Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Ferguson
Hi Jessie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Houston and trained at Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), where I discovered my love for choreography, movement, and creation. Even before high school, I knew I wanted to dive more into choreography, but Kinder HSPVA allowed me to experiment and develop my artistic voice.
I went on to earn my BFA in Dance from George Mason University, graduating in 2024. During my time there, I had the privilege of training with and learning from world-renowned professors and choreographers, many of whom continue to be incredible mentors and supporters. George Mason gave me a much bigger stage to create on, and by the time I graduated, I had five completed choreographic works—an experience that solidified my passion for making and directing dance.
One of the most defining moments of my time at GMU was my Senior Synthesis class. This class made me realize that being a dancer or choreographer isn’t enough. If I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the dance world, I needed to be more—an advocate, an organizer, and a leader. This lesson stuck with me as I prepared to move back to Houston, where I had always planned to build something of my own.
Texas has an incredible dance community, but I saw a lack of infrastructure and opportunities for artists who wanted to stay and build their careers here. That led me to start BOOT Dance Project—Building Opportunity for Outstanding Texas Dancers. Our mission is to create performance, education, and community engagement opportunities for Texas-based dancers and audiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In many ways, it has been a smooth road, but definitely a learning curve. Starting a nonprofit at 22 years old comes with a lot of responsibility, and while I’ve been excited about every step, it can sometimes be overwhelming with everything I have to learn.
One of the biggest challenges is accepting that I can’t help everyone right away. I see so much potential for dance in Texas, and I want to create as many opportunities as possible, but I have to remind myself that this kind of growth takes time. BOOT Dance Project is still in its early stages, and I know it will take years to develop into the full vision I have for it.
Another challenge has been learning how to run a nonprofit from the ground up. There’s so much that goes into it—**fundraising, budgeting, grant writing, networking, building a board—**all while still making dance and focusing on my own artistic work. It’s a balancing act, and while it can feel like a lot at times, I’ve found that every challenge is also an opportunity to grow.
Fortunately, I was approved for 501(c)(3) status pretty early on, which was a huge milestone. Everything happened so fast that now I have to take a step back and look at the overall vision while still doing all the daily work that keeps the organization moving forward.
Even with the challenges, I feel incredibly motivated by the work I’m doing and the people I’m connecting with. Every performance, every workshop, and every dancer we support is a step in the right direction, and I know that with time, BOOT Dance Project will continue to grow into something that truly impacts the Texas dance community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At BOOT Dance Project (Building Opportunities for Outstanding Texas Dancers), we are dedicated to providing Texas-based dance artists and audiences with enriching opportunities that foster community and artistic development. Our mission is to create sustainable pathways for dance in Texas through performances, educational initiatives, and collaborative projects.
We specialize in creating opportunities for dancers by actively providing platforms for them to perform, teach, and grow. Whether it’s hiring dancers for {254}DANCEFEST performance in Waco, TX, producing Break-In Dance Fest this August for emerging choreographers, or bringing in teachers for our BOOT Camps, we are focused on making Texas a place where dance artists have real, tangible opportunities to develop their careers.
What sets us apart is that we are not just presenting dance—we are working to build an ecosystem where dance in Texas can truly thrive. Many dancers feel they have to leave the state to find professional opportunities, and we want to change that narrative by actively investing in local artists and creating sustainable, high-quality opportunities right here.
We are incredibly proud of how quickly BOOT Dance Project has gained momentum. In just our first year, we’ve launched multiple initiatives, provided work for dancers and educators, and begun developing programs that uplift and support Texas dancers and audiences. Seeing our community grow and connect through our work is what drives us.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that great dance can happen anywhere—and we are committed to ensuring that Texas becomes a place where dance artists don’t just pass through but build lasting careers and meaningful artistic connections.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see Texas growing as a nationally recognized hub for dance in the next decade. More artists are staying here and creating rather than leaving for bigger cities, and I think that shift will only continue.
The industry is also moving toward more innovative and accessible ways of engaging audiences. We’re seeing more site-specific performances, digital collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects that push beyond the traditional proscenium stage. Artists who can adapt to these shifts and find new ways to bring dance to the public will thrive.
Additionally, arts advocacy will be key. Dance—and the arts in general—needs strong public and private support to grow. The more we educate and involve our communities in the importance of dance, the more sustainable and impactful our field will become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bootdanceproject.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootdanceproject/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/BOOT-Dance-Project/61568639597833/?_rdr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boot-dance-project
Image Credits
Natalie Bracken
Jaden McInnis
Ailie Ferguson
