Today we dive deep into the dance world with my dear friend from high school, Neisha Folkes. The incredible Neisha has choreographed for well renowned movies. A triple-threat one might say; actor, singer, and dancer. A notable accomplishment was that she was a member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company company for several years.

What You Will Hear

• Neisha's remarkable acting and dancing career
• Artistic motivation that stemmed from The Bronx
• Reflecting on Folk’s acceptance into Julliard
• Witnessing diversity challenges amongst Julliard
• Previous audition opportunities for Broadway
• Balancing the decision between graduation and Broadway career
• Audition process into Alvin Ailey Dance Company
• Love and respect for Alvin Ailey himself
• Dance coach for Denzel Washington in Malcolm X
• Debbie Allen’s FAME origin story
• Choosing between Alvin Ailey and FAME television series

Quotes

• “I didn’t only just catch up, I surpassed”
• “I am not going to be the master of a bunch. I’m going to be the master of one and I’m going to make it work.”
• “We don’t do this because of a side of the tinge of racism, and for some people, it was more than a tinge. It was very blatant and covert. For some, it was less than that, but there was always a sense of elitism.”
• “I went on and got my Master’s years later, because I really felt uneducated. I really felt that I didn’t have the necessary education that I needed to be in conversation with people.”
• “We always want to get to the destination. We always want to skip a couple steps. Just enjoy the process. Complete it first, and then be fully invested to then bring yourself to the next space.”

Mentioned

• Helen Tamiris Award 
• Alvin Ailey
• Denzel Washington in Malcolm X
• Frankie Manning
• Otis Sallid
• Lindy Hop dance style
• Debbie Allen’s Fame