Debbie Allen Dance Academy Gives Kids the ‘Opportunity to Dream’

Debbie Allen started her dance academy in 2001 because she wanted to give as many young people as possible – especially youth of color and low-income children – the opportunity to study dance and theater. Growing up in segregated Houston, Texas, Allen faced real challenges during her journey to become a world-renowned dancer, choreographer, actress, and director. From the age of four, Debbie’s dream was to train in the arts, and that dream informed her purpose like no other.

At the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) in Los Angeles, students ages three and up can participate in a comprehensive dance curriculum that includes genres ranging from ballet, hip-hop, and modern dance to musical theater. DADA is also home to the Debbie Allen Middle School, an innovative private school where students can nurture and explore their passions for both academics and the performing arts. 

DADA offers bespoke programs such as “Sons of DADA,” for young male dancers, and “Conservatory,” which offers an accelerated, specialized curriculum for the pre-professional dance student. More than 70% of the youth enrolled in DADA’s programs, as well as in the Debbie Allen Middle School, receive generous scholarships. 

DADA also offers outreach programs for the community – for the elderly, for cancer patients and their caregivers, as well as inner city youth – free of charge. Their popular and exciting DA FLY aerial arts classes are a big draw within the community and financial support is provided for participants in need. 

By way of private donations, family and corporate foundations, and government support, DADA is able to service a broad community of people who wouldn’t have the resources to benefit from the programs offered. 

“We constantly need funding for outreach programs,” says Vivian Nichole Williams, DADA’s executive director. “DADA teaches at charter, inner city, and public schools that require underwriting. We’re never at a lack of need for more support.”

Donations also enable DADA to present Debbie Allen’s dynamic, contemporary musical, The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. The nonprofit arranges for thousands of students throughout Los Angeles County to enjoy the electrifying production at no cost.

As Williams reflects, seeing this production is often the first time many of these students will experience live theater and it just may spark their interest in learning more about dance or the arts. 

“We’re here to nurture the whole being and inspire individuals to be their best selves,” Williams says.