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.

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?