HOUSTON – When you walk into Thurgood Marshall Elementary these days, you’re not just walking into a school—you’re entering a training ground for future stars.
And at the heart of it all is Amber Ferguson, the dance teacher who turned a dream, a speaker, and an empty classroom into an award-winning team.
“No mirrors, no walls, no ballet bars—just a vision, a dream, and a classroom,” Ferguson said.
Back in 2019, she helped start the program with no dance studio and a group of wide-eyed students in sneakers. Then came COVID-19.
“That was the school year we came and didn‘t come back after spring break,” she explained. “We had to manipulate how to build a program... we had (to) dance outside to kind of maximize the numbers and keep the social distance.”
Through masks, distancing, and virtual rehearsals, she kept the music playing.
Now in 2025, those same kindergartners she started coaching with are fifth graders leading a team that just swept the district competition scene.
The wins speak for themselves
- Multiple Division 1 ratings awards
- Outstanding choreography awards
- Top placements in hip hop and novelty style awards
- Solo categories awards (Dalyza Tercerro, Mara Pedrazzo, Zoey Sykes, and Kennedy Prince)
- Top 9 Overall award — out of all elementary, middle, and high school teams in the entire competition
Yes, you read that right: elementary schoolers ranking in the top 9 across all grade levels.
“It’s amazing to win, but we can never let it rest until our better is our best,” Ferguson said. “We (got) eighth, but next year…we’re going for six.”
The program’s success has earned district-wide praise.
“Thurgood Marshall’s dance program has become a powerhouse of young talent,” said Sanja Korman, K–12 Dance Specialist for HISD Fine Arts Department. “Under Amber Ferguson’s (leadership)... the program has earned top honors across local and district competitions. ”
The Beyoncé effect: ‘Cowboy Marshall’ brings the house down
This spring’s final performance, called Cowboy Marshall, was Ferguson’s creative brainchild fueled by none other than Beyoncé herself.
“At first I wasn’t going to introduce a brand of dance,” she said, laughing. “And then I saw Beyoncé’s Bowl, and I was like…this is it. This is what we’re doing.”
What followed was a production worthy of its own music video. Ferguson choreographed it during her off-hours, from her car to her conference period.
“I just sit outside and just listen to the music over and over.” Ferguson expressed.
She trained her dance students one group at a time until the full vision came together. In the final week, she transformed the gym into a makeshift auditorium, complete with stage wings, seating sections, and designated stage zones.
When KPRC’s Zorrie Jones asked Ferguson how was practicing for ‘Cowboy Marshall,’ she joked and said, “I know they were tired of me.” I kept saying again! One more time!”
But the payoff? Show-stopping.
Ferguson said that one of her students said that every time she comes home, her grandma’s watching their video performance.
More than just dance moves
Ask the parents, and they’ll tell you: Ms. Ferguson’s impact goes far beyond choreography.
“Dance has helped my daughter blossom and be more independent,” said Daniella Aguilar, a proud dance mom.
Her daughter, Layla Aguilar, chimed in: “I love dance because it makes me happy.”
“Miss Ferguson is such an inspirational dance teacher,” Aguilar added. “She’s the definition of a teacher being there for her kids. She’s the reason why Layla wants to continue dance.”
Ferguson says that’s exactly what the program is about.
“Art gives kids a sense of creativity, a sense of team building, a motivating force to come to school,” Ferguson said. “I love being part of building that culture at Thurgood Marshall.”
Former students now in middle school still return to help rehearse routines. One even told Ferguson she plans to be a nurse and open her own dance studio.
“That’s what this is all about,” Ferguson said. “Helping them find purpose, passion, and showing them they can dream big.”
And in Ferguson’s eyes, the stage they’re dancing on could be just the beginning.
“I love that I’m building like the future Beyoncé or the future Prince or the future J. Lo,” Ferguson said, beaming. “It’s just an amazing, inspiring feeling—and it warms my heart. It really truly does.”
What’s next for Marshall dance?
With trophies in hand and Beyoncé-inspired bandanas still packed away, Ferguson is already thinking about next season.
“There will be obstacles, but as long as you believe in yourself and push forward, you’ll get to that ‘better is your best’ moment.”
She has a message for every young dancer lacing up their shoes at Marshall next year: “Always, always, always believe in yourself. Even when it gets tough, keep going.”
And judging by the performances, the awards, and the standing ovations… they will.
