Dancers at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy showed off some of their skills Sept. 6 during an open house offering free dance lessons to youth between 9 and 14. Three more open houses are planned between now and Nov.13.
Courtesy photo
By Shirley Hawkins
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — Dozens of youth between 9 and 14 attended the Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s free classes Sept. 7 where they received instruction in the genres of Afro jazz dance and hip hop. Three drummers dressed in colorful African garb beat out a pulsating rhythm while participants swirled and danced to the hypnotic beats.
The event was held to launch the start fall dance classes at the academy, which are open to youth of all skill levels through Dec. 13. Participants will be instructed in ballet, tap, Afro dance and aerial.
The Debbie Allen Dance Academy also has established an accredited private school which is currently seeking students in the sixth or seventh grade.
As part of the event, dance teacher Sarah Marshall delivered a history of African dance, which she said originated in Liberia as a way to welcome visitors to the country.
“That’s because the Liberians and the visitors did not speak the same language, so they expressed their ‘welcome’ through dance,” Marshall said, using her hands to form a welcoming heart.
As she danced, Amara Hamilton, 9, said she really enjoyed the class.
“I just love dancing. It makes me feel alive,” she said.
“Amara has always been a rhythmic child,” said her mother, Stephanie Hamilton, who joined her daughter on the dance floor.
Instructor Brandon O’Neal, who was trained and mentored by Debbie Allen since he was 15, introduced jazz dance to the group. O’Neal has shown his dance talent on the Broadway stage in “The Lion King” and “Wicked.”
He also has shared his dance skills with Misty Copeland, Will Smith, Paula Abdul, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, Ne-Yo, John Legend, Janelle Monaé, Kacey Musgraves, Miley Cyrus, Billy Porter, Rob Ashford, Marguerite Derricks, Garth Fagan and Desmond Richardson.
O’Neal advised the students that striking a pose with attitude is important.
‘I always tell them that they are the jewelry in the jewelry box,” he said.
Sho Taiao, originally from New Zealand who participated in the hip hop class, said that “I have been dancing for as long as I can remember” and added that she tries to take as many classes in a day as she can.
“I love jazz, tap dancing and hip hop,” said Taiao, who was impressed by hip hop instructor Anthony Kanec Carr, who brought a lot of energy to the class.
“The main thing about hip hop is to just dance and have fun,” Carr said. “It’s all about attitude.”
“The way he brings people together in dance is very cool,” Taiao said. “I enjoyed the hip hop class because he made us really feel the beat.”
“If your child has a high aptitude for education and is a gifted dancer we are encouraging them
to attend our open house,” Debbie Allen said.
Other open houses will be held at 9 a..m. on Sept. 25, Oct. 23 and Nov. 13.
Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at shirleyhawkins700@gmail.com.
