Dancers at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy showed off some of their skills Sept. 6 during an open house offering free dance lessons to youth between 9 and 14. Three more open houses are planned between now and Nov.13.

Courtesy photo

By Shirley Hawkins

Contributing Writer

LOS ANGELES — Dozens of youth between 9 and 14 attended the Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s free classes Sept. 7 where they received instruction in the genres of Afro jazz dance and hip hop. Three drummers dressed in colorful African garb beat out a pulsating rhythm while participants swirled and danced to the hypnotic beats.

The event was held to launch the start fall dance classes at the academy, which are open to youth of all skill levels through Dec. 13. Participants will be instructed in ballet, tap, Afro dance and a

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