Today we dive deep into the dance world with my dear friend from high school, Neisha Folkes. The incredible Neisha has choreographed for well renowned movies. A triple-threat one might say; actor, singer, and dancer. A notable accomplishment was that she was a member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company company for several years.What You Will HearNeisha's remarkable acting and dancing careerArtistic motivation that stemmed from The BronxReflecting on Folk’s acceptance into JulliardWitnessing diversity challenges amongst JulliardPrevious audition opportunities for BroadwayBalancing the decision between graduation and Broadway careerAudition process into Alvin Ailey Dance CompanyLove and respect for Alvin Ailey himselfDance coach for Denzel Washington in Malcolm XDebbie Allen’s FAME origin storyChoosing between Alvin Ailey and FAME television seriesQuotes“I didn’t only just catch up, I surpassed”“I am not going to be the master of a bunch. I’m going to be the master of one and I’m going to make it work.”“We don’t do this because of a side of the tinge of racism, and for some people, it was more than a tinge. It was very blatant and covert. For some, it was less than that, but there was always a sense of elitism.”“I went on and got my Master’s years later, because I really felt uneducated. I really felt that I didn’t have the necessary education that I needed to be in conversation with people.”“We always want to get to the destination. We always want to skip a couple steps. Just enjoy the process. Complete it first, and then be fully invested to then bring yourself to the next space.”MentionedHelen Tamiris Award Alvin AileyDenzel Washington in Malcolm XFrankie ManningOtis SallidLindy Hop dance styleDebbie Allen’s Fame