Today we’d like to introduce you to Naeemah Muhammad.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Washington, D.C and raised in Naperville, Illinois. I began dancing at the age of 3. I was accustomed to being the only black girl in every class due to my hometown. My mother drove 30mins away for me to have a black ballet teacher. I was the only black girl in my ballet classes but that teacher changed my life. I knew at a young age I wanted to be a ballerina, choreographer and own my own dance studio.
My mother, Sharrieffah Muhammad was a beautiful dancer so it’s in my DNA. Dance has always been my passion. I created Stay on pointe dance academy in May 2020. In the midst of a pandemic, being a new mom and dealing with my mother battling health issues, God allowed me to Persevere in order to make my dreams a reality. My parents, husband, siblings and family supported me every step of the way. What started as virtual classes has grown into a dance company offering in studio, virtual and private ballet classes. I lost my mother in September 2020 and in my darkest hour my dance company continued to grow and inspire me to never give up. My mother is my inspiration and motivation. Stay on pointe dance academy is the cultivation of years of love and appreciation of arts and culture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has not been easy but I know God is the best of planners. My dance company has been apart of the healing process after my mother passed away. Dance has always been my favorite outlet. It always allowed me to feel every emotion in a safe space. Growing any company takes time and patience. This journey has taught me patience and endurance.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stay On Pointe Dance Academy?
At Stay On Pointe Dance Academy LLC, our passion is Dance education. We offer in studio classes locally and virtual classes worldwide. Our classes help introduce ballet terms, techniques & creative movements to ages 3-12! Our classes include pre-ballet, ballet I and ballet II. Students develop rhythm, flexibility, coordination and confidence while learning ballet terminology. Our in studio classes are located at Hunter Memorial Park, 8830 Gurley Rd Douglasville, GA! We also offer virtual one on one private lessons. We offer ballet lessons at affordable rates for every family. Ballet lessons should be available to everyone in our community regardless of race, class, size, etc. we believe that representation matters. Ballet is universal and no matter your skin color, age or size, you can be a ballerina.
What are your plans for the future?
We are looking forward to our spring and summer classes! We look forward to adding jazz and hip hop lessons this summer!
Contact Info:
- Email: Stayonpointedanceacademy@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stayonpointedanceacademy?igshid=49p0m4onw472
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Dance-Studio/Stay-on-Pointe-Dance-Academy-LLC-106337837811128/
Image Credits
Kelli Dionne Visuals
