معرفی
Shakia Barron serves as the Faculty Class of 1929 Virginia Apgar Assistant Professor of Dance at Mount Holyoke College within the Department of Dance. She concurrently leads Kia the Key & Company as Artistic Director of her project-based dance ensemble.
Her academic credentials include an M.F.A. in Choreography from Wilson College, an Associate’s degree in dance and psychology from Dean College, a Bachelor’s in liberal arts from Westfield State University, and a National Dance Institute teaching artist certificate (2009). Additional professional training was completed at Bates Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, and Pioneer Valley’s Performing Arts Charter School.
Barron’s artistic practice centers on African Diaspora dance forms with specialized expertise in Hip-Hop, House, and related vernacular styles. She has created over 50 choreographic works spanning Hip-Hop, modern, African, and lyrical genres performed at venues including Jacob’s Pillow, Bates Dance Festival, and NBA halftime shows. Her collaborative project "Concourse" with Barbie Diewald premiered at Mount Holyoke College in September 2022 following residencies at Bates and Jacob’s Pillow.
Her distinguished recognitions include:
- Arthur Levitt Jr. ’52 Artist-in-Residence at Williams College (2019)
- Excellence in Teaching Award from Bates Dance Festival
As a DEL (Dance Education Laboratory) faculty member, Barron develops curriculum-integrated Hip-Hop pedagogy workshops and has taught at Bates Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow community programs. Her prior appointments include adjunct positions at UMASS Amherst, Smith College, Amherst College, and Connecticut College before securing her current tenure-track role.
Barron directs Kia the Key & Company while maintaining performance collaborations with Face Da Phlave Entertainment, Illstyle and Peace Productions, and Rennie Harris PureMovement. Her national and international touring history includes opening for major artists like Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Omarion, alongside concert productions at Princeton School of Ballet and Rider University.
