Jack Thompson,
Artistic Director, Ursa's Echo
Jack Thompson is the Acting Artistic Director of Ursa’s Echo, where he leads with creativity, vision, and a deep commitment to the power of storytelling. With a background in the arts and education, Jack has dedicated his work to amplifying voices, cultivating expression, and using the arts as a vehicle for healing and change.
As a core leader within Ember Rising, Jack shapes Ursa’s Echo into a platform where narratives become catalysts for community transformation. His direction emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are celebrated and heard.
Jack’s leadership brings together artistic practice and social impact, designing programs that inspire resilience, foster creativity, and encourage individuals to share their authentic stories. His approach is grounded in the belief that the arts not only reflect the human experience but also hold the power to reshape it.
Through Ursa’s Echo, Jack continues to champion the role of creativity in building empathy, challenging inequities, and sparking collective change.
About Ursa's Echo
Youth Dance Program · Creative Expression · Community Performance
Ursa’s Echo is Ember Rising’s collaborative dance and arts program that brings youth, emerging adult dancers, and professional artists together to create movement that tells real stories. Blending mentorship, creativity, and shared expression, this program strengthens community, nurtures confidence, and celebrates diverse voices through performance.
A Creative Space Where Movement Meets Meaning
At its core, Ursa’s Echo is more than dance , it’s a community where young people (ages 12–18), apprentices, and seasoned artists learn from one another and build something beautiful together. Through choreography, performance, and collaborative creation, participants explore identity, resilience, and connection. By emphasizing collaboration instead of competition, the program creates space for expression, growth, and shared storytelling.
Program Goals & Focus Areas
What Ursa’s Echo Offers
Artistic Collaboration
Ursa’s Echo provides a platform where dancers of all skill levels work side by side to create original choreography that reflects their experiences and ideas.
Inclusive Community
Every participant’s voice matters. The program centers diversity, equity, and mutual respect in creative work and performance.
Mentorship & Growth
Apprentices gain hands-on experience learning from professionals, while also mentoring younger dancers , building leadership and confidence through practice.
Performance & Professional Skills
Through rehearsals, stagecraft, and public performances, participants grow not just as dancers, but as communicators and collaborators.
Strengthening Community Through Art
Dance becomes a shared language that connects people across generations and backgrounds, fostering empathy, unity, and cultural expression.
Leadership & Vision
Guided by Artistic Purpose
Ursa’s Echo is led by its Artistic Director, who brings creative leadership, educational experience, and a commitment to the transformative power of the arts. Under this direction, the program supports young people in telling their stories, building artistic confidence, and discovering the role of creative expression in personal and community healing.
Join the Movement
Get Involved with Ursa’s Echo
Whether you’re a dancer, mentor, parent, or supporter, there are opportunities to be part of Ursa’s Echo. From rehearsals and workshops to performances and community events, your involvement helps strengthen an inclusive space where creativity inspires connection and growth.
