Meet Khalid Dunton | Dancer/Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khalid Dunton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khalid, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
After graduating college in 2020, my introduction to the adult life was quit different, unsettling, and in some forms rewarding as a dancer/performer. I had a multitude of time to really focus on my craft and my body for a few months. The amount of resources and opportunities that presented itself during the pandemic really forced me to hone in on my craft/career and the things that I desired for my life. So I took the first risky step, and decided to move to New York a few months after graduating. Adulting started to kick in and here is where I started to struggle with work life balance. I found myself working graveyard 12 hours shift for amazon but still had to make time for the career that I wanted for myself. I found myself working on projects and dancing with companies full time while also still working full time with amazon. At this point I was working 19 hours a day not including my commute time and was sleeping less than 3 hours a day. Eventually my body caught up to me and I had to make some changes to how I was balancing my life, my career, and my body. My health and dance career became more important to me then money. I had to make some changes to my life for the longevity of my dance career. So I quite amazon, went on tour with a dance company and realized this is the balance that I need/craved in my life. A balance that would redefine my happiness and the things I want within my career. Now I value my sleep, my person time, and my body more. Having a work life balance revealed to me what it means to truly respect yourself and your aspirations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up dancing in church, but I did not take my first technique class until my senior year of high school which is considered very late in the dance world. There was so much that I did not know about dance and from there decided to study dance in college. From there, I felt like I had to play catch up and went into this art full force. I can say my growth within dance is what makes me proud the most. It was hard especailly training next to people who had the privilege of training from a very young age, but when you are in love and passionate about your work, it feels more rewarding when you realize even your small accomplishments. That is how I knew this is what I wanted to do. When it gets hard, you tend to run, but for me, I was intrigued and wanted to be challenged.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in New York that it is hard to pin point my favorite places. One of my favorite places in the city to hangout is the Brooklyn Bridge Park to eat, listen to music and watch the sunset. I usually go to Central Park if I want to go bike riding. In terms of eating, I am always trying new places. if you are looking for a little fun at night, I love this club called Le Bain in Chelsea. It has great music on Wednesday specially and the view from the rooftop is to die for.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout all of the companies and projects that invited me into their space to grow as an artist. The amazing and most gratify feeling is knowing that the hard work you have spent on your craft is being recognized and seen.

Instagram: k.d.ance

Image Credits
Carissa But first 2 photo photos Michael young second 2 photos with street background Charlie Neely last 2 photos with blue background