Born into a family of musicians and dancers, UTM Junior Keinesia Mason always believed she was destined to be one or the other.
However, Mason has always had a broad range of interests. When she was younger she took advantage of multiple extracurricular actives such as playing basketball, playing the drums and running track. No matter how many activities she took part in, she always found herself gravitating back to her love of dance.
“This showed me that I was made to dance, and that I am, and will always be a dancer,” she said.
Today, Mason is studying both Criminal Justice and Dance Education.
“For me dance is more than music and [being] a performer. Dance should have meaning and expression. Dance should seek understanding and show emotion,” said the dancer.
She began dancing at the age of two in her church, which led her to later join a studio. Soon, Mason began dancing in a dance program from elementary school all the way through high school.
“My most memorable and favorable dance performance was when I was 10 years old and I had the amazing privilege to recreate Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. This was a 10-minute routine that filled me with excitement, strength and empowerment. This was the best and most amazing performance I have ever been a part of,” she said.
As of now, Mason finds herself involved in dance programs again, but this time she is the one coaching young aspiring dancers.
(Keinesia mason dancing in the 2016 spring dance ensemble showcase. Photo Credit/University Relations)
