Hollywood Dreams Come True for Local Young Dancer

Jacksonville native 11-year-old Ja’el London McBride is living up to her name. crossed the country for a summer of dancing with renowned actress, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen.  Ja’el means ascension and she will represent her name very well. The tween recently returned from a summer of dancing with renowned actress, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen. A student at the Global Arts Academy won coveted spots in the Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensive in Los Angeles and the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Summer Intensive in New-York.

‘This young prodigy has already achieved remarkable milestones, making her a rising star in the world of dance,” said mentor Dance Director Kezia Rolle of the Jacksonville Centre of the Arts where she trains.

Ja’el’s summer journey began in Los Angeles, where she trained for four weeks at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Among her teachers were well-renowned dancers and choreographers and the legendary Debbie Allen herself. After her intensive training in Los Angeles, Ja’el ventured to New York to continue her studies at the American Ballet Theatre, home of principal ballerina Misty Copeland.

When asked whether she would prefer a traditional summer vacation over her rigorous training schedule, she replied with a smile, “I am doing what I love and I am growing in my craft. This is the best of both worlds. This is just like a vacation!” Ja’el’ said.

At just 11 years old, she has already had the opportunity to capture the attention of some of the most influential figures in the dance world. Ja’el’s remarkable journey is not just limited to her dance achievements. The daughter of Henry and Sanaa McBride, she is a member of the National Elementary Honor Society, Chief Science Office for her school, and was a keynote speaker at Black Women in STEM at the M.O.S.H. museum. Clearly she is a star, but she works hard to ascend to the next level.

To register for dance classes visit https://www.jcasworld.org/jca

For more on Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy visit: https://www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/

For more on the American Ballet visit: https://www.abt.org