Debbie Allen Dance Academy

The academy tour was phenomenal. My mom, 2 sisters and cousin, Alicia, were just visiting some place new where we've never been and don't have family. We lucked up upon this gem through a tourist guidebook of Los Angeles and we were not disappointed. I saw the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in the guide and I was so excited. I've always admired her beauty, skill, commitment and talent. I told my family about it and they were all in. I called to get information about a tour and was bowled over to learn that a tour was available the very next day and there was no charge. The tours are booked upon availability and there is NEVER A CHARGE. I spoke with Ms. Sonya Morgan Charles, whom set up the tour. She was very energetic, enthusiastic and proud of and about the Academy. The building itself was full of African-American Art, portraits and pieces that expressed our culture, heritage, talent, beauty and pride. Imagine our delight and surprise when Mr. Norm Nixon, co-owner and spouse of, Ms. Debbie Allen, greeted us and became part of our tour. Needless to say, we were speechless and excitedly surprised. Mr. Nixon, was friendly, personable and approachable. My sister, Cynthia, was beside herself. As I mentioned earlier, we traveled with our mother, whom is 90 years old and Mr. Nixon, engaged her and made her feel relevant when he asked her about her birthplace and he shared his and the commonality that children of the South share. I could go on and on but I want the pics I took speak for themselves. As a side note, we were secretly hoping Ms. Allen would pop in and we were told that she had planned on stopping by but, alas, we were not honored with her presence before we had to leave. If you are ever in the Los Angeles area, specifically, Culver City, you must make time to honor and appreciate the dedication, love and commitment that Ms. Allen, Mr. Nixon, staff, children and parents have given to further the Arts in our children and our community.

I am not employed by the district, but I work at a school in LA and I was honestly shocked at some of the things said in the performance of ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’ done by this academy in front of hundreds of children on a field trip. From one of the characters saying he’ll give another a “new thong” if she helps him out, to when two of the protagonists they say that “boys are just stupid” and that’s why they behave a certain way, there were just too many examples of things that should not be said in the presence of impressionable elementary school children in this performance. Call me crazy, but I don’t think that there needs to be a “Micky Minaj” reference or talk of a character “pushing drugs” in front of 4 year olds. As an educator, it is hard to tell children to steer clear of explicit topics when their school field trip takes them to see a talking rat do exactly that. This issue is made worse when there are elementary school children who were PERFORMING, so this was clearly not an specific mistake by the directors for this one performance. Normally I am not compelled to review things, however I feel like all the parents who were not allowed to attend the performance deserve to know what their children were exposed to, where the standards lie for this academy, and apparently the LA school district as well. Personally, I was appalled, but maybe I’m the crazy one.

This is a state - of - the - arts dance studio. Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) Summer Intensive is in full gare. Summer Camp for ages 4-8 years starts July 22-August 3, 2024.

Don't ever order from this Academy, because you'll pay for it but never receive the merchandise .

I don't go to your school but I heard about what you do and I think its awesome you would open a school of our minority. It's a blessing that you can see in us people of all races that we have a gift within ourselves and people can start looking at us people of color as an inspiration not someone who looks at us and then rejects us. many see us but you see us in a different spectrum and say wow she or he is worth much more than they think which is so inspiring. Thank you for being a tool of color and believing in yourself. Debble Allen you are so humble you took rejection and turned it into positivity. Like I tell others do what you love and love what you do. God bless you and your school. By what you are doing your breaking ther Barrier and your touching millions. I do have a disability and when people talk I always say I'm worth more that what you see, God didn't make a mistake. I want to encourage you to be the best. Debbie Allen if you read this thank you so much. Many doors will open for me one day I'm waiting by faith.