to see what he builds next.
Forrest Gump Jr. Trivia
- Forrest Gump Jr. was the 6th film in the 2016 DVC edition — the only year where all 10 films were connected in a shared cinematic universe.
- There was an alternate ending where Wendy (played by Brooke Chalmers) was supposed to kiss Jacksun on the cheek, but at age 12, he refused. The waving shot became the final scene.
- The classroom dancers were from a group I called “FnA” — short for Funk ’N’ Awesome.
- The film was inspired by Forrest Gump, picking up where the movie ends — with Forrest Jr. starting school.
- The end credits scene where Jacksun was eating a box of chocolates was improvised and filmed on a separate day back in Nanaimo.
- The film’s font matches the original Forrest Gump
- Jacksun competed with this dance in the 2014–15 season. The in-between acting scenes were written just for the film.
- The choreography with FnA was taught and filmed all in one day.
- This was Jacksun’s final DVC project with me.
- Jacksun appeared in 8 of the 33 total DVC projects — one of the most featured dancers in the series.
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