Life & Work with Kj Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kj Davis.

Kj, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! My name is KJ Davis, I am 20 years old born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. My story is quite all over the place but I’m so grateful for it. I began dancing at three years old but stopped for about four years to start gymnastics. Gymnastics will always hold a special place in my heart because I truly feel the competitiveness and dedication for that sport has me where I am today. Along with gymnastics I did other sports such as swimming, karate, ice skating, acting, competitive cheerleading, and modeling (I was a busy child). I then returned to competitive dance at the age of 10.

I remember auditioning for a Kirk Franklin music video around that time, and that process was stressful, but I knew at that moment that this is what I wanted to do forever. In the midst of this all, I was still a competitive cheerleader at my school & my cheer gym. When I was 13, I was moved up to the varsity cheer team at my high school & was the youngest on my team. Once I got into high school, I became captain & choreographer for my team. Also, at age 13 is when I started taking dance seriously and fell in love with it all over again. I moved to a more competitive dance studio and the love grew stronger and the work I put into my craft grew as well.

I wasn’t the best dancer on my team & that drove me tremendously. Once I graduated high school, opportunities started to come my way and I started teaching my own classes weekly at my dad’s gym. Teaching my own class was a little looked down upon, because I was stepping out of the box. A couple of months from my first class I booked my first international tour in Europe! That experience is something I’ll never forget & I’m so forever grateful I got to experience that at eighteen years old.

Once I returned back to America Covid happened and things started to shift for us all. I then got the incredible opportunity to start teaching weekly classes at a major franchise studio, and different studios throughout the city. I then started booking music videos & campaigns for major artists & companies in the city. Now, I’m faculty at Tennessee State University teaching hip hop classes weekly, while still pursuing my dreams and goals as a choreographer and dancer!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The process most definitely was not easy, nor smooth but I love that. I’m still on my journey, and I’m still learning and growing every day. I think never settling has been the biggest attribute to my story thus far. I think being misunderstood in high school by a lot of my teachers is what had me second-guessing my greatness and potential for the longest.

It’s always important to have someone to believe in you, especially someone you look up to in your field. That was something I had lacked because I wasn’t the best. That right there is what motivated me because I only had myself & I’ll forever have myself. I’ve worked hard for everything I have.

I give huge props to my mother who is a phenomenal dentist and owns her own practice in downtown Nashville. She’s always had me on the go and is my biggest supporter.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher. I specialize in helping people become their best selves and moving in a way that’s authentic to them. I’m known for my heart, and the way I impact others with my words and movements.

I’m most proud of the way I naturally and authentically connect with people in a way that makes them feel comfortable to be who they are wholehearted. I’m most proud of myself, especially right now. Being able to share my story and my gift with people is all I’ve ever wanted, and I’ve known this is why I was put on this earth since I was making music videos off my iPod with my brother.

To inspire & create. What sets me apart is the way and what I create, it’s authentic & it’s me; random, authentic, and joyful.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My best friends Javon Hunter, and Nevaeh Conley deserve the most credit. They have believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They are both also amazing dancers in Nashville & deserve ALL the recognition (check them out).

They both continuously push me and inspire me and I love them both with my whole heart. Someone else who deserves credit is my mentor/big sis, Kourtney KOKO French. I could write a book on this lady. My first mentor, and the first teacher in Nashville to believe in me. I met KOKO on a job back in 2018 for a music video, and she was the choreographer.

Since then she’s had my back and we’ve been stuck like glue since. I give her all the praise for seeing and loving me for me and pushing me to be my best! (I love you KOKO).

Pricing:

• privates- $50/hour
• choreography for music videos- $350

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVJwyq5le6A/?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UClerrfq3Bikw0Rj_pF97VdQ

Image Credits
@mariodevon_, @daraxuhs, and @leighamc_