Despite being involved in a car crash last Saturday, Chris Brown did not let a little banged up car get in the way of him giving back to none other that youth dancers just like himself. Chris arrived in “great spirits and focused on the kids and being there,” according to an eyewitness at the event.
“He focused on being present and encouraging the kids. He’s able to see their unique abilities,” the eyewitness told HollywoodLife.com exclusively.
As it turned out, Chris was so impressed by a dance performance by all 11 finalists for his Symphonic Love Scholarships that he decided he didn’t want to have to choose just five students.
“He saw how devastated the kids would be if they weren’t chosen and he decided on the spot to more than double the scholarships to 11,” the eyewitness reports. “The kids were so excited they were crying.”
Now all 11 students who came from low-income families will be able to train six days a week (after school and on Saturdays) at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) and be able to perform in the annual DADA concert and also be able to participate in various auditions.
Chris established the Symphonic Love Foundation scholarships because “he understands the scholarships provide opportunities and he knows that dance can change people’s lives — it can be transformative,” Debbie Allen, the artistic director and founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy said.
“Chris understands that young people deserve the opportunity” to have artistic expression, explains Debbie Allen. “It’s very sad that arts programs are one of the first things cut in most public schools in low-income neighborhoods.” Ms. Allen also pointed out that “Chris is taking the time to be physically present [at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy] and to develop a relationship with the kids.”
“It’s one thing to give a scholarship, but it’s another to come in,” Ms. Allen told HollywoodLife.com. “Chris has found a purpose beyond his own stardom with this.” She said that Chris was so inspired by watching the students who are between 15 and 18 perform, that he said he “felt like he needed to start stretching after he saw them.”
He also told a whole group of about 60 students who attended the performance that he wants them in his next video, and he stayed and talked and took photos with the students. Chris later said about awarding the DADA scholarships: “everyone has their own unique creativity. One way of being isn’t better than another. I’m not judging the finalists, I’m here to inspire and motivate. I could see in their faces and in their energy that they have the drive and the dream. They are all beautiful.”
Check out the pictures below of Brown and the dance students hamming it up for the cameras.
