Photo taken by: Nicole Riley
Â
Â
You may have seen him around somewhere on campus; he is always smiling and is very friendly! Collegiettes, meet Jawann Mcbeth!
Â
Name: Jawann Mcbeth
Birthday: July 13, 1993
Hometown: Ewing, NJ
Year: Freshman
Major: Dance
Â
HCM: What are some of your hobbies?
JM: I love dancing and running track. I go to the Recreation Center every day, but I missed two days this semester.
HCM: What do you want to do when you graduate?
JM: I would love to be in a dance company, Alvin Ailey more specifically. If I can’t do that, then I would want to be a back up dancer.
HCM: When did you begin dancing?
JM: I started when I was 7 years old. I began watching dances from back in the day like the two-step. Then after that I watched videos on YouTube and learned choreography. The more I watched, the quicker I picked up the movements. Â I would turn on YouTube in my room, close the door and have my own dance class sometimes.
HCM: Why do you like dancing?
JM: I just love moving, at a young age I would always be jumping around.
HCM: What is your favorite style of dance?
JM: Modern because it is free and very earthbound. I really respect ballet because ballet takes a lot of discipline.
HCM: Who inspires you?
JM: Beyoncé! I remember when I first heard “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” by Destiny’s Child and I fell in love. When the group broke up, I continued to follow Beyoncé. She has a genuine soul and that adds to her music. She is so elegant and I learned how to carry yourself from her.
HCM: Who is your biggest supporter?
JM: I would have to say my best friend Tamara Frater. She was the first person to actually see me dance and she saw that I had talent and potential. She actually introduced reggae and Caribbean music to me. I really like Bob Marley and Dance Hall.
HC: How will you go about reaching your goal of being in Alvin Ailey?
JM: First audition and get in! My grandparents were not that supportive of me pursuing dance so I will always work hard at achieving my dream. Seeing people that have had dance practice from very a young age and not being able to have that same privilege myself makes me want to get out in the business and prove that it can be done even with a late start!