Medium Skilled =    Highly Skilled =    Professional =

I am the Founder & Director of REJOICE! Performing Arts Studio & Talent Agency as well as the National Dance Coach for Millie Lewis Actors, Model, and Talent Competitions (AMTC). REJOICE! was founded in 1996, and I've worked with AMTC since August, 2008.

Born of a successful entrepreneur for a father and an innately talented musician for a mother, I have combined the best of both worlds to walk into her destiny. Her dove's view to fulfill her calling has lead her to earn her Associates in General Education from Fayetteville Technical Community College, Bachelors in Small Business Management from Western Governor's University , and Certificate and Diploma in Biblical Studies from Carolina Bible College, and Masters in Biblical Studies.

My father, the late William "Buddy" Allen, was a very successful entreprneur as realtor and bondsman. While he prided himself in being one of the first successful African American men to make it in Bridgeport Connecticut in the 1960's, he always had a heart to help the under-priveleged youth and unwed mothers in his community. As owner of more than a few homes, he blessed many with nice homes to live in at a low rate...and some he simply gifted away to those he felt were in need. Donna's heart beats in unison with her dad when it comes to serving her community in a way that will make a difference in others' lives...especially the youth. The generational blessing of becoming a successful entrepreneur was an added bonus...

My mother, the late Donna Mae Toms, was innately gifted in music, but never given a chance to train it fully. Donna Mae was a stay at home Mom of five children and an excellent manager of the home financially and maternally. She made sure that her children had the opportunities not offered to her as a young African American woman living in Connecticut in the 1960's. When opportunities presented themselves, she made certain that her children were in a place to utilize it to the fullest. Thus, as her youngest child I was priveledged to attend one of the most prestigious school systems in the state...Coleytown Elementary and Junior High, and Staples High School located in Westport, Connecticut. This opened the door for Donna to train in the performing arts by Masters in their field.

I have trained in the performing arts since 1974 through the public school system of Westport, Connecticut, Private Violin and Dance Lessons, and local Dance Studios in Connecticut and North Carolina. As she excelled in her passion for the arts, she was invited and participated in the University of Bridgeport Orchestra in 1979-1981 as First Violin on their travels to London and Wales, Europe. She also participated as First Violin for All CIty and All State Orchestra throughout Junior High and High School and has taught Beg - Adv.Violin for ten consective years

Because of Donna’s passion for Jesus Christ, her determination to FULFILL the call upon her life is paramount. Using the performing arts as nothing more than a tool, she wants nothing more than to pass the mantle onto the next generation for Christ. Thus, God Himself has given her the vision of REJOICE! Performing Arts Studio & Talent Agency, "Where the arts are used for God’s glory!"

Though I have performed my whole life locally and surrounding cities, owned and operated a Performing Arts Studio since 1996, I am new to the industry at large. Thus, my credits are amazingly short and to the point....and here it is:

STAGE SHOWS
Runway Fashion Show Choreographer; Stylist REJOICE! Perf. Arts
Runway Fashion Show Choreographer World Holiday Festival
I'm Lettin' Go Show Director REJOICE! Perf. Arts

TV
Hollywood East Extra; Dancer HEC Productions
One Tree Hill 615, 701 Extra CAPS Universal
FILM
One Last Sunset Choreographer; Dir. Kevin Richmond
Composer of Song PeepinTomProd.’s
A Few Brains More Extra Adrenaline Prod.
Palmetto Haunting Extra Indie Film

RELATED JOBS
National Dance Coach for Millie Lewis AMTC (Actors, Model, & Talent Competition)


SKILLS: Dance Instructor & Choreographer for Lyrical, Jazz, & Street Dance; Instructor for Violin, Piano, & Guitar; Instructor for Acting (TV Print); Play Writer, Swim, Dance, Athletic

I love my God, family, and friends. Being out in the country is a love that I cherish along my youngest daughter, Brianna, while I also have a pull that draws me to the streets of Manhattan for a good Off or On Broadway Show, Shopping, and to die for NYC delicacies. But I must reside mid-stream in suburbia.

Reading is a passion that fall surpasses anything else. Thus, I've been known to dabble in writing and directing plays and skits for our Drama Class and beyond. It is intriguing how far the mind can go when unleashed....where the desription of each character is uniquely different to each reader. Thus, when the film comes out, the mind is challenged to re-group and except the image before him on the screen. Funny, that is NOT how I pictured that character as I read the novel....

To excel to my individual best while also sending out others to do the same. I love to share my "know how" with others and watch them peak! It gives me much joy. I also have joy in performing myself to stay "on my toes." I also feel it give me leverage to share even more with my clientele and steer them in the right direction that would most benefit them and their career.

1. Self-Driven/Motivated
2. Focused
3. Multi - Talented (Act, Dance, Musical Instruments)
4. Diligent
5. Thorough