STEVEN'S WORLD OF DANCE

Exploring the uncharted territory of that of a dancer

An inside look at an above average Jamaican dancer, Steven Cornwall

Little things and discoveries like music and art and movement plays an integral part in our human blueprint. From knee high ages we were taught the joy of creativity and as we grew older we came to respect the art of and ability to create. As children we used our bodies and voices a lot, whether in acts of tantrum or glee. We stretched our vocal cords for attention; we wrote on walls, reinvented things and constantly colored outside the lines.

Do you remember the first time you sang a note or danced to a rhythm and could actually recognize that this was called singing and that was called dancing? The first song I can recall singing and thinking “boy, I sound kinda good” was Glady’s Knight’s “Memories”. And quite contrastingly the first song I can recall dancing to was Mr Vegas’ “Heads High”. That was year 1998, I was 5 and yes I understood music and movement and feeling fundamentally the same way I do now.

Its innate abilities within all of us that manifest themselves very early on that hints to what our lives will eventually take the shape of. For Steven Cornwall his passions made themselves visible a little later. His foray into the performing arts came at the prepubescent age of 18 years old at Ardenne High School in 2007. At age 25 Steven has danced for NDTC, L’ Acadco and Ashe Performing Arts Company. He is now the only male lead principal dancer at The Company Dance Theatre under the tutelage of Tony Wilson. Internationally the 5”7 mover and shaker dances with the BoSoma Dance Company in Boston and Ashani Dance - a Ballet/ Contemporary company in Seattle. As though that isn’t impressive enough in 2012 he was accepted into the Alvin Ailey summer intensive -a 56 year old dance company program- in art central NYC.

"I rarely go out. I like hanging by myself

and having my little alone time. I also love cooking. I cook

almost everyday. I'm always in the kitchen trying new stuff. I Love the beach,

I love food and I love being around my family especially my two little brothers."

"I had to go through years of training in various techniques, trying to perfect each one.

I was selected to be apart of all these companies by the artistic directors.

Normally what would happen is, an audition would be arranged for one to

participate in, or just by taking classes and if the director sees potential, t

henhe or she would select you to take company classes."

Read on as I delve a litle deeper into Steven's World.

What is your dance philosophy?

Nobody cares if you can't dance well, just get up and dance My life's philosophy is "If you are good at something, NEVER do it for free" and I think that explains itself.

Your deepest fear?

One day while dancing I get badly injured and won't be able to perform ever again.

Thing you now fear the least?

WORDS. The words from people’s mouth. Whatever negative things they have to say will never scare me or cause me stop doing what I love.

Greatest regret?

Not starting to dance at a way younger age.

Which living person do most admire?

Definitely my parents, I admire them for always allowing me to explore and do what I want, with 100% support.

When are you most happy?

I’m most happy when I'm performing on a stage; dancing and entertaining people, or when I'm home alone cooking and enjoying a peaceful day.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don't think I have any treasured possession, I mean things come and things go. Cycle of life.

What is your current state of mind?

My current state of mind is to do more, travel more and share my talent with more people. I think it's time for me to move from Jamaica and take on the world, I feel I've become comfortable with here, and it's now time for me to move on and learn and grow more. Also I'm really passionate about teaching my art form to young aspiring dancers, it brings me joy to see that I was once in that position. Just wanting to soak up everything that was placed in front me. So yeah to do more, to spread my little-big wings.

Steven will be taking up roots in Boston from November until year’s end for a Season of Dance with the BoSoma Dance Theatre Company. Watch this space as Kingston Belle flies to Massachusetts with Steven for backstage photos and exclusive insight inside his world of dance.

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