Behind the mega-talent and incredible career, Debbie Allen is a multi-layered dynamo of wisdom, guidance, discipline and generous spirit. She has spent a career creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and helping others find their purpose and passion, a North Star. In the words of Shonda Rhimes, "She put people of color on television and displayed them in ways that they hadn't been seen before. She told stories that hadn't been told before. She gave people opportunities who hadn't been given opportunities before."   

Debbie's hard-work, determination, talent and versatility is evident in the three Emmys, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, the Olivier Award, the 10 Academy Awards ceremonies she has choreographed, a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as being a 2020 Kennedy Center Honoree, the nation's Highest Artistic Award.

In 2001, she and husband, ex-NBA All-Star Norm Nixon, opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) and eventually moved it to South LA. Its principles are based on the belief that arts education defines discipline, creativity, and self-confidence, empowering young women and men, whether they pursue a professional performing arts career or not. Soon DADA will be housed in the new and spacious Rhimes Performing Arts Center, helmed by Debbie, with state-of-the-art studios and robust programming including dance, acting, music, writing, cirque technique, hair, makeup, and lighting design. It will also house The Debbie Allen Middle School for the Arts.

In this episode, host Brad Johnson and Debbie discuss her accomplished parents' influence; strong family relationships; when she first knew she wanted to be a dancer; the generational influence of the tv-series, Fame; the fulfillment of creating DADA and its new home; and the importance of teaching the arts and its impact on young people, among other topics.
Photo Credit: Emily Schur 

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