Today we’d like to introduce you to Khalil Hayes.
Khalil, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Dancing for me started years ago when I was a little boy. Super shy and a tad bit insecure, I still decided to go out and put on a show for people. My skills as a dancer were just getting started, but it felt amazing being able to put a smile on peoples faces. After showing off for my school and my family as a little kid, I put dancing to the side until I was put into public school for the first time. Lucky for me, the school had a dance room and I remember meeting this kid named, Rashad and Joninx (yes, that’s his real name), and they had just started a dance crew. I asked if I could join and I was put to the test. They gave me a few days to prepare and then, we battled in front of everyone on lunch break and I was beaten! They still took me into the team and I started to learn some new styles of dance and then later that year, jerking came out. We took that as far as we could and even when the crew disbanded, it had brought back a love I never wanted to forget again. I haven’t stopped dancing since 2010 and I have only gotten better since. I never felt like posting my videos or dancing at all, but I decided to go ahead and try when I ran into a dancer while taking photos in Atlanta. I saw he had a speaker and stopped him and asked him if he danced, and after speaking for 6 or 7 minutes, we decided to do a video together. I wasn’t dressed or ready, but I just wanted to take that opportunity and it has set me up for so many blessings. Since then, I was able to perform with some major dancers, got to do some sponsored dance videos, met some amazing artist, and even appeared in the Jaywalk music video! There’s so much more in store and I can’t wait to continue on this adventure.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t. Money was a very big issue and not being able to get to locations and connect with certain dancers was really a bummer. Those opportunities missed could’ve taken my career to a whole other level, but I wasn’t that fortunate at those moments. I decided not to let money get in the way again so I started an online business, took a break from social media for three months and built myself a source of income that could give me the time freedom to pursue the other passions I have; dance being the main one.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I’m known for dancing and being really good at business. My friends always come to me with business ideas or if they need help with finances. They also support my dance videos and continually add in comments and support to make me better and I take it very seriously and appreciate their criticism. I’m super friendly and a nice guy and a lot of people are connected to me after we have a real conversation. I’m supportive and one of the best friends you can have and I think that sets me apart more than anything
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan on moving with the musical artist Kiss Avery to California by 1st Quarter next year and start making more advances in the respective fields that we both have. Really excited to be learning choreography from the legends in the MDC in L.A. It’ll be my first time being taught dance and I’m ready to take on a new challenge and step out of my own way and allow someone else to be the teacher.
Contact Info:
- Email: khalilhazedancing@gmail.com
- Instagram: @khalil_haze
Image Credit:
Jessica Simao @simaoshots
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