Bern Nadette Stanis and teenage daughter Briana Fontana. Photo Contributed
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Alexandria City Community Theatre kicked off the summer programming season with Master Classes with two celebrities: Soul Food Series "Lemme" Darrin Dewitt Henson and Good Times "Thelma" Bern Nadette Stanis.
The series is in part co-sponsored by ARHA (Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority). The classes were held at the Kauffman Auditorium at the Lee Center last month.
Henson is a choreographer having worked with the late Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Prince, NSYNC and Jennifer Lopez. He led a dance workshop.
Stanis, a ‘70s television icon who made Thelma from Good Times the girl everyone wanted next door, held an inspirational story-telling session where she shared her story of discovery and experiences within the entertainment industry.
Having youth and children exposed to professional artists is a goal that the department, with its support of ACCT, will continue to do because the arts brings people together and builds and makes communities stronger.