My Idol: Debbie Allen

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

Abuse in the NFL

Hi Guys this was post had the opportunity to save from the other blog that I had last month before it somehow got deactivated. I hope you guys enjoy it

The National football league has experience some major changes. One of those major changes happens to be the implementation of the domestic violence policy. Since this policy has been put into effect many of the players are facing charges and have even been terminated from the league. The NFL implemented a domestic violence initiative under the personal conduct policy that calls for a six game suspension for the first offense and a lifetime ban for the second offense. The most infamous case of our time now is the Ray Rice case. He was suspended indefinitely by the Baltimore Ravens on September 8, 2014 for knocking his fiancé unconscious and dragging her off an elevator. When the incident first occurred he informed his coach and was only suspended for a few games. Then it seemed like when the preseason started he was then suspended indefinitely. I personally think that he was only suspended because it was revealed that the coach knew about the situation.My whole issue with this case is why suspend him indefinitely

months later when the preseason and season is about to start. I honestly think that the coach was going to defend him until it was revealed that he knew of the situation and what happened on the elevator. I honestly think that his contract was terminated due to his coach now being caught up in the triangle and being in the media. I believe that the policy states that the first offense is a 6 game suspension and the second offense is a lifetime ban(termination). I believe that this is a first offense so why is he not a Baltimore Raven anymore?
I personally think that this is the best thing that the NFL has ever done. I think that this policy will be a solution to helping prevent domestic violence. Not only will it prevent domestic violence occurring in the professional spots industry but in the world. Fans tend to pick up the habits of their favorite athlete, rappers singers and so on. I think that if they see less violence the better everyone would be off. I’m not taking sides I do think that Ray could have tried to work things out with his then fiancé now wife. I think he should have tried to keep his cool and calm down and try to talk to her and calm her down. I don't condone men putting their hands on a woman and I don't condone women putting their hands on a man. I don't agree with what the NFL has done to him I believe that he should be given that second chance. I think that it is only fair that his contract is renewed and that he is gets back on the field, but if he decides to do it again then ban him for a lifetime.As a woman that hopes and dreams of dancing on the football teams and managing players I think that its not write to violate and abuse women but I do think he deserves a fair chance.


http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/5/23/5744964/ray-rice-arrest-assault-statement-
apology-ravens!http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/11425377/nfl-implements-domestic- violence-penalties!

women and fitness

The Quintessential woman

quintessential (ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃəl) adj1. most typically representative of a quality, state, etc; perfectˌquintesˈsentially adv

To be a quintessential woman is to take on any task and perfecting it and achieving beyond. Women represent beauty and grace. In the entertainment industry women are often viewed as sexual objects based on their physical appearance. It is very rare that they are looked at for their work in music, dance, sports or fashion. Sexuality plays a major part in the industry. I noticed that in sports a lot more women are showing up in on the field interviewing players and bringing you updates during the game and on players injuries. I also noticed that there are more women showing up on ESPN and sports radio shows. I was just used to seeing women in uniforms dancing and keeping fans on their feet during the games. 

Seeing women like Sage Steele who in a male dominated sports industry is a sports anchor on ESPN sports center. She is one of the few women breaking down the play-by-plays on air. There is also Jenny Taft who is a reporter and update anchor for FoxSports1, before she became an actor she was also a division 1 athlete.

I look at how the dancers for the teams also wear many hats in the sports industry as well. They perform on the sidelines, attend many comment gatherings and events and do charity work in the community.

Its always been a goal of mine to work in the entertainment industry.  I have always been passionate about dance and dancing for a team and coaching the team. I have a passion for music and sports that is undeniable.  I want to experience what's it like dancing for one of the teams, coaching the team,being in the music industry and being a part of the sports industry. 

I want to be the type of quintessential woman that conquers many things, I wish to exceed above and beyond.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM6DgDqiKvM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHbFSZdQikI