Grace Johnson has made her mark and worn many hats throughout her career as an accomplished and award-winning dancer, choreographer, and studio owner of Neema Dance Collective. Beginning her own dance training at four years old, she has evolved from a student of dance to a pioneering teacher of the same and now continues to build her legacy by pouring that same drive, determination, and confidence into the lives of others. Let’s meet her…
Where did you grow up?
The DC metropolitan area (DMV)
Dance can have several wellness benefits, ranging from keeping all generations active to the mental health benefits that many creative outlets help nurture. What has dance done for you personally and how have you seen it transform young girls by instilling confidence, drive and motivation that they can apply to all areas of their lives moving forward?
Dance has been a way of life for me for so long; it’s like breathing at this point. It has been my saving grace in my lowest moments and my gateway to success in my highest and most memorable moments. My students have similar experiences. Their little lives are consumed with being in the studio, fostering their gift of dance to become leaders in their schools and churches, relieve stress from being confined to a seat the majority of the day, and give them the motivation to put their best foot forward in other areas.
Tell us how you came to form Neema Dance Collective and Dynasty Elite Dance Company, their locations, types of dance programs/classes offered and the age ranges that they cater to. Is there any special meaning behind the names?
After I graduated from undergrad, I moved back home and began giving private lessons, audition prep sessions, and artist development to entertainers and prospective dance majors. After 5 years of that, I had my second daughter, Dawsyn. Before I left on maternity leave I was told that my pay would be cut by 50% and my position would be gone when I returned. Needless to say, I never returned. I nurtured my baby and started Neema Dance Collective on May 30th 2016. My daughter was born on April 15th, 2016.
Dynasty Elite Dance Company is my baby. They are the junior dance company based out of Neema Dance Collective. The “Company Kids” perform and compete on a regional and national level. They train 7-12 hours per week and hold many national titles including the ADCC Studio of Excellence award.
What is your most popular class? Do you offer any virtual options?
My most popular class is toddler ballet/tap combo. That class fills up completely within 24 hours of open enrollment season. I do offer virtual private lessons.
As the Creative Director and Founder, what does a typical day look like for you?
I still work a 6 hour day. The first half of the day is spent on administrative duties and meetings. The second half of the day is spent choreography and or teaching.
Did you have any formal training in dance or business that you feel helped you when you decided to start your studio?
I had no formal training in business outside of my Masters Degree program (Public Health). I took a lot of my business structure and strategies from working in the healthcare corporate industry.
I’ve trained in over 20 styles of dance at prestigious schools including The Ailey School and Debbie Allen Dance Academy. I’m also certified in Acrobatic Arts, Cecchetti, and Progressive ballet methods.
What can parents and potential students expect from the audition process? What level of commitment is required?
Expect black excellence, discipline, and community. Expect to be amazed at what we can get these kids to do in a short amount of time. Expect confidence, black boy joy, and a whole lot of black girl magic!
Has it been hard to scale your business in order to add more available options and also increase your enrollment? What tip would you give to start a dance studio in your local community?
Our enrollment is at a 50% growth rate each year. I had no other choice but to scale because our doors burst at the seams! I’ve excitedly added directors, educators, and administrative staff to take care of our 300 students. We share how we service our kids through marketing and live performance, people love what we do, and more come through our doors. We keep service as our number one goal and we stay consistent in our approach to develop an amazing curriculum and I’d advise others to do the same.
Tell us about a student success story and how the services and resources you provide played a role in their growth.
There isn’t one specific student to name. Every time our students walk through our doors with an acceptance letter for a scholarship to a prestigious arts school and or university, I know we’ve done our job! Our success is the success of the students. We have a 98% acceptance rate. From our teachings our students have successfully auditioned and placed in some of the top dance programs in the US like Duke Ellington school for the arts, Baltimore school for the arts, Suitland High School center for the visual and performing arts, Dance Theater of Harlem summer intensive, The Alvin Ailey school summer intensive, Debbie Allen Dance Academy summer intensive, The Washington ballet, and Maryland Youth Ballet just to name a few. Our students have been placed in movies like “The Christmas Lottery” on BET, Debbie Allen’s chocolate nutcracker on netflix and several entertainment ads.
Has there ever been a time in your entrepreneurial journey where you questioned the future or longevity of your business? How did you get out of that valley in your business?
The only thing I ever question is “how will we fund this vision”; and God shows me the way each and every time. I know that as long as I’m working to provide a service and a safe community for someone else, Neema will never go without what it needs. We will be around for a long while. I pray my way through every mountain and lesson that comes my way.
As one of few black female owner/founders of a dance studio, that alone is success but tell us what motivates you at your core?
My children (Gabrielle, Dawsyn, and Chloè) will always be my number one motivation. I wanted this for my kids to be a part of and to later carry on a legacy built just for them.
Tell us about life outside of your business endeavors.
Life outside of business is well-balanced. I attend conferences, indulj in self-care, spend time with my kids and husband, and plan family trips/gatherings.
How do you take care of Grace so that you are always walking in excellence as you juggle self-care, motherhood/family and entrepreneurship?
Spa, hair/nails, shopping, hanging with friends, brunch, and plenty of vacations!
Do you have any upcoming events you would like to promote?
Dynasty Elite Dance Company will present “Dark Mode” on February 3rd in Bowie, MD and NDC studios will hold its annual Spring Dance Concert in June 2024 at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium!
What impact have you made in your local community and what do you want your overall legacy to be?
I’m able to say that I’ve built studios in the very neighborhoods that I grew up in; literal walking distance from my old front porch and high school. I didn’t build in a city that had wealth. I built things right in my backyard to show the kids that I put our community first and I came from the same place they came from so they can do the same thing I did with hard work.
Tell our readers how they can find you online and support?
Instagram/facebook: @neemadancecollective @gracij @Dynastyelitedanceco @gracijproductions Website: Neemadancecollective.com
