Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Jaylan Craig
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Jaylan Craig
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Jaylan Craig. I was born and raised in Belize City to two amazing and supportive parents, Drs. Peter Craig and Sheree Smiling-Craig. I have two siblings — a twin sister, Jordan Craig, and a younger brother, Justyn Craig. Family is the most important thing to me. I would not be where I am today in my dance journey if it wasn’t for the love and support of my family.
2. You are currently enrolled at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance pursuing its Professional Training Program. What do you believe is important in this role?
I have been extremely fortunate to study dance at the oldest professional dance school in the U.S. In addition to the Graham modern technique and Ballet, I continue to be exposed to other forms of dance such as contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Through my learning experiences, I believe that it is very important to share with other Belizeans who are just as passionate as I am about dance, but they do not have the financial means to travel abroad. I intend to give back to my country by teaching Belizeans what I have learned over the past twenty years of dancing.
3. Tell us more about your training program at this school. Why did you choose this particular school? When did you commence? What unique types of training are being enrolled? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?
At just three years old, I began dancing at the Vista Dance Studio under the tutelage of Miss Sistie Fairweather-Harmes. Miss Sistie herself spent time at the Martha Graham School to learn the Graham technique, and so it was through Miss Sistie that I began learning the technique. Miss Sistie eventually retired and closed her studio, and as of today there is no one in Belize teaching this technique. That sparked an undying interest in me to apply to the school that is located in New York City. I applied to their Independent Program, which is a flexible, non-certificate program for dancers who range from beginners to advance in the Graham technique. I began the program in September 2016, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Belize has no professional dance school, so the fall semester was a trial and error period. I had dance classes from morning to noon on Mondays to Fridays — something that Belizean dancers don’t experience since dance classes and rehearsals would take place after school or working hours. It was a very difficult adjustment both physically and mentally. And then I decided to challenge myself even more — I auditioned in January 2017 for the Professional Training Program. Unlike the Independent Program, the Professional Training Program (PTP) is a two-year certificate program that focuses on further training of the Graham technique for intermediate and advanced dancers, and in doing so prepares dancers for the professional dance world. Over the next five months and through blood, sweat, and tears (literally!), I was finally accepted into the competitive professional program for September 2017 — June 2019. Although it was very important for me to show the school I deserve to be in this program, I was able to form close, long-lasting friendships with other dancers. If it wasn’t for these dancers and my family, I would not have had the continued support that I needed during that period.
4. Describe your transformation process from Belize City to New York, USA.
The Martha Graham School is now located in downtown Manhattan at an artist community building called Westbeth, and this made me so excited that I will be able to visit popular places near such as Times Square and Central Park. There was, however, a part of me that was a bit hesitant because I have never been to New York. I’ve heard countless stories from other Belizeans of horrible experiences in the Big Apple, and of course you see the movies that show the rat infested subway stations. Nevertheless, I hopped on a plane to Newark, NJ where I fortunately have relatives who were able to help in my transition process of moving to New York. New York is one of the most tolerant and diverse states in America, and this also made the process easier. As a matter of fact, Belizeans continue to migrate to New York, and so it came as no surprise when I discovered there are four Belizeans employed at Westbeth!
5. What are the challenges you face as a student? Opportunities? How is life as a student in New York?
New York City has its challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges as an international student is that we are not allowed to legally work in the U.S. unless it is on campus. With challenges, however, come opportunities. New York is the central hub for the performing arts. The Ailey School and the Limon Institute, are just some of the other modern professional dance schools that offer open classes to dancers — beginners to advance. During my time living in New York, I do plan on immersing myself in as many forms of dance as possible.
6. Why is this program important to Belize’s National Development?
Currently, Belize does not have certificate training in dance. As a country, we struggle with art appreciation. The performing arts is not a top priority for the government. It is therefore important for those interested in dance education to develop it more in our country. Dance instructors and enthusiasts need to develop this field of art that is easily taken for granted. It is unfortunate that the only solution for dance development in Belize is to study abroad because not many Belizeans have the opportunity to travel. That is why it is important for me to come home and share what I have learnt from the PTP. During my summer breaks at home, I try to organize as many classes for dancers who are interested in learning from me. Once graduating in June 2019, I have every intention of returning home to develop Belize’s dance education.
7. What are three important things you learnt in life, this far? What can our country expect from Jaylan Craig in the next five years? How do you plan to infuse local cultures and talents with contemporary methods?
Be Patient with Yourself. Being patient with yourself eliminates unwanted and unnecessary stress in your life. Patience constructs a path of learning from others.
Never Compare Yourself to Others. It is very easy to compare yourself to other dancers whether it may be experience, performance, or physicality. Comparing oneself to others is perhaps the unhealthiest way to improve.
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes. When it comes to learning, I am a perfectionist, but if it’s one thing I’ve learnt this far is that we must make mistakes in order to learn and grow.
In the next five years, I plan to open a dance studio in Belize, where children and adults can learn and understand various dance forms and techniques. I hope to play a monumental role for dance in Belize because presently it is not taken seriously as a professional and successful career path.
Before I began my dance studies at the Martha Graham School, I was a part of the Belize National Dance Company (BNDC) for two years. BNDC allowed me to explore the various and diverse forms of Belizean folk. I was able to become a more versatile dancer, which is presently expected from every dancer in the world. Infusing dance techniques that contrast one another is now mainstream; for instance, the Cuban modern technique connects Cuban culture with Graham’s method of contract and release. Over the next years, I definitely plan on experimenting with infusing our multi-cultured Belizean folk with the several modern methods I am currently learning.
8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this? What is your personal definition of discipline and excellence?
I believe that there are reasons why Belize’s younger population has become mediocre. The biggest reason in my opinion is because not many Belizeans have the opportunity to a proper education — academically and culturally. We have a high expectation of the government giving more in educating our youths, yet that realistically will never happen. That is why our youths cannot take a back seat and wait for the government to act. The youths must persevere and take their education into their own hands. I believe perseverance defines our discipline and excellence.
9. What do you do for fun in New York? How do you uphold Belize’s namesake?
You can never get bored in New York. There is always something to do. When I’m not in my room recovering from classes, I do some sightseeing within Manhattan. I also try popular food places — Big Gay Ice Cream is a well-known ice cream parlor that is located only a ten-minute walk away from my residence. What I enjoy the most is Broadway musicals. Last year, I was so lucky to see Cats — a Broadway musical filled with amazing choreography that I have always dreamed of seeing! I do hope to see some more shows on Broadway before graduating next year.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
Always Push Yourself.
“The only sin is mediocrity.” — Martha Graham
