Kayla Marie Jackson (she/her) is originally from Lincolnton, North Carolina, but currently resides in Winston Salem, North Carolina. She is pursuing her fourth year in the Contemporary program at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). Kayla began dancing at the age of two when her mother enrolled her into dance classes at Star Struck Dance Studio, in Denver, North Carolina. There, she had the opportunity to engage in and grow competency in an array of dance styles and techniques. A competition season would consist of several regional and national competitions for which she danced various styles for. Once Kayla graduated from highschool, she attended Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she participated in the Contemporary dance program. There, Kayla earned her Associate’s degree in Fine Arts, which furthered her educational and artistic foundation. In 2021, Kayla applied and was accepted into the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
From collaborating with guest and faculty choreographers, Abdur Rahim Jackson (2022), Darrell Moultrie (2022), Andrea Weber (2023), Pearlann Porter (2023), Emily Nicolau (2023), Wesley Williams (2023), Trey McIntyre (2024), to studying under Brenda Daniels, Endalyn Taylor Outlaw, Abigail Yager, Ming-Lung Yang, Sean Sullivan, Ashley Lindsey, Kira Blazek Ziaii, and Angelina Sansone, Kayla has retrieved a diverse magnitude of knowledge, physical and mental connections. She has been exposed to further investigation of Limón technique, Cunningham technique, Countertechnique, Horton technique, Trisha Brown repertoire, contemporary-based works, modern works, West African, floorwork, and ballet curricula typically based upon the American Ballet Theatre’s methodology. At UNCSA, Kayla’s passion for dance has ultimately grown into an indescribable love. Finding time to express her gratitude for the space UNCSA has provided is exemplified in late night improvisational sessions. Here, she has found the ability to discover her truth, while maintaining a grounded foundation established by her studies.