In today's epidsode, I speak with Grace Mayfield, Dance Studio Owner for over 40 years, about her experiences, successes, and lessons learned. Grace is the founder of Hamilton Academy of the Arts. 

About Grace

A graduate of the University of Louisiana with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in choreographic design. Advanced studies in dance at Texas Women’s University. Founder of Hamilton Academy of the Arts since 1981. Grace served as a Dance Educator for 15 years with the St. Landry Parish School Board, working with Special Needs Children. She served as the president for the Louisiana Alliance for Dance. Served on dance grants review panels locally, statewide and nationally. She’s been appointed to many boards and commissions. . The City of Lafayette has named June 9th as Hamilton Academy of the Arts Day for her many years of service in the community. She was the first female of color to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Louisiana, College of the Arts.

She also founded Hamilton Academy Performance Company in 1988 and they have performed for tens of thousands of people locally and throughout the US at festivals, conferences and other events. Grace and Her business has received numerous local, state and national awards. Grace has been a guest speaker for many events. As a dance advocate she has been an invited guest on all local CBS, ABC and FOX news affiliates. Her company has sponsored many events highlighting the importance of dance in our community. She continues to be and advocate for Arts and Culture and a living legend in her community for over 40 years.

She is celebrating Season 44 on June 10, 2025 and was selected as one of the 12 Studios of color for the docuseries And the Beat Goes On, a beautiful series capturing the story of these hidden gems across the US. Grace also has a children’s book that she’s currently working on.