The Story Behind ASAPP
Jan Geter-Roberson is a retired school teacher with a lifelong passion for the arts, rooted in her childhood experiences at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre (SDST) in Chicago. Starting at about 8 years old, Jan studied dance, tap, and acrobatics every Saturday, thanks to her mother’s sacrifices. Those classes instilled in her not only technical skills but also a deep sense of community, pride, and self-worth. Year-end performances at SDST were a celebration of Black culture, written and directed by Shirley Hall Bass, a pioneer in highlighting Black artistry.
Jan’s training at SDST opened doors to advanced dance classes at Whitney Young Magnet High School, where she graduated alongside Michelle Obama, as well as professional opportunities with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Las Vegas shows. Along the way, she worked as a business manager, administrative assistant, and dance teacher, navigating the challenges of building a career in the arts.
When Jan became a school teacher in Los Angeles, she carried this love for the arts into her classroom and beyond. She wanted her students to grow up with a strong sense of identity, so she immersed them in African American culture through the US Organization and the Limbiko Tembo School of African American Culture (LTSAAC), where she also taught.
While teaching with LAUSD, Jan volunteered to lead a dance program at her school, bringing the joy of movement and performance to her students. After retiring, she decided to expand this program into the After School Arts and Performance Program (ASAPP), adding choir and drumming to the curriculum. ASAPP is Jan’s way of giving back to the world and providing children with the same transformative experiences she had as a child.
ASAPP focuses on teaching dance, vocal techniques, and drumming through a lens of African American artistry and culture. Students don’t need to become professional dancers to benefit; instead, the program fosters pride, discipline, and resilience. By preparing for performances, students develop focus, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment that can help them stay away from negative influences like gangs and drugs.
Jan’s goal is to ensure every child who participates in ASAPP feels proud of who they are and where they come from. It’s about more than just performing—it’s about building confidence, community, and lasting memories. For Jan, this program is both a gift to the students and a way to stay creative, engaged, and fulfilled in her post-retirement life.
ASAPP is inspired by the foundation laid by Shirley Hall Bass, but it reflects Jan’s vision and journey. It’s a celebration of culture, a path to empowerment, and a bridge to brighter futures for the children ASAPP serves.
