Fuel Kamara's Journey to Debbie Allen’s Summer Intensive

Hi, my name is Kamara Powell. I am a dancer and have earned an opportunity to study under the illustrious Debbie Allen at the 2024 Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensive program. I am 16 years old and just finished my junior year of high school. Since I was very young, I have always been captivated by the art of dance. I was born and raised in Palmdale, California, and my experience with dance began as early as four years old at a local studio. Then, in 2016, I began my journey dancing at Lula Washington Dance Theatre in Los Angeles. There, I received incredible training in a variety of styles. I trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, Caribbean, African, hip hop, and Dunham. While training with the brilliant Lula Washington, I performed in several recitals, and my love for dance and performance only grew; I became determined to dance professionally one day.

In 2020, however, as the pandemic hit, I was virtually forced into a hiatus from my favorite form of expression—one that allows me to feel most in tune with my soul. Unfortunately, in the span of 2020-2023, I endured the losses of my uncle, cousin, and both of my grandmas, and these devastating events resulted in me hardly dancing for three years. Thankfully, in the fall of 2023, my dance career was reawakened when I met a wonderful dance family at Starborne Dance Studio and rediscovered my love for dance. Between the fall of 2023 and now, I made it onto the Starborne dance team, performed at a South Bay Lakers halftime show, and competed—and placed—in my very first competition.

Also during this time, I became more familiar with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). Throughout this semester, I got the chance to take classes by the renowned Debbie Allen at a couple of the free events she holds for the community. Dancing with Ms. Allen is an impassioning experience, and I have decided that I want to continue doing so. Recently, I auditioned for the DADA 2024 Summer Intensive . . . and I got accepted!!! I am endlessly grateful for this opportunity. The Summer Intensive program offers a variety of styles and a place for me to flourish as a young Black dancer. However, I do not currently possess the funds needed for tuition and housing, as the trip from Palmdale to LA on a daily basis is not feasible. Staying on campus is also beneficial because I will have the opportunity to receive mentorship from the legendary Ms. Allen, take excursions to the beach and Universal Studios with my community of fellow dancers, and receive full transportation and meals. So, I am asking you to please consider donating to help me make strides in my dance career and have the experience of a lifetime. Anything helps! :) Thank you so much. <3

*I leave for USC on June 24th. If you would like to support, please send your donation by June 20th. Thanks again!!!