Takiyah Wallace-McMillian became the change because of what she didn’t see. Nearly 11 years later, Brown Girls Do Ballet is a thriving philanthropic machine impacting change in the global dance community. Last Saturday, all of the work culminated in an evening of elegance, remembrance and a glance forward as current and past members and their families convened for the inaugural Ballerina’s Ball.
The Ballerina’s Ball is a celebration for Brown Girls Do Ballet ambassadors from around the world to raise vital funds supporting young dancers in their continued training. Brown Girls Do Ballet granted two scholarships and a small studio grant to help offset costs to young dancers in training. The grant will help fund classes, purchase pointe shoes and make equipment purchases possible for a deserving local small studio.
Watch our interview with Takiyah Wallace-McMillian, founder of Brown Girls Do Ballet and author of newly released best seller, “The Color of Dance.” We had the privilege of catching up with Mrs. McMillian moments before the ball at the Ridglea Theater here in Fort Worth. In our interview, founder and executive director Takiyah Wallace-McMillian spoke with us about the inaugural Ballerina’s Ball, what it means to the foundation, the dancers and why it was important to host it in Fort Worth.
The ball consisted of a mixer with hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by a DJ. Clover the Violinist provided entertainment in the foyer and inside the popup shop, dancers and their families had a chance to purchase BGDB swag and Wallace-McMillian’s newly released best seller. A mother-daughter duo entertained in the main room ahead of table seating and almost everyone flocked to the 360 photo booth!
The event was full of fun and the dancers each had a chance to bond with newfound friends from across the country. Many of the dancers and BGDB ambassadors met for the first time at the ball. The night featured performances from Ballet After Dark and Ballet Nouveau and Brown Girls Do chairwoman, Amber Cabral delivered the keynote address.
The ball drew dancers and their families from the east and west coasts and also presented an international presence. BIG things are on the horizon for the foundation and if they’re anything like the inaugural ball, they’re bigger than anything we’ve ever seen in our city!