When a young Brayden Jordan and his mother, Dr. Eshele Williams, evacuated their home in Altadena during the Eaton fire in early January, they thought they’d be able to return soon.

The fire destroyed their home, along with the homes of Williams’ mother and two sisters, shattering their hopes. 

What You Need To Know

  • In a new episode of "LA Stories," iconic entertainer Debbie Allen shares how she was moved to help those like Jordan and his mother amid the Eaton and Palisades fires 

  • Through her free dance program called "Dancing in the Light at DADA," Allen provides free classes for all ages and levels of dance for those whose lives were impacted by the fires

  • As the founder of DADA, Allen offers a wide range of dance programs in order to ensure all children have access to dance and the arts

  • The next Dancing in the Light program is scheduled for March 23 and due to run through May

Both Jordan and Williams are struggling with the loss of their home and prized possessions — but Jordan has found solace and strength with the help of Debbie Allen and her Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

“It makes me feel very good because it’s something I really love to do,” he said. “And DADA's not just a place that I love to dance. It’s my family.”

On the latest episode of “LA Stories” with Giselle Fernandez, the iconic entertainer Debbie Allen, shares how she was moved to help those like Jordan and his mother after the Eaton and Palisades fires in any way she could. 

As the founder of DADA, Allen offers a wide range of dance programs to ensure all children have access to dance and the arts. 

Through her free dance program called "Dancing in the Light at DADA," Allen provides free classes for all ages and levels of dance for those whose lives were affected by the fires. 

By offering this escape for victims, she hopes to provide a sense of community, hope, and healing — all through the power of dance. 

Thanks to Debbie Allen, Brayden Jordan’s dream to dance continues to burn brightly. He was able to perform at DADA’s 25th Anniversary celebration, the Silver Slipper Gala, and he continues to chase his dream of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. 

For Allen, the chance to see the joy that dancing brings him and others during these difficult times is all that matters. 

While she acknowledges the fear and suffering that so many are feeling throughout the country right now, she remains hopeful for a bright future ahead. 

“I think that there’s a lot of ugliness happening, but I think a lot of it is fear and that we mustn’t be shut down by fear,” she said. “We have to look things straight in the face and figure out a way to keep moving forward.”

The next "Dancing in the Light" program is scheduled for March 23. The series is due to run through May.