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.

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?