Grateful. Enthusiastic. Optimistic.

Le’Elle Davis is a recent senior graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. She will attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the fall where she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Business Administration. Le’Elle discovered the ACT-SO program through her high school dance director, Mrs. Lisa Reynolds, who told her about the amazing opportunity the NAACP provides through the ACT-SO competition. She signed up as soon as she got home and has not looked back since. By joining this program, she has met a wonderful group of people who all have a deep passion and love for their unique crafts.

Le’Elle competed in the Contemporary Dance category of the 2017 local Detroit NAACP Youth Council branch competition. She received a gold medal for her piece, When We Were Young, choreographed by Mrs. Debra Chervney. Due to her accomplishments at the local competition, Le’Elle has advanced to compete at the national ACT-SO competition in Baltimore, Maryland this upcoming July!

Three Words to Describe Feelings about National Competition

Grateful, enthusiastic and optimistic. Le’Elle is appreciative of all
of the mentors and family members who have helped her get to this point in her journey as an artist, for without them, she would not be the performer that she is today. She is especially grateful for her mother who has been so supportive and patient with her. Although Le’Elle has competed in many different dance competitions, the national ACT-SO competition is like no other contest that she has ever participated in: “So many different types of talent all in one grand competition; I am amazed at the amount of talent I’ve seen so far.” She is also enthusiastic about being able to travel to and explore the city of Baltimore for the national competition. Lastly, she always makes a conscious effort to remain optimistic throughout the competition so that she will not become engulfed by her anxiety and nerves: ” My state of mind prior to stepping on the stage is essential to my performance. I only wish for the best and ask God to order my steps.”

Nerves & Excitement

Le’Elle is most nervous about speaking in front of the judges. As a dancer, she mostly relies on her body expression to communicate. However, since the judges may have a few questions about her piece and previous dance experiences, she is anxious about heaving to speak to them in front of such a large audience. Although she is quite apprehensive about this part of the competition, Le’Elle is confident that with plenty of practice, she will be just fine. She is looking forward to having new experiences, making new friends and learning innovative skills. Le’Elle hopes to gain a more in-depth understanding of her particular dance style throughout this competition. She wants to closely analyze her individual artistry, which will not only help her now, but also in her future endeavors as a dancer.

Motivation

“Set [your] fears aside and do the best [you] can; that’s all anyone can ever ask
for. You’ll never know what could happen, unless you take a leap of faith.” – Le’Elle Davis

Social Media:

Feel free to reach out to Le’Elle and follow her on her social media pages:

Twitter: @leelledavis

Snapchat: @ms.leelle

Instagram: @_le.le_

We wish you the best of luck, Le’Elle, in the 2017 national ACT-SO competition!