Diaunte Jenkins

MORE THAN JUST A STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Story by: Heaven Taylor-Wynn

Performer, scholar, dancer, choreographer, creative visionary, director, man of Kappa Alpha Psi, Diaunte Jenkins now tacks on another title-- entrepreneur.

The 20-year-old college student is the founder of his own dance company.

Growing up a male artist in Liberty City in Miami proved challenging, bringing about several trials and tribulations for the budding performer. With strict parents who valued business and education, he continued to strive toward his making his passion palatable to those in his inner circle. Jenkins’ love for dance and the arts stemmed from his involvement in church during his youth. He was the lead singer, actor, and choreographer for various performances and productions. Today, he’s a sophomore at the University of Florida working toward a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and the founder of a dance company. When he left Miami Northwestern Senior High School’s Performing and Visual Arts Center he had no intention of leaving his love for the stage behind.

When he arrived at UF, he failed to find a dance organization that met his creative desires despite the existence of over a dozen registered dance groups. “I felt that there was no dance org on campus that I could call home and provide me with the tools and styles that I enjoyed,” he said, “then why not create that myself.” Jenkins’ company United We Dance Entertainment, LLC first came on the scene in the Fall 2018 semester, then as a student organization.

The collective began with 10 dedicated dancers who heavily supported his vision for the group. He continued as a

student organization for some weeks until his goals outgrew the university’s guidelines. “I didn’t want my vision and creativity to be limited to fit the rules and regulations provided by campus,” he said, “so I decided to just be an independent dance group.”

When the movement started gaining traction, he took steps to grow the company. After an audition in January, the company now houses 26 dancers and continues to grow. He officially registered as a limited liability corporation in the earlier part of March in an effort to reduce limitations of the company’s growth. This way, the company is sustainable and has longevity wherever he may choose to relocate when his time at UF ends.

Jenkins is not new to this, he’s true to this. His impressive resume includes training through PAVAC,

Ballet, West African, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Hip-Hop training from the renowned Traci Young-Byron through the Young Contemporary Dance Theatre, and scholarship acknowledgement from the Alvin Ailey Extension Program

According to the 20-year-old, he hopes to afford others the same professional training and opportunities he had whilst blazing the trails as the one of a founder of his own dance company in Gainesville who’s also a college student. He aims to not only set an example, but also, empower creative youth to chase their dreams.

“I feel that my company would grant (youth in the local community) all the tools they will need no matter the age to prepare them for the entertainment industry,” he said.

Through this process, he’s learned to be resourceful, manage his time well, and develop meaningful relationships. In the meantime, he’s gearing up for the company’s first showcase production that’ll take place in April. 23