Journey into Dance and Fitness

​Alkeyla King, originally from Norfolk, Virginia, embarked on her dance journey at a young age. Growing up near Virginia Beach, she immersed herself in Hip Hop and Street Dancing, gaining recognition for her innovative choreography and stage presence. Her passion was evident when she won her first talent show in 2007 while attending vocational training in Marion, Virginia, where she earned certifications in Business Technology and Microsoft Office. Initially following in her mother’s footsteps, Alkeyla started a healthcare career. At 19, she became a Medical Assistant, interned at Swells Point Medical Center (Norfolk Naval Base), and later earned certification as a Nursing Assistant at The International Black Women’s Congress in Norfolk, Virginia. However, her true passion lay in the arts, leading her to make a significant career shift.

                                           

 Her Calling: Dance and The Performing Arts

Rather than choosing a more conventional career like nursing, her decision to embrace dance and theater reflects not just a career but a purpose—touching lives through performance, teaching, and inspiring others to explore their artistic side. Alkeyla’s transition from nursing to the performing arts marked a profound shift in her career trajectory. Her commitment to dance and theater became a calling instead of a mere profession. This dedication motivated her to pursue formal dance training, studying ballet, jazz, and theater, which fueled her desire to share her passion with others.

                               

                         The Leap of Faith

In 2013, Alkeyla moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to deepen her craft at Central Piedmont Community College. She trained in Modern Dance, Contemporary Jazz, and Classical Ballet there, significantly expanding her skill set. Her growth in these disciplines contributed to her success in various regional dance theater performances.

                                                                           

                      Theater Performances

Alkeyla’s theater career began with performances in productions like "In The Attic" and "Ghost Town," both directed by Clay Daniels, in 2014. She continued to showcase her versatility in "Swing Nouveau," directed by Megan Payne, and The Opera "Pagliacci," directed by Katheryn Horne and Becky Cooke Carter, in 2015. Her experience expanded further in 2016 when she worked as a theater production assistant for "The Medium" and "The Old Maid & The Thief," gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater.  In 2019,  she performed at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Theater in "Social Status," directed by Ana Obgueze. Later, a major highlight of her career came in 2022  when she began training with  Tada Atlanta Dance Academy where she performed at the  Ferst  Theater at Georgia   Tech in the Broadway Jazz Dance Performance" Hey, Big Spender," directed by Maddie.

                                                                 

 

              Film Features and Music Videos

Alkeyla’s talents also extended into film and music videos. She appeared in "Buzzin'" by Rap Artist B.U.D. in 2013 and "One" by Rap Artist Lil’ Coe in 2017. Additionally, she showcased her acting skills in the action movie "Extreme," blending her love for dance with a new medium.

 

      The Beginning of Her Teaching Career:                        Combining Dance and Fitness

In 2013, Alkeyla’s passion for fitness emerged alongside her dance career. She enrolled in classes at Central Piedmont Community College, enrolled in yoga and weight training. By 2015, she became a Certified Zumba Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor, teaching at various YMCA branches, including Johnston, Simmons, and Dowd. Her energetic and inclusive classes were well-received, leading her to teach at local churches, colleges, and recreational centers. While teaching at the YMCA, Alkeyla began her bodybuilding journey as an NPC Competitor  (National Physique Committee).

 

 

  Teaching and Inspiring the Next Generation

Alkeyla’s dedication to teaching became evident when she began instructing Hip Hop and Afro Dance at Oneaka’s Dance Company. Her approach combined cultural knowledge with her passion for movement, creating a unique style that resonated with her students. In 2018, she began working with Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools as a Dance Contractor and After School Teacher.

                                 

                                                                          Empowering Students: Dance Education

In 2020, Alkeyla returned to Norfolk, Virginia, to teach hip-hop at Norfolk State University, a historically Black college. This role allowed her to merge her cultural roots with her professional expertise, providing students with transformative dance experiences.

                                                             

                        Current Endeavors

Now based in Atlanta, Georgia, Alkeyla serves as a Substitute Teacher across multiple counties, including Marietta, Cobb, and  Fulton County. She currently teaches children K through 12 in various academic subjects and the performing arts. In 2024, she was invited to teach hip-hop dance classes at Hickory Hills Elementary School for International Dance Week. Alkeyla taught ballet and tap at Peachtree Dance Company, worked with children ages 3 to 12, and substituted for dance instructors in hip-hop and musical theater. She also taught ballet at kids' birthday parties and during spring and summer camps. Additionally, she was a hip-hop instructor for DWAM Ballet Academy in Marietta, GA.

 

                          Entrepreneurship 

As the proud owner and founder of ADK Studio for dance and fitness, Alkeyla continues to inspire through her diverse classes, including Hip Hop, Ballet, Dance Fitness, and Yoga. Her philosophy emphasizes personal expression, wellness, and the joy that movement brings. She remains committed to her passion, blending her love for dance performance and fitness. Alkeyla’s versatility, from teaching children to performing, shows that the stage, the studio, and the classroom are where her passion truly thrives. Her heart gravitated towards creativity and expression through movement and performance. Her path clearly shows that the performing arts have always been her true calling. From early beginnings in hip-hop and street dancing to more formal training in ballet, jazz, and theater, she has committed herself to a lifelong journey in arts and fitness.

 

 Dance Training:

 

​Norfolk, VA

•Todd Rosenlieb Dance Company (TRDance)- Hip-Hop, Ballet

 

 

Charlotte, NC

•Central Piedmont Community College-

Modern, Ballet, Jazz,

 

•Oneka DanceCompany

West African Dance
 

•Open Doors - Ballet, Contemporary,

​

•NC Dance District- Hip-Hop

​

Atlanta, GA

 

•Tada Atlanta Dance Company- Ballet, Jazz, Tap

 

•Atlanta Ballet - Ballet

•AREA Dance Studio- Hip-Hop

 

•Kennesaw State University- Ballet, Modern, African, Hip-Hop

                                         

                      Theater Performances:

​

                                                                                                                   "In The Attic"                         

                                                                                                                  "Ghost Town"

                                                                                                                 "Swing Nouveau"                                                                                                                                        "Pagliacci" (The Opera)                                                                                                                                 "Social Status"                                                                                                                                               "Hey, Big Spender"

                                  

                                                   

                                                                                                                  Theater Stages:

                      Halton Theater, CPCC

                      Pease Theater, CPCC

          Blumenthal Performing Arts Center                 Ferst Theater , Georgia Tech  (GA Tech)

​

​

                                                                                                          Music Video Choreographer 

             Artists:   B.U.D,  Lil, Coe, & Drina

​

​

​