Roneisha Smith-Davis, owner of B'ella Ballerina Dance Academy, has embraced the importance of the arts in the North Philadelphia area. A graduate of Temple's early childhood education program and a lifelong dancer, Smith-Davis has a long history of dance achievements that she is now passing along to her academy students. She went as far as auditioning for the Los Angeles Lakers dance team before returning to Philadelphia to care for her mother before opening her dance academy in October 2013. As a native to the North Philadelphia area, Smith-Davis emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to youth who may not otherwise have them, especially surrounding creative expression and the arts. She offers dance as an escape and productive outlet for students to explore their talents as well as emotions, while also building a strong community centered around academics and community service. Smith-Davis embodies the commitment to Philadelphia's youth that remains consistent with the growing body of Temple graduates who continue to work to address the needs of our surrounding communities.
