Actress, choreographer, director and producer Debbie Allen spoke to an audience of UT students, faculty and members of the community Monday night in an event hosted by the Black Cultural Programming Committee.

The event, "An Image of Inspiration," saw Allen covering a wide range of topics from finding inspiration to dancing.

"The difference between us and the rest of the world is we stay children too long," she said. "Grow up!"

Allen, who was named to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 2001, said students should become active and aware of how they can use their talents to contribute to society.

 "Every little idea you have in your mind is something we are waiting for and need," she said.

Allen also shared her thoughts on dance, including her upcoming dance piece, "OMAN...O man!"

"I think dance education is one of the most powerful tools in the nation that's not being used," she said.

Allen hoped students would leave the lecture inspired to reach their fullest potential.

"The more you become convinced of who you are, the more people will feel you for who you are," she said.