Photo Credit: Netflix
Debbie Allen, world-renowned actress, producer, singer and dancer extraordinaire has encapsulated a teaching style and production that will transform the dance world as we know it.
From F.A.M.E, the Oscars, Grey’s Anatomy and everything in-between, Debbie Allen has dominated in class, perfection, style and flare. Allen has earned the title of legend and after you watch this documentary, you’ll call her that too. The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker was created out of a world filled with rejection; Allen and her daughter studied ballet for years and were denied access to various productions because of their body type and skin complexion.
Though this isn’t a story of race and body shaming, without these two significant issues the Debbie Allen dance studio would have never been established. I thought I loved Debbie Allen before, but seeing her story highlighted in between scenes of the documentary made me admire her forevermore. Many of us have the reward of seeing a production in totality but we never see what it takes to get there, and the amount of practice, hard falls and sleepless nights aren’t seen. Seeing the creation of this production gives me even more appreciation to dancers, teachers and producers who create these experiences.
Allen recalls watching the original Nutcracker ballet by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and one day hoping to be the sugar plum fairy. She studied ballet professionally for years because of that moment, and hoped that people would leave with a similar experience after creating her own version of The Nutcracker. Allen created a world where reality meets fantasy by traveling through Egypt, Bollywood, the rain forest and much more. The abundance of artistry is what struck me the most; she purposely displayed different dance styles and musicality to take you on a journey and keep the audience’s attention.
This production is the biggest performance of the year and is also a source of major funding for the students and studio alike. Allen has made it her mission to award children the opportunity to dance regardless of their ability to pay, especially when the talent is clearly visible. The company provides scholarships for 75% of its 200 students and in order to keep that promise, revenue has to be made. The production stands to make $450,000 in ticket sales alone which covers tuition, costumes, elite dance training from world renowned teachers and much more. Allen is known for her tough teaching style but wants her students to know that life won’t be easy and making it as a dancer requires responsibility, drive and focus.
I highly recommend Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. If you are interested in Debbie Allen’s life, work ethic and legacy as well as a great production, this documentary is just right for you. Seeing determined dancers of all ages who are hungry for success in the industry gives a story of steadfastness and hope to anyone who has ever had a dream.
