MBB OF THE MONTH: Amira Bartee – Location: Baltimore, MD

My Brown Ballerina of the Month: Amira Bartee

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Parent: Mercedes O’Neal
Contact Email: Mercedesoneal20@gmail.com
Instagram: AmiraBdancing
Dance Studio: Fearless Dance Empire
Studio Instagram: FDEmpire

Hello, everyone! Meet our Brown Ballerina of the Month, Amira Bartee! Amira is a 12-year-old dancer from Baltimore, Maryland, and she brings a vibrant energy to the stage at Fearless Dance Empire, where she has been dancing for about a year. Her passion for dance started at the tender age of four, and since then, she has developed a deep love for various styles, particularly ballet, modern, and tap.

For Amira, dance is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. It’s her safe haven and a means of self-expression. She shares, “I love the freedom to express myself through these styles, and I feel like I can be myself whenever I hit the stage.” Dance has also been a guiding light during challenging times. Recently, Amira faced difficulties in finding her identity both in and out of dance, which made connecting with others challenging. However, joining Fearless Dance Empire introduced her to a supportive community of friends and mentors who reignited her passion and gave her a sense of belonging.

What sets Amira apart from other dancers is her infectious energy and determination. She lights up any room with her fun personality and strives to make everyone around her enjoy dance as much as she does. Her hard work, dedication, and constant pursuit of improvement make her a standout performer. “I always work hard and give it my all,” she says. “I train, study, and practice as much as I can because I know all my hard work will pay off.”

Amira looks up to her dance sister, Iyana, who inspires her with her dedication and ability to captivate audiences. Iyana’s mentorship and positive attitude have been instrumental in Amira’s growth as a dancer, and Amira aspires to mentor younger dancers in the same way in the future.

Looking ahead, Amira dreams of a Brown Ballerina showcase that brings together dancers who look like her, fostering confidence and celebrating talent from all over. It’s a vision of unity and empowerment, and we can’t wait to see it come to life!

June  Performances:

1. Wedding Reception
   Location: Martin’s West, Baltimore, MD
2. Juneteenth Event
   Location: BGE Building, Baltimore
   Date: June 19, 2024
3. AFRAM Event
   Location: Baltimore
   Date: June 23, 2024
4. End of the Season Showcase – “The Rise of a Great Empire”
   Location: Coppin State University
   Date: June 29, 2024
5. LGBTQIA+ Health Fair
   Location: Baltimore, MD
   Date: June 30, 2024

Amira Bartee is a shining example of resilience, joy, and passion in the dance community. We are thrilled to celebrate her as My Brown Ballerina of the Month! Keep shining, Amira!