Meet Cierra Thompson of June’s Academy of Ballet

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Thompson.

Cierra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
June’s Academy of Ballet stems from the life of excellence I experienced living the life as a young, aspiring ballet dancer. It is a world filled with endless possibilities, fairy tales, magic; as well as a world that taught me structure, discipline, and the joy of creation. My intrinsic motivation, open mind, open heart, and ability to see the beauty in everything is because dance raised me. We didn’t come from much; my first exposure to the performing arts was by way of the exemplary DeKalb School of the Arts magnet program. I took two buses to get to school, I remember my Dad taking me to my performances in a taxi, and wow, so many more stories that equate to the triumph dance provided. As a first-generation college graduate and University of Georgia Women’s Studies Institute scholar, my passion for combining dance and self-affirming empowerment strategies to build the strong yet gentle spirit of a woman is now evident throughout the June’s Academy of Ballet program. So many little girls want to be ballerinas when they grow up and why? It’s the performance, the tiara, the dressing up… the fantasy! What they end up learning along the way is discipline and the duality of strength and grace.

In a patriarchal society where girls are taught subliminally at a young age to ensure their expression, dance serves as the perfect artistic outlet for girls to build boldness and take up space. Sydney Gurewitz Clemens once said, “Art has the role in the education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” June’s Academy of Ballet was originally launched in June 2018 as an in-person summer dance camp but has re-launched in June 2020 as a one of a kind dance experience with a children’s TV show flow. The signature curriculum includes ballet technique education, powerful self-love affirmations, and performances from professional dancers. Ballerinas like Nayara Lopes of the Pennsylvania Ballet and Juliana Missano of the Atlanta Ballet were ecstatic to be featured artists in the virtual experience. Young girls will be exposed to the art of ballet and ballet technique. Parents will be able to take a break, knowing that their children are having a fun, empowered time. And most important, our girls will be impacted emotionally and spiritually by the self-love guidance embedded in each episode.

In regards to the importance of access to the arts for all, I hope to use this platform to equal the playing field in regards to access to the arts for all. Now, it doesn’t matter where you are from or if you access to a dance studio in your area, June is ready to pour light, love, and dance education into children ages 3-8. As a dance student, I never paid for a dance class or summer intensive; that’s why it is my dream to become the first African American woman to be featured in a live/animated American television series, preferably on a network like Public Broadcasting where access to dance education, life lessons, song, and dance can be available to every child. Representation matters and I’m simply being the brown ballerina princess that I needed growing up! I am so excited to see where God takes me with this vision! For $24.99/month, June’s Academy of Ballet is offering unlimited access to class episodes and segments. Each enrollment includes a Welcome Ballet Bag that includes props used for the interactive class. Go to www.junesacademyofballet.com to preview Season 1 Episode 1!

Great, 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?
Growing up, fundraising to attend dance schools and applying for performing arts grants was never an easy task, but it taught me so much about making a way out of no way. It’s the strength and motivation that allows me to freely and confidently walk in this purpose. It also, to this day, gives me chill bumps to understand that the reason why I went through those hoops to gain access to my dance education was so that I can be an advocate for children through this program.

June’s Academy of Ballet – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
June’s Academy of Ballet is the #1 Online Ballet School. Our mission is to instill poise, grace, confidence, and creativity into the lives of children 3-8. We are a one of a kind ballet school that is known for interactive, on-demand classes in episode format, for an over the top experience for children in this age range. Each class also focuses on one of the eight June’s Academy of Ballet affirmations, which makes this a win-win for parents of children growing up in the digital age where self-esteem can be affected due to unrealistic standards of beauty. With access to dance education for all as a key pillar of June’s Academy of Ballet, scholarships are offered to families in need who might not be able to afford the monthly subscriptions. Our babies will dance!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think my proudest moment yet is making a special appearance at one of my student’s birthday parties! When I entered the room with my video and audio crew, she ran so fast to the dance floor and gave me the biggest hug. We were inseparable the entire party and it warmed my soul so much to know that I had entered her home on her television screen and made an impact like this. I had to take a step back, look around, and realize that my dreams were being actualized. One of my student’s friends asked me, “Are you Elsa?” and she declared on my behalf, “No! This is Princess June!” I knew then and there why this all makes sense.

Pricing:

• $49.99 initial payment includes processing/shipping of Welcome Ballet Bag; $24.99 onwards

Contact Info:

• Website: www.junesacademyofballet.com
• Phone: 404-990-0884
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/junesaacademyofballet
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/junesacademyofballet

Image Credit:
ShotBicardo, Jazmyn Shabre

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