Journey to TORCH: Kenya Joy Gibson

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Kenya Joy Gibson is the Founder and Artistic Director of TORCH Dance Theatre and a former student of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Gibson graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master’s in Dance Education from the Hunter College Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program in May 2020. She was featured in the New York Times for Spike Lee’s Cadillac Campaign.

As a choreographer, Gibson is committed to cultivating new methods of reclaiming and retaining the legacy of the African Diaspora. In August 2020, she established her artistic voice with the production of “Honor” in memoriam to the ancestors who journeyed through the Middle Passage. Her message to all is, “Your life is your canvas, and your body of work is your legacy.” Gibson is a full-time dance educator with the NYC Department of Education and is an active member of both the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD).

 

How has your time at the DTH School inspired your dance journey?

I cherish the memories of the time spent at DTH. The pride that DTH carried inspired me throughout my dance journey. During my time at DTH, my instructors instilled the importance of work ethic, discipline, and presentation both onstage and off the stage. We were required to wear a uniform: a camisole leotard, flesh-tone tights, and flesh-tone ballet shoes with our hair in a neat high bun. After leaving DTH to attend college, I continued to wear my uniform with pride because I was proud to be a representation of a black ballet dancer. 

Mr. Mitchell always reminded us why our presence as black ballet dancers was vital to the dance world. He wanted us to be able to walk into a room with confidence at all times and ensured us that we belonged. 

During studio visits, open houses, annual performances, or while we casually walked down the street, he would challenge us by asking “When you walk into a room, Who are you?” then ask us to share, give feedback, and then tell us to apply it. Over time, he would return, observe, and if he saw growth, he would respond “AHHH … That’s It!”. Mr. Mitchell exuded confidence, which I aspired to have one day. As an adult, I reminisce on his sayings such as, “ Hold your head up high, your crown starts from your cheekbones, let the light shine through the sternum”, those interactions supported my artistic development and are still applied today. 

What have you learned at DTH that has translated into your success as a dance artist??

DTH has taught me the importance of professionalism, discipline, and maintaining a growth mindset within my artistic development. These skills translated into my success as an artist. As a black professional dancer, choreographer, and educator, I continue to advocate for equity and inclusion in the dance world throughout my professional career, as Mr. Mitchell did for me. 

What is your best memory as a DTH student?

My best memory as a DTH Student was when I had the opportunity to perform the masterwork Dougla by Geoffrey Holder in 2003. Shortly after, I was selected to perform an excerpt of Forces of Rhythm by and for Louis Johnson himself alongside American actress and civil rights activist, Ruby Dee. 

Which DTH instructor had the greatest impact on your dance journey? What piece of advice do you remember that you would share?

I’m thankful for my past instructors, Mr. Mitchell, Ms. Sekyi, Mr. Quinton, Mr. Perry, Mr. Naidu, Mrs. Long – Naidu, Ms.Taylor, Ms.Thomas, Ms. Duarte, and Mr. van Heerden. They’ve all been influential in my development as an artist. One instructor that still has a significant impact on my dance journey is Mr. Robert Garland. I’ve always been inspired by Mr. Garland as a dance educator and choreographer. I’ll never forget seeing Return for the first time during the company rehearsal and telling myself “I want to do that, I want to tell stories through movement just like this”. 

One piece of advice that Mr. Garland gave me as a choreographer to never be afraid to take risks, you have a strong foundation and that will take you far. Remain teachable and carry on the legacy throughout your journey. 

If you could speak to a current DTH student, what advice would you pass on?

One piece of advice that I would pass on to a current DTH student would be to remain teachable. Teachability is not only about physical capability but it’s also about attitude. To my emerging artists, I remind them that to lead, we must continue to learn. If they remain teachable and keep learning, you will be able to keep making an impact as future leaders. 

Please share any final thoughts and TDT’s next performance.

I’m the Founder and Artistic Director of TORCH Dance Theatre. Established In March 2021, TORCH Dance Theatre (TDT) is also co-led by Executive/Associate Artistic Director, Maxwell Louis Waterman. The mission of TORCH Dance Theatre is to archive African-American stories (past, present, and future) by establishing a community engagement framework; which provides interactive dance performances, culturally responsive dance training and education, and leadership-oriented programming for the advancement of humanity and artistry of all people. 

We’re excited to return for our Season II performance in June 2023. For more information on our upcoming performances and events, please follow @TORCHDanceTheatre on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.