There are several avenues to embrace and express artistic passions on the Kean University campus. One of these creative groups that grace the campus is the Kean Dance Theatre (KDT).

KDT is the resident dance company of Kean University and serves as a creative outlet for all types of dancers, with varied levels of experience, to come together into a family of passionate individuals that create works of art through dance.

KDT was founded in 1979 by the late William Chaison and has been the resident company for over 30 years. The company is currently under the artistic direction of Sharon McKenzie and has approximately 40 members currently participating. The company practices every Monday and Thursday in room D168 of Kean University’s Harwood Arena.

The company is a completely student-run group, and is also a funded group on campus. Students can choreograph and perform personally made pieces, and the genres can range from anything. All genres are included in KDT’s semi-annual showcase, including hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern and cultural pieces such as African dance. There is no restriction as far as styles of dance or choreography goes, therefore there is no limit to what the dancers are able to create and the caliber to which they can express themselves.

KDT is extremely involved on the Kean University campus. The company can often be found performing at events held on campus by other student organizations as well as other collegiate events all over New Jersey. KDT also hosts a semi annual showcase every fall and spring semester. But now, KDT is also hosting fundraising events to benefit others.

KDT hosted a powderpuff football game in collaboration with the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. to put together the game for breast cancer awareness.

“We made over $1,000. It was a great turn out. We are doing the powderpuff game annually and look to expand and hopefully collaborate with other schools in New Jersey to compete and raise money,” said Bre’yanie Pearson, a junior communication public relations major and the President of KDT.

Although KDT serves as an effective creative outlet for the members, it also gives a familial feel to those participating. With approximately 40 active members, KDT is a large group, and it seems that the members have come to love each other like family.

“[KDT] is beneficial to those involved because it is a great way to become active, learn dances, perform, and build relationships with other members,” said Pearson, “We are all there for the same reason, because we enjoy dancing. We allow members with dance experience to expand and continue to dance as an outlet and we allow members with no dance experience to try something new.”

KDT is open to expanding its family. The company begins gathering music and choreographers and opens to new members the second week of every semester. Time and effort goes into performing a full showcase at the conclusion of each semester. Throughout the long and grueling process, however, the participants of KDT have a chance to learn and grow together as well as form strong bonds with each other.

“We have members who have danced for years and members who began dancing in KDT. The technique ranges and I think that's what makes KDT so special,” said Pearson.

The company is preparing for the spring showcase at the conclusion of this semester. The showcase will take place on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 7 p.m. in Kean University’s Wilkins Theatre. No ticket is necessary for entry, admission is free of charge, and the doors are open to any willing spectators.

Any individual wishing to join the ranks of the creative family that is KDT can feel free to reach out via email at kdt@kean.edu.