Who is Alyssa Edwards?
If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race or an avid America’s Got Talent backer, then you’ve probably heard of Alyssa Edwards (she/her). Alyssa Edwards is a world-famous drag queen, best known for her seasons on RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. When not is drag, Alyssa goes by her birth name of Justin Johnson (he/him).
Note: When in drag, Alyssa goes by she/her pronouns, while not in drag Justin goes by he/him pronouns.
Justin is a Mesquite, Texas native, and has spent the past year of quarantine at his home here. He’s been spending his time journaling, gardening, and enjoying TexMex, particularly from local joints like El Fenix, and Posados Café.
While Alyssa is known worldwide, Justin feels most at home while in Mesquite teaching his students at Beyond Belief Dance Company.
Beyond Belief Dance Company
Beyond Belief Dance Company is a business Justin has been building since 2004 — long before he first competed in RuPaul’s Drag Race. Beyond Belief was originally opened up in our very own Mesquite, Texas, but Justin soon moved his studio to a larger location in the neighboring city of Garland, Texas in August of 2018.
Justin has said, “Alyssa is larger than life and fabulous, but I think I’m a better teacher and choreographer than performer.” And this is exactly how he gets to spend his days at Beyond Belief.
Many parents at Beyond Belief have been skeptical of Justin’s teaching style, as he is not one to sugarcoat a critique. This is because Justin holds his students to the highest of standards — not because he wants to set unrealistic expectations, but because he knows they can achieve them. And they do — again and again.
Justin has always said to his students, “If you can make it at this studio, you’re going to be ready for the professional world.” Which is a very necessary lesson to gain, especially in the entertainment industry.