Debbie Allen Dance Academy

Meet Natasha

Imagine a place where children can come together to express themselves through dance. Imagine a place that has the power to change the lives of youth through the arts.

There is a cultural center that molds artists for the next generation. The Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) is committed to making dance a meaningful experience for all individuals. The Academy provides rigorous, professional training for young dancers, artistic development for professional dancers, and youth-focused outreach and education initiatives.

Debbie Allen founded DADA in response to the shrinking arts opportunities offered to children in the public school setting. She believes that the arts can act as a catalyst to improve the lives of children and youth. With that belief, DADA was started eight years ago. Since that time, it has grown to include almost 400 students, ages 4-18, who can take classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, African and many other types of dance.

"The most dynamic thing happens through dance," said Debbie Allen, Founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. "There is a cultural and ethnic fusion through dance. All differences between kids are erased on the dance floor. I've seen kids who become involved in the arts score higher in academics and their self-esteem improves. There is a connection with creativity that will inform these students in whatever they do."

DADA has an ongoing commitment to making dance accessible to any devoted student, regardless of income. Therefore, the majority of enrolled students receive a full or partial scholarship. Funds from the Summa Children's Foundation have enabled DADA to increase the number of scholarships available to worthy students who might not otherwise be able to afford the classes.

Additionally, the Summa Children's Foundation funds are used to support the ongoing outreach initiatives in the community. With support from the Summa Children's Foundation Educational lecture demonstration series and residency programs at schools throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District expose children to the various types of dance. Once a year, DADA opens its doors for a Dance Free Day. On this day, children from around the community can take part in free dance classes and workshops.

"Through our outreach, I've seen the community become more informed and engaged. Community members start to think about getting involved and young people want to emulate what they see in these performances and classes. It can transform a community and make it stronger," said Debbie Allen.

In 2008, DADA brought the arts to more than 6,000 students and families throughout the Los Angeles community. Looking toward the future, DADA plans to continue its growth. As the school's international reputation expands, they will stay committed to its core principles and the youth who attend the school.

"This is an investment in the future," said Brian Werdesheim, Co-Founder of the Summa Children's Foundation. "Support from the Summa Children's Foundation will ensure that the Debbie Allen Dance Academy continues to train new generations of dancers. Additionally, outreach by the Academy's talented artists exposes thousands of youth to the art of dance."