Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Magic Johnson‘s ASPiRE network hosted an advanced screening of their upcoming television special, “Magic in the Making” Thursday evening in Atlanta, GA. The one-hour program features the NBA legend sharing an intimate and illuminating conversation with brilliant ballerina Misty Copeland – American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) first African-American female principal dancer.
Victoria Rowell with children from the Boys and Club
The screening was held at the Rich Auditorium in the Woodruff Art Center and featured a panel discussion following the show of current and former dancers including actress Victoria Rowell, Atlanta Ballet’s Kiara Felder, “Dancin’ the Dream” star Kiki Ely and media maven Ebony Steele, who served as the evening’s moderator. Daryl Foster, Artistic Director of LIFT, was also on the panel and was super excited about dance being featured on such a major platform.
Darryl Foster with Kiki Ely
“Anytime a media outlet recognizes dance, it’s important to support it. It’s also equally as important to bring out as many young people because they always see the after product as well as the ‘glitz and glam’ but never the hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes. I think it’s so important that they see that and the people who support things as well,” said Foster.
Roderick Thompson star of ASPiRE’s new series “Mommy Uncensored“
Other Atlanta celebrities in attendance included actors DeEtta West, GregAlan Williams, Reece Odum, Dawn Halfkenny, Nadej Bailey, Roderick Thompson as well as Terri J. Vaughn and her husband Karon Riley, who were both impressed with Copeland’s international appeal.
Terri J. Vaughn and Karon Riley
“I am so thankful that ASPiRE is telling her story. I also love that this it’s being televised all around the world for all of the little girls to see and who aspire to do the same. Misty Copeland is such a powerful woman and she inspires us all—men, women, and children,” said Vaughn.
Check out the trailer below and watch it on ASPiRE on March 28 at 9 p.m. EST
Photo Credits: Moses Robinson/OPM Photography
