Kia the Key & Company, led by acclaimed choreographer and educator Shakia “The Key” Barron, is a project-based dance company based in Western Massachusetts. The company highlights the brilliance, depth, and cultural legacy of Black social dance forms, focusing on styles such as Hip-Hop, Funk, and House. Through vibrant performances, educational outreach, and community-driven projects, Kia the Key & Company celebrates these forms while honoring their roots in the African Diaspora.
The company’s mission is to use music and movement to bring people together, fostering cultural appreciation, empathy, and authenticity. By offering live performances, engaging workshops, and inclusive public art initiatives, Kia the Key & Company creates spaces where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can connect and express themselves.
Since its founding in 2021, Kia the Key & Company has established itself as a dynamic force within the Western Massachusetts arts community. Guided by principles of inclusivity, community, and sustainability, the company provides open classes, free performances, and collaborations with local organizations. These efforts prioritize historically marginalized voices, particularly those of Black communities, ensuring they are celebrated and empowered.
Kia the Key & Company preserves and amplifies the relevance of Black social dance forms, demonstrating their enduring power to inspire, educate, and connect. The company stands as a leader in promoting representation and cultural education, ensuring these dance forms continue to resonate for generations to come.
