Christmas Day brought a new movie to theaters!

'The Color Purple,' based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel hit the big screen this week. Not only is this movie being shown on local screens but the lead dancer in that film has Mahoning Valley roots. 21 News got a glimpse of the purple carpet at Regal Cinema in Boardman on Tuesday and caught up with the dancer on what it means to be back home to celebrate this accomplishment.

"I'm excited that I get to share this moment with my hometown," said Lindsay Renea Benton. 

All eyes were on Lindsey Renea Benton, a Valley native who is one of the film's lead dancers. She's starred in movies like Eddie Murphy's Coming to America 2, and choreographed the opening of the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Ala.

The movie is a musical with many dance scenes, of which Lindsay portrays an African dancer.

"I had my beginning here in Youngstown, I probably danced on almost every stage that's in the Mahoning Valley," Lindsay told Corey McCrae before Tuesday's premiere. "I was able to see how hard work and discipline can catapult you into places you dream of."

Her mom, Debórah, is a TV personality in the Valley who accompanied her daughter at the film's premiere.

"As kids, they dream and often life gets in the way of what someone's dreams may be, but to see her pursue her dreams and follow them out," Debórah said about her daughter. "This is just the beginning, so to come home after being in this movie and to see this support is wonderful."

"Back in the day, when I did plays at the Youngstown Playhouse, we would say it [Youngstown] was like little Broadway," explained Tamara Cooper, host of the event. "So many people have started out there and moved on to bigger and better things."

Lindsay's family and friends said she continues to be a role model for youth through her line of work.

"There were a lot of people who did that for me," Lindsay said. "So any chance that I have, I want to be able to do the same, if not more."

"Discipline is a big part of it," Lindsay's mother added. "Staying focused. Making sure that you're doing the things that are in line with where you really want to go. A lot of girls look up to her."

We asked Lindsay what's next for her and she said she's enjoying watching the success of the film play out for now.

Lindsay once even owned a local dance studio and is now based in Atlanta.