Move Speak Footage

The footage is from a fundraiser Contradiction Dance @ Echo Park hosted for fellow dancer Meghan Bowden. Learn more about her cause on-line at http://www.movespeak.org/

Poets: Colin Gilbert

One of my favorite living poets, Colin Gilbert continues to inspire me. He is fearless, confrontational, observant, curious, sweet, and difficult all at once. And, even in his ugliest state - he is beautiful. His newest poem, "Hope Song", has my spirit singing and my fingers snapping.

His FB status says,

Colin Gilbert

believes America won't let it's children swim, thus dooming them to drown.

Pressing Question: HELLO KITTY

WHY DOESN'T HELLO KITTY HAVE A MOUTH?

Theories so far:
- The animator forgot & the kitty got famous before he could fix it
- The branding & marketing geniuses couldn't decide on pouty, poofy, thin, etc
- The patriarchal Japanese society is teaching women everywhere to shut it
- It's the next version of extreme dieting: they erased her mouth to help the plus-sized kitty lose a few

What's your theory?

Shifting Perspectives....

My lil one fought a terrible fever this morning. I am once again reminded of our fragility, uniqueness, and beauty. As a parent, there isn't a more terrifying experience than feeling helpless when your child is ill. I am grateful to a.k. for the support to me, so I could focus on her.

I am sitting here feeling sleepy and blessed. Thinking about humanity within us... •sigh•

Kai being curious and brave about a caterpillar.

DC Modern Luxury

Check it out... we're in this month's issue. We're in Radar: Culture, page 56.

Failure

I am realizing that I am about to start a lot of work for the summer that I am dreading. Most of the work that is actually paying the bills is work I do not want to do. I am rarely in this position; I have traditionally made conscious decisions to make money doing what I love to do - and being a relatively happy human being as a result.

I chose to take on "safe" work out of perceived financial need. Now I'm wondering if I let fear make that choice for me. Oh, this sucks.

This is where the artist vs. parent part of the equations starts to fuck with me: The artist would throw all caution to the wind and just make the work that swirls in my mind, eats at my sleep, and keeps me from my darkest self. The parent part refuses not to KNOW how the roof will stay over her head and HOW she will eat.

Sometimes the two aspects of my reasoning need to fight it out.

This is one of those times.

I know I have to suck it up and do the work, regardless of my likes or dislikes. The best way I can help myself here is to keep the art present, even if there is precious little time.

Things that are keeping me going:
- "Other Life" is shaping up beautifully, thanks to Emily Gallagher's skill.
- Contradiction Dance @ Echo Park is coming along magnificently.

Conflicted. On many levels, personal & professional. ARRRGH.

Photo copyright Enoch Chan

Video: Improv I

I've been in a rut. In an effort to get out, I'm studying my improv habits... here's a vid from day 1. As the admin pressures mount, I have to make sure I keep up my time in the "lab". Been too cerebral lately for my own good. Back to the lab!

Droopy Wings

Once upon a time there was an insomniac fairy princess named k.k. that could magically sleep as late as she wanted. Important given her insomniac nature. Then, one day, she decided to take on a studio space of her very own. Now, she can't sleep more than 5 hours without waking up thinking about what needs to be done. Ew.

That must change.

Quickly.

MoveSpeak this FRIDAY!

Come to the studio this Friday eve for dancing and drinks to benefit dancer Meghan Bowden!

Nose to the...

studio floor.

Today begins the summer of WORK. My facebook status says, "Kelly is becoming a non-profit. Hasn't she been one for years?!" Meaning, I have yet to make much of a living out of this crazy dance world, but... it's time to solidify the plans, lay the foundation on top of all the groundwork of the past two years, and well.... put in the admin hours that are the necessary evil of growing this dream.

Of course, the admin hours are not PAID, so the other WORK lies in teaching programs that benefit my little lady and keep our "ship" afloat for the lean summer months of the dance world.

In the past week I found people: accountant, lawyer, insurance agent, etc. I have people. That is exciting, huh?

Well, enough "break" time.... back to WORK.

Joseph & k.k. hard at work. Photo copyright Enoch Chan

Artomatic

Come see Contradiction Dance perform! FREE!!!

June 6: 7pm cocktails, 8pm concert
June 8: 2pm concert

More Info:http://www.artomatic.org/