Today we’d like to introduce you to Kieron Dwayne Sargeant.
Hi Kieron, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My dance journey kicked off at 16, and I was a bit of a late bloomer. Until that moment, my role in the world of performing arts was quite different—I was the drummer for my sisters as they danced with a local company back home in the vibrant south of Trinidad and Tobago. Everything changed when I saw Louise McClashie, my first dance teacher and a remarkable talent who has since passed away, dance for the first time. Watching her was a revelation. It wasn’t just her movements but the way she woven our culture and history into her performances through a language of gestures and movements that left me captivated. It was then I realized my future was not just in playing music but in dance itself.
Fueled by this newfound passion, I danced, joining the fray at the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy competition. This wasn’t just any competition; it was a celebration of our national culture and heritage, which became a pivotal point in my life. Success there led to a scholarship at the University of the West Indies to study dance and dance education—a field I dove into with everything I had.
Upon completing my studies, I became one of the first male dance teachers employed by the Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago. This role was more than a job; it was a chance to shape the next generation of dancers. But my educational journey didn’t continue. I furthered my studies abroad, earning a master’s in dance performance and choreography from Florida State University and a master’s in community dance practice from Ohio University. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of the West Indies. These academic pursuits were more than just milestones; they were transformative experiences that expanded my understanding of dance as an art form and a medium for storytelling.
Today, my journey from a drummer in Trinidad and Tobago to an educator and choreographer with degrees from esteemed institutions reflects a path of discovery, learning, and a deepening commitment to dance as both a personal passion and a professional calling.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Indeed, my journey through dance has been anything but smooth. From the outset, I faced challenges stemming from my family circumstances, living with my grandparents while my mom lived elsewhere. Despite these initial hurdles, my grandmother was an unwavering source of support, ensuring I never lost sight of my education and dreams. Physical injuries were the most tangible among the myriad challenges I encountered. The demanding nature of dance often left me sidelined, nursing injuries that were not just physical setbacks but emotional ones, too, as they forced me to pause and sometimes question my path. The relentless competition within the dance industry added another layer of difficulty, with the constant pressure to stand out among a sea of talented individuals often leading to self-doubt and a relentless questioning of my abilities.
Rejection was another frequent companion on my journey, with each “no” from auditions, competitions, or performance opportunities as a stark reminder of the industry’s cutthroat nature. These rejections were disappointments and tests of my resilience and determination to persevere in adversity.
Financial challenges were yet another hurdle, as pursuing a dance career often meant grappling with the reality of making a living wage while affording the necessary training and performance opportunities. This aspect of my journey required sacrifices and frequently innovative approaches to navigate the financial demands of a career in the arts. Balancing the myriad commitments that come with a life dedicated to dance — from training and rehearsals to performances and personal responsibilities — was perhaps the most taxing. It was a constant exercise in endurance, demanding physical stamina and emotional and mental fortitude.
Through all these struggles, my path in dance taught me invaluable lessons in resilience. Each challenge, each setback, and each triumph taught me not just about the art of dance but about the profound strength and perseverance required to pursue one’s passion. My journey, marked by highs and lows, has shaped me into a more resilient individual, deeply committed to the art form that has defined so much of my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For those interested in working with me, collaborating, or offering support, there are several avenues to explore. As a dance professor at Skidmore College, I am deeply immersed in dance’s academic and practical aspects, but my interests and work extend far beyond the classroom. I am particularly keen on interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge dance with other art forms, academic disciplines, or social themes. These collaborations can take various forms, from joint research projects to collaborative performances, integrating dance with fields such as music, visual arts, digital media, literature, and science and technology. Such endeavors enrich the artistic and academic communities involved and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of dance as a multifaceted form of expression.
Before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
Furthermore, I am open to residency opportunities to work within a community or institution to develop and present new work, engage in teaching, or contribute to ongoing projects. Residencies offer a unique platform for exchange and growth, allowing for deep dives into creative processes and the fostering of meaningful connections with artists, students, and community members alike. Guest artist teaching and choreographing are also vital areas of interest. I welcome invitations to teach master classes, workshops, or short-term courses, as well as opportunities to choreograph for dance companies, student performances, and community projects. These roles allow me to share my expertise, explore new creative ideas, and engage with diverse groups of dancers and dance enthusiasts. For those looking to support or collaborate with me, reaching out via Skidmore College’s dance department is an excellent first step. Through collaborative projects, educational initiatives, or creative endeavors, I am eager to explore how we can work together to enrich the dance community and broaden the impact of the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kierondwaynesargeant.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.ksargeant85
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-dwayne-sargeant-589301119
Image Credits
Kenneth Johnson II Frank Bortelle
