ALYSSIA DUDA IS DREAMING BIG

Alyssia Duda

IS DREAMING BIG BY JYNIA DAVIS

Alyssia Duda is a talented, 13-year-old actress, model, and ballerina based in Chicago. She has performed in ballets such as The Nutcracker for the historic Joffrey Ballet. Her foundation, Alyssia’s Dream, helps to provide ballet scholarships for young girls of color. She’s even expanded her resume to include television appearances. Duda has been featured on shows like “Empire,” “The Chi,” “Chicago Fire,” and more. True Star Jr. recently had the chance to catch up with her. Here is how our chat went.

TSJ: What made you start your non-for profit Alyssa’s Dream? AD: I wanted to help girls with the cost of ballet, and my mom said we’ll see what we can do. That’s how the initiative started.

TSJ: If you weren't a ballerina what would you be doing?

AD: I would still be an actress. I consider myself a creative person. I can show my emotions, and I see myself doing that.

TSJ: Do you have a dream show that you would like to be on? AD: I would like to work on Disney or Nickelodeon or be in my own show or movie.

For more information about Duda and her organization visit her website at www.alyssiaduda.com

True Star Jr: What Made you want to be a ballerina? Alyssia Duda: I always loved to dance. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old. I always wanted to pursue this as a career and it’s my passion.

TSJ: I see that you were in shows like “Empire” and “Chicago Med.” Which TV show was your favorite to be on and why? AD: I would have to say all of them. But with “Empire” I would have to say it’s my favorite because I started with “Empire,” and it’s a part of pop culture.

TSJ: What is the biggest challenge that you have? AD: I would say the biggest challenge is breaking barriers as an African American.