Seeking the Creative: Cortney Taylor Key, Ballet Dancer

Cortney Taylor Key. CREDIT: Michael Jackson Jr.

How would you describe your art in three words?

My art is bold, classic, iconic.

Since she was just two years old, Cortney Taylor Key has spent her life dancing. The ballerina from Charlotte, North Carolina, now trains 5 days a week, perfecting her craft and diving deep into the passion she feels when she performs. Cortney is inspired by the other dancers in her community, but most importantly, the audiences that get to watch her. She hopes her dancing can serve as a reminder to let go of your inhibitions or fears, and live freely. You can see the pure bliss Cortney experiences as she dances, and the emotion she expresses is contagious. These days, Cortney serves as the founder of the Negus Ballerina Project, an organization she created to advance representation in the ballet community. She hopes to continue to uplift and inspire others as she furthers her incredible dancing career.

Where/how do you gather inspiration?

I gather my inspiration from artist that are so in tune with themselves and what they want. Artist that understand the secret to manifestation.

What do you hope audiences retain from your work?

I hope audiences will see the authenticity in my work. I hope they see themselves in my work.