Meet Allison Barnes!
Allison Barnes was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She trained in ballet and jazz from The Alabama School of Fine Arts where she was the recipient of the Excellence in Dance award. Allison continued her education at the University of Alabama where she was a member of Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, Dance Alabama, Crimson Cabaret and Rip Tide dance team. At the University, Allison also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she served as step team captain/choreographer for one semester.
After college Allison moved to New York where she began her career as a professional dancer for the New Jersey Nets during the 2008-2009 basketball season. Allison has performed all over the world with artists including Beyonce, Jeremih, Sean Paul, Jennifer Lopez, The Dream and many more. Allison has also done print advertisement for Dance Magazine and David TuTerra’s My Fair Wedding.
When Allison is not dancing she enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her family and friends.
Let’s get to know Allison a little better…
How long have you been dancing?
I began dancing at age 7.
What first inspired you to express yourself through dance?
When I was younger, I only wanted to do everything my big sister did. She played softball, I played softball. She rode her bike without training wheels, I begged my dad to take my training wheels off my bike. She took dance so, of course, I had to as well. It just so happened that I enjoyed dance most of all and began to excel in it.
You’ve already accomplished so much at your age! If you had to choose, what would be the biggest highlight in your blossoming career so far?
That’s easy. Definitely dancing for Beyonce’ in 2009 at the MTV Video Music Awards. “Single Ladies” was the hottest song of the year and nominated for best video and choreography. I knew EVERY step of the choreography down to finger motions and eye gazes so when my agent called me for the audition I was prepared. Booking that job was my first time (out of 3) rehearsing and performing with the singer. It was definitely hard work, but I was on cloud nine. Performing with an artist I’ve jammed out to since middle school was my dream come true! I realized then that hard work ALWAYS pays off.
Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourselves when you’re feeling a little defeated?
In the entertainment industry where rejection is an everyday reality, it’s incredibly easy to lose confidence and self-esteem without really knowing it. Every morning, I appreciate seeing inspirational verses that I have written on my mirror to get me started. One of my favorites is Romans 5:3; “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” I truly believe that every single hiccup, mistake and defeat makes me better. I learn from it and move on to be all that I’m destined to be. Trials just come with the territory!
What are 3 life skills that you’ve learned through dance?
- Endurance: This ties in with the previous question. Being able to push through fatigue and exhaustion is so important. Seeing your final product is definitely worth the hardship!
- Timing: Matching your moves to the exact beats in the music really makes the choreography perfect. If you are one count ahead or behind the music, the experience is not the best it could be for the viewer. This is also true in life. Learn to be patient. When the timing is right, everything aligns perfectly.
- Stage Presence: No matter how tired or injured a great dancer may be, the audience can never tell because her stage presence, smile and energy show that she thoroughly enjoys what she is doing. It’s so important to maintain a positive attitude through all things. After all, it could always be worse!
Your future is shining extremely bright! What projects can we expect from Allison in the near future?
I am still touring with international recording artist Sean Paul, and will be hosting a dance team clinic in April for middle and high school dancers in my home city. I am also excited to announce that I will be launching AREA Birmingham, premiere dance training for children ages 3-17. Check out our website atwww.myareabirmingham.com or via social mediawww.facebook.com/
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, hugely inspires me. She is so intelligent and can speak on any topic given to her with ease. She is so busy with politics and family, but still manages to take such great care of her body! She’s awesome!
Why is it important for young girls to tap into performing arts at a young age?
Artistry isn’t necessarily a learned behavior. However, if it is not exercised early, it can become dormant. I encourage every girl reading this to examine the world around them and see what form of art really speaks to them.
We are all about EMPOWERMENT at C.O.R.E mag, What does empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means to inspire, engage and challenge others to be their BEST selves every day; especially women. We should all make it our purpose to encourage other women to find their passions and rely on each other for sound advice and inspiration!
Fun Faves!
Fave Food? Artist? Song? Celeb Crush?
Favorite Food: Lasagna
Favorite Artist: ColdPlay and Kanye West
Celeb Crush: Idris Elba
Check out more Allison here!
IG: MsAlliBee
Twitter: MsAlliBee
FB: https://www.facebook.com/
website: www.Allison-Barnes.com
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