SSC Community Forums: rejoicestudio - Viewing Profile

I am the Founder & Director of REJOICE! Performing Arts Studio & Talent Agency as well as the National Dance Coach for Millie Lewis Actors, Model, and Talent Competitions (AMTC). REJOICE! was founded in 1996, and I've worked with AMTC since August, 2008. Born of a successful entrepreneur for a father and an innately talented musician for a mother, I have combined the best of both worlds to walk into her destiny. Her dove's view to fulfill her calling has lead her to earn her Associates in General Education from Fayetteville Technical Community College, Bachelors in Small Business Management from Western Governor's University , and Certificate and Diploma in Biblical Studies from Carolina Bible College, and Masters in Biblical Studies. My father, the late William "Buddy" Allen, was a very successful entreprneur as realtor and bondsman. While he prided himself in being one of the first successful African American men to make it in Bridgeport Connecticut in the 1960's, he always had a heart to help the under-priveleged youth and unwed mothers in his community. As owner of more than a few homes, he blessed many with nice homes to live in at a low rate...and some he simply gifted away to those he felt were in need. Donna's heart beats in unison with her dad when it comes to serving her community in a way that will make a difference in others' lives...especially the youth. The generational blessing of becoming a successful entrepreneur was an added bonus... My mother, the late Donna Mae Toms, was innately gifted in music, but never given a chance to train it fully. Donna Mae was a stay at home Mom of five children and an excellent manager of the home financially and maternally. She made sure that her children had the opportunities not offered to her as a young African American woman living in Connecticut in the 1960's. When opportunities presented themselves, she made certain that her children were in a place to utilize it to the fullest. Thus, as her youngest child I was priveledged to attend one of the most prestigious school systems in the state...Coleytown Elementary and Junior High, and Staples High School located in Westport, Connecticut. This opened the door for Donna to train in the performing arts by Masters in their field. I have trained in the performing arts since 1974 through the public school system of Westport, Connecticut, Private Violin and Dance Lessons, and local Dance Studios in Connecticut and North Carolina. As she excelled in her passion for the arts, she was invited and participated in the University of Bridgeport Orchestra in 1979-1981 as First Violin on their travels to London and Wales, Europe. She also participated as First Violin for All CIty and All State Orchestra throughout Junior High and High School and has taught Beg - Adv.Violin for ten consective years Because of Donna’s passion for Jesus Christ, her determination to FULFILL the call upon her life is paramount. Using the performing arts as nothing more than a tool, she wants nothing more than to pass the mantle onto the next generation for Christ. Thus, God Himself has given her the vision of REJOICE! Performing Arts Studio & Talent Agency, "Where the arts are used for God’s glory!"