The Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA), the Annenberg Foundation, and Netflix are partnering to present “Lights Up: A Drive-In Gala at the Rose Bowl,” sponsored by Netflix, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.
The event represents DADA’s 20th Annual GALA Fundraiser, and guests will have a chance to see special guests such as Stevie Wonder, Misty Copeland, Arturo Sandoval, Sinbad, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and DADA Diaspora, all while honoring Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
DADA, based in Los Angeles, is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding the reach of dance and theater arts with the hope of enriching, inspiring, and transforming the lives of its students.
Aside from providing affordable, often free, and inclusive dance training, DADA also leads several outreach programs for the community, including a low-impact energetic dance program for seniors and their caregivers, a Dance Free Day when DADA opens its doors to the public for free classes, a Journey of Yourself program designed for cancer warriors and survivors using dance and movement, and free lecture demonstrations in schools throughout Los Angeles County that benefit thousands of children every year.
DADA also offers a scholarship program for more than 60 percent of their students and subsidized school performances that bring the magic of the performing arts to thousands of students nationwide.
Because of the pandemic, most of DADA’s programs are currently held online.
The Annenberg Foundation is a family foundation that provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations in the United States and around the world. Established in 1989 by Ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife Leonore, the Foundation conducts grantmaking, technical assistance and direct charitable activities. It was initially established to support the arts, presidential libraries, hospitals, orchestras, and museums, but has since been expanding to include environmental stewardship, social justice, and animal welfare.
Among other projects in the Pasadena area, the Annenberg Foundation has provided grants to Caltech leading to the construction of the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology, and financial support for Five Acres in Altadena, for expanding its residential treatment programs for children with emotional disturbances.
The “Lights Up” drive-in gala on Nov. 14 will be a socially distanced outdoor event at the Rose Bowl, with staff ensuring strict protocols are in place.
To purchase tickets and for more information about sponsorships, visit www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/gala.
