Aaron Linton brings the heat and flavour to dancehall

"Dance enables you to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time." Striking that sweet balance on the dance floor is Aaron Linton.

The dancehall and afrobeat dancer began his journey back in 2008 when his cousin introduced him to all the trending dance videos and recorded his moves. This gave Linton all the confidence he needed to take action and start his career as a dancer.

In 2010, he joined Hatta-Vibes dance group, performing at street dances like Dutty Fridays and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays, among others.

Even though he is from Allman Town, he wasn't familiar with the local dance scene. Hatta-Vibes taught him the authentic street style of dancehall and made him experience a unique vibe to the art form.

Exploring this new world forced him to get out of his comfort zone.

"I am actually an introvert normally, but once the music starts, people see a different side of me," he told Dancers' Paradise.

Provided versatility

Linton went on to dance with several groups, namely Pro Moves (now called BEAM), Arabesk University Dance Society (UDS), National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), L'Acadco and D'Crew.

Pro Moves, he says, provided versatility since he had to learn all genres of dance. This provided a solid foundation and led him on the stage of Youth View Awards (YVAs) with the company.

"Arabesk, UDS, NDTC and L'Acadco gave me the modern technique aspect of dance. I tried my best to commit fully to any dance class or company I could set my foot in. And I am grateful for the experience," he said.

D'Crew allowed Linton the freedom to truly express himself. Dancing with who he considers one of the best hip-hop dancers, Jovaughn McConnell, and Chester Jones, well known for dancehall, gave him a boost in dancing to match their energies.

He has also performed on stage at Sumfest, World Reggae Dance Championships and Wolmer's Dance Troupe Season.

"I have been in music videos for Ce'Cile, Krishane, Jamal Gordon, Hollowpoint ... I have danced for Denyque at YVAs," he added.

These days, Linton is keeping up to date with dance routines and songs that are currently a hit around the world on Tik Tok.

"Knowing that I am helping others during this pandemic has motivated me to post daily," he said. He has already gained more than 50,000 followers.

When he isn't dancing, the aspiring chef is bringing the heat and flavour in the kitchen.

"My advice to upcoming dancers is to keep focused, learn the proper technique and don't limit to one set genre or art form," he said.