Shakia "The Key"

"Shakia has been a mentor, teacher, friend and inspiration. She ignited my love of dance and has continued to be someone who I admire in the field. Her charisma, and deep love of the art exudes from the movements she creates herself and contagiously spreads with incredible joy to others. She teaches and loves with a whole heart, always putting 150% into her work and her “kids”. Everyone who crosses her path, is impacted in such a positive and significant way. Shakia will forever be someone who I look up to and someone who creates a safe space for all to create, mess up and find a family and community. I was at home when I was dancing with her."

"As a teacher and choreographer, Shakia has the ability to push without breaking, to encourage and celebrate her students, and to continuously bring new information to the table. All of this is evident after a semester or choreographic process with Shakia because dancers walk away more confident, more knowledgeable. However, Shakia’s magnetism does not allow for dancers to just walk away; we keep coming back for more! As a mentor and a friend, Shakia fosters fun and important relationships with her students. This has been especially poignant for me as Shakia has been an inspiration, a role model, and a consistent figure throughout my college career. I have no doubts that this will not change, even as I move on to the next stage of life."

"Shakia has really been a pillar for my college dance career as well as an awesome example of being an unapologetic Black woman. She has been and will continue to be someone I look up to as a dancer, teacher, and as a woman. They way she carries herself and demands nothing, but respect is an admirable quality. Throughout my college career, Shakia has always pushed me and almost yelled at me to do better, be better, and dig deeper through dance. That the sky's the limit and there is so much more inside than I think. She may 'come for my life' several times in a day, but I know it's all out of love and her seeing potential in me that I may not see myself. An all around genuine person, whose laugh and spirit is infectious that you can't help but be drawn to! Kia the Key, for the people!!"

"Being able to learn from Shakia has been one of the most fulfilling and impactful experiences in my life. Her ability to create safe spaces, to support her students and to allow them to grow as artists and people is exemplary. Shakia embodies what it means to be a mentor. Being able to learn from her through classes and rehearsals has continued to inspire me as a dancer, a choreographer and a black woman."

"Shakia has the remarkable ability to create space for her dancers and students to express their individuality as movers. I have seen growth in myself that I did not believe possible because of her guidance and teachings. She gave me the opportunity to be a part of her repertory and to be a collaborator in her work for many semesters. She has inspired me to continue pursuing Hip Hop and to really educate myself and get involved with my community. I am so grateful for her!"

"Shakia’s joyful and caring spirit is infectious and my college dance career would not have been the same without her mentorship and support. By being part of Shakia’s choreographic process, I was connected with dancers from all Five Colleges. Her work has been instrumental in forming a tight community through social dance. Her Hip Hop courses incorporate crucial history and context for the forms of hip hop she teaches. My knowledge of these forms and their history have made me a more knowledgeable dancer, teacher, and sharer of Hip Hop and dance forms of the African Diaspora. I am honored to call Shakia a mentor and a friend."