History

The Birth of Ladysticks Music Performing Arts

It all began in homeroom drama class with Mr. Itkins at Hollywood High Performing Arts Magnet School, where Ladysticks first felt the spark to one day create her own music and performing arts school. At just 15, her mother allowed her to move to California to pursue her dream as a drummer. But her journey didn’t start there it started back home, where her aunt, a church choir director and organist, and her grandfather, a respected organist in North Carolina, introduced her to music and mentored her from day one.

 When her aunt and uncle became her guardians, they placed her in a performing arts school immediately—not because she needed help with drumming, but because they saw she needed a space to grow, express herself, and gain confidence.

Though Hamilton Music Academy was the original goal, it was filled with celebrity kids and waitlisted hopefuls. Instead, she was placed at Hollywood High, where her talent had to speak for itself—and where she had to grow as a performer and communicator.

In her sophomore year, she met Dion, one of her best friends. A dancer with moves like Usher and Chris Brown, he and his friends quit football to pursue training under Debbie Allen. They didn’t participate in any of the after-school programs at Hollywood High, despite it being one of the top performing arts schools in L.A. Instead, they were all-in with Debbie Allen’s Academy.

That inspired Ladysticks. What kind of leader could pull young men away from football and a prestigious arts program? When graduation came, she attended one of Debbie Allen’s recitals—and finally understood. It wasn’t just about technique. It was about presence. Purpose. Power. Passion. Leadership that transforms.

And now, Ladysticks Music Performing Arts exists because of that journey from the organ at church to the beat of the drum in Los Angeles, from family support to artistic vision. It all began in homeroom and now it’s making room for the next generation