Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a revered institution like Kennedy Center’s Reach expansion campus? Today's episode pulls back the curtain, as we're joined by Jane Raleigh, a visionary who climbed the ranks from intern to director of dance programming at the Kennedy Center. She'll give us a backstage pass to the world of dance and her work with the Brown Ballerinas' Dream Big Intensive program. Jane reveals the art of collaboration and the relentless dedication needed to amplify local talents and empower community leaders.

Whisking us into the realm of the young and talented, we're thrilled to have 13-year-old Dior Brown, the United States Ambassador of Brown Ballerinas. Dior shares how her passion for dance sparked dreams of performing on Broadway, and the transformative lessons she's learned about self-confidence, creativity, and thoughtful practice during her journey in the Kennedy Center's intensive program. But the dance floor extends beyond the United States. Paula Brown, founder and artistic director of the Paula Brown Performing Arts Center, takes us on an inspiring cultural journey between the United States and South Africa - a testament to the remarkable growth and empowerment dance can spark across continents.

Our journey continues as we meet Hope Dimmons, the South African Ambassador for the Brown Ballerinas Dream. This 15-year-old dancer unveils her experiences, dreams, and challenges from her time at the Kennedy Center's Dream Big Intensive. Her stories of mastering attention to detail, regular practice, and her aspirations of pursuing theater underscore the truly international language of dance. This episode is a testament to the power of dance, the resilience it nurtures, and the unity it fosters across borders. Join us for an episode filled with passion, dreams, and the beauty of dance.

Original music and audio production provided by Jarrett Nicolay at Mixtape Studios. www.mynewmixtape.com