::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

  First Lady Michelle Obama celebrates dance at the White House Black History Month program  Long before Misty Copeland became a principal dancer in the American Ballet, others paved the way. Women like J udith Jamison (Alvin Ailey Dance Company), Debbie Allen (dance legend, actress, producer), Virginia Johnson ( Dance Theater of Harlem)  and Fatima Robinson (Hip hop dance pioneer, activist)  were breaking down barriers of discrimination against minorities in dance with one kick ball change, twirl, or hip thrust at a time.  The collective power and gifts of these dance pioneers is immeasurable and they paid it forward on Feb. 8 at the White House by mentoring and teaching 51 young Black dance enthusiasts from D.C. about life and dance.   For an hour and a half the East Room was transformed into a dance studio and the rest is history. Never before have dancers of various ages and skill levels learned and performed choreogr...