Debbie Allen is stepping back into her television dance roots this fall season.  The actress/director will appear regularly in the new ABC drama pilot Grace starring Eric Roberts.

The series tells the story Michael Grace (Roberts), a famous choreographer with a weakness for sleeping with his dancers. And he’s also father to three daughters by three different women—all former protégés. Allen plays a former dancer and mother to one of Grace’s daughters, (portrayed by actress Sherri Saum) and a de facto mother figure to a second Grace daughter.

The Fame matriarch last appeared on the small screen as an actress in the TV series, Fake It Til You Make It in 2010. Allen's latest TV directing credits include Hellcats and Grey’s Anatomy.

(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Harrah's)