In her early life, racist admissions policies nearly derailed the career of Debbie Allen before it even had the chance to flourish. Fortunately, her indomitable spirit and undeniable talent prevailed. On Monday, September 28, 2015, Allen will be feted, along with several other honorees, at the “30th Anniversary Pearl Jubilee” of Career Transition For Dancers, presented by ROLEX.
Debbie Allen is a Tony award-winning choreographer, director, and dancer who has worked on such projects as Fame, West Side Story and Sweet Charity. Allen was also the producer and director of the iconic television show, “A Different World.” In addition to a multitude of current projects including acting, and directing gigs with Shonda Rhimes, she and husband Norm Nixon are the founders of The Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). DADA is a non-profit organization committed to expanding the reach of dance and theater arts for young people in the greater Los Angeles area and the world, enriching, inspiring and transforming their lives.
#TBT #thegamechangers @shondarhimes @MaraBrockAkil @AVAETC @IssaRae @essencemag pic.twitter.com/oI28NEHl6U
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) April 16, 2015
Trained over 160 students from around the world this summer thank you to their families for trusting @DADancAcademy pic.twitter.com/39nvXKs8vL
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) July 27, 2015
According to their website,
Career Transition For Dancers remains the only nonprofit organization in the US solely dedicated to the career needs of dancers. With offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and a mobile National Outreach Project, they have helped thousands of dancers take their first steps in discovering rewarding second careers.
The 30th Anniversary Pearl Jubilee will be a star-studded celebration; a variety retrospective featuring artists in performance with the Jubilee Orchestra. This one-night-only entertainment event of the season will celebrate ROLEX’s distinguished past Award recipients and honor the legacy of dance, dancers and the mission of the organization. The gala will be produced and directed by international director, choreographer, producer and teacher Ann Marie DeAngelo. Executive Producer is Alexander J. Dubé. Attendees can expect special appearances and artists from: All That Jazz from Chicago; American Ballet Theatre; Arthur Murray Dance Center, Columbus Circle; Big Apple Circus; Jazz Roots Dance Company; Joffrey Ballet Concert Group; National Dance Institute; New York Song & Dance Company and Parsons Dance.
https://twitter.com/ctfdusa/status/625753897609637894
For more information about the organization or the event click here .
