Black History in Motion: At The White House
It Looks like everything is showing up in “50s” from the Super Bowl to the anniversary of the Black Panther Party , it seems as though everyone is celebrating another decade of spectacular history. But it was fifty-one little black girls that would get the opportunity of a lifetime. First Lady Michelle Obama would host “Honoring the Past While Celebrating the Present; 7 Years of Living African American History.”An event that took place at the White House this past Monday in honoring Black History month this February.
First Lady Michelle Obama invited fifty-one local students from across the Washington, DC area to be a part of the celebration. She then also invited some of the most prestigious Black women in dance, who have definitely left their mark on the art of dance. The guest would include: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Virginia Johnson, and Hip Hop choreographer Fatima Robinson.
The First Lady would meet with the group of guest and then they would split the girls into 3 rooms of the White House for workshops on 3 different styles of dancing. Inside Debbie Allen’s workshop the girls were learning traditional African dance. In the Diplomatic Reception Fatima Robinson taught hip hop and finally Judith Jamison would teach ballet.
All dances were to be broadcasted during the final presentation that evening in the White House hosted by the First Lady.
Debbie Allen and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company would be involved with making this opportunity happen on Monday. The girls were split into 3 rooms of the White House, practicing different styles of dance in preparation for the show.
What an event to be a part of for these young ladies. Imagine being 10 years old or younger and getting such an awesome opportunity! It was Debbie Allen who would provide our inside look into the celebration via Instagram. (pictures below)
Aqueilla C. Terry, commonly known to many of her followers as “A.C.T” ; is a talented artists of this generation. Born and raised in Richmond, VA is truly a gem of her time. She has been writing for over 10 years as a young child to know a young woman in a world were “words” are her weapon of choice to achieve success. Often considered to be Erykah Badu’s daughter for her way with words, style, presence, music selections and overall persona. A.C.T. is definitely going to take over the world with wide range of creativity. Her ambition is driven by her will to succeed in reaching her goals, but by doing so by remaining herself along the journey. A.C.T. redefines the young black woman by sticking to her beliefs and who she is inside.
