Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Cheeks.
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?
Street Sync Dance Academy was founded from a deep commitment to preserving the arts at a time when schools were rapidly cutting them. I started by building a dance team at an elementary school using my own resources, because I believed students deserved creative outlets. Colleagues and community members saw the passion and potential. Many encouraged me to start my own business, recognizing my industry connections and ability to lead beyond the classroom.
In just one year since launching in 2024, Street Sync has grown from a grassroots vision into an award winning, community centered program. We’ve performed at major events, served as opening acts for public figures like Johnny Dang and Paul Wall, and were honored by Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds for our dedication to youth and the arts. Street Sync is more than dance it’s resilience, purpose, and a platform for young people to rise.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road especially financially. I’m the first in my family to open a business with an actual location. I had no blueprint, no mentor, just a vision and the determination to fight for the little girl in me who’s been dancing since she was six. I opened my first studio but had to let it go when I couldn’t afford to keep it.
There were sleepless nights. I was almost broke. I wanted to quit more times than I can count. But somehow, I still had that fire in me. Even when we didn’t have a studio, I made sure we kept going holding practices at the community center so the kids could still perform and grow. I used that season to show them and myself that we don’t quit when it gets hard. We pivot, we fight, and we keep going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Street Sync Dance Academy is a youth centered dance academy built on passion, purpose, and performance. We train dancers of all levels in hip hop, majorette, jazz, tap, technique and more. We focus on confidence, discipline, and leadership development.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to access and impact. We offer affordable summer dance camps for working families and partner with HPARD (Houston Parks and Recreation Department) to provide free meals making sure no child is left out due to finances. We don’t just teach dance; we teach work ethic, teamwork, and presence. Our students learn multiple styles, perform in the community, and are coached to carry themselves like professionals from a young age.
In just one year, we’ve earned 1st place wins at competitions, performed at events for public figures like Johnny Dang and Paul Wall, and were honored by Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds for our service to youth and the arts. Even when we didn’t have a studio, we found a way holding practices at community centers to ensure our dancers never stopped growing.
I’m proud that Street Sync is now recognized for excellence, consistency, and resilience. We offer training, performance opportunities, and community outreach all with the goal of helping young dancers rise with purpose. We do it all!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways to work with or support Street Sync Dance. We’re open to bookings, performance collaborations, event appearances, sponsorships, and partnerships that align with youth, the arts, and community empowerment. Whether it’s a stage, school, or city event we bring professionalism, energy, and excellence to every performance.
Support can also look like sponsoring a dancer, donating to our travel and competition fund, or helping us expand our reach. One of our biggest goals is to travel not just to compete, but to expose our dancers to new places, stages, and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise experience.
We also welcome volunteers, workshop facilitators, and professionals who want to pour into the next generation. Every form of support whether financial, collaborative, or simply spreading the word helps us grow and continue creating space for youth to thrive through dance.
Pricing:
- We offer flexible pricing options depending on the class, program, or performance opportunity. Our goal is to remain accessible to families while delivering high-quality training and experiences. For the most up-to-date rates, we encourage interested families or event organizers to contact us directly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.streetsyncdanceco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streetsyncdanceacademy?igsh=MWdvaHU0bnFucDZreg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Raven Cheeks
