Our Story

Founded by Terrance M. Johnson, the TMJ School of Dance is a world-class training institution dedicated to breaking barriers in dance education. By addressing opportunity gaps and inequities, we provide affordable access and inclusion to students and families in middle- and low-income communities, ensuring that every aspiring dancer has the chance to thrive.

At the core of our mission is a commitment to nurturing student artists through comprehensive dance theory and technical training. We empower dancers to uncover their innate ability to teach, perform, and create, equipping them with the skills to succeed in the expansive world of dance.

Our Origins: From Outreach to Excellence

The TMJ School of Dance began as a community and youth outreach initiative, originally known as the Young Artist Training Program. This program was launched in collaboration with key outreach partners, including:

South Dallas Cultural Center
St. Philip’s School & Community Center
The African American Museum of Dallas

As the program flourished, it expanded into a full-time training curriculum in 2020, taking residence at the Urban Arts Center. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for artistic development, the program officially evolved into the TMJ School of Dance on January 1, 2021.

Since then, TMJ School of Dance has continued to uplift, educate, and inspire—molding the next generation of dancers, educators, and creative visionaries. With passion, purpose, and a commitment to excellence, we are shaping the future of dance—one artist at a time.

Our Commitment

At TMJ School of Dance, we are dedicated to providing a transformative and inclusive dance education that extends beyond movement. Our commitment lies in nurturing well-rounded student artists who not only develop exceptional technical skills but also cultivate self-awareness, cultural appreciation, and leadership abilities through dance.

Our Approach

We believe that dance education should be immersive, intentional, and empowering. Our objectives are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in dance and beyond:

Creating a Safe & Supportive Learning Environment – We prioritize social-emotional learning (SEL) practices that foster meaningful relationships and provide students with a space to express themselves freely and grow as artists and individuals.
Exploring Cultural Identity Through Dance – Our curriculum encourages students to investigate global contributions to the art of dance, helping them discover their own cultural identity while appreciating the diversity of movement traditions.
Empowering Student Artists to Teach, Perform, and Create – Through a concentrated study approach, we uncover each dancer’s unique potential, preparing them to not only perform but also educate and innovate within the field of dance.

Our Impact

At TMJ School of Dance, we are committed to excellence in both artistic and personal development. As a result, our students consistently achieve:

Greater self-awareness and self-management in their engagement with others, both in and out of the studio.
Advanced knowledge of dance theory and technical proficiency across various genres, equipping them with a strong foundation for professional and academic success.
100% student acceptance into prestigious international and domestic dance training programs, as well as secondary and higher education dance programs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their passion at the next level.

Through our unwavering commitment to dance education, TMJ School of Dance continues to shape the next generation of dancers, educators, and creative visionaries—empowering young artists to move with purpose, passion, and confidence in every step they take.

Our Faculty

At TMJ School of Dance (TMJSOD), we take pride in our exceptional faculty and staff, comprised of highly qualified teaching artists and industry professionals who bring real-world expertise, innovative teaching methods, and a deep passion for dance education to our students.

Our faculty includes a blend of full-time core instructors and part-time adjunct faculty, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and immersive learning experience. Each faculty member is carefully selected based on their professional accomplishments, technical expertise, and commitment to mentorship, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the ever-evolving field of dance.

Through our learning exchange approach, our instructors provide:

Technical and artistic excellence, refining students’ abilities in classical, contemporary, and cultural dance forms.
Industry insights and professional preparation, bridging the gap between the classroom and professional performance, choreography, and teaching opportunities.
A student-centered mentorship model, fostering both technical growth and personal development to help dancers reach their fullest potential.

At TMJSOD, we set a high standard for dance education, ensuring that our students receive rigorous training, professional guidance, and the artistic foundation necessary to thrive in dance careers, higher education, and beyond.

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Please visit our website again soon for more information about our school & faculty.