We recently connected with Kimaiya Hall and have shared our conversation below.
Kimaiya , we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I continue to find god and find healthy ways to cope. A few years ago I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt, about a year before that my mother and sister came home just in time to stop the other attempt. My experience taught me I love life and I want to be here. I have to fight depression like I’m fighting in a boxing ring! Having routines helps and being honest with at least one person you trust makes a world of difference. Through constant prayer, affirmations and a proper workout routine, I also learned the art of not giving a F which helps as well. I have a ways to go but I’m honored to have the community, friends and family that keep me afloat.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Absolutely, I am a professional dance artist. I teach dance, choreograph, direct, do movement coaching and everything in between. I have a focus on jazz/ballet and heels choreography. KH Dance Company is the first of its kind as we do all genres of dance with a focus on Heels-Majorette. My company is lead by Myself, Justis Rashad, Von, and Kiara Reed!
This year we will continue to work with our sponsor Outstanding Starz Dance Studio & our 3 artists Bebe The Neosoul, 4deep, & Roxx while we prepare for our debut musical production May 24th! Here’s some of our upcoming gigs! February 16 4deep presents Love Lounge at Central Stage February 17 Black History Pop Up Shop at SLU February 28th Reggie Son Pop up Experience at The City Winery! We are extremely grateful to Jas Thomas for consulting & helping us make connections!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Firstly I would say Study study study, Everything. Study what to do and what not to do, research the icons that came before you of all generations, research new and upcoming curators as well.
My favorite mindsets for my profession are “Less excuses more results” and “Mind over matter”. These concise quotes help me hold myself accountable & push myself to greatness. When training is hard or when I’m ready to give up I keep those sayings in mind, being able to keep a positive yet disciplined mindset is necessary for growth in dance.
My ability to always remain a student, to not make excuses for myself yet hold myself accountable to get things done, and the ability to drown out the noise and keep my eyes on the prize has been most impactful to my journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We’re always looking for likeminded individuals and companies that align with our goals. Especially for our Dance Concert May 24th! KH Dance company aims to highlight all the arts especially dance, we’re extremely proud to put on our debut dance performance this year it includes amazing artists, dancers, poets & etc in St.Louis. KH Dance company would love to work with choreographers & artists not just im St.Louis but nationally and internationally as well. Our goal is to highlight & provide opportunities for the true curators of the culture, who are often over-looked or don’t know where to start looking for resources.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kimaiyahallllc.com
- Instagram: Kimaiya_ & Khdancecompany
Image Credits
Erica Love Jones
