Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Gorden.
Kayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story first began in middle school when my mother enrolled me into the Tupac Amaru Shakur Performing Arts Center. It was a summer program for the arts; dance, acting, and music. Through the program, I grew a strong passion performing that I never knew existed. As I grew older, the adrenaline for performing in front of crowds was something that I enjoyed. I then went on to high school to join the Dazzling Diamonds Auxiliary team. This program taught me much about self-discipline, prioritizing, time management, and leadership. While on the team, I treated dance as an extracurricular rather than a hobby. It wasn’t until I graduated high school and went on to attend college at Jackson State University to join the world-renowned Prancing J-Settes of the Sonic Boom of the South. Dancing in college is an experience like no other. It takes “self-discipline” to an entire new level of commitment.
There were major opportunities presented to me such as performing with Ciara in a commercial promoting HBCU’s, performing in a music video with Big K.R.I.T. ft. Silas, dancing on stage in New York to film a MAC Cosmetics commercials, being interviewed by CNN on my own personal dance journey and the history of the Prancing J-Settes, and much more. I learned so much about myself as a young adult as I matriculated through college while being a student-athlete. After being on the team for four years and serving as captain for two of those years, I instantly knew dance was going to be my career. I dedicated my time to setting goals upon graduation of making professional dance and civil engineering “work”. It’s never an easy task doing something that hasn’t been done; or at least to my knowledge. But when you have faith, family, and friends who support you, you manifest it and make it happen. Which is exactly what I did! I graduated from Jackson State University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. I moved back home to the eastside of Atlanta and began to train professionally in heels, hip hop, jazz, and more. I now am a working, Environmental Engineer and paid professional dancer. I teach majorette at the Dancing Dollhouse in Stone Mountain, GA to girls aging from 5-17. Dance fitness also because a side business of mine as I have collaborated with JiggAerobics to create my “Buck and Tuck” Dance Fitness tape that has sold over 220+ copies. My goals do not stop here. I plan to one day become a professional choreographer selling out classes all over the world and creating dance art for artists needing it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Finding a job in a field that is predominantly white males made it extremely hard to find a corporate job. There were many times when I didn’t want to fulfill my career as an engineer and strictly focus on dance. For a while, that’s what reality was for me. I worked at the Dollhouse from 6-8 and went on to heels class in the evening; taking 2-3 classes that wouldn’t end until about 2 in the morning. It wasn’t until money began to get really tight, as dance training is very expensive, that I began to pursue jobs in my area of study again. After a million “No’s”, I finally received my first “Yes” to a hybrid corporate job willing to hire me as an Environmental Engineer I.
I didn’t only have struggles in engineering but also dance. There would be times of self-doubt going into classes and seeing dancers around me who were more trained, booking more gigs, getting noticed my choreographers, etc. I then released all insecurities and unwanted emotions that didn’t better me as a dancer. And in that very moment, I received an opportunity to train under one of Atlanta’s biggest heels choreographer and trainer; She’Meka Ann.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dancer! I was first known through social media as “KG”, the Prancing J-Sette captain. My social media instantly grew when I was named J-Sette captain, as the HBCU majorette world is a HUGE! I specialize in Majorette, as it is the style of dance I’ve trained in longest. I am most proud of attending JSU and making a name for myself as my late grandfather, W.C. Gorden was the most winningest coach in SWAC history; earing his title at Jackson State as the head football coach from 80s-90s. What sets me apart from others is my drive. I have a passion to go for it all. I never like to stay in my “box” or comfortability. I’d rather always want to challenge myself to better my craft, so I can then one day better others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work and collaborate with many in many ways. I love collaborating through social media, as I always want to do what I can to constantly grow my social media fan base. I’ve collaborated through modeling, makeup, hair shoots, promoting, dance, etc. Because I made a huge name in the majorette world, I travel the states hosting Majorette camps for those looking to try out for collegiate teams. I also travel judging majorette competitions. My best form of communication and collaboration is through email; kaylagorden@gmail.com.
Pricing:
- Buck and Tuck Dance Fitness Collection – “49.99”
Contact Info:
- Email: kaylagorden@gmail.com
- Website: https://workout.jiggaerobicsfitness.com/courses/the-buck-and-tuck-dance-fitness-collection
- Instagram: @_kaylahazel
- Twitter: @kaylahazel_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpUyTKVtxUs_rF1iHqwQDRg
Image Credits
Halle Hammond (IG- @hallemilan)
