1964
Mary and her family moved to Long Island, New York when she was twelve, where she assisted her mother, Adele Johnson, in starting the first African American dance school, the Adele Johnson's School of Performing Arts.
Help us build our future!
IMAGINE...
The Impossible for Every Child: Performing Arts Center
Building the Future
Grand Opening 2026
We are preparing to illuminate the stage ~ celebrating the Art of Classical Ballet in our own facility ~ Grand Opening 2026!
We want to express our gratitude for your unwavering commitment in helping us continue the Mission of IMAGINE... empowering under-served children in Houston, Texas through the artistry, structure, and discipline of classical ballet training.
We are honored to serve our community and help transform the lives of children aged 4 -16 through The Power of Classical Ballet and Arts Education!
Make a Special Gift to support IMAGINE... Today and for years to come!
IMAGINE...'s Community Arts Program
Beginner's Intermediate Class
Our Story
Journey to Success
2002
Because of Mary's love for children, dance, and her passion to leave the world a better place, Mary founded IMAGINE... the Impossible in 2002.
2026
We are preparing to illuminate the stage ~ celebrating the Art of Classical Ballet in our own facility ~ Grand Opening 2026!
IMAGINE... ~ Builds Character!
The transformative Power of Classical Ballet Training
The structure & discipline of our classical ballet training ~ involves consistent practice, progression, a sense of responsibility, and helps the dancer develop strong work ethics and self-respect.
Ballet teaches children the importance of showing up on time, being present, and doing their very best every day, even when faced with many challenges. Ballet helps to increase children's school attendance.
Our Mission
IMAGINE... The Impossible for Every Child: Performing Arts Center empowers under-served children in Houston, Texas through the artistry, structure, and discipline of classical ballet training.
Our Vision
... A world where every child achieves their full potential.
In the Community
Ballet Demonstration
IMAGINE... hosted a ballet demonstration, performing Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers in front of family, friends, and elected officials. The object of this performance was to raise awareness and support for a standalone facility in the Fifth Ward to continue transforming the lives of children, as seen in the FOX26 news clip.
Our Building Campaign
Help us build our future
We are preparing to illuminate the stage ~ celebrating the Art of Classical Ballet in our own facility ~ Grand Opening 2026!
Our team is working diligently to locate a stand-alone building in the Fifth Ward where we can begin professional classical ballet training classes for the children of IMAGINE... and eventually expand to a performing arts center offering multiple genres of dance and musical instruction.
Eph. 3:20
IMAGINE...'s Story
IMAGINE... inspires imagination.
IMAGINE... teaches discipline, expression, and self control through the art of classical ballet.
IMAGINE...'s program
- Improves academic performance and school attendance
- Works to break the cycle of generational poverty
- Improves the quality of life for our students, their families, and the community
- Provides opportunities to develop skills for careers in dance
As seen on
