Debbie Allen Dance Academy Participant Interview

Natasha Hugger

Natasha Hugger joined the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) eight years ago when she was fifteen years old. At the time, her high school dance instructor encouraged her to audition for the school. Originally auditioning just for fun, when Natasha arrived at the Academy she was immediately struck by the energy of the dancers. The audition became serious and Natasha started training in what would become a lifetime dedication to arts and movement.

"I didn't know much about the Academy when I was originally accepted into the program. But I was exposed to world-class professional dance instructors who had worked with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and The Bolchoi Ballet. What I learned about movement, discipline and the various dance techniques was beyond my greatest expectations,"said Natasha.

DADA's program is unique because of its ongoing commitment to make its students both exceptional dancers and well-rounded youth. Students accepted into the program are able to attend 3 classes per day during the week and 5 classes per day on the weekend. Students learn a variety of dance techniques including ballet, tap, flamenco, jazz, hip-hop, African and others.

Beyond the classes, DADA students are expected to maintain a good grade point average. This helps promote the importance of life outside the Academy, to help students build a comprehensive approach to their lives. Natasha reflects: "If anything, DADA was an incentive for me to work harder in school. This instilled a work ethic in me that I could not have learned in a better way." And Natasha's dedication to her studies took her far in school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount with duel Bachelors in Dance and Spanish.

Natasha entered the program as a shy adolescent using Summa Children's Foundation scholarship money to help pay for the Academy's tuition. She didn't fully understand her value or talent. As Debbie and other instructors repeatedly challenged her, she felt her confidence grow. "When I would achieve a success in dance that I thought impossible, I would begin to think I'm good at this. I can do this as well as everyone else,' and I achieved a new level of confidence."

And now, as a professional dancer, Natasha is giving back to the community. Working with Bette Midler in her Vegas show, Natasha's joy comes from teaching dance to a new generation of dancers. In Los Angeles, she teaches tap, flamenco, hip-hop and jazz to young adults. She also recently choreographed two musicals by local high schools and taught these children about movement. "I feel so blessed to be able to reach out to so many kids and impact their lives in such a positive way." Natasha goes on to say "It is amazing to see how much they learn and grow. I love to watch students let go of their shyness and inhibitions to enjoy the art of dance."