Kaelynn Harris Started Dancing to Prove Her Haters Wrong
Kaelynn Harris, a.k.a. “KK,” is only 21 years old and has danced beside some of the dopest artists, including Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Sade, Missy Elliott and the list goes on. What makes KK so inspiring is that she made herself more than just an average backup dancer. She’s taken her career in her own hands and is constantly inspiring artists all around the world.
Check out or Q&A below to learn more about Kaelynn!
You’ve been in love with dancing since you were young, how did your career take off?
When I first started, I didn’t take it seriously. I cheered before, so when I first decided to dance it was to prove to people that cheerleaders can dance, then I gradually fell in love with it the more I did it. The people I met in conventions saw potential in me and those experiences helped me get to where I am now.
How do you feel about people who say cheerleading or dancing isn’t a sport?
They’re crazy! Dancing and cheerleading require great athleticism. Strength, agility [and] coordination are all essential for your success. Stunts, tricks and over the top moves are also required. We are the ultimate athletes, because we have to be multi-talented.
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How did you make yourself stand out as a performer and be recognized as more than a dancer?
I think when you take dance seriously in this industry, especially in this competitive industry, you can be great and still be slept on. For me, I wanted to be more than a backup dancer because you can get the highest level of a job and still be beside someone, so I wanted to show other dancers we can do more than that.
You’ve performed with big names like Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher and many more. Which performance was the most lit and had a dancing style most similar to yours?
I enjoyed dancing with Usher the most because it helped me with the difficult transition from child to adult dancing. Fergie’s also from LA like me and I feel like her style is closer to mine. She’s really sweet and has that Bay Area vibe that I love.
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How did dancing with Usher make you go from a girl to a woman?
The Usher job grew me up a lot. It required me to step out of my comfort zone. I realized what it meant to be grown and sexy, and I’ve been able to capitalize on that ever since. Usher is a professional, and knew what he wanted. It was up to me to take on that persona.
Besides dancing, what are some ways you turn up?
I really love to shop and style my friends. Some of my favorite [stores] are overseas when I teach dance classes. I shop at places that are one of a kind in these small cities. Topshop, Zara, and Adidas are my favorites when I’m not in dance clothes. No matter what, I love to be chilled and comfortable. I also love fishing and creating dance video concepts for my YouTube channel.
Where do you find the best shops while abroad?
My favorite place to shop might be Spain and London. Although, I make it a point to patronize local merchants because I like to find one of a kind things.
You were on “Empire” this season, what was that experience like?
That experience was crazy, especially because I’ve never had a speaking role as a dancer. It’s actually pretty lit because I wasn’t really expecting it. The treatment was so different from being a background dancer.
What would be your dream role or guest appearance?
If I had to choose a show to guest star on, I would really want to be on a show like “Law & Order: SVU” or “Hit The Floor” even though that ended. Or like, being a superhero someday, that would be goals.
Why did you start your master classes and what are your favorite cities to visit?
I originally started my master classes because of “America’s Best Dance Crew.” I had a lot of plugs and wanted to start teaching people how. Some of my favorite cities in America are Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, and New York City. Overseas would have to be Amsterdam, Croatia, London, & Paris.
What happens in a master class?
Master classes are supposed to be a time for intense training and learning. A lot of people mistake it as a time to shine and get on film, but a true dancer will use the master class to turner their dance education. In a master class, you learn a lot in a very short time. I encourage all dancers to try their hardest, because if it comes easy then it’s not bettering you.
What’s your biggest insecurity and how have you learned to accept it and/or tried to mask it?
My size honestly. It took me a long time to gain the confidence because I’m so small and it’s always been a challenge to date or get a job in this industry, I can’t change it or don’t want to change it because I cant go through getting injections. People are liking it because I like myself. I feel like it’s really popping when you love yourself and are always confident regardless of how others feel about you.Don’t most guys want to date small girls? How has this made it hard for you to date? Does the dance industry want tall girls like the modeling industry?
I have been fortunate enough to be able to work, no matter my size. Sure, there are requirements for certain artists, but I don’t let anything limit me. I’ll always try, and if it’s meant to be then it will happen. Regarding guys… I think most guys will have a preference. The hardest thing for me, is that people think I’m unapproachable because of my line of work.
What’s one question you’re sick of getting asked?
I don’t like being asked, “Hey, can you come to class so we can tape it”? Because people just want to be seen to be famous. They’re recording all the time instead of actually learning and that always pisses me off. Social media is definitely a bittersweet thing because people always get caught in the hype.
What do you want our readers to take from this interview?
I think the overall message is to be yourself and love yourself and eventually everyone will start to fuck with you. That’s the greatest thing about it, because you really don’t have to change yourself to inspire someone. Keep pushing and going for your goals because accomplishing goals is definitely possible. Anything can happen and that’s pretty amazing.
