My Inspiration

Recently, I came across a young dancer who is taking the dance world and Hollywood by storm, Kendall Glover.  Kendall Glover is a 12 year old sensation, who has been taking the dance world by surprise with her agility, athleticism, and technique. Kendall has already begun to create a successful career for herself in Hollywood that few adult dancers have been able to obtain in their entire career span. After reading and researching this young sensation, who is captivating hearts every time she hits the stage, I began to think back on my start in the dance community, and though I have not achieved the fetes Miss Kendall may have, I thought back on my inspirations that caused me to pursue my love for dance and the arts. For me it was when I first learned about Katherine Dunham in dance class that I became more intrigued about this art called dance.

Katherine Dunham was unique and special in the dance community, and she too took the dance world, and Hollywood, by storm just as Kendall Glover has. Katherine broke barriers, not only as an African-American, but as a dancer period. Katherine first made waves when she realized at the age of 18 she wanted to pursue and learn ballet. Shocker! At 18 most dancers are just hitting the peak of their careers, and here was Ms. Katherine, an African-American woman, looking to start her career. Despite the protest and opposition she pushed through and found someone who would take her in and teach her the disciplines of classical ballet. Katherine Dunham soon moved on to study various styles of dance from other countries, that helped her enter the theatrical community, and thereafter finding herself gracing the big screen in Hollywood. Later, she opened the Dunham School and helped to bring awareness to black dance and dancers throughout the world. Today, her name still lives on in the dance community as an innovator and one who would not take 'no' for an answer.

Katherine Dunham still inspires me to this day to continue to push to achieve my goals regardless of the obstacles or opposition I may face. And now, Kendall Glover is another inspiration as I see in her what the future holds. I desire to be apart of that future. I desire to create an environment, like Katherine did, that allows dancers to learn their craft but also become innovators of their generation. I desire to see the next Kendall Glover rise from the A. Quinn Performing Arts Center and know I was apart of their history. And I mostly desire to leave a legacy that will carry on for generations knowing I made an impact that helped to shape the course of tomorrows dance.

Thanks for reading,

xo,

LaKesha

Check out this amazing performance!