Deontae Nelson wants to travel the world and better understand how people in other countries consume dance. Now, the 2026 Kennesaw State University graduate is one step closer to doing just that. Nelson, an honors student and military veteran, has earned a bachelor’s degree in modern dance. However, his path to dance was anything but traditional.
Before studying dance, Nelson earned an associate degree in biology from Georgia Military College.
On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” for the program’s annual graduation series, Nelson talked with host Rose Scott about the evolution of his artistic and academic journey, which included auditioning for the KSU Dance Company and presenting research at multiple conferences for the Department of Dance and the KSU Journey Honors College.
Now that Nelson has completed his studies at KSU, he’s taking a gap year before returning to the world of dance.
“ I do have intentions to take a break and set myself up to apply and hopefully get accepted into Trinity Laban, which is in London, UK,” he explained. “And I am very interested in pursuing an MFA in choreography and creating works.”
