Post by Admin on Jun 15, 2023 13:04:29 GMT -4
*Damita Jo Freeman, the well-known dancer/actress whose name, personality, and dance style became synonymous with the historic Soul Train television show during the 70s, is hosting a book-signing for the release of her excitedly awaited book, “ARE YOU THAT GIRL ON SOUL TRAIN?!” The fascinating, comprehensive book, the first from any original Soul Train dancing alumni, presents not just a behind-the-scenes look at her years as a jovial star dancer on the popular tv show, but it captures an inside look at Damita’s life before and after her time on the show—a love-filled- family life that formed a talented, and now world-renowned, highly-respected personality.
The book-signing event (on Saturday, 06-24-23) will include 70s memories, music, and entertainment and takes place at the popular Lula Washington Dance Studio, 3773 Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles, a location and area specifically chosen in celebratory, respectful remembrance of the Black inner-city community where Damita lived, laughed, met-up with friends, and honed her still unmatched creative dance style that eventually led to a dream- fulfilled life in show business. Facemasks are respectfully required for all attendees.
For years and still today, people recognize Ms. Freeman on the streets, at events, and in the markets and ask, “Are you that girl on Soul Train?!”
Damita says, “That’s why I chose that title for my book. It’s amazing that people still remember me – decades since I left that show, which was watched by millions of proud families across America. Plus, they recall many cover stories about me in the popular teen magazine, Right On! Magazine… a publication which really introduced me to millions of readers.”
Upon leaving the nationally-syndicated Soul Train tv show, Damita was eagerly recruited by celebrities who wanted her to dance for their events as well as create/choreograph their shows—or act in their tv shows or movies. Among those celebrities are Diana Ross, Cher, Lionel Ritchie, the Pointer Sisters, James Brown, Dick Clark, and a host of others.
Ms. Freeman also choreographed the dance segment for the 1984 Olympics.
“That was such an exciting and life-changing moment. Though I had big dreams of being in show business throughout my entire life—since my early childhood—I never expected to choreograph something like the Olympics! … Nor did I expect to be recruited as choreographer for nationally-respected tv awards shows like Dick Clark’s American Music Awards.”
Part of the reason Damita chose to share her life story with everyone, particularly young people within the Black communities like where she grew up, was to encourage and remind them that “dreams can come true when you work hard, develop your skills, and never give up!”
