First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a dance workshop Monday at the White House for 51 local Washington, D.C. students to commemorate Black History Month. The 2016 theme is “Honoring the Past While Celebrating the Present; 7 Years of Living African American History.”
The first lady often invites youth to the White House as an opportunity for them to hear from successful Americans in a learning and encouraging environment.
During the session the first lady encouraged the dancers by telling them there are talented and good enough to achieve their goals.
"So, whenever someone tells you you're not good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough; you remember that you were smart enough and good enough and talented enough to get into the White House, right? So, if you can do this, you can do anything", the first lady said.
The day concluded with four dance demonstrations: African, Modern, Ballet and Hip-Hop.
"But today isn’t just a special day for me, it’s really a special day for our entire country. Because for nearly 50 years, the women who are gracing us here today have been driving a force in the cultural life of this nation. From tribal rhythms to freedom songs, from modern dance to hip hop, their work has stirred our souls and ignited our imagination. Through dance, they have told the stories of who we were, who we are, and who we can be." --- First Lady Michelle Obama
Check out Instagram pics here, and here.
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| Students shake hands with the first lady before Q&A with workshop dance panelists. Photo/CD Brown |
The celebration recognized the accomplishment of iconic women leaders in dance. Students listened to remarks by the first lady and engaged in a Q&A with dance pioneers and icons Judith Jamison from the reknown Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; actress and choreographer Debbie Allen; the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Virginia Johnson and Hip-Hop choreographer Fatima Robinson before practicing routines to perform later in the day.
Panelists L to R: Judith Jamison, Virginia Johnson, La La Anthony, Fatima Robinson and Debbie Allen.
During the session the first lady encouraged the dancers by telling them there are talented and good enough to achieve their goals.
"So, whenever someone tells you you're not good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough; you remember that you were smart enough and good enough and talented enough to get into the White House, right? So, if you can do this, you can do anything", the first lady said.
Click the play button to see the powerful student dance performances.
"But today isn’t just a special day for me, it’s really a special day for our entire country. Because for nearly 50 years, the women who are gracing us here today have been driving a force in the cultural life of this nation. From tribal rhythms to freedom songs, from modern dance to hip hop, their work has stirred our souls and ignited our imagination. Through dance, they have told the stories of who we were, who we are, and who we can be." --- First Lady Michelle Obama
Check out Instagram pics here, and here.
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