Interview with Kerrynton Jones

Caveat: I've been wanting to start a blog interview series focusing on WOC in creative fields for a long time. I have so much respect for those in creative fields because I know how hard it is to break into them, and even more so as a WOC! This is interview one, big thank you to Kerrynton for taking the time to do this with me. :)

Kerrynton Jones is an actress, dancer, and product ambassador who has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, music videos and commercials. She began dancing at the age of three and acquired an abundance of additional dance training in her hometown Frederick, MD. At the age of 16, Kerrynton moved to New York where she received a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program for a year. Soon after, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of dancing and acting. Her noted work as an actress includes: “The J Team” movie (2021), Little Fires Everywhere (2020), Party of Five (2020), Family Reunion (2020), short film CODA (2019), and the movie “High Strung Free Dance” (2018). She is also a brand ambassador for Neutrogena skincare products. As a dancer, she has appeared on TV shows for Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Showtime, HBO max, Paramount and more. Kerrynton is currently touring with pop artist Tate McRae and looks forward to continuing to share her love for dance and acting in the future.

I know you have had a passion for dance since you were very young. Can you briefly go over the progression of your career journey and any experiences that stand out for you?

Dancing is something that I always knew I was going to do. At three years old I began telling my family members I was in dance class even though I was not. Growing up, I participated in dance competitions and went to a ton of dance conventions as well. Dance conventions in particular inspired me to want to pursue dance as a career. At thirteen years old I got signed by Clear Talent Group. This was a huge moment for me because I knew that this opportunity and dance would take me to places and stages that I had only dreamt of. After moving to LA I began doing a lot of tv and film work dancing on shows playing on Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Hulu, HBO max, Paramount Plus, and more. I have also appeared in commercials for Coca Cola, Neutrogena, Nike and Skechers. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work with incredible artists such as SIA, FKA Twigs and The Jonas Brothers.

What do you feel was your breakthrough moment or experience, if any? How

did that impact your personal and professional journey?

One breakthrough moment for me was when I booked my first role in a movie. The movie was called “High Strung Free Dance” and the character I played involved dancing and acting. This impacted me both personally and professionally because it reminded me how important it is not to put yourself in a box. Just because I have been a dancer my whole life does not mean that I can not try new things and explore the acting world as well. Since then I have gotten more roles on shows such as Little Fires Everywhere, Family Reunion, Party of Five and the movie musical “The J Team”.

How do you motivate yourself?

One of my biggest motivations in life is God. I was blessed with this amazing gift to dance and tell stories with my body and I want to use it to fulfill God’s purpose for me. No matter what you believe in, I think everyone is given special gifts and it is so much bigger than just yourself, dance or whatever you do. For me dancing is about telling stories and making people feel something. Knowing that even just one person could be inspired or impacted by my performance motivates during shoot days or a live show.

How has tour been with Tate? What have been your favorite moments?

Tour has been so much fun, every night feels like a party on stage. It is hard to pick which has been my favorite show or moment thus far. However, I really like when the crowd is super loud, cheering and screaming all the songs. It makes performing even more fun than it already is. I also really enjoy getting to hang with Tate and the crew and explore fun cities during our days off.

What do you think it takes to "make it" in this field?

In order to “make it” in this industry I think it is extremely important to develop tough skin. Oftentimes you will hear people saying you’re going to get so many no’s before that yes. I think having that tough skin helps you get through those no’s without taking things too personally or losing sight of your dreams.

What are you most looking forward to in the next few years? Any parting advice for any young dancers or those in general who may feel hesitant in pursuing dancing as either a side hustle or career?

In the next few years, I’m looking forward to continuing to dance, travel and explore new places on tour. In addition to that, I look forward to exploring more of the acting side of the industry. I really enjoyed the opportunities I got where I was able to play a character and I hope that it is something I can do more of in the future. My advice to anyone wanting to pursue dance as a career is to not compete and compare. In the growing age of social media it is so easy to get caught up in what other people are doing and it can start to create doubt in your head. If you put the majority of your concern on someone else you could be missing out on a world of possibilities and opportunities for yourself. Working hard and focusing on myself and my goals has taken me a long way.