Today we’d like to introduce you to Geraldine Grace Johns.
Hi Geraldine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
One of my most cherished childhood memories revolves around attending ballet performances with my Mum in New Zealand. As a little girl, I was captivated by the world of dance and the enchanting productions put on by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Sadler’s Wells, the Bolshoi Ballet, and others.
At the age of four, I took my first steps into the world of ballet. Shyness seemed to be my constant companion, but whenever I was at ballet, I felt a sense of purpose. The stage became my canvas, and dancing became my means of expressing emotions that words could not convey.
Ballet became my sanctuary, a place of solace and belonging during my troubled upbringing. Being adopted, I often grappled with a sense of not truly fitting in anywhere. But within the graceful movements of ballet, I discovered my refuge – a home where I felt truly present, safe, and understood.
In those delicate moments on the dance floor, my shyness gradually melted away, allowing me to express myself freely through the language of dance.
However, despite finding my voice in ballet, I still struggled to articulate my emotions verbally. My adoptive brother, who also came from a different family, faced severe learning challenges, leaving me to assume the role of the “golden child” at home.
Trapped in this role, I had to suppress my feelings of sadness and alienation, especially concerning the bullying my brother and I endured at school. Unspoken words lingered within as I yearned for the understanding and encouragement to share my true feelings.
Nevertheless, ballet remained my sanctuary, a space where words were unnecessary. It allowed me to express my deepest emotions, bridging the gap between the unspoken struggles and the ethereal grace of the dance, providing me with a sense of belonging and acceptance that I could find nowhere else.
Immersing myself in ballet, I delved into the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, which eventually led me to London at the age of 23. There, my aspiration to become a ballet teacher blossomed, driven by the desire to create a nurturing space where the beauty of ballet could be shared and students of all ages could find a means of self-expression.
For six years, I successfully ran my first ballet school in New Zealand, but an unyielding sense of wanderlust urged me to explore new horizons. Thus, I ventured to New York City, where I fulfilled my dream of establishing a Royal Academy of Dance ballet school.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In July 2016, an unexpected hurdle emerged – a broken hip. However, as a dancer and an individual navigating life’s challenges, I had honed the art of pushing through pain, both physical and emotional. With just eight new students starting classes in September of 2016, my ballet school had just opened in NYC, and my dream was becoming a reality.
It wasn’t until February of 2017, when I received the diagnosis of avascular necrosis, I carried on, keeping my struggles concealed, fearing that revealing my vulnerability might result in losing the precious students that I had diligently gathered. Despite the pain, I persevered until the summer of 2017, when I finally underwent a total hip replacement during the school holidays.
Gradually, I found the courage to share my journey with those around me. To my astonishment, rather than facing rejection, I discovered a network of caring and supportive individuals. My ballet community became a new family, filled with deep friendships that uplifted and sustained me during my time of need.
Through the trials I faced, I learned the profound importance of vulnerability and the power of genuine connections. The challenges that once seemed insurmountable became stepping stones on my path, guiding me toward growth, resilience, and a richer sense of community.
After entering my students for their first Royal Academy of Dance examinations in March 2020, the unexpected hit of Covid disrupted my plans. Undeterred, I swiftly transitioned my NYC dancers to online classes, determined to maintain their progress and artistic growth. Despite the challenges, I managed to retain students who continue to learn remotely in NYC to this day.
Yet, the shift to virtual teaching left me feeling a profound sense of loneliness. The absence of physical and energetic connections with my students weighed heavily on my heart. Seeking solace and companionship, I decided to visit friends in Los Angeles in July 2020.
While in Los Angeles, I found myself surrounded by children in the apartment complex where I stayed. Driven by my passion for dance, I offered free classes to enthusiastic children who were feeling the constraints of lockdown. Their infectious enthusiasm convinced me to consider making Los Angeles my permanent home.
Inspired by the prospect of starting anew, I began teaching outdoor dance classes in Los Angeles while continuing to teach my NYC students through Zoom. The blend of in-person interactions and virtual connectivity created a unique and rewarding teaching experience, bringing the joy of dance to two coasts simultaneously.
In the midst of a global pandemic and amidst New Zealand’s stringent lockdown, my world was shaken when I received the devastating news of my father’s sudden heart attack. With a heavy heart, I immediately boarded a flight to be by his side, but upon landing in New Zealand, I found myself subjected to the government-mandated quarantine.
Isolated from the outside world, I could only witness my father’s final moments through the confines of a Zoom call in quarantine. The pain of being unable to be physically present during such a crucial time was overwhelming.
Throughout the following 12 days of quarantine, I grappled with feelings of grief and loneliness, isolated from the comfort and support of my loved ones. In those long days of solitude, I found solace in memories of the times I shared with my father and the profound impact he had on my life. At the same time, I persisted to teach Zoom classes for my students from within the confines of that tiny hotel room.
As I emerged from quarantine, I carried the weight of sorrow but also a deep appreciation for the value of human connections and the preciousness of every moment shared with loved ones. The experience reinforced the importance of staying connected, even in the face of adversity, and cherishing the time we have with those we hold dear.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Upon my return to Los Angeles, I embarked on a new chapter of my ballet journey by founding Grace Ballet Los Angeles. Starting afresh, just as I had in New York, I courageously offered indoor classes for ballet students of all ages, ranging from three years to adults. Little did I know that this endeavor would blossom into a thriving ballet school, empowering individuals of various ages to embrace the grace and beauty of dance.
Taking a leap of faith, I extended my expertise to include teaching children as young as 18 months old. Recognizing the impact of the pandemic on families and the need for human connection, I believed that in-person classes could bring immense joy and benefit to these young souls. Witnessing the growing number of children born during the pandemic, I aimed to provide them with an opportunity to engage with others and embrace the enchantment of dance.
Among the many offerings at Grace Ballet Los Angeles, the Mommy/Daddy and Me classes emerged as an extraordinary success. These classes not only provided young ones with the foundation of ballet but also allowed parents to actively participate in the learning process. It fostered a heartwarming atmosphere where families bonded, shared moments, and connected on an energetic level of unity.
As I look back on this remarkable journey, I am filled with gratitude for the thriving ballet community I have built in Los Angeles. Through Grace Ballet, I have come to understand the profound impact of dance on people’s lives, irrespective of age. It has become more than a school; it is a haven where art, passion, and human connections converge in a harmonious dance of grace.
Reflecting on my earliest memories as a young girl visiting the theatre, I’ve been inspired to create magical experiences for my students and their families. Through dedication and passion, I am thrilled to announce that I have now have secured historic theatre, the Wilshire Ebell, as the venue for our biannual performances.
The Wilshire Ebell, with its grandeur and history, now stands as the backdrop for my dancers to shine. Stepping onto that real theatre stage is a dream come true for every aspiring dancer. I want my students and their families to cherish these moments as they etch lifelong memories of grace, beauty, and pure enchantment.
The Wilshire Ebell will become more than a venue; it is a gateway to extraordinary experiences and cherished memories. I am committed to nurturing this tradition, ensuring that each biannual performance becomes a celebration of dance, love, and the unbreakable bond we share as a ballet family.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking has defined every step of my journey. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with turbulent times, my unwavering belief in providing dancers with the opportunity to flourish, regardless of their financial circumstances, has propelled me forward. Throughout this journey, I have invested not only in their education but also in their dreams, aspirations, and personal growth.
The transformative power of dance, with its boundless potential for every individual, has been the driving force behind my decisions. I worked tirelessly, bartending six nights a week in NYC, to save enough money to open my ballet school. I funded studio space from my own pocket and I have always offered scholarships to children in need. Every resource I have has been poured back into the business, and I handle every aspect myself – from ironing logos onto uniforms to curating performances, choreography, costume design, and entering students into prestigious examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance.
To further support this cause, I have recently set up a donation page on my website, encouraging contributions to empower these aspiring dancers even more.
The allure of the easy road has never tempted me. My spirit thrives on taking risks, and this rollercoaster journey has brought incredible highs and daunting lows. However, each risk has been a growth, shaping me both as a teacher and as an individual.
Without daring to take those leaps, I would have never fulfilled my dream of offering ballet classes to countless students who share the same dreams as I do.
My commitment remains unwavering, and I continue to invest both financially and emotionally in nurturing the potential of children, making my ballet school a testament to the power of dedication and risk-taking.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.graceballetlosangeles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceballetlosangeles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceballetlosangeles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-grace-johns-rad-rts-882399115/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grace-ballet-los-angeles-los-angeles
- Other: https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Geraldine-Grace-Johns
Image Credits
Berangere Altier, Deb Foster
