January 16
Born Today:
Debbie Allen
Versatile artist Debbie Allen (1950-) appeared in Ain’t Misbehavin (1978) on Broadway and in the movie Ragtime (1981), but Allen was introduced to even larger audiences through her role in the TV show Fame, airing from 1982-1987, a reprise of her role in the original movie (1980) as the inspiring dance teacher at a high school for the performing arts. She was also featured in the 2009 remake of Fame. She stepped behind the camera to produce and direct the sit-com A Different World and choreographed ten Academy Award shows. Since 2007 she has appeared as a judge for the TV dance showcase So You Think You Can Dance and has continued directing episodes for multiple TV shows.
Also Born Today: Puerto Rican salsa musician and dancer Roberto Roena, (1940-2021) won multiple talent contests for dance routines created for himself and his brother. He went on to play percussion and lead his own band, also performing with the Fania All Stars. Tap dancer Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards (1976-) made her Broadway premiere at the age of 12 in Black and Blue (1989) alongside legendary and emerging tap greats, such as Jimmy Slyde (1927-2008) and Sauvion Glover (1973-) and in Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk (1996). She also appeared in the movies Tap (1989) and Bamboozled (2000), often as one of a few female tap dancers featured.
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Broadway Premiere: Hello, Dolly! in 1964