Newport News, Va. (WAVY) — Professional dancer Quinetta Wilmington-Shaw will return to the Hampton Roads area to host a free dance class.

Wilmington-Shaw is a Norfolk State alumna, who has performed alongside the likes of Beyonce. 

Her dance class will be held at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

“I have the opportunity to come to Newport News to teach a free dance class for the community. I’m really excited because Virginia is like a second home to me,” said Wilmington-Shaw.

“I’m originally from Philadelphia, and I went to college in Virginia. I went to Norfolk State University. Behold! While I was in college, I did a lot of fashion shows, a lot of hair shows. We practiced a lot in Newport News, Norfolk and Hampton. I grew up in an underprivileged neighborhood. Any time I get the opportunity to do that and give back, I’m like, yes! I’m honored to come and just be around the community. Share some good vibes. Catch a couple steps and just have a good time. It’s exciting for me to come and give back.”

Before she moved to the West Coast, she earned her nursing degree at Norfolk State. 

“I graduated with honors from Norfolk State with a nursing degree. Then, I moved to California in 2009 to follow my dreams of dance and glory to God. He has unfolded in a way that I could have never imagined. I’ve done some really, really, really cool things that weren’t even on my list, and so I’m thankful. That’s where that [desire to] give back stems from because I didn’t have a mind to think that I could do half the things that I did. I love to go back and inspire [others] and be like, ‘Hey, I did it. You can do it’ in real time,'” said Wilmington-Shaw.

Wilmington-Shaw wants to show others you can follow your dreams no matter where you are from.

“I don’t have any technical training when it comes to dance. I learned everything by watching TV and mimicking it. We couldn’t afford dance classes. I had my friends, and we would just make up dances. We would watch music videos and try to learn it to the best of our ability,” said Wilmington-Shaw. “It wasn’t until I got to college, where I realized that you could do dance as a career and make money.”

John Eley III, Newport News Councilman, is partnering with the artist to inspire residents.

“I’m a fan of the arts since I’ve been on a school board. The arts are something I’ve always been passionate about. Not just me, the City of Newport News. We’ve spent a lot of money focused on the arts. When I heard Quinetta was coming in town, we were compelled to have her come teach our children at our beautiful Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and make it free. The community is excited about it, the youth of the community excited about it!”

Due to an overwhelming response, the class is open to all Newport News residents. Eley emphasized the importance of representation such as Wilmington-Shaw in the community.

“It’s very important. We’re excited about that,” said Eley. “We have another young lady right now who’s on tour with Nicki Minaj, who went to Woodside High School from this community. It’s very possible. It’s just all about having those connections, getting to Hollywood, getting to New York, getting to Atlanta, those major cities, where a lot of those agencies are. But it starts with knowing the right person and Quinetta is very connected to the industry.”

“She’s what you say is ‘at the top of the top’ when it comes to the dance world,” continued Eley. “It feels very good to see her come back to Newport News to offer these free dance classes for the kids of the community.”

There will be a Q&A session following the class.

“This is my favorite part! They get to ask me any questions about my journey,” said Wilmington-Shaw.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m. and to wear all black.

“Come ready to dance,” said Eley.