This week on Stepping Forward, we are thrilled to shine our Dancer Spotlight on Laura Anawaty. At BOOT Dance Project, we are proud to amplify the voices of Texas-based artists who are not only incredibly talented but also deeply committed to their communities. Laura’s journey is a story of returning home with purpose. It’s about building on the foundation laid in her youth to inspire the next generation and shape the future of Houston’s dance scene.

Many young dancers grow up in the world of competitive dance, including the founder of BOOT, Jessie Ferguson. Dancers train hard, perform many weekends of the year, and build strong technical foundations. That experience can be incredibly valuable, and for many dancers, it’s where confidence, discipline, and performance quality are first developed.

This week on Stepping Forward, we are thrilled to shine our Dancer Spotlight on Hannah Coburn. At BOOT Dance Project, we celebrate the incredible talent of Texas-based dancers, and Hannah’s journey is a testament to the power of community.

Hannah’s story is about how dance is not just about personal success but about building relationships, staying rooted in your home community, and embracing every opportunity that comes your way. From growing up in the Texas dance scene to navigating the realities of post-grad life, Hannah’s journey highlights the many ways a dance career can take shape.

BOOT Dance Project has participated in a dance festival, and before that, our founder, Jessie Ferguson, had the opportunity to take part in and observe several others. Through these experiences, one thing became clear—while festivals can be great for showcasing work, they don’t always create lasting opportunities for artists beyond the performance itself.

This week on Stepping Forward, we are thrilled to shine our Dancer Spotlight on Drew Phipps. At BOOT Dance Project, we celebrate the incredible talent of Texas-based dancers, and Drew’s journey reflects resilience and an unwavering commitment to her art. From her early years in competitive dance to her collegiate training and professional aspirations, Drew’s story is one of dedication.

There is no shortage of outstanding dancers in Texas, yet many face significant barriers in pursuing sustainable careers. With fewer professional dance companies, limited funding, and a lack of paid performance opportunities, dancers often feel pressure to relocate to cities like New York or Los Angeles. But what if the infrastructure existed to support them here in Texas?

At BOOT Dance Project, we believe in movement—not just on stage, but in the way we support, uplift, and advocate for Texas dancers. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Stepping Forward, our official blog dedicated to sharing stories, insights, and perspectives that shape the Texas dance community.