Ballerific Woman: Debbie Allen, The Leading Lady Who Brought You ‘Fame’ and The Redirection of ‘A Different World’

In a perfect world, men and women would receive equal pay. African American women would be presented the same opportunities as their white counterparts. Rejection would be based on qualifications rather than race.

Unfortunately, this world is far from perfect, however, there are people, more specifically women, who have dedicated their time, money and education to make a positive change. They’ve used their experiences and their encounters with injustices to fight and/or create more opportunities for their children and their children’s children, in an effort to make the world a better place. They’ve put our pain and problems on their backs and created space for change, new opportunities for our brothers and sisters to excel and succeed in a world that is designed against us. This is #BlackExcellence. These are #BallerificWomen. ⠀⠀⠀

One of those special women is Debbie Allen, who is recognized as an actress, choreographer, dancer, author, and director.

The Howard University graduate has spent over three decades stealing our hearts with her work and role as a choreographer in the television spin-off of ‘Fame.’ Allen’s choreography earned her three Emmy Awards for the show.

In 1988, Allen stepped in as the director and producer of the hit show, ‘A Different World.’ The show made a huge change showing what it really feels like to attend an HBCU. Allen boosted the show to the top of the ratings, continuing to produce and direct the sitcom until its finale in 1993.

Debbie Allen’s list of producing and directing credits feature ‘FAME,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Scandal,’ ‘How To Get Away With Murder,’ ‘Jane the Virgin,’ ‘Empire,’ ‘ A Different World,’ ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ ‘Stompin’ At The Savoy,’ ‘Polly,’ ‘That’s So Raven,’ ‘Cool Women,’ ‘Quantum Leap,’ ‘The Fantasia Barrino Story,’ and on stage, ‘ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’

Debbie Allen currently holds four Honorary Doctorate Degrees and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Our Ballerific Woman continues to show the world why she is just that. To keep her legacy of dancing going, Allen has the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to give dancers around the world a chance to share their talents.