Cassandra Walter, a retired attorney and professional dance instructor, has launched Mississippi’s first nonprofit ballroom dance academy for underprivileged children. The organization, called Ballroom Mississippi, focuses on providing structured dance instruction, mentorship, and performance opportunities to youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Walter, who developed a passion for dance after watching a performance of “The Nutcracker” in Jackson, said she wanted to create access to ballroom dancing for children in Mississippi. She explained that her own exposure to competitive dance was limited to trips to Baton Rouge, where she saw hundreds of elementary school students performing beautifully. Her goal is to bring similar opportunities to children in her home state.
While the nonprofit is still in its early stages due to limited funding, Walter plans to host master classes, weekend intensives, and an after-school program for interested school districts. She is seeking teachers, students, and donors to help expand the program, which aims to prepare youth for careers in dance and related arts like makeup and hair styling.
Walter emphasized that her focus is on children who would not otherwise have access to the elegance and environment of ballroom dancing. She hopes to provide not only a hobby but also a pathway to professional opportunities, with training from high-caliber coaches and partnerships with local organizations like Bakerette Beauty for makeup and hair styling training.
Prospective participants and instructors can learn more by visiting Ballroom Mississippi’s website, as the organization works to grow its presence and resources in the coming months.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
