In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles earlier this year, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) continues its community healing efforts with a special edition of its “Dancing in the Light: Healing with the Arts” series. On Sunday, April 27, the Academy will host a free roller skating day in partnership with Sunshine Skate Foundation at the Rhimes Performing Arts Center.
Led by six-time Emmy Award winner and Kennedy Center Honoree Debbie Allen, the “Dancing in the Light” series has been providing free, bi-monthly dance classes since January 26 to uplift families affected by the fires. The series has already brought world-class choreographers and DADA’s esteemed faculty to locations across Los Angeles, spreading hope and joy to impacted communities like Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica.
For the first time, the event will focus on roller skating as a tool for healing and community connection. Open to ages 4 and up, no skating experience is required. Participants can sign up for four free instructional classes: Intro to Roller Skating, Line Dance Roller Skating, Ballroom Roller Skating, and Middle Game Artistic Roller Skating. Free rental skates, youth protective gear, and valet parking will be provided.
“Dancing in the Light will kick ball change into a day of dancing on skates,” said Allen. “Come and bounce with me, Y’ALL! Free skates and classes provided by Sunshine Skate Foundation. Meet me at the rink!”
Cory Joseph, Founder and Executive Director of Sunshine Skate Foundation, emphasized the resilience that skating teaches. “It’s not if you’ll fall, but when. How you get back up is the most important part,” he said. “Roller skating is a powerful tool for both fun and healing, and we’re thrilled to partner with DADA to bring this experience to the community.”
The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1850 S. Manhattan Blvd. in Los Angeles.
The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has a longstanding mission of using the arts to inspire and transform lives, particularly among Black and Latino youth. Through this special skating event, DADA and Sunshine Skate Foundation aim to uplift spirits, promote healing, and celebrate community resilience.