BLACK IN THE GREEN ROOM
Debbie Allen, the legendary choreographer, and visionary behind the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA), is celebrating 25 years of transforming lives through the power of dance.
Reflecting on the Academy’s beginnings, she recalled, “We weren’t even a nonprofit at first, but I knew we needed to do something. I had over 500 kids lined up around the block to audition.”
The celebration centers around the Silver Slipper Gala, set for February 13, 2025, at the Rhimes Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles.
The evening will feature breathtaking performances by Chaka Khan, Misty Copeland, Arturo Sandoval, and Andra Day. Guests will also witness the unveiling of the Kobe Bryant Wall of Light, which Allen described as “a tribute to resilience and hope.”
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Proceeds from the gala will support DADA’s educational programs and scholarships, as well as a new initiative called Dancing in the Light: Healing with the Arts. This free community dance series was created for families affected by the recent California wildfires. “Dance is a transformative, healing art that connects and uplifts us all,” Allen explained.
The Dancing in the Light series will begin on Sunday, January 26, 2025, just days before the gala. Free classes will be offered in areas heavily impacted by the wildfires, such as Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
“If you’re in the zip code that’s impacted, you can come in,” Allen emphasized. “We’re giving them something—hope, joy, a sense of community.”
Allen shared a poignant story about a young boy who joined one of her classes after losing everything in the fires. “He came to class wearing a Hot Chocolate [Nutcracker] T-shirt and seeing him smile and dance despite everything—that was everything,” she said. Stories like his are what inspire her to continue pushing forward.
Reflecting on her own journey, Allen spoke of how the arts saved her during her upbringing in racially segregated Texas in the 1960s. “Dance gave me a voice,” she said, “and now it’s my turn to give that voice to others.”
Over the years, DADA has nurtured countless young talents who have gone on to perform on Broadway, in films, and on other major stages.
Looking to the future, Allen is working to expand DADA’s reach with new locations, including one in Atlanta. “We’re building cultural oases,” she said, underscoring the importance of making arts education accessible to all communities.
Allen also expressed deep gratitude for the support of partners like the Rhimes Family Foundation and the Annenberg Foundation. “It takes a village to do what we do,” she said.
Allen credited their contributions with helping the Academy thrive, even during challenges like the pandemic when DADA pivoted to online classes to keep students engaged.
For Allen, the 25th anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of her mission. “Joy is what’s going to help us move forward,” she said.
With initiatives like Dancing in the Light and the expansion of DADA, Allen remains focused on creating a legacy. “We’re all connected through the arts,” she concluded. “And that connection is what gives us the strength to move forward.”
For more information about the Silver Slipper Gala or the free Dancing in the Light classes, visit www.debbieallendanceacademy.com or call 310-280-9154.
