Check Out Geraldine Grace Johns’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Geraldine Grace Johns.

Hi Geraldine Grace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in dance began as a young student with a deep love for classical ballet and the discipline, artistry, and structure it offered. Training seriously from an early age shaped not only my technique, but also my values as an artist and teacher. Ballet taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of nurturing both strength and sensitivity.

After years of training and performing, I felt a strong calling to teach. What began as a small offering of classes grew organically into Grace Ballet Los Angeles, a school built on the belief that excellent technical training and genuine care for students should go hand in hand. From the beginning, my goal was to create a studio where dancers feel safe, supported, and inspired to work hard, while also being seen and valued as individuals.

Today, Grace Ballet Los Angeles is home to a diverse community of students, many of whom go on to perform, and train internationally. I am especially proud of the school’s commitment to accessibility, scholarships, and inclusive teaching practices. Watching students grow not only as dancers, but as confident, thoughtful young people, is the most rewarding part of my work.

This journey has been shaped by perseverance, passion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of dance, and I am grateful every day to continue building a space where artistry, discipline, and heart can thrive together.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth. Like many artists who transition into entrepreneurship, one of the greatest challenges was learning how to balance creative vision with the realities of running a business. Building a ballet school required not only artistic leadership, but also financial planning, administration, and the ability to make difficult decisions while remaining true to my values.

There were moments of uncertainty, particularly during periods of growth and change, when I had to advocate for my students, my teachers, and the integrity of the training, even when that meant taking the harder path. Navigating industry expectations, limited resources, and the pressure to conform to traditional models while creating a more inclusive and supportive environment was challenging at times.

However, those obstacles ultimately clarified my purpose. Each challenge reinforced the importance of resilience, transparency, and compassion. They shaped the school into what it is today, a place where discipline and excellence coexist with care, accessibility, and genuine human connection.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and principal teacher of Grace Ballet Los Angeles, formerly Grace Ballet New York, where my work centers on learner wellbeing, accessibility, and inclusive practice within classical ballet. I believe that rigorous training and compassionate teaching should exist together, and that every dancer deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered in the studio.

My teaching places the individual learner at the heart of the educational process. I work with dancers of all abilities and backgrounds, including children on the autism spectrum, absolute beginners, late starters, and students who may not traditionally find a place within classical ballet settings. I have always believed it is the responsibility of the teacher to adapt to the student, not the other way around, and I have never turned a dancer away.

At Grace Ballet, I have built a studio culture grounded in respect, empathy, and belonging. Classes are carefully structured and thoughtfully differentiated to remove barriers to participation, allowing students to progress without fear of comparison or judgment. This approach supports not only technical development, but also confidence, self-esteem, and a strong sense of community.

I am proud that my students have been awarded scholarships to attend prestigious dance intensives in Italy and Canada, opening doors to international training opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. In addition, we have founded the Grace Collective Youth Company to bring dance into the wider community through performance and collaboration, without an emphasis on competition. The company offers young dancers a meaningful way to develop artistry, teamwork, and confidence while sharing dance beyond the studio walls.

What I am most proud of is creating a sustainable model of ballet education that prioritizes long-term wellbeing alongside artistic excellence. My work reflects a belief that classical training can be both disciplined and humane, and that when dancers feel genuinely supported, they are able to thrive artistically, personally, and within their communities.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding the right mentor has been an important part of my journey. I sought support through SCORE, where I was matched with a mentor from my local community in Culver City. Having access to someone with real-world experience who could offer objective guidance, ask the right questions, and help me think strategically made a meaningful difference, especially during periods of growth and uncertainty.

In addition to mentorship, I have found consistent support through weekly business coaching. Regular coaching has helped me stay accountable, refine my goals, and approach challenges with clarity and confidence. For me, mentorship and coaching work best when they are ongoing relationships rather than one-time conversations.

My advice to others is to seek out mentors who align with your values, be open to asking for help, and remember that building a strong network takes time. The most valuable guidance often comes from being willing to listen, reflect, and apply what you learn with intention.

Pricing:

• 45 per class for Mommy/ Daddy and Me
• 60 per class for one hour lessons for children
• Discounts given for multiple classes
• Adult classes between 32 and 36 per class depending on the length of the class
• Class packages are available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceballetlosangeles.com
• Instagram: @graceballetlosangeles
• Facebook: Grace Ballet Los Angeles

Image Credits
Adrienne Isom
Ryan Hartford
Erik Smith