Watch Debbie Allen Dance with the Kids at Her Academy as They Prepare for an Annual Fundraiser

Debbie Allen took the lead while children followed her during the dance rehearsal for her studio’s annual fundraiser, “Lights Up: A Drive-In Gala at the Rose Bowl.”

As one of the most successful dance directors and choreographers in Hollywood, Debbie Allen’s shows are always looked forward to by many celebrities, fans, and dancers.

Despite the pandemic, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy will still hold its annual fundraisers to support their charitable causes which the dance pro shared a preview of at her studio.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

In her Instagram account, Allen posted a session with her students practicing for this year’s gala fundraiser, “Lights Up: A Drive-In Gala at the Rose Bowl.” She shared the background of the event in the caption:

“We will be celebrating two decades of achievement, creativity, and inspiration with fantastic food, and performing arts around the world.”

The clip showed Allen at the front of a line while young girls in red followed her moves, trailing from behind. As part of safety precautions, both the instructor and the students were in facemasks.

CELEBRATING DANCE

Allen’s dance academy collaborated with Netflix and the Annenberg Foundation to make the 20th annual gala happen on November 14, 2020. Several guests will appear including Stevie Wonder, Sinbad, Arturo Sandoval, and many others.

Allen, along with many other celebrities, has been vocal about racial injustices in America, especially since protests began in the light of George Floyd’s passing.

Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy allows talented young individuals to hone their dance skills and show their gifts to the world through affordable, if not free, training programs. The institution also provides outreach programs to help the Los Angeles community.

INSPIRING OTHERS

The multi-talented star has inspired many around the world for her strong will, dedication, and kind heart. As a young girl, Allen experienced racism for her skin color, having been denied entry to the Houston Ballet School.

She experienced the same rejection at the age of 16 after her application was denied because her body did not fit a ballerina’s criteria. Allen’s experience discouraged her from pursuing the arts field immediately, so she focused on her studies instead.

It did not take long before she was included in the honors list, and in 1971, she graduated cum laude from Howard University with a degree in drama. She set her career towards Broadway and the rest was history.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Recently, Allen shared a famous and powerful scene from one of her hit shows, “A Different World,” where the different characters discussed racial issues. She said:

“Today, this scene from #ADfifferentWorld holds just as much weight as it did 28 years ago.”

Allen, along with many other celebrities, has been vocal about racial injustices in America, especially since protests began in the light of George Floyd’s passing.