Assata Hazell, Director of the Scholarship Program, started her dance career at the Wharton Settlement Center under the watchful eye of Eugene Harris. With his recommendation Ms. Hazell was accepted with scholarship, into the Philadelphia Dance Academy of Performing Arts, directed by Nadia Chilkovsky. While attending the Academy she became an honor student and began performing with Civic Ballet. Assata received a scholarship to the Pennsylvania Governors School of Performing Arts, which allowed her to work closely with Alexei Yudenich & Barbara Sandonato. In Philadelphia, Assata taught & danced with so many extraordinary teachers, & dancers and landed her with Philadanco. While on Scholarship at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and, dancing with Philadanco, she began working with Mr Talley Beatty.