Dance star to speak at UM

Students are set to lace up their dancing shoes to welcome a judge and choreographer of FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance" for a lecture at The University of Memphis.

Debbie Allen will speak at the Michael D. Rose Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday in a lecture titled "Black Women in American History: Passionate, Powerful, and Proud" as a part of The U of M's Black History Month events.  Before the lecture, students have planned a dance tribute to Allen.

Xavier Jones, member of the Black History Month Committee and senior business management major, said the committee created a list of women who fit the theme of the event. Allen was chosen from the list and also reached out to The U of M about the opportunity.

"She was just the perfect fit.  We wanted somebody who could speak in the now and she fit all the criteria we were looking for," Jones said.

Allen has been nominated for 14 Emmys, three of which she won, and she has also won a golden globe.  

She will speak on her success as a black woman throughout her various careers in acting, dancing, choreography and writing.

"It's a great opportunity for students to be open to exposure to someone whose life experiences exceed their own.  There will be a lot to gain from learning about her life experiences," Jones said.

Junior political science major J.C. Griggs is attending Thursday night's event, which is hosted by Multicultural Affairs and the Black Student Association along with the Professional Assertive United Sisters of Excellence.

"It would be a shame for the student body to not go and support this great opportunity," Griggs said.

A group of students, including dance majors and non-majors alike, have planned a dance tribute for Allen to be performed before her lecture.

"Why would anyone not want to listen to someone who has been as successful as Debbie Allen?  Why would I or anyone want to pass up this opportunity," said Ashley Mahone, junior communications major with a minor in dance.

Mahone will be one of the 20 plus students performing the dance tribute that will be themed around Allen.  The dance will include an African dance and songs from the movie "Fame," which Allen starred and directed.

"My craft is of a very artistic background and Debbie Allen has dipped her toes in every corner of the arts," Mahone said.