PK's Roots
Patrick Keith Smith, artistically and affectionately known as PK, is a Little Rock, Arkansas native! (I'm an Arkansas girl myself so, I initially fell in love with Patrick because of our Southern roots.) He was introduced to dance during his freshman year at Horace Mann Arts & Science Magnet under the direction of C. Michael Tidwell. He later joined Tidwell Project Dance Ensemble.PK says he attributes his dance knowledge ot Mr. Tidwell and later as a dancer with Dallas Black Theatre's 2nd company (DBDT II). It was at Dallas Black Dance Theatre where he experienced more intense training gaining the opportunity to study under Allyne D. Gartrell, Melissa Young and Chantal Adams. He says that he is grateful to have been exposed to great opportunities and pioneers in the dance community by Ms. Ann Williams, DBDT Founder & Artistic Director.
My name is Patrick Keith Smith (artistically and affectionately known as PK). I am from
Little Rock, AR. I was introduced to dance during my freshman year of junior high at Horace
Mann Arts and Science Magnet under the direction of C. Michael Tidwell. I later joined his
dance company—Tidwell Project Dance Ensemble—which was comprised of dancers from
both the performing arts magnet Jr. High and High Schools. I attribute my dance knowledge
from what I attained while with Mr. Tidwell and later as a dancer with Dallas Black Dance
Theatre’s 2
nd
company (DBDT II). It was at Dallas Black Dance Theatre where my dance
training became more intense; having studied under Allyne D. Gartrell (then DBDT II’s
Artistic Director), Melissa Young and Chantal Adams. To this day I am very grateful to have
been exposed to great opportunities and pioneers in the dance community by Ms. Ann My name is Patrick Keith Smith (artistically and affectionately known as PK). I am from
Little Rock, AR. I was introduced to dance during my freshman year of junior high at Horace
Mann Arts and Science Magnet under the direction of C. Michael Tidwell. I later joined his
dance company—Tidwell Project Dance Ensemble—which was comprised of dancers from
both the performing arts magnet Jr. High and High Schools. I attribute my dance knowledge
from what I attained while with Mr. Tidwell and later as a dancer with Dallas Black Dance
Theatre’s 2
nd
company (DBDT II). It was at Dallas Black Dance Theatre where my dance
training became more intense; having studied under Allyne D. Gartrell (then DBDT II’s
Artistic Director), Melissa Young and Chantal Adams. To this day I am very grateful to have
bee
n exposed to great opportunities and pioneers in the dance community by Ms. Ann
Williams (Founder / Artistic DirectFounder / Artistic Director
PK's WERKing dancer Highlights
"Perhaps the greatest highlight of my dance career was having many opportunities to tour with both Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Atlanta Dance Connection." Smith was not only a dancer in the companies but has also served as Costume Coordinator, Artistic Assistant, and Rehearsal Director. "I have no doubt that each role and responsibility has helped me carve my way as a professional and to hone in on additional skills and talents." He says that with every opportunity there was a great sense of 'I'm not ready', but that "...time has proven to me repeatedly that when preparation meets opportunity you must go along for the ride. I am on one of the most eye-opening rides of my life right now!"
The Dancer vs. The Teacher
"As a professional dancer one is concerned with himself—mostly.", says Smith. "Within each leadership role my level of care and attention started to expand. As a teacher—to this extent—it certainly differs in that you unintentionally step into the role of parent / brother / Uncle / Life Coach, etc." Smith says that while teaching can leave you completely drained, it is also rewarding seeing how you affect change in your student's lives.
PK hopes to play a role in bridging some of the gaps within the Atlanta dance community. He says that several before him have successfully made change in that same area and he simply wants to do his reasonable service. "My involvement within the Atlanta dance community has strengthened my connection with some extraordinary people."
This year, Norma’s Academy of Dance will perform as a featured guest. "It was important for me to expose the fact there are successful dance organizations which have been doing great work for decades. Norma’s will celebrate its 45th year of providing excellent instruction to the Atlanta community under the direction of Ms. Djana Bell." Also on the program is the dance juggernaut known as Atlanta Dance Connection—celebrating their 7th year as Atlanta’s premier contemporary dance company. "Many thanks goes to Founder / Executive Artistic Director, Allyne D. Gartrell for all support shown towards myself and the dancers of Stephenson High School."
Coming Up for Patrick
KALEIDOSCOPE 2016 is the theme for Stephenson High School’s fall dance showcase. Smith wanted a theme which would suggest the varied qualities of dance to be presented in one evening. He also says he feels fortunate to have the guidance of former SHS Dance Director, Edward Lawrence. What a relief it is not to have to go into the abyss completely without a hand-up!PK hopes to play a role in bridging some of the gaps within the Atlanta dance community. He says that several before him have successfully made change in that same area and he simply wants to do his reasonable service. "My involvement within the Atlanta dance community has strengthened my connection with some extraordinary people."
This year, Norma’s Academy of Dance will perform as a featured guest. "It was important for me to expose the fact there are successful dance organizations which have been doing great work for decades. Norma’s will celebrate its 45th year of providing excellent instruction to the Atlanta community under the direction of Ms. Djana Bell." Also on the program is the dance juggernaut known as Atlanta Dance Connection—celebrating their 7th year as Atlanta’s premier contemporary dance company. "Many thanks goes to Founder / Executive Artistic Director, Allyne D. Gartrell for all support shown towards myself and the dancers of Stephenson High School."
WAYS TO SUPPORT
***There is room for involvement as it pertains to the performing company—Stephenson Repertory Dance Company. Donations for after school snacks, company sponsorship, engagement opportunities and simply by attending a performance assist greatly in providing a rich experience for the dancers. All support is both welcomed and appreciated. There are (12) artists which were selected from this years’ company audition. Each one has a great deal of promise, enthusiasm and passion for dance. I would love to see them have opportunities with outside dance organizations through master classes and performances for more exposure to the multiple possibilities awaiting them.***
"My personal mission for this performance and the student’s overall dance experience is simply to discover the possibilities. Not necessarily as a dancer per se. I want each of my students to understand how the commitment level needed to succeed in dance is the same with any endeavor. On the other hand, it is a delight to see those who are insecure with the mere idea of dance discover a newly-found liking.
I personally knew this transition came at a time when I needed it the most. The immense feeling that I was not allowing myself to be fulfilled artistically became unbearable. Deciding to teach became a mission of my own self-discovery and to truly see what I am made of. I intend to win."
- Patrick Keith Smith
No comments:
Post a Comment