Kaylei anderson age 17 fusia dance center, canadensis PA
Kaylei AndersonNational Dance Week Essay Contest
Debbie Allen is an inspiring, creative, and strong role model who has paved the danceindustry for many. As a child she faced discrimination. She was deemed not the right body orskin for ballet. She went to college and graduated Cum Laude at Howard University with a BFAin Theater and Greek Studies. She managed to land many roles on Broadway and television. Thedetermination she showed at a young age is something we can all carry with us through life.When we are told we can’t make it we can show everyone just how capable we are. Debbie Allenhas shown her abilities and talents in countless performances such as Benetha Younger in Raisin,Director of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and choreographer of Carrie just to name a few. Not only didshe participate in these shows, but was nominated for two Tonys and two Drama Desk Awards.One of her bigger breakthroughs was starring as Anita in West Side Story. She won OutstandingFeatured Actress for her appearance. The awards continue because after West Side Story DebbieAllen earned 3 Emmys for her choreography in the movie Fame. She also has a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.After many years of being involved in other people's productions, she created a place ofher own. A place where young aspiring dancers could flourish regardless of financial status. In2001 she opened Debbie Allen Dance Company in Los Angeles California. Dancers starting atthe age of four can get professional training year-round through a variety of programs. Theseprograms allow for a multitude of performances and opportunities. One well-known opportunitythat's hosted is the Annual Summer Intensives to grow a dancer's training and horizons. Another
option is the Debbie Allen Middle School letting dancers in grades sixth through eighth combinetheir academic and dance training to thrive in the growing performance industry. Additionally,The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is an annual show revising and putting a fun modern spin onBalanchine's traditional Nutcracker.Debbie Allen has created programs for all levels with her open classes allowing people ofall ages and levels hosted by world-class instructors. While these opportunities build communityin the youth they can bring people with no dance background together. Families can buildtraditions and bonds while visiting the shows provided. Because of Debbie Allen’s constant workin the performing arts millions of lives have been directly or indirectly impacted. She hasbrought togetherness, growth, education, and opportunity to many dancers. Additionally, she hasbrought joy, community, entertainment, and love to all those who watch her and her creations.The numerous amount of light she shed in the dance community will continue and will last for years to come
Debbie Allen is an inspiring, creative, and strong role model who has paved the danceindustry for many. As a child she faced discrimination. She was deemed not the right body orskin for ballet. She went to college and graduated Cum Laude at Howard University with a BFAin Theater and Greek Studies. She managed to land many roles on Broadway and television. Thedetermination she showed at a young age is something we can all carry with us through life.When we are told we can’t make it we can show everyone just how capable we are. Debbie Allenhas shown her abilities and talents in countless performances such as Benetha Younger in Raisin,Director of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and choreographer of Carrie just to name a few. Not only didshe participate in these shows, but was nominated for two Tonys and two Drama Desk Awards.One of her bigger breakthroughs was starring as Anita in West Side Story. She won OutstandingFeatured Actress for her appearance. The awards continue because after West Side Story DebbieAllen earned 3 Emmys for her choreography in the movie Fame. She also has a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.After many years of being involved in other people's productions, she created a place ofher own. A place where young aspiring dancers could flourish regardless of financial status. In2001 she opened Debbie Allen Dance Company in Los Angeles California. Dancers starting atthe age of four can get professional training year-round through a variety of programs. Theseprograms allow for a multitude of performances and opportunities. One well-known opportunitythat's hosted is the Annual Summer Intensives to grow a dancer's training and horizons. Another
option is the Debbie Allen Middle School letting dancers in grades sixth through eighth combinetheir academic and dance training to thrive in the growing performance industry. Additionally,The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is an annual show revising and putting a fun modern spin onBalanchine's traditional Nutcracker.Debbie Allen has created programs for all levels with her open classes allowing people ofall ages and levels hosted by world-class instructors. While these opportunities build communityin the youth they can bring people with no dance background together. Families can buildtraditions and bonds while visiting the shows provided. Because of Debbie Allen’s constant workin the performing arts millions of lives have been directly or indirectly impacted. She hasbrought togetherness, growth, education, and opportunity to many dancers. Additionally, she hasbrought joy, community, entertainment, and love to all those who watch her and her creations.The numerous amount of light she shed in the dance community will continue and will last for years to come