Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” dancer set to give UMKC commencement speech

  A well-known Taylor Swift backup dancer, Kameron Saunders, will give a commencement speech on graduation day, May 16.

  Saunders spent two years dancing on the globally acclaimed “Era’s Tour” and is a celebrity in his own right. Saunders notably appeared in the 2023 adaptation of “The Color Purple” and has danced with other superstars, including Lizzo and Chappel Roan. He has amassed over 1.4 million followers on Instagram.

  Sophomore music therapy major, Allie Ellsworth, is envious of her senior classmates. “I saw that announcement and was like gosh darn it, why can’t I be two years older,” Ellsworth said.

  “I think it’s really important that we have people that have been on such a high platform and performed on such a grand stage,” Ellsworth said, “I watched his statements on the Era’s Tour documentary, and it’s just so cool to me that he is coming and talking.” 

  Kameron’s brother, Khalen Saunders, is a two-time Super Bowl champion defensive tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs and is currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

  Brooklynn Gorman, a second-year music education major, was impressed with the choice. 

  “As a conservatory student myself, it’s really cool to see people be successful in the field. I think it’s really validating that what we do is important,” Gorman said. “He’s so successful, and it’s really heartwarming that people want to celebrate him also.”

  “Its amazing representation for the conservatory here, and for Kansas City,” said Hannah Burks, a sophomore music education major. “I think it displays that you really can get to that high of a level with hard work and good people in your life.”

  Roo alumnus Saunders will address the 10 a.m. graduation on May 16, commencing with the Conservatory and science and engineering graduates, followed by Dr. Amy Patel for the afternoon ceremony. 

  Dr. Patel is a board-certified radiologist and a prominent voice in breast health advocacy. Patel is a former UMKC alumnus of the year and Kansas City Chiefs fan of the year.