New Year's Blahs

I'm typically a ridiculously perky, upbeat - dare I say? Happy person. Lately, not so much. It's okay... it's a phase, a moment, a place I'll pass through. However, I'd like to make that happen instantaneously as it is New Year's Eve.

Suggestions?

I realize that for the next many months I am one big ball of biological function; and therefore, at the mercy of my hormone-induced mood swings. But jeez, really?! Enough already!

Mayhaps it's time to do the traditional reflecting, goal-setting, hope-shifting resolution thing. Hmmmm....

Maybe tomorrow.

For now, I'm off to get moving. This body needs a shift in energy. I'm going to Tai Chi class then on to cleaning house. Today, I'll create change from the outside-in.

Happy New Year's Eve!

Art & Such

There's this little gallery space in SE DC called The Fridge DC. I've had the pleasure of performing there several times over the past year; each time it's been a magical experience. The crowd that assembles is a multi-generational mix of arty's who are interested in the up and coming and the spectacle of it all.

I had a great experience this time in particular because the performers who represented Contradiction Dance did an fine job & I purchased the stop sign above for a dear friend.

My friend, Indigo, is an amazing artist in her own right. I hope to be a part of a DC based art-sharing experience for her in the coming year. The stop sign is the work of Mark Jenkins. I got lucky in a silent auction, getting this signed artist's proof for a steal. Woot!

In short, it was another memorable night at a place where great people gather. Hope to see you there next time.

Inspired by Lennon

I've neglected you. What was once an almost daily habit has become a dusty, pale memory. It's time to wipe away the cobwebs and restore you, old friend. Yes, blog; I am back. Intentions are empty, so I will simply say, "Hello."

I was listening to an interview on NPR yesterday. It was an interview that John Lennon gave the morning he died. I was riveted, fascinated and couldn't stop listening. I even did that thing where you sit in your car in the driveway to listen... not wanting to miss anything while walking in the house and turning on the radio.



I've always known what an impact Lennon had on a generation, but I had never listened to him speak the words himself. If you're just that curious, here's a link: Dec 8th on NPR

Here are some gems I found in the interwebs. What struck me was the combination of the words themselves and the way Lennon spoke them. They resonated with me in a way they don't simply read from the page. In memory of that voice, here are some of his words:

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to
life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I
wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told
them they didn’t understand life."
— John Lennon

"My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and
express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not
as a leader, but as a reflection of us all."
— John Lennon


"I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky.
I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that
what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It's just
that the translations have gone wrong."
— John Lennon


"If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or
music, then in that respect you can call me that... I believe in what I do, and
I'll say it."
— John Lennon

Full listing

Dance Photography Workshop: A Community Grows!

This weekend I participated in a dance photography workshop at The Carriage House in DC. It was a wonderful experience as a dancer & model. In a nutshell, a group of photographers with an interest in dance gathered from 2-6 pm to share war-stories, best practices, and to address the unique circumstances that come with working with a dancer rather than a traditional model. Then the photographers took turns shooting images in different set-ups and concepts with myself and another dancer, Stormy.

It was the first of what I hope will be many opportunities for both dancers and photographers to share our unique perspectives on just that... perspective. We created a community in our time together - I'm already planning individual shoots with the photographers that participated and I am thrilled by the work they turned out. It's a win-win for all.

The images here thus far are from Paul Frederiksen. Flickr

The two images above are by Michael Avilez

These three are by Mike Kelly

This one is by Chris Maxwell

The other photographers involved are:

Ben Madden

- a lovely woman whose contact info I do not have :( I hope she sends me some shots!!! As the photographers send images, I'll update. I have linked to all of their web-sites, too.

Organisms

Organism

Organism, Organized, Organza -

In print?

Parts of a whole -
Does it have a soul?

Breeding, Seething, dying,
crying, growing, exploding

Evolving.

Diversify

my portfolio

with your

Living, Breathing, Human Organism?

Marrow

Restless, unable to sleep

Lost in the dark side of my brain

I reach out-

Finding silky skin over
rock-hard muscles

Underneath, wrapped in the marrow of our bones,

Love

Sometimes I Write Dark Things...

Words falling on my ears

like road-side bombs

Disfigured, limping along -

PTSD of the soul

Knowing my nature,

the alienation grows -

Parasitic and thick, muddy

staining permanently

Forgetting and forgiveness

merge -

Impossible.

-8/3/10

A Day in the Sun

Salty, sandy, swimming - so sweet!
Roasted slowly, like a smoked hen for dinner.
Spicy like sesame noodles...
This family of friends.
Love abundant, yet casual and cool...
'Salt Peanuts! Salt Peanuts!'
You sing
We laugh
We are...
Roasting slowly.
Becomg a perfect blend of
Britt's doughnuts, gelato & fudge - lost and found.
Wave after wave, We duck, dive, wait, and finally
Ride the water wall to shore
Breathless and satisfied
Yet, wanting 'just one more'
Prayers to Poseidon,
We got our wish...
All of them really.
Like the fireworks...
Surpassing all expectations-
This 4th of July weekend.

Things Forgotten

Things Like That
I don't remember things like that...
Things like what?
What do you remember then?
Your subtle condescenion pisses me off.
Remember that, will you?

No Pen

Itching waiting willing wanting needing
To write
Plagued by doubt confusion fear mistrust
Even anger
Plenty of paper parchment stationary
Leaves of grass
Ideas floating drifting wandering
You could even say dancing
By
Myself alone solitary seamless
Satisfied

Getting Social at "Social"

We saved this lil turtle the other day... it was having trouble crossing the road and cars were wizzing by. I'm feeling a bit like a turtle stuck in the middle of the road these days, so in an effort to recognize where I am as a means of getting somewhere else.... enjoy the pic :)

Saturday night I went on a date. I know, right? It was AWESOME. First, A.K. and I may live together and see each other every day, BUT... we still very much need to date - each other :) Second, my daughter was with the GrandGoddess, so we hit the town for a much-needed date.

We went to a cool spot on 14th st: Social. I highly recommend it! We spoke to one of the owners, Scott about a fundraiser for Contradiction Dance in the summer. It's a great date spot as well as a comfortable, chic place to meet & gather with peeps.

We headed to Urbana for drinks. The drinks were excellent, the service was OKAY. The ambiance was cool. I'd definitely go back, but I wasn't blown over by the experience.

And finally, thinking we were meeting up w/ a friend of a.k.'s, we headed to a place I normally would avoid: Hard Rock Cafe. On any given evening, I would think, "Hell no. Tourist trap." However, DC10 rented it out and threw themselves one hell of a Grey Goose sponsored party. It was the best party-crashing experience I've had in a long time. No tables, just open dance floor with a great DJ. And the people-watching... stellar!

And, the best part of all... I was with a great companion, lover, friend.

Zero complaints.

Donor Fatigue: "Free" performances are not "Free"

I have a very different kind of "Donor Fatigue".

As a company, we are often asked to "donate" our services for a "great" PR opportunity, cause, charity, event, etc. While we LOVE to dance anytime, for anyone; this is also our JOB. We dance because we love to do it, but we also chose this as a career - not a hobby.

Most "Free" performances, even when we do them, are not "free" to us. The company MUST pay the artists involved, even if the company receives zero compensation from the host, venue, or sales. Attracting qualified, healthy, and stable dancers & collaborators to create quality work requires PAYING those artists for their contribution.

I have certainly asked the artists to donate their time occasionally, and honestly, I feel awful each and every time. It is one thing for me to volunteer my services, but it is another thing entirely for me to ask that of others - in the name of my company.

In addition to performer pay, there are costumes, designers, props, composers, etc who all need to be paid fairly for their contribution/materials as well. Not to mention rehearsal space rental... you get the idea - I could go on.

Why do many presenters and organizations assume dance companies should/would perform at their event for free?

I am currently asking for sponsors to support one such request - that is for a great cause. However, if we don't get the sponsorship, we cannot perform. It's as simple as that.

(scratches her head)

If you are interested in supporting our "free" efforts, write ContradictionDance@gmail.com. Or, visit: http://contradictiondance.com/about/donate/

Zombies, Comp Class & More....

I haven't written in ages... my sincerest apologies. It's been an incredible few months, full of changes and growth. I'm thrilled to showcase my students at smcm performing the ZOMBIE INVASION at Wal Mart and the Improv/Composition students performing their final projects.

These students - whether they were hard-core dancer/enthusiast or simply trying class out of passing curiosity - did an incredible job! I hope they will all continue to support dance through active participation throughout their lives :)

Snowverkill 2010

We're in the middle of a blizzard. I made a conscious decision to spend this time reveling the extra time with my loved ones and not cramming in as much work as possible. I am very, very glad about that decision.

Perhaps next week, when there is seemingly more to get done than is possible, I will regret my game playing, snow-ball fighting, cooking, eating, and chilling reality... but for now: I am fully relaxed for the first time in a long time. I have had actual quality time with my family. I have been reminded just how wonderful they are...

Thank you snowverkill 2010!

Making Dances...

Generating material for "I Believe/The Disorder of Things has been pure joy (and sore muscles) so far. There's new stuff up on youtube (kkmayfield is my channel). Enjoy!

And... if you'd like to join the conversation, please send me some words. What do you believe?

New Beginnings

Wisdom surrounds us - past, present, future

I haven't posted personal thoughts so much lately, but I feel compelled to now. First, and foremost, I am thrilled to have a sense of results! Meaning, for the past 6 months or so, I have seen very little result from work performed to positive result. That all changed when the company moved into our new space at Round House Theatre. I am accutely aware that since the move, when I sit down and perform work, there is a tangible, positive result. It is an amazing and empowering sensation. I am humbled and grateful for the change.

Second, I am in the process of getting back in the shape I expect myself to be in - it is a painful process, but well worth the effort. My creative brain has kicked back in and I am in the studio making work. I am waking up again in the middle of the night at the prodding of an idea or phrase that won't wait til morning light. FABULOUS.

Third, I feel a distinct sense of purpose and being at the right place at the right time.

All in all... happy for 2010.

Blessings to you.