Anthony Khem: The power of dance

17-year-old Anthony Khem found his passion for dance and he’s been pursuing it ever since. This led to the creation of his own YouTube channels where he does dance covers of some of his favorite artists and also some original work. Hailing from Calgary, he moved to Burnaby to train for dance in order to obtain a scholarship from Simon Fraser University. I had the chance to chat with him to see why he dances and where he sees himself in the future.

(All pictures posted with permission from Anthony Khem)

How did you first get involved with dancing?

As soon as I entered junior high, I was surrounded by breakdancers. They inspired me to try it but by the time I was 14, I realized breaking should not be my only dance style. I then went on to explore popping and choreography. Then, in Grade 10, I fell in love with ballet and by last year I furthered my knowledge with jazz, contemporary, krump and dancehall.

Who were some of your role models over the years and how did they inspire you? 

Michael Jackson was my first role model because of how fluid his moves were. But by last year Ian Eastwood, Phillip Chbeeb, Dominic Sandoval, Emilio Dosal, Bridget Whitman, Jessica Richens, Tight Eyez, Lady Tight Eyez, Oliver Reyes, Connie Jakab and Nicole Pemberton became my inspirations just because of their drive to dance and their determination.

How do you feel when you dance? Are you trying to convey a story? 

Every time I dance it feels like I’m releasing emotion. I strongly think that to be a dancer you must display emotion. I try to story-tell all the time. When I create choreographs, I use the words first before using the beat. You could say I’m a lyrical hip-hop artist.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced during your dancing career? 

Negativity. Those who looked at me and said I couldn’t do it. But in time I realized that’s what made me stronger not only as a dancer but as a person.

What have been some of your most memorable moments or achievements? 

Dancing for the My World Conference in February, dancing for the Cypher Show in June, and being a teacher’s assistant at Decidely Jazz.

Can you tell me more about those three events? What were they about?

The first event was a way to promote that kids can go for their dreams. It was my first gig. The Cypher Show was produced by Mpact about belonging. Every number in the show had a meaning and the one I was in memory of Trayvon Martin. The youth who was shot for no reason by George Zimmerman. The third, I was asked to help teach at Decididly Jazz Danceworks not only to prepare me as a future dance teacher, but to develop my own style of teaching.

As a teacher, what kind of advice do you give to your students?

I would say have fun. Yeah, I am teaching them choreography but I really encourage them to move the way that makes them feel good!

For the people out there who may be hesitant in joining dance, what do you want to tell them?

Take the leap! Risk it because no matter where you are the people who surround you will support you. Family, friends and even other dancers will be there.

You talk about other people being there to support you. How has being in dance bring you closer to people?

If I couldn’t get a move or if other people couldn’t, there has always been people to help. Other dancers, teachers, the support in a dance studio is absolutely wonderful to see.

Besides Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, what other dance studios have you been a part of?

The Forest Lawn High School Studio has been amazing to me. That’s the only other one. But I have been dancing with a group of guys at a place called The Corner in Vancouver, where every Wednesday we meet up and we inspire each other in our own styles.

Besides dancing, what else are you passionate about? 

I’d say helping the less fortunate. I tend to give homeless people food and money whenever I can. It just isn’t a sight I like seeing as I have all these things like food, shelter, clothes, and they only have clothes.

Have you thought of combining your love of dance with helping the less fortunate?

Yes I have. I plan of talking with the homeless about their life and I would love to teach them some moves. And also pay for their meals and make their day amazing.

That’s great to hear! Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now, it’s either a permanent job as a dance instructor or a manager of my own dance studio to help people who can’t afford it.

Are there are any people you would like to thank or anything else you want to add?

I would love to thank Connie Jakab for the opportunities she’s given me. I would love to thank Kelsey Mcmahon, Debra McKenzie and Abigail Skjenna for inspiring me, pushing me, and helping me. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be dancing right now.

Check out Anthony’s YouTube channel here

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Superkh3m

DFTBA! (Don’t Forget To Be Awesome!)