During the Black Arts Movement which started in Harlem in 1965 and spread throughout many African American Communities, influenced many African Americans to pursue their dreams and express themselves through art such as dance and music. As a little girl growing up in the 90's I always dreamed of being a dancer although formal studies didnt start until I was 18 I have always wanted to be a dancer and break barriers just like my idol Debbie Allen. She like myself had a curvaceous body that many dance critics dont approve of, just like Debbie its the art of dance that is most important thats all I care about.
Debbie delivered a speech at Ted x youth that moved me. I had the pleasure of meeting her at my former Alma mater Columbia College Chicago where I studied dance as a minor. In this speech she spoke about the world of dance. She also spoke about how dance influenced her to produce, direct and choreograph. In the speech she says to dance is to know real expressions. I can relate to this because dance is like an outlet for many people. Dance is way of saying how you feel through movement and not in a verbal way. in the speech she also says that she has travleled the world to speak to many dancers and influence them to continue dancing, she stated " I feel like the whole world is dancing now." I love how in the speech she referred to Steve Jobs how he would sneak out and attend a dance class.
She started a dance academy to teach the art of dance to many young students.
I recall her conversation in the art of dance that was like music to my ears. She pointed out to dancers in the audience who were considered full including myself and told us we where the epitome of dance. We represent the Africanist aethestic that the great George Balanchine incorporated into dance. She mentioned to us how she was criticized because of her size and how she kept dancing regardless of her body type.
I honestly admire Debbie Allen and her style of dance and what she represents as a dancer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPsc4uvpKjY
