John Keen envisioned and created Keen Dance Theatre (also known as KDT) in September of 2008 in New York City. KDT, a modern/contemporary dance company, was born from John’s desire to have an outlet to perform works that challenge stereotypes and break social barriers. Keen Dance Theatre has performed throughout the New York Area in venues such as Symphony Space (Leonard Nimoy Theater), Teatro LATEA Theater, World AIDS Day event for Community Healthcare Network, Water is Life Kenya with Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, and the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater. In addition, KDT has traveled to Guyana as US Ambassadors and performed with Classique Dance Company of Guyana at the National Cultural Centre in 2012. KDT moved to John’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky in 2014. After being on hiatus for a couple years, Keen Dance Theatre is back with new and exciting works to share with the people. Alvin Ailey’s main principle was “Dance came from the people and should always be delivered back to the people.” With that in mind, John has expounded upon Ailey’s principle and created his own way by “Making the Arts Accessible One Step at a Time. “Rooted in Black dance expression, KDT welcomes company members of any race/ethnicity. KDT is also diverse in regard to age, gender, LGBTQ, occupation, body shape, education level, and socioeconomic status. John seeks dancers that have the innate ability to communicate and tap into the emotional DNA of each piece. John believes in using the natural reactions of dancers as inspiration for his vision and choreography. He works individually with each dancer to guarantee an organic and visceral feel based in reality. The fusion of all of these elements (music, choreography, emotion, and drama) is what fulfills John’s artistic vision. KDT is more than just movement—it is storytelling.
About Us:
KDT, a modern/contemporary dance company performs works that challenge stereotypes and break social barriers.
