Dancer, formerly of TWU, gains recognition on influential magazine's '25 Rising Stars' list due to her inclusive dance style.
Vibrant Texan turns spotlight on diversity in dance
New York-based dancer Kayla Hamilton is making waves in the dance world. Her primary focus? Breaking down barriers and shining a light on Black disabled creatives and other underrepresented groups in the performing arts.
Hailing from Texas, Kayla graduated from Texas Woman's University with a bachelor's degree in dance in 2006. A sight-impaired dancer and choreographer, she's no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Her experiences as a student and professional have fueled her mission to broaden the definition of who can dance and who can be an audience member.
Recently, Kayla found herself among Dance Magazine's renowned "25 to Watch," an honor she admits still feels surreal. Growing up, Kayla devoured Dance Magazine in her bedroom and bathtub, dreaming of someday seeing herself in its pages.
Kayla's journey into the world of dance was inspired by her uncle, Lawrence Hamilton, a Broadway dancer. Initially, her parents steered her away from sports due to concerns about her eyesight. However, once she expressed an interest in following in her uncle's footsteps, they enthusiastically supported her.
Tap dance captivated Kayla's heart, drawn to its rhythm, energy, and potential for improvisation. Her studies took her to Texas Woman's University, where she found a nurturing environment that fostered curiosity, risk-taking, and collaboration. Kayla credits emerita professors Gladys Keeton, Penny Hanstein, Mary Williford-Shade, and Sarah Gamblin for shaping her understanding of dance.
After her time at TWU, Kayla landed an internship at Dance Place in Washington, D.C., under choreographers Carla Perlo and Deborah Riley. A call from a TWU classmate set her on a life-changing path, and she moved to New York with mere $500 and two suitcases.
Dance hasn't always been a financially stable pursuit, so Kayla spent 12 years teaching public school. Now, she leads Circle O, a cultural organization named after her grandparents' farm. Circle O aims to create dance and community with those who wish to reimagine what it means to be included and to live and work in community.
Kayla's work has attracted the attention of Dance Magazine, particularly projects like 2020's 'Nearly Sighted' and 'How to Bend Down/How to Pick It Up.' These productions explore identity, sight-impairment, and Black disability, showcasing Kayla's dedication to representation and inclusion in the arts.
As she continues to push the boundaries of dance and inclusion, Kayla poses thought-provoking questions: "Who is the dancer? What makes a dancer a dancer?" Her vision is to encourage everyone to incorporate movement into their lives, challenging traditional notions of mastery, beauty, and form. By doing so, she hopes to create a more diverse and accessible dance landscape, where everyone can find their rhythm.
Kayla Hamilton's cultural organization, Circle O, promotes a lifestyle that embraces dance and community, and encourages everyone to participate, regardless of their background. Her educational journey in dance at Texas Woman's University, particularly her interactions with professors Gladys Keeton, Penny Hanstein, Mary Williford-Shade, and Sarah Gamblin, significantly shaped her understanding of dance and its boundless potential. On social media platforms and entertainment forums, discussions about Kayla's groundbreaking work often revolve around celebrities who appreciate her efforts to bring attention to underrepresented groups in the fashion-and-beauty and education-and-self-development industries.
