Mariessa (M): What sets your non-profit apart from other youth groups?
Tracy Cooper (T): Our non profit is provides rewarding experiences for youth interested in the performing arts ages 12-19. We focus on building character and self esteem.
M: When we think about performing arts, we don’t always think of fashion or fashion careers. How does fashion fit into your curriculum?
T: I think that fashion is art. It is creative. Our program fuses fashion and theater. Students learn theatrical techniques such as improvisation, runway techniques and auditioning techniques. These techniques translate into interviewing skills. They also learn how to build props and staging, set-up lighting, etc. I think this definitely translates into fashion and the arts.
M: Tell us about your annual youth program, the School Fashion Battle.
T: Ten metropolitan area high schools competing in the battle, a fusion of fashion and theater. The students have worked for four months on this program. It is an extra-curricular in school activity. The students select themes, choreograph and execute an 8 minute scene idea. The culminating event is January 19.
M: What I found to be interesting is that today, fashion is helping to spur a renaissance in DC. Why do you think your event resonates with so many youth in this area?
T: I think they see it as an opportunity to “represent” their school. This is our fifth year hosting the event. In 2004, the Battle was held at Bowie State University. The capacity was 999. The next year we held the production at the University of Maryland theater which holds 1250. The next year, Then we moved to the Camelot of Upper Marlboro. Their ballroom holds 1875 people. We sold out that venue. Then, we moved it to Constitution Hall in 2007 and 2008.
M: That is amazing. That really shows that you are not only doing a wonderful job but it shows that the DC students are really fascinated with fashion and showcasing their creativity!
T: I think the interest in creative programs has grown. It has blossomed in the past seven years. We live in a creative culture now. We have a huge creative side that we need to address. It is critical that we massage their interests and provide programming that can hold the attention of our students. That has been a blessing to me.
M: Have any of your students pursued careers in the fashion industry?
T: We have several students at the Fashion Institute of TEchnoligy in NY. One of my students s attending a design school in California. Last year, the winning team went up to NYC to meet Russell Simmons and one of my students got an internship with Russ Philanthropic. We have several students with great success stories. We find that this program inspires them to pursue an eduation!
In order to participate, students have to come to school and have to have at least a 2.5 grade point average. This is higher than the DC Public School requirement which is 2.0 (a D average). The program motivates students to do better in school.
In addition, we surround our student participants with role models. Additionally, we create programming that is not only fun but helps to build strong characters and better values.
M: Exactly and I would add that Teen Count is an in-school program. So the students are in a controlled positive environment between 3pm and 7 pm.
T: This is critical. I think that this is a critical hour because a lot of our parents are at work and we have a lot of latch key kids. Unfortunately, our teens are falling prey to drug addition, gang violence, alcohol addition , teen age pregancy. This is a positive activity a safe place for our youth.
M: You were kind enough to testify on June 15, in support of the legislation to create a Fashion Commission in DC. Do you think the F Commission will help?
T: It will help our non-profit organization and our mission because we have applied for several grants with the Commission on the Arts and Humanities and we have been told that fashion does not fit into ther criteria that they are looking to support. I find it challenging to get grants that support fashion programs even though I think fashion is a form of art. I am hoping that the Commission can help.
Fashion is a viable and marketable subject matter. A lot of our kids are interested in it. It also builds character and self esteem.
M: If you have an opportunity to have an audience with the Mayor or the Office of Economic Development is there anything specific that you’d like to tell them about your needs?
T: Needs-the students participate in this particular program and there is no funding provided for their participation. They create their own costumes, build and develop their own sets and props. Yet there is absolutely no funding and no support for that development. It is a four month extracurricular in school activity that has absolutely no funding. So often times these kids have to come out of their own pockets to find money to build sets, create their costumes, etc. Teens Count goes into the school and provides workshops. People volunteer their time and teach the students proper technique. Often times, it is challenging for me to find people with the proper skill sets to teach these classes for free.
In addition to funding, we would ask the Administration to attend the events. Hopefully this year, we will have Council Members to attend.
M: On a different note, I am proud to say that DC is on the move. There are tons of new boutiques cropping up in WDC. What are you favorite shops?
T: There are so many but my favorites are Wild Women Wear Red and Pink November.
M: Thanks Tracey!
