The Debbie Little Scholarship in Dance

Debbie Little began teaching dance in Ashe County, North Carolina in 1978 at the request of Mrs. Julie Landry, Cultural Arts Coordinator of the NC Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Program. Demand grew quickly, and what began as an after-school program soon blossomed into a full-fledged business, with Dancin’ Debbie’s first opening its doors in Downtown West Jefferson, then later expanding into HCPAA’s current location alongside Little’s Health and Fitness Center. Over the course of her 44 years as owner and instructor, “Dancin’ Debbie” provided the young people of Ashe County with quality, award-winning instruction in all areas of dance. As an entrepreneur, she also inspired generations of young women to pursue their professional dreams, with many of her students going on to become entrepreneurs themselves. Debbie’s love of dance and her commitment to the arts extended well beyond the walls of her studio. She served as Choreographer for numerous local productions including Grease, Annie, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Li’l Abner, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, They’re Playing Our Song, as well as 42nd Street in the former Farthing Auditorium (now Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) in Boone. In addition to her roles as studio owner, dance instructor, and choreographer, Debbie Little is perhaps best regarded in her community as the kindest and most generous of mentors. Her selfless and heartfelt guidance has compelled former students to return to Dancin’ Debbie’s with their own children time and time again. HCPAA is proud to build on Debbie Little’s legacy and to honor her countless contributions to her community with the annual Debbie Little Scholarship in Dance.