My Brown Ballerina of the Month: Kayla Danielle Raines
Atlanta, GA –
Artistry, Expression, Life: Kayla Raines’ Journey as a Dancer
Atlanta, GA – Meet Kayla Danielle Raines, our Brown Ballerina of the Month, who embodies the essence of artistry, expression, and life through dance. With a deep passion for movement and storytelling, Kayla has conquered challenges as a brown ballerina and emerged as a remarkable talent in the world of dance.
The Essence of Kayla as a Dancer:
Kayla Raines is not just a dancer; she is a dancer, choreographer, technician, scholar, and artist. She paints vivid pictures and tells compelling stories through her movements, showcasing the true essence of her artistry. Dancing is not just a passion; it’s the air she breathes and the joy that makes her heart beat. To Kayla, dance means “Artistry; Expression; Life.” It is her everything; it is her.
Challenges Faced as a Brown Ballerina:
Being a brown ballerina in the United States comes with unique challenges, and Kayla Raines has confronted them head-on. She has experienced the complexities of training in predominantly non-brown environments, where the value of diversity isn’t always recognized. Micro-aggressive discriminatory behaviors, such as subtle biases and inequities, were a part of her journey. These included comments on her appearance, selective applause, and preferential treatment for non-brown dancers. Despite these challenges, Kayla’s resilience and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and find a healthier environment for her dance pursuits.
What Sets Kayla Apart:
Kayla’s unwavering passion for dance sets her apart. She breathes dance, consistently immersing herself in the world of movement. Whether attending workshops, intensives, or training tirelessly, dance is where she spends her free time. Her technique, combined with her deep connection to the art form, distinguishes her as a remarkable dancer and artist.
Inspiration from Remarkable Women:
Two African American dancers inspire Kayla Raines profoundly: Debbie Allen and Misty Copeland. Both women have left an indelible mark on the world of dance with their incredible careers. Debbie Allen’s versatility in various dance genres and her enduring legacy in dance education have left a deep impression on Kayla. Misty Copeland’s groundbreaking achievement as the first African American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and her ability to make ballet accessible to broader audiences have also inspired Kayla. Both artists have faced racial barriers in their careers, which resonates deeply with Kayla and fuels her determination to succeed in the world of dance.
Future Initiatives for Brown Ballerinas:
Kayla envisions a future for brown ballerinas with more inclusivity and representation. She advocates for the availability of a wider range of flesh-toned pointe shoes to cater to the diverse skin tones of dancers. While progress has been made, Kayla believes there’s still a long way to go to ensure that dancers of all backgrounds have access to the right equipment without the need for alterations.
Upcoming Performances:
Stay tuned for Kayla Raines’ upcoming performances:
- Fall Showcase at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of Performing Arts in Jonesboro, GA
- Holiday Show at Clayton County Performing Arts Center
- Holiday Show – Dancemakers of Atlanta
- Varsity Dance Team (back-to-back GHSA State Champions) Regional competitions
- Spring Showcase at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of Performing Arts in Jonesboro, GA
- Senior Showcase at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of Performing Arts in Jonesboro, GA
- Spring Show – Dancemakers of Atlanta
Connect with Kayla:
You can follow Kayla Raines on Instagram at @kd_dances1 or reach out to her through email at kayla.raines509@gmail.com or mcraines22@gmail.com.
Join us in celebrating Kayla Raines, our Brown Ballerina of the Month, whose dedication to dance, resilience, and passion for representation inspire us all. She is a true testament to the power of artistry, expression, and life through dance.