Alyssa Edwards’ Local Mesquite Dance Studio
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.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT APPEARANCE
Beyond Belief Dance Company was a participant on the most recent season of America’s Got Talent. Season 16 premiered on June 1st, 2021 and wrapped on September 15th, 2021. Beyond Belief made it to the 1st round of the semi-finals, but unfortunately lost the judges vote and was eliminated on September 1st.
The judges were fans though with judge and show creator, Simon Cowell stating, “Your talent is indisputable! I mean, you are so good. What I love about you, though, is you’re interesting. You have personality. We’re going to remember you.”
Despite the elimination, Justin was so proud of his SUPAGurl Group from Beyond Belief, and gushed in an Instagram caption, “I’m so so so proud, I can’t even fully explain.”
DANCING QUEEN ON NETFLIX
Prior to their appearance on AGT, Alyssa and her team at Beyond Belief Dance Company were the subject of the American documentary reality television series titled Dancing Queen on Netflix. The show received resoundingly positive reviews from IMDb and Google users, and Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix October 1st, 2021.
The show follows Alyssa Edwards as she rules the dance studio by day — and the drag world by night.
Mesquite, Texas is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and is humbled to be the home of one of the community’s most iconic figures. Learn more about Mesquite’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community here.