Detroit continues to make musical contributions to the global entertainment scene, and we are now witnessing the emergence of a new jewel in its crown—dance. This year, four exceptionally talented young dancers from the Stars Elite Training Center in Detroit have been selected to perform and star in the 13th Annual Hot Chocolate Nutcracker by the legendary Debbie Allen. These young artists, aged 5 to 16, have been commuting weekly from Detroit to Los Angeles since September 14th for rehearsals with Debbie Allen, marking a remarkable opportunity and experience of a lifetime.
The four shining stars from Detroit include Kamryn Storr (5) from Westside Christian Academy, Madison Conley (5) from Westfield Charter Academy, Eliana Cannon (6) from Riverview Forest Elementary, and Alonzo Dock (16), a junior at Henry Ford Academy and one of the leading dancers in the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker performance.
For these young dancers, the journey has been both challenging and exhilarating, with the weekly commute from Detroit to Los Angeles. Krystle Storr, parent of Kamryn Storr, acknowledges the hectic schedule but emphasizes the profound impact it will have on her daughter’s life. Kamryn, who has been dancing for two years, sees her selection by Debbie Allen as a validation of her passion, hard work, and dedication to dance.
Stars Elite Training Center, founded in 2007, is a hidden jewel in Detroit’s cultural landscape. For 16 years, this small but impactful dance studio, led by Roslyn Simmons and Krystle Storr, has not only produced exceptional dancers but has also instilled a sense of community service and citizenship in its students. With over 10,000 hours of community service in the Metropolitan Detroit area, Stars Elite is dedicated to providing opportunities for its students, regardless of financial resources.
Roslyn Simmons, the founder and principal instructor, highlights the community-oriented approach of Stars Elite. The studio has achieved significant milestones, with its dancers winning regional and national competitions, becoming World Dance Champions in 2017, and receiving over $580,000 in scholarships. The focus on citizenship, scholarship, and the art of dance has positioned Stars Elite as a beacon of excellence in the world of dance.
Performing at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center from December 7th through 10th, the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is hosted and sponsored by the Shonda Rhimes Family Foundation, the Annenberg Foundation, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. This production not only showcases the incredible talent of Detroit’s young dancers but also underscores the importance of investing in the artistic development of the city’s youth.
In the words of Roslyn Simmons, the journey to develop Stars Elite has been filled with professional and personal sacrifices, but the reward lies in witnessing their students exceed expectations in the world of dance. Detroit’s hidden dance jewels are now not only local stars but are set to shine on a national stage, thanks to the dedication of Stars Elite Training Center and the invaluable opportunity provided by Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.
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