You mean everything to me. Though we never met, I feel connected to you. Your legacy is in every studio I enter and every stage I perform on. Your spirit fuels my passion for dance.
Growing up as one of the few Black dancers in Lexington, KY, I rarely saw peers or mentors who looked like me. I found inspiration in legends like Debbie Allen and Michaela DePrince. You were the guiding force, sharing stories of perseverance and triumph.
Your wisdom pushed me to new heights, never letting me give up on my dream. When I first walked into The Ailey School, I felt your legacy. The energy grew with each floor, culminating in awe as I gazed at your mural. I wondered what I had done to deserve a place in such a legendary institution.