[PHOTOSTORY 3: ADITL] Power of Dance

 By: DuJuan Glenn

Every Tuesday’s Raymond Jete attends a dance studio since his hiatus from dancing. “I’ve been so busy lately working at the hospital that I haven’t had time to get back to my hobby I love the most.”

Raymond Jete displays a unique ballet technique. “I used to do a lot of ballet along with hip hop and more before my hiatus from dancing it feels great showing it again.”

Raymond Jete is photographed stretching before he hits the gym for the day. “I’ve been going to the gym everyday to perfect more of my motor skills.”

Keshaun Barksdale in his spare time takes the opportunity to invest in a hobby of cheerleading. “ It’s all a great thing to be apart of especially because we become family.”

Raymond Jete photographed mid air doing a split jump. “As it has been a few months I was terrified to even do this again but I feel powerful embracing my talent.”

Every Monday morning Raymond Jete goes to a beautiful park setting to feel more free. “Dancing is my power and I’m more of a free spirit during that time.”

Raymond Jete photographed stretching to increase his flexibility. “One of my dance teacher instilled this in my head that I should stretch every day to keep my flexibility on peak.”

Before every big game Keshaun Barksdale and other cheer members make tiktoks while they wait. “We have so much free time and like to unwind before we go out on the field or the gym.”

Keshaun Barksdale meeting best friend Kayla Clay celebrating during rehearsal at TSU. “ She is literally my best friend and I’m happy she’s on the team with me because we coach each other on what we need to bring out for each game.”

Moving indoors for practice due to the heat Keshaun Barksdale and cheerleading squad train until it becomes 5:00pm. “That heat was entirely too much for all of us so the team requested the coach to practice indoors for the rest of the next few days until the weather is better.”

Keshaun Barksdale begins his day by practicing cheer and stepping on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.  “ I rep TSU(Tennessee State University) hard because it became my home letting me meet some wonderful people.”

Keshaun Barksdale hits the stage in TSU gymnasium Thursday, June 1st, 2023. “ I got this amazing opportunity to show out in front of all of my friends even made some of them sign up to be in the dance crew.”

Keshaun Barksdale takes a break from dancing to watch the dance team of TSU. “I actually managed to get some friends last week to be in this showcase and they are amazing with their dancing they just kept bringing a bunch of energy.”

When Keshaun Barksdale is done cheering he attends, hosts and organizes Collegiate 100. “Collegiate 100 is a standard for students to act as leaders known as 100 Black Men of America.”

Keshaun Barksdale taking the time out of his day to see his old high school teacher Ms. Gibson. “This lady is the reason why I like to make sure everybody understands education and goes into the future of Collegiate 100.”

The Collegiate 100 event Keshaun Barksdale and other members made happen Wednesday May, 31st, 2023. “ this turn out is amazing I can’t wait to see how it all goes tonight!”

Keshaun Barksdale and Collegiate 100 member setting tables up for the event for future collegiate kids to join. “ Running out of table and chairs is insane but we were prepared.”

10 members of Collegiate 100 taking a test about their input on what they think of Collegiate 100 and what they want their future to be like. “This is the most exciting for me because it’s like having a bunch of brothers that will always have your back.”

Keshaun Barksdale, Jeremiah Miller, David Ischei, and Derrick Barry meeting and pointing at a member who used to be apart of Collegiate 100 Jared Hills. “It was an amazing experience to learn more from a fellow member who has been apart of the culture.”

After a successful day and wonderful night Keshaun Barksdale cleans the place up with staff. “I’m grateful for everyone showing up and being interested because I love Collegiate 100 because that is also my life hopefully you can be apart of it too.”