“How can art not make the world a better place?”: An Interview with dance instructor Kathryn Ann Key

“How can art not make the world a better place? Art, in any form, is beautiful. Art for me is going into the studio and turning on the music and becoming one with the space and the song.”

For Kathryn Ann Key, dance isn’t just her “passion and career”, it’s her life. She’s danced all over the world—literally. From Good Morning America to cruise ships on every hemisphere. We recently had the chance to chat with Kathryn to learn more about her life, her passion, and her enthusiasm for the summer ahead.

1.)   Tell us a bit about your “art origin story”?  When did you first fall in love with your art?

I fell in love with my art at a very young age. You see, my mother was my dance teacher and we had her dance studio in the basement of our house. I began dancing in August before I turned two in October and I’ve never stopped. When I was around eleven years old family circumstances changed and I had to change to a new studio that was an hour drive away. I began taking new styles other than tap and jazz and started on their competition team in the years to come. I’ve come close to breaking up with my love a few times but there is a drive and perseverance that keeps me holding on tight. After twelve years of professional work, a BA, MA, and hopefully a PhD to come that love is forever strong. 

2.)   What role have teachers played in your development as an artist?  Any one stand out?

I was blessed enough to have my mother as my dance teacher for my younger years, but she continued to be my biggest advocate throughout my career. She pushed and helped me learn how to hone in those work ethics at an early age. She continued throughout high school and college to give me advice and make me aware if my toes weren’t pointed or an arm was out of place but that only encouraged me to work harder.

Another teacher I always looked up to was Ethan Mayo. We were actually in college together but he took me under his wing and spent extra time in the studio with me. He pulled out a creative side me of that I never knew. He pushed me for more than when I thought I had accomplished his goal he asked for more. He helped me develop my more creative side of exploring improvisation and creation of movement.

3.)   Can you share a bit about your pedagogical approach?  How do you create a supportive and creative atmosphere in the classroom?

My pedagogical approach is always met with a smile and welcoming atmosphere. I always tell my students, especially if it’s the first time I am working with them, that the studio is a safe space. There is so much negativity in the world that coming into my dance class and working on your craft should be supported and encouraged.

Sometimes students shy away from movement, particularly if they haven’t taken dance before, but my first order of business is to shake those nerves away so we can tap into those creative aspects of our mind and body.

4.)   What excites you most about the Midwest Artist Academy?

I am most excited about working with the Midwest Artist Academy because this is my time to give my accumulated knowledge back to the next generation. I’ve spent 16 years in the studio, 12 years out in the real world working as a professional dancer, and now 1 year of dance research. I want to tell my stories and get the younger generation excited about the opportunities that are out there in the dance community. But this program will give them an opportunity to learn and grow all at the same time. I wish there were more opportunities like this for the kids!

5.)    How can art make the world a better place?  Can you share a personal example? 

How can art not make the world a better place? Art, in any form, is beautiful. Art for me is going into the studio and turning on the music and becoming one with the space and the song. It invokes thoughts and questions. It can engage people across a generational gap and people from different backgrounds. Art is language of the world. It is not specific to one heritage or one religion. Art is everyone’s and no ones.  Art is peaceful and it is restless.