EPISODE AIRS at 8pm on Friday, Oct. 20th - SPECIAL EDITION WATCH

Dance has been an enduring presence in Valerie Blackwell-Truitt's life, an art form interwoven with her earliest memories. From her childhood, Valerie was enveloped in the world of dance, and it ignited her love for the seamless fusion of creativity and familial bonds.

Valerie's unwavering dedication to the art of dance and her desire to inspire others have led to the establishment of The Valerie A. Blackwell-Truitt Community Dance and Performance Arts Concert & Art Exhibition. Through this platform, she continues to impart her passion and love for the arts upon her immediate and surrounding community. With a diverse ensemble of performers, artists, and more, this year's event is scheduled to grace the stage on Friday & Saturday, October 27th & 28th at 7:30pm at the Foundry Theatre, Antioch College.

Valerie's influence and success have been nothing short of amazing, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the arts. It is an honor to announce that Valerie Blackwell-Truitt is now a distinguished recipient of the prestigious VIDA Award, bestowed by the Public Art and Culture Commission on behalf of the Village of Yellow Springs. The VIDA Award is a mark of recognition, presented to a resident or local business owner who has creatively enriched the cultural tapestry of Yellow Springs and made a transformative artistic contribution to the Village.

On this episode of The PHILLIP Show, we delve into Valerie Blackwell-Truitt's journey and her boundless enthusiasm for dance and the arts. We explore the following topics:

Finding Your Passion: How did Valerie discover her enduring passion for dance, and what advice does she have for others searching for their own?
The Importance of Community: Valerie's work centers around community engagement. How has the community played a pivotal role in her artistic endeavors, and what can we learn from her approach?
The Valerie A. Blackwell-Truitt Community Dance and Performance Arts Concert & Art Exhibition: What can viewers expect from this year's event, and what makes it stand out as a source of inspiration?
The Key to Remaining Consistent and Moving Forward: In the face of challenges and obstacles, how does Valerie Blackwell-Truitt maintain her consistency and drive in her artistic journey?

Don't miss this captivating episode, where Valerie Blackwell-Truitt's remarkable story and dedication to dance, inspiration, and being true to oneself take center stage.

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS

1. In the interview about Valerie Blackwell-Truitt's passion for dance and community involvement, what areas of our own life have helped to shape your passions and your road in life.

2. The VIDA Award is presented to individuals who make transformative artistic contributions to their community. What other ways can art positively impact a local community, and do you know of any similar awards or recognition programs in your own area that celebrate artistic contributions?

3. Valerie Blackwell-Truitt's dedication to dance and the arts is evident in her commitment to her community's cultural enrichment. What inspires you to contribute to your community or pursue your passion, and how can you apply her principles of consistency and determination to your own endeavors?

Share your thoughts and insights in the comments section below and be sure to join our online community to stay connected with inspiring stories. Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 | 8PM
Creative writer and author of the new release “Return To Two Town,” William D. Cornwell III shares about his experiences, and how they have shaped how he navigates the world around him. With a passion for storytelling, this author invites his audiences to a world of fantastic narrative, and interesting storylines. Impacted by living with a mother with health concerns, and feeling disconnected from youth friend circles, William discusses how he was able to find purpose in the creation of worlds, journeys, and fictional scenarios.

ON THIS EPISODE