DANCER OF THE MONTH

As we embark on a new year and new endeavors, KJDC’s January Dancer of the Month got us started on the right foot! Hollis Hayden III graced us with his presence, donning his signature and infectious smile. I wasted no time in telling Hollis that he was the consummate professional, that his movements were always purposeful, and his passion…well his passion is not to be understated. In his first season at KJDC, Hollis is the first boy to make it on Company, and he rewarded Ms. Kim’s decision with consistent effort and dedication to his craft. Self-taught, sounds far-fetched once you learn that his family has many artists, and musicians, who has most likely been fanning the flames, and that is how Hollis found dance. He fell in love with it, but that's not all he is, when asked what he does when he’s not dancing, we find Hollis likes to draw and loves to read and study psychology. I found this interesting, while psychology describes that learning can happen in multiple ways; primarily we learn by doing or watching. Ms. Kim picks a dancer at the end of every rehearsal, who worked the hardest that day. Then at recital she hands out the BIG Ace award, which goes to the dancer who was picked the most throughout the season. Hollis was the recipient of that award, but even before that, he spoke of teaching himself by watching dance and dance shows. Last year I noticed a theme with all the dancers of the month, they all seem to understand the value of effort and repetition. Hollis understands this too, he added that there has to be a willingness to try new things. This involves getting homework done on the train and staying on top of things in order to balance dance and school. What I gather from Hollis is how aware he seems to be, his strong belief in God, and how he welcomes criticism. Watch for yourself!