TheGifted Arts goes to LA

At TheGifted Arts, our mission goes beyond teaching dance steps or staging performances. It's about transforming lives, empowering young people to believe in their potential, and equipping them with the tools to succeed in life—both on and off the stage. This commitment to holistic development is evident in the experiences of TGA alumni like Madison and Jeremiah, who have taken the lessons learned at TGA and applied them to their journeys in the arts and beyond.

TGA was founded with a vision to create a supportive environment where Black and Brown youth can thrive, express themselves creatively, and gain the confidence to pursue their dreams. From the moment students walk through the doors, they are welcomed into a community that believes in their potential and is dedicated to helping them succeed.

“TGA is more than just dance,” shares Tish Carnes, TGA’s Village Builder. “We focus on preparing our students for life by teaching them discipline, hard work, and self-belief. These lessons extend well beyond the studio.”

For students like Madison and Jeremiah, this holistic approach has made all the difference. Through years of practice, performance, and mentorship, they’ve developed not only as artists but as confident, ambitious individuals ready to take on the world.

TheGifted Arts and the AMDA Opportunity

An incredible opportunity arose when Celeina Macklin, a former TGA instructor and site director at the AMDA High School Conservatory in Los Angeles, reached out to Tish Carnes, TGA’s Village Builder. Celeina invited Tish to join her as an associate site director at AMDA for the summer, and Tish, in turn, encouraged some TGA alumni to apply as junior counselors. Madison and Jeremiah took advantage of the opportunity, and their time in L.A. became a pivotal experience in their artistic journeys.

As junior counselors at the AMDA High School Conservatory, Madison and Jeremiah were responsible for assisting with the day-to-day operations of the program, which gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional arts education. Additionally, their affiliation with AMDA granted them access to dance classes in L.A. outside of work hours. These classes, taught by industry professionals, offered Madison and Jeremiah the chance to hone their skills, connect with other artists, and immerse themselves in the vibrant L.A. dance scene.

“TGA prepared them well,” says Tish Carnes. “From the moment they arrived, they were focused, disciplined, and ready to make the most of the experience. They weren’t just there to work—they were there to learn, to grow, and to excel.”

For Madison, taking classes from some of the best in the industry, like her idol Natalie, was a dream come true. “It was one of those moments where I realized why I’m doing what I’m doing,” she says. “TGA gave me the confidence to pursue my passion, and the experience in L.A. helped me see just how far I can go.”

Jeremiah, too, found his time in L.A. to be transformative. “Being in L.A. showed me that I’m living in my purpose,” he reflects. “The experience pushed me to step up my game and reinforced that I’m on the right path.”

Preparing for the Future

As TGA looks to the future, its commitment to empowering young people remains as strong as ever. The organization continues to provide opportunities for students to grow, learn, and explore their passions—whether through local programs or experiences like AMDA.

“The goal is to prepare our students for whatever comes next,” says Tish. “Whether they go on to pursue careers in the arts or take a different path, we want them to have the confidence, the skills, and the support they need to succeed.”

Madison and Jeremiah are living examples of how TGA’s holistic approach can shape the futures of its students. Their journeys, from hesitant beginners to confident, ambitious artists, are a testament to the power of arts education and the impact of a community that truly believes in the potential of its youth.

As they continue to build on the foundation laid by TGA, both Madison and Jeremiah are poised to make their mark on the world—proving that the lessons learned at TGA extend far beyond the studio.