Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryant Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My professional career began in New York City when I moved there at age 14 to dance professionally. Throughout my long professional career, spanning Broadway, national tours, dance companies, directing/producing, I have always been inspired and drawn to the energy that jazz dance embodies. The grounded movement, based in complex rhythms and isolations, has always been something that resonated with me. As a dance educator, it was very clear that I wanted to devote my teaching to continuing the legacy of jazz dance. Kansas City has always been a city that had my heart because of the history, energy and vibrant arts community. I knew right away that this city was something special to me and a place I wanted to make a difference in the arts community.
My individual career trajectory was vital in curating the type of artist I became. That is so inherently unique to me as a dancer and my point of view as an artist. Every person I have worked with has been essential in shaping my perspective and what I give to dancers when I teach or produce these experiences will play a role in shaping their artistic journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t know of many life-changing endeavors that are consistently considered a ‘smooth road’. In fact, I’m not sure I would have wanted it to be a smooth road as every challenge I have come across made me realize how much I believed in this concept. I went into this time of my life knowing that I truly wanted to create something that will last long beyond me and something that will make a difference in the community. And I believe when you have such a strong conviction for what you believe in, you figure out how to navigate the struggles with the understanding that there is something bigger at work.
I often sit at my desk in the morning and think to myself, what can we do today that will help develop KCJDI and continue the mission to create these world-class experiences. And in that, I am continually creating challenges for myself to solve, but I think that’s the fun part. In order to evolve, you have to do the things that scare you, challenge yourself to push past what you thought possible. And if these past 16 months have taught us anything, it’s showed us our innate ability to pivot, transition, and push past what we thought possible.
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 created the Kansas City Jazz Dance Intensive (KCJDI) in 2016 as a way to celebrate the rich history of jazz music in Kansas City and the exciting dance community here. Having Kansas City as such a worldwide inspiration for jazz music, I knew I wanted Kansas City to also be known as a city that is a vital part of the international dance community through jazz dance. Each year, KCJDI produces two world-class experiences for dancers from all over the KC area and the Midwest.
With so many dance programs to choose from and an ever-changing dance industry, I very intentionally chose the word ‘Experience’ to describe KCJDI events because each experience is more than just an intensive. More than a summer dance program. More than a week of incredible master classes. Each KCJDI experience is designed with specific themes and concepts that are incredibly important for aspiring dancers. I will often go back to my career and design experiences based on things I wish I would have known when I was a young dancer or things that dancers need help navigating as the industry shifts and evolves. KCJDI experiences are lifelong learning lessons designed to immerse dancers in real-world opportunities to prepare them to enter the professional dance world.
To me, seeing the immense growth in these dancers at every experience continues to inspire me and challenge me to create new experiences. It is because of these dancers and the KCJDI family we have created that pushes me to keep innovating and continuing to show that Kansas City is not just the home of jazz music but also the home of jazz dance. As I look to the future, I cannot wait to see where we go with KCJDI, and I’m confident in the idea that when you embrace any experience, you grow, evolve and inspire.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
How do you choose only one? OK, here is one that I still use today.
Bless it and release it.
I have always felt like the things we don’t have control over often feel like the heaviest to carry. The concept that we have to bless what doesn’t serve us anymore and have confidence in releasing it allows us the permission to continue moving forward. I’ve always found that this simple sentiment translates to my entire life, with things big and small.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@kcjdi.org
- Website: www.kcjdi.org
- Instagram: kcjazzdance
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kcjazzdance
- Other: www.vimeo.com/kcjdi
Image Credits
Headshot: Mik ‘N Drik Photography Dance Shots: Joslyn Renee Photography
