k.k.'s world, duly noted.

Sensations

2011-11-20T11:38:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I feel like my eyes are my entire face. I lose awareness of the nose I have for smelling, the mouth I have for tasting, the ears I have for listening and the skin I have for touching.

Closing my eyes, swimming in awareness and filtering out what I see; remembering 4/5 of the experience lies elsewhere.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Me Time

2011-09-02T21:30:00.001-04:00

a.k. (theoldspiceman) is out. I have me time. ME TIME. So far this night has included a dinner I made, a rare treat I'll not name here, wine, and a bubble bath. Once upon a long time ago, I would have taken this night to be OUT. And I mean OUT. Dancing with friends, making new ones, and just getting lost on the floor.

Now? Well... I was thinking about that very thing. When did I stop wanting to break the floor? Maybe I'll return to it; but, at this moment, it sounds, well... silly.

It's not silly at all! It used to be a primal need.

I needed to get lost in the beat and dance until my blisters popped and I couldn't feel my pinky toes.

Something tells me it's time to re-visit the old stomping grounds in a new way. Earlier, with a babysitter, and wearing practical shoes.

OH, HELL NO! (To the shoes part. Breaking the floor involves an old saying, "Beauty knows no pain.")

And, let's face it ladies: we look better in heels.

I suppose it's time to plan an outing. Who's in?!

And, just to complete the loop, the contentment in having the "me time" to think about and write this little note is beyond compare.

My shoulders just dropped an inch.

Thanks a.k. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Great Negotiators

2011-06-07T22:22:00.003-04:00

Who knew? A lot of you, that's who. Those of you who've had 'em for your entire post-adolescent lives. You know what I'm talking about: your "Great Negotiators"! Your BOOBS!

They are AWESOME. I had no idea how powerful and marvelous they can be... of course, as a dancer, I was thrilled not to have them. As a mostly retired dancer, BRING THEM ON!

On a serious tip, it's been a long and shitty week in both business and preggo land. I needed something silly and joyful to think on for a bit. Boobs, you did it. Thanks again for being the luscious mounds that you are... even if you're - dare I say it? Starting to sag under your own weight.

Oh, dear.

What now?

Riding the Metro. Or not.

2011-04-21T12:29:00.003-04:00

I rarely ride the metro. When I do, it's due to car repairs or lack of public parking at my final destination. I would love to be a regular rider, but it's not realistic with my parenting world right now.

However, this week gave me pause - would I love to be a regular rider? Now, I'm not so sure.

My car was in the shop, so I was on Metro for two days. Two days = 4 trips = $9.30. Plus, the RED LINE ALWAYS HAS TRACK DELAYS. Seriously. Last night, I waited 30 minutes for a train. There was a break-down on the tracks between Ft. Totten & Brookland/CUA.

Even if I wasn't 8 months pregnant and dead-tired from a long day of work, I would have been upset. It just doesn't make economic sense for our public transportation to be more expensive than driving AND less reliable.

Is this the best we can do in the DMV? Really?! Grrs.

I can feel it expanding.

2011-02-28T17:18:00.003-05:00

My ass. It's getting bigger by the second. The rapid expansion is partly due to the regular course of pro-creation, but part of it is due to the rebellion within my own body. Apprently, this time around, my body does not want me to do much of... anything.

Yesterday, after a normal Sunday of being my daughter's taxi service to rehearsal and back, some housework, dinner making, etc. my body rebelled. I have an inflamed tendon on my right ankle.

WFT?! It's not like I was running a 10k just for kicks.

I am experiencing serious brain/body disconnect. Either my brain is completely shut down, rendering me capable of 7th grade reasoning; or, I feel like a capable human - only I can't walk.

GRRRRRSSSS!

And, if one more person tells me how "normal" this is, I'll deck 'em just for stating the obvious. However, it's not my obvious. Last time I carried a kid around in my belly, I wasn't bed-ridden and moronic. Just moronic.

Sorry for the rant, I'm just not used to the ass yet.

Wishes

2011-02-19T23:13:00.002-05:00

I wish

You understood

I had more patience

You saw my mind

I gave you more

You would ask

I could wait

You needed to

I didn't

You well

I might

You'd hurry

I'd stay

You saw

I'd say

You knew

I'd g(r)o(w)

NPR & PBS on the GOP Chopping Block

2011-02-17T09:25:00.002-05:00

If Big Bird can lobby, so can you.

Add your voice here: http://www.credoaction.com/campaign/dont_defund_npr/?rc=homepage

News stories here:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49651.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4698411

Belly Laughs and stuff

2011-01-26T17:25:00.003-05:00

So, apparently I cry all the time now for no good reason. What I've realized is that it doesn't matter if there's no reason. Upset is upset. It's also upsetting to not really know why you're upset. And, when your partern needs a reason why you're upset so he can help/fix it/support, etc - it's even more upsetting. More upsetting = more tears = viscious crying cycle. Sigh.

My friend lent me a book by Jenny McCarthy, Belly Laughs. It made me laugh so hard I cried. I highly recommend it; not for the sage advice, but for the laughs. At a time in your life when crying is the norm, a good laugh out loud at a book moment is just what the Dr. ordered.

Thank god I step back into the rehearsal room next week. I can't take this baby prep phase anymore.

Not such a scam after all...

2011-01-14T17:30:00.009-05:00

I had my first child when I was 23. She was a speed bump... my body didn't change that much and I never had to wear maternity clothes. I danced up until I delivered. It just wasn't that big of a deal.

9 years later, I'm pregnant with child #2. It's a very big deal. I mean the changes to my body, gah! I used to think that maternity clothing was such a scam. "Just buy bigger sizes, borrow clothes, or wear skirts, people!" I would say to myself. I just didn't get why you would actually need specifically made clothing.

Consider me converted. My parents sent me maternity pants and a couple of shirts that are stretchy, comfy and fabulous. But, it's not just that... they FIT. Meaning... I look good in them. Others noticed. For the first time in my pregnancy, I got serious compliments on my appearance. And I was wearing sweatpants.

Clothing that fits your shape - whatever that shape may be - makes you look better. Not to mention comfort. I was comfortable. I don't think I realized how much discomfort, and sometimes pain, I was feeling in my regular, baggy gear.

Now I am craigslisting and neighborhood list-serving searching for gently used maternity gear. I can't subsribe to spending a wad of money I don't have on a whole new short-term wardrobe (though I'd love to do just that!)

Perhaps it's kid #2, perhaps it's being a thirty-something and not a twenty-something... but whatever. Bring on the preggie clothes!

New Year's Blahs

2010-12-31T11:53:00.004-05:00

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

2010-12-12T17:36:00.004-05:00

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

2010-12-09T10:47:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-08-16T17:52:00.006-04:00

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

2010-08-10T12:30:00.001-04:00

Organism

2010-08-10T12:20:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-05T11:06:00.002-04:00

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...

2010-08-04T10:57:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-04T20:55:00.006-04:00

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

2010-06-25T14:26:00.003-04:00

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

2010-05-31T10:17:00.004-04:00

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"

2010-05-17T13:11:00.006-04:00

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"

2010-05-07T11:06:00.005-04:00

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....

2010-04-29T07:18:00.009-04:00

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

2010-02-10T16:59:00.006-05:00

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...

2010-01-31T13:24:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-17T21:11:00.002-05:00

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.

I Believe ________________

2009-12-16T19:05:00.003-05:00

Our next full evening show (April 2-4, 2010 @ Round House Theatre) is titled I Believe/The Disorder of Things. I need YOUR help! Please send me your thoughts - in any form - WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

You may send anonymously, if you like. I am curious to know what you believe and to hear/see/experience your thoughts!

Many Thanks,

k.k. :)

Big News for Contradiction Dance!

2009-12-15T19:49:00.001-05:00

Click here

December 2009

Contradiction Dance News

Events, Classes, Performances

In This Issue

Moving Party

Funds 4 Darhyl

Quick Link

About Us

Winter/Spring Classes

Contribute!

Donate Now!

Greetings!

Beginning January 11, 2010, Contradiction Dance will move from our current location in Takoma Park to Downtown Silver Spring. As the Dance Company in Residence at Round House Theatre, our new studio will be in the Round House Education Center located at 925 Wayne Avenue. We are thrilled about the new partnership and the opportunities for growth it presents.

To celebrate our move, we are offering a WEEK OF FREE CLASSES January 11-17, 2010. We look forward to seeing you in our new home!

Smiles,

k.k. :)

SAVE THE DATE: April 2-4th, 2010
Contradiction Dance premiers I Believe/The Disorder of Things at Round House Theatre's Silver Spring Series

Moving Party
Saying Goodbye to Takoma Park& Hello to Silver Spring!

DATE: Saturday December 19th
TIME: 8pm til we stop dancing
Place: 7014 Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park MD 20912
Tickets: $20 http://movingparty.eventbrite.com/

CONTRADICTION DANCE: An Exchange Between Life & Dance
Contradiction Dance is a place where theatre, dance, and pop culture meet. The company's vision is to make dances that report on, reflect, and question the world in which we live. Nurtured on the belief that artists and audience members communicate in a dialogue through the chosen medium, Contradiction Dance fosters discussion, reflection, and change through live performance and dance education.

GIVING BACK
Update: Fundraiser for Darhyl Lyons

As a community, we raised almost $8,000 to support Darhyl. A MATCHING DONOR has stepped forward willing to match up to $4,000 in new donations between December 20th & December 31st. Please give generously!

DONATE: http://funds4darhyl.eventbrite.com/

CONTACT:
www.contradictiondance.com
Email: contradictiondance@gmail.com
Phone: 240.450.2420

Kelly Mayfield
Contradiction Dance

Meandu

2009-12-05T13:17:00.004-05:00

...And so are you! :)

from the webcomic: http://xkcd.com

Funds4Darhyl in the Gazette!

2009-12-02T10:25:00.003-05:00

Friends, neighbors drum up support for Takoma Park co-op activist
When cancer struck Darhyl Lyons, residents held fundraiser to aid hospital bills
by Jeremy Arias | Staff Writer

Jeremy Arias/The Gazette

A smile creased the lips of Takoma Park resident Darhyl Lyons Saturday night as his hands danced over the taut surface of his trusty drum and he surveyed the chorus of residents, friends and neighbors who had come out to support him.

As an enthusiastic drum instructor at the Contradiction Dance Studio and well-known staff and board member at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Co-Op, Lyons is accustomed to helping his community, but when doctors at Holy Cross Hospital discovered a cancerous tumor in his lung last July, his friends and neighbors were quick to help him. Refusing to stand idly by as Lyons faced the news of a second tumor discovered in his brain only a week after the first, a group of local businesses and Lyons' friends organized a fundraiser to help pay for his escalating medical bills.

More

And a tid-bit:
Hmmm...

PISCES [February 19–March 20] White dwarfs are small and dense stars. They're typically no bigger than the Earth, but as heavy as the sun. You currently have a resemblance to one of those concentrated balls of pure intensity. I have rarely seen you offering so much bang for the buck. You are as flavorful as chocolate mousse, as piercing as the scent of eucalyptus, as lustrous as a fireworks display on a moonless night. Personally, I'm quite attracted to your saucy and zesty emanations, and I think most people with strong egos will be. But some underachievers with lower self-esteem may regard you as being more like astringent medicine. My advice: Gravitate toward those who like you to be powerful.

More

2009-11-09T19:21:00.003-05:00

Fundraiser for Darhyl Lyons: A Helping-Hand for a Hometown Hero.

Come enjoy an evening of dance, music and martial arts performances, an eco-fasion show, a silent auction of things from Old Takoma businesses, goody bags, and more. Darhyl leads A Different Drum Drumming circle, works as both staff and board member at the Takoma Co-op, and is a great local guy with big medical bills. All proceeds go directly to Darhyl.

Saturday November 28

7pm

$30/single, $50/couple, $80/group of 4

Tickets: http://funds4darhyl.eventbrite.com

Contradiction Dance Studio, 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, in Old Takoma.

Reality and such...

2009-11-03T12:16:00.004-05:00

I love this web-site: http://xkcd.com

I'm debating how to make more money so I can let go of some stress that has been blocking me. Fighting my way through the maze to a solution, not just to the money, but to the trap. When I came across this, I smiled.

poetry of the moment...

2009-10-22T19:59:00.003-04:00

Little Firefly

Turned Butterfly

Turned Duckling

Turned Swan

She floats above

Spreading her wings

With love,

She envelops me

And sings...

Grown Up

2009-10-13T13:29:00.003-04:00

Drex turned me on to this site: http://xkcd.com/

Lovely Ideas

2009-10-10T10:34:00.004-04:00

Some lovely ideas I came across.... from Rob Brezsny

http://www.freewillastrology.com/beauty/pronoia.therapy.html

TORRENTIAL PRONOIA THERAPY
Experiments and exercises in becoming a blasphemously reverent, lustfully compassionate, eternally changing Master of Transgressive Beauty

1. Take inventory of the extent to which your "No" reflex dominates your life. Notice for 24 hours (even in your dreams) how often you say or think:

"No."
"That's not right."
"I don't like them."
"I don't agree with that."
"They don't like me."
"That should be different from what it is."

Then retrain yourself to say "YES" at least 51 percent of the time. Start the transformation by saying "YES" aloud 22 times right now.

AND MANY MORE....

Don't Copy That 2

2009-10-05T16:42:00.002-04:00

I had the joy of participating in an industrial with several company members... ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUCyvw4w_yk

Parrot Joke

2009-09-21T19:23:00.002-04:00

A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, 'Father, I have a problem..

I have two female parrots,
But they only know how to say one thing.'

'What do they say?' the priest inquired.

They say,

'Hi, we're hookers!

Do you want to have some fun?'

That's obscene!' the priest exclaimed,

Then he thought for a moment.
'You know,' he said,

'I may have a solution to your problem.

I have two male talking parrots,

Which I have taught to pray and read the Bible.

Bring your two parrots over to my house,

And we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter.

My parrots can teach your parrots to praise and worship,

And your parrots are sure to stop saying . .

That phrase . . In no time.'

Thank you,' the woman responded,

'this may very well be the solution.'

The next day,

She brought her female parrots to the priest's house.

As he ushered her in,

She saw that his two male parrots
Were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying.

Impressed,
She walked over and placed her parrots in with them.

After a few minutes,

The female parrots cried out in unison:

Hi, we're hookers!

Do you want to have some fun?'

There was stunned silence.

Shocked,

One male parrot looked over at the other male parrot

And exclaimed,

'Put the beads away, Frank.

Our prayers have been answered!'

AUDITIONS!

2009-09-19T13:09:00.005-04:00

OPEN AUDITIONS

SEEKING PROFESSIONAL & PRE-PROFESSIONAL DANCERS

DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009

TIME: 4PM REGISTRATION; 4:30-6:30 AUDITIONS

PLACE: CONTRADICTION DANCE STUDIO

7014 WESTMORELAND AVE., SUITE A

TAKOMA PARK, MD 20912

CONTRADICTION DANCE: PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE COMPANY

Contradiction Dance is a place where theatre, dance, and pop culture meet. The company’s vision is to make dances that report on, reflect, and question the world in which we live. Nurtured on the belief that artists and audience members communicate in a dialogue through the chosen medium, Contradiction Dance fosters discussion, reflection, and change through live performance and dance education.

Rehearsals: Wed & Fri 10am-2pm Sat 3pm-7pm

M A S S I V E A T T A C K: PRE-PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE COMPANY

We are seeking thirsty young adults willing to take creative risks exploring the fusion of dance styles. We are looking for a very diverse group of movers who are interested in expanding their core technical skills, building a common movement vocabulary, and augmenting each other's specialties.

Rehearsal: Sat 3-5p
Class: Wed 6-7:30pm AND Sat 1:30-3pm

Please visit: www.contradictiondance.com for further information.

Email: contradictiondance@gmail.com Phone: 240.450.2420

In the News :)

2009-09-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

My breakfast meeting didn't show up... I had an enormous breakfast all by myself, reading the paper and enjoying the precious moments alone. AHHHH... great way to start the workday!

Enjoy the article :)

http://www.gazette.net/stories/09162009/takonew184714_32528.shtml

Express yourself: Dance studio holds second open house and fundraiser

Whether daring, fun or controversial, studio holds art above all

by Jeremy Arias | Staff writer

E-mail this article \ Print this article

Jeremy Arias/The Gazette

Contradiction Dance instructors (from left) Kelly Mayfield, Arianna Ross, Jasmine Artis and Melissa Bustamante perform a segment from the company's controversial and acclaimed production, Objects of Hope: Washington, D.C., during an evening, adults-only studio fundraiser event held after the studioís annual open house Saturday.

As the de facto leader of the daring fire-dancers, Valentine and his companions use everything from elaborate costumes to flame-tipped fans, chains and staves — combined with carefully rehearsed dance steps — to create a dazzling display of skill, artistry and fearlessness for their audience.

"I like to play with my toys — I like fire — it really gives me energy for my dance," Valentine said, explaining how, after discovering his love for fire at the age of nine – and nearly burning down his grandparents' barn in the process – he decided to find a more constructive outlet for his expression.

"Fire-spinners are very freedom-loving creatures, and they tend to balk at any sort of direction or choreography," he said. "My expression comes in being able to work with these very free-spirits and make something more than just a random crowd of people playing with fire. We come together and create art together."

And in as diverse and artistically minded a city as Takoma Park, Valentine and his group are not alone. Dance Afire is just one of the many dance groups working out of the Contradiction Dance Studio on Westmoreland Avenue in Old Town Takoma Park. The studio, which held its second annual open house and fundraiser casino night Saturday, also boasts a bevy of belly and hoop dancers and dance instruction ranging in everything from ballet to hip-hop.

At the open house, attendees were invited to sample hands-on lessons of the classes offered at the studio.

Many of the studio's instructors, and even a handful of students, including Emma Herbert, were present to guide the public through the many activities. Herbert, 17, dances in Massive Attack, the contemporary dance group of studio director Kelly Mayfield.

"I used to feel like there was nothing I could carry with me to prove that I'm a dancer," she said. "[Eventually] I realized, it's me; it's my body, and I can make art with it, and it's really the most beautiful art, because it's just me using what I have naturally."

The event also featured performances by established professionals, including an interpretive dance by Mayfield and other instructors criticizing the treatment of the homeless in nearby Washington, D.C.

The dance, from a production called "Objects of Hope," has received both harsh criticism and effusive praise from audiences for a segment, which Mayfield and others performed at the adults-only casino night Saturday, featuring the American flag.

In the show, the dancers wear all white and roll across a canvas spread over the floor, smearing themselves with red and blue paint. Mayfield, acting the part of a homeless person, was eventually draped in the American flag and stepped over and dismissed by her fellow dancers, who were playing passersby.

"I hope we will spark a dialogue [with this piece]," Mayfield said. "That's what art is all about; I put this out there in front of you and other audiences because I don't have the answer [to homelessness]. Hopefully through sparking enough dialogue, I can find an answer. Maybe we all can."

A story of a mugging...

2009-09-03T16:21:00.006-04:00

My niece sent this.... hilarious! I'm not advocating guns for everyone, but it does make you think about the criminals being the only ones armed, huh? Thoughts? Discussion? hmmmmm....

Posted to Craig's List / Personals:

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before

last. Date: 2009-05-27, 1:43 A M EST. I was the guy wearing the black

Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, s hortly after you

pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend threatening our life’s. You

also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope

that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment, I didn't expect

you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you

took my jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the

jacket for a reason. My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber

Model 1911 .45 A CP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a

shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that

it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't

it! I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come

from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse

; walking bare footed since I made you leave your shoes,

cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or

running to your buddies to come help mug us again].

After I called your mother, or "Momma" as you had her

listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd

done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as four other

people's in the gas station on your credit card. The guy with the big

motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful! I gave your

shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along

with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!] I then threw

your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked

at the curb ... after I broke the windshield and side20window and

keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone..

Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone

for a little over a day now, so what's going on with that? Earlier, I

managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and

one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible

target. The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat

(I guess while he traced your number etc.). In a way, perhaps I

should apologize for not killing

you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate

punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to

sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can

&nbs p; only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps

reconsider the career path you've chosen to pursue in life. Remember,

next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours,
Alex

Contradiction Dance OPEN HOUSE - Sept 12

2009-08-18T12:42:00.004-04:00

Fall Open House

A little taste of the classes we are offering for the Fall 2009 Session

The Details:

Date: September 12, 2009

Time: 9am-3pm

Place: Contradiction Dance Studio

7014 Westmoreland Ave., Ste A

Takoma Park, MD 20912

FREE!

At the Gazebo (across the streeet from the studio):

9am -11am : Face-painting & Demos

Future Shock and MASSIVE ATTACK

1pm: A Different Drum circle

At the Studio:

9-9:30 Parent and Child Classes

Kelly Mayfield

9:30-10 Creative Movement

Melissa Bustamante

10-10:30 Pre-Ballet

Rebeka Dolid

10-30-11 Stories in Motion

Jasmine, Arianna, Kelly

11-11:30 Live Performances Story Tapestries

Arianna Ross

11:30-12 Live Performances Contradiction Dance: Objects of Hope

12-12:30 Hip-hop kids

Jasmine Artis

12:30-1pm Hoop

Dance Afire

1-1:30 Tribal Belly

Shakra

1:30-2 pm Contemporary

Kelly Mayfield

2-2:30 pm Hip-Hop (Teens and Adults)

Gary Beauford

2:30-3 pm Adult Creative Movement

Kelly Mayfield

CONTACT: RSVP http://openhousesept12.eventbrite.com/

Contradiction Dance

7014 Westmoreland Ave, Ste. A

Takoma Park, MD 20912

contradictiondance@mac.com

240.450.2420

ALL LIT UP with Contradiction Dance!! Sept 12!

2009-08-17T10:38:00.002-04:00

ALL LIT UP!

Casino Party & Fundraiser for Contradiction Dance

September 12th, 7-10pm
$25/person, $40/couple

Purchase Tickets: http://falllitup.eventbrite.com/

Prizes for top winners! Food & Beverages Served!
Performances by:
Contradiction Dance
Dance Afire
Shakra Tribal Fusion
Rick Udler

LIVE PERFORMANCE • DANCE EDUCATION

Contradiction Dance is a place where theatre, dance, and pop culture meet. The company’s vision is to make dances that report on, reflect, and question the world in which we live. Nurtured on the belief that artists and audience members communicate in a dialogue through the chosen medium, Contradiction Dance fosters discussion, reflection, and change through live performance and dance education.

Contradiction Dance blends several dance forms (modern, hip-hop, tap, and jazz) with aspects of storytelling and theater. This mix allows the company to create an exchange between art and life for audiences, performers, and collaborators alike. The company has performed throughout the greater Washington, D.C., area including The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, The Jack Guidone Theater at Joy of Motion Dance Center, Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, and St. Mary’s College. For more information, please e-mail contradictiondance@mac.com

CONTACT

Contradiction Dance

7014 Westmoreland Ave, Ste. A

Takoma Park, MD 20912

contradictiondance@gmail.com

240.450.2420

Thoughts on Change....

2009-08-14T10:44:00.002-04:00

Got this lil piece of wisdom from the village voice horoscopes...

PISCES [February 19–March 20] I've borrowed a fable from the ancient Greek writer Aesop to create a parable you can use in the coming weeks. Once upon a time, there was a very thirsty crow. Rain hadn't fallen in a long time, and the creek from which she'd always drunk had dried up. Searching for a bit of moisture, the crow happened upon a tree under which sat a pitcher with some water in it. But the pitcher's neck was narrow, and the crow couldn't fit her beak past it to reach the water. Inspired by desperation, the crow at last got an idea. Why not drop small rocks into the pitcher, making the water's level rise? And that's exactly what she did. How sweet it was when at last she quenched her thirst.

Reminds me of the Einstein quote:

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

- Albert Einstein

Half-Day Openings Next Week for Camp!

2009-08-12T12:10:00.002-04:00

All,

We have openings for half-day students in camp next week. Please give us a
call, or register on-line...

www.contradictiondance.com
240.450.2420

About Stories in Motion

Dance • Drama • Visual Art

Get your kids IN MOTION at Takoma Park's Contradiction Dance studio. Our
"Stories in Motion" curriculum blends creative writing, drama, story-telling,
visual arts, costume making and dance education.

The Stories in Motion curriculum was originally created for Montgomery County's
S.A.I.L. Program by Story Tapestries founder, Arianna Ross and Contradiction
Dance's founder, Kelly Mayfield. We are pleased to bring it to you!

Best,

k.k. :)

REGISTER for Fall Classes at Contradiction Dance!

2009-08-06T12:28:00.006-04:00

Photo by Lloyd Wolf

All,

The fall schedule is up & online registration is open. We have tons of classes for all ages... please take a peek & join us as we grow!

- Parent/Child
- Creative Movement
- Home School Classes
- Adult & teen programs
- Stories in Motion on Saturdays

More info: www.contradictiondance.com
REGISTER: http://cdfall09classes.eventbrite.com/

Contradiction Dance is a place where theatre, dance, and pop culture meet. The company’s vision is to make dances that report on, reflect, and question the world in which we live. Nurtured on the belief that artists and audience members communicate in a dialogue through the chosen medium, Contradiction Dance fosters discussion, reflection, and change through live performance and dance education.

Matches

2009-08-04T23:53:00.003-04:00

Love is an unlit match
Untapped potential
Waiting to burn

Strike that match
watch it burn
relationship

In the Flesh - Reviews :)

2009-07-25T10:34:00.002-04:00

photo: copyright Tony Powell

Here are the reviews so far... Thanks for being there and supporting the company!

http://wideningthei.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/fleshy-examinations-at-the-fringe/

http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/07/24/in-the-flesh/

http://tonypowell.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/phillips-in-the-flesh-darlington-house-and-smith-point/

Love,
k.k. :)

Thoughts & Footage

2009-07-08T23:56:00.005-04:00

My horoscope for today made me smile:

You must devote yourself this time to those whom you love. Everything will depend on the way you'll live with your near ones; if harmony prevails, if aggressivity is banned from your relationships, then things will go all well. Your career situation will be good on the whole; you'll be quite favored despite some small clouds here and there: you'll have original ideas, and you'll be supported and helped by your entourage. Too rich a diet will prove more harmful to you than ever; avoid the foods that may perturb your balance and have negative effects on your blood circulation.

Here's a sneak peak at some new material for our In the Flesh Concert at the Phillips Collection July 23rd... this was our first rehearsal with it - more to come!

blogging, writing, creating and such...

2009-06-16T10:08:00.002-04:00

Been in a flurry of busy-ness, business, and dancemaking. I haven't taken much time to document things, but I'm making my way back to it. More to come....

In the mean-time, visit: http://casinoparty.eventbrite.com and RSVP for our Open House & Casino Party on Saturday!

OPEN HOUSE JUNE 20TH!

2009-06-05T15:04:00.000-04:00

Contradiction Dance

An Exchange Between Life & Dance

ALL LIT UP

Join us on Saturday June 20

for

Free Classes!

10am Creative Movement

10:30 Parent/Child Dance

11am Hip-Hop (7-12 yrs)

11:30am Hip-Hop (Teen/Adult)

12pm Modern Dance

12:30 Staff (Object Manipulation Class)

1pm Hoop Dance

1:30pm Drum Jam

2pm Afro Fusion

2:30 Taiji

* Classes are limited to the first 15 people

Please pre-register by email at contradictiondance@gmail.com

-over-

There’s MORE!

Join us at 7pm

for

an exciting performance featuring:

Contradiction Dance

Massive Attack

Dance Afire

and more…

*Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple

Please visit www.contradictiondance.com

Join Jeremy's Cause & Support Contradiction Dance

2009-05-26T14:31:00.003-04:00

Contradiction Dance at XinDC, pictured: Jasmine Artis

Dear Friends,

I am writing this note with a mixture of sadness, humility, gratitude and hope in my heart. Sadness for the state of the economy and it's dramatic impact on the arts' community at large - and on dance specifically. Humility for the outpouring of support from family, friends, and strangers for my company, Contradiction Dance. Gratitude for the understanding of those we work with as we navigate the challenges of our financial stress - in particular the owner of the building that houses our studio. And finally, hope. Hope for the future - a future you will help create. Hope born out of a dear friend's willingness to support us through his personal donation, and his call to action.

Please read the letter below, written by my friend Jeremy Skidmore, and consider taking action. This not simply business, this is my life's work.

Thank you,

k.k. :)

Kelly Mayfield
o-240.450.2420
www.contradictiondance.com

CONTRADICTION DANCE: An Exchange Between Life & Dance

Hello all.

So with greater excitement and urgency, each year I find myself focusing on a different non-profit organization to which I lend time and whatever knowledge I can in order to help the cause they represent. From planting trees to cancer research to my trip last year to Africa, I have been searching for essential ways to get involved with something bigger. But in all my past choices, what has left me feeling a bit unanchored has been the fact that, like Africa, I found myself supporting or traveling to all these different places to do all these different things, but was never turning my sights to doing work in my own community. So this year, I am attempting to do just that: making tangible, simple contributions to my own community.

Less than a year ago, I moved to the neighborhood of Takoma Park (for those who do not know, it is a wonderful, family dominated community right on the boarder between DC and Maryland). I love it here. Very much. And in my time here I have become aware of an organization called Contradiction Dance. Located just a few blocks from my house, Contradiction not only consists of two professional dance companies, but it also offers an amazing variety of classes in dance, theater, yoga, tai-chi, circus techniques and even summer camps for kids. For a community like mine in Takoma Park, their presence has quickly become essential and serves as a source of pride for my neighbors and local businesses. But on top of all that, Contradiction has been developing its own studio space for all of its operations. What has emerged is something that is difficult to describe. A studio that possesses an energy that nurtures creativity and learning like few other rooms I have ever stepped into. I cannot say enough how much I have come to love this space. Even in my own work, I have chosen to be in this studio whenever I can because as a vessel that holds inspiration for me there is no place I would rather be. I have upped the ante of my own involvement in helping this company and this space by taking on their process of becoming non-profit and incorporated in the state of Maryland. Anything I can do to ensure that this company, and this space, remain right where they are, I will do.

And that is why I am writing to you now. I have just learned that Contradiction Dance has an opportunity to extend and make more permanent their presence in this studio space. The owner of the building is negotiating a unique arrangement with them that will keep them as a part of the community and will keep the space as a studio for a long time to come. Part of the agreement is that a portion of the rent for the rest of the year must be paid up front by June 1st. While the offer itself is generous, the time frame that Contradiction has been given to meet the opportunity is obviously tight. So I am turning to each of you. I cannot say enough how important this organization has become to me. I am putting more of my own time into it than I have in any other organization outside of my own former theater company.

So I am asking each of you to take a moment and visit this link below to donate $10 to Contradiction Dance. That is it. Just $10. Even just $10 right now, before June 1st, will more deeply carve out the possibility of keeping Contradiction Dance right where they belong in their amazing studio space in Takoma Park. And that would make me very, very happy.

http://contradictiondance.com/donate/

Thank you very much for your time and your contribution.

Sincerely, and with much gratitude,

Jeremy Skidmore

Deluge

2009-05-26T08:00:00.003-04:00

Thunder so loud the rain decided to compete,
Throwing itself against the earth.
Thunder ups the ante,
Rolling in tsunami-like waves of furious sound.
Lightning laughs,
Tossing bolts of white flame at them both erratically for sport.
The perfect storm.

Poetry of the moment by k.k. :)
5/26/09

Got Kids? Get Dance...

2009-05-18T22:09:00.003-04:00

SUMMER 2009 – IN MOTION

Dance • Drama • Visual Art
at
CONTRADICTION DANCE

Get your kids IN MOTION this summer at Takoma Park’s Contradiction Dance studio. We offer 8 weeks of summer programs for students 3-12 years. Featuring our “Stories in Motion” curriculum, blending creative writing, drama, story-telling, visual arts, costume making and dance education; Contradiction Dance is “An Exchange Between Life & Dance.“

Full & Half-Day Programs
June 29 – August 21 • 8 weeks:
6/29-7/3 • 7/6-7/10 • 7/13-7/17 • 7/20-7/24 • 7/27-7/31 • 8/3-8/7 • 8/10-8/14 • 8/17-8/21

9am – 12pm, Half-Day Mornings • $250/week
9am-4pm, Full Day (6-12yrs only) • $425/week
To Register:

ONLINE: http://summer2009.eventbrite.com/

EMAIL contradictiondance@gmail.com

The Stories in Motion curriculum was originally created for Montgomery County’s S.A.I.L. Program by Story Tapestries founder, Arianna Ross and Contradiction Dance’s founder, Kelly Mayfield. We are pleased to bring it to you!

Contradiction Dance
7014 Westmoreland Ave, A
Takoma Park, MD 20912
phone – 240.450.2420
email – contradictiondance@gmail.com

www.contradictiondance.com

http://summer2009.eventbrite.com/

I'm a mac

2009-05-12T23:56:00.000-04:00

mac's new commercial.

Mothers

2009-05-08T14:57:00.004-04:00

Artist: Max Mannix

got this from a friend... sappy, but true.

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom...
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

Just sayin'...

2009-05-08T09:21:00.002-04:00

comic: Omar Mung

"Even the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis show that the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation industries have a higher GDP than Agriculture, Mining, and Utilities COMBINED, twice that of the Auto Manufacturing Industry, and larger than the Broadcast and Television Industry or the entire Transportation Sector. "

www.workforce.az.gov/admin/uploadedPublications/2100_gdp.xls

Rehearsal Today...

2009-05-06T15:02:00.004-04:00

Here's some footage. :) More to come...

Doodling my way...

2009-05-05T18:23:00.003-04:00

I was feelin' jazzish.

a snippet.

Making Dances

2009-05-04T09:07:00.007-04:00

Here are some clips of dances that are in-process. The first is a section of the Source Mash-up material. The second is a duet for high school students. On the agenda today - admin land. Boo! :)

Also, some vids of Reggie Cole & I performing his choreo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzLAmN7MVek
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHYKWVia0U4

Magic, cont'd.

2009-04-30T22:55:00.003-04:00

photo credit

What is Magic?

Magic is making the impossible possible. Magic is dreaming in color. Magic is dancing to live music that sounds like thinking and looks like clouds. Magic is the moment when inspiration strikes and movement rains forth like a torrential downpour. Magic is the moment of orgasm. Magic is poetry, music, dance, and design frolicking in the same sandbox with the seriousness of a child at play while making a statement as silly as a belly laugh in a war zone. Magic is the silence of a roomful of people captivated by the collective experience of kinetic art. Magic is the intake of breath before the lights hit skin and the dance begins. Magic is finding a kindred spirit and knowing that words are unnecessary. Magic is the cathartic release of sobbing. Magic is casual human contact among strangers. Magic is melting a hardened resolve with unexpected beauty, elegance, and grace. Magic is asking the tough questions. Magic is finding the answers. Magic is holding hands with a baby. Magic is the collective conscious choosing hope when faced with despair. Magic is the elevated experience brought on by the element of surprise. Magic is making the ordinary elements of daily life extraordinary through an artist’s surreal vantage point. Magic is a happy accident stealing the show. Magic is solving the linear equation to create a circular event. Magic is running when the rule says walk. Magic is finding the lines within the color. Magic is the sound of waves crashing on the beach under a full moon. Magic is the fragrance of Spring in the morning. Magic is the art of illuminating life – onstage, and off.

What is magic?

2009-04-30T00:16:00.005-04:00

I'm writing my answer now for inclusion in my friend David London's zine. He's a magician... a fierce magician. I can't wait to share my answer... but for now, what's yours?

Pics & video from the Cirque du Soleil performance soon. It was one of the most fulfilling artistic experiences of my career. The poetry, artistry, integrity and passion that each and every cast member possess inspires me to continue on this path and reafirms my belief in the possibilities for excellence in all things.

Some experiences surpass all expectations and actually achieve an ideal.

I am blessed.

Salim, the Gardener of Hope, is pictured. :)

Pics & Such

2009-04-20T19:14:00.003-04:00

Here are pics from XinDC:
pics

Pics from the Dominican Republic SOON!

And REGISTER for Hip-Hop Master Classes with Leslie Scott - 4/22!

Online Event Registration - Powered by www.eventbrite.com

Cherry Blossom Ironies & Tak PAK Oddities

2009-04-05T19:44:00.004-04:00

Enjoy!

Ironic that THIS ADVERTISEMENT:

Is sponsored by DE BEERS:
Oh, Humanity!
Last, but not least, a Takoma Park Oddity:

Sewer Children - Deeply Disturbing

2009-04-04T22:36:00.002-04:00

This story absolutely breaks my heart. As I was sitting here thinking about what I wish I could offer my child, I can't help but be thankful after reading this... and motivated to do more for kids everywhere. Read on and let's get busy!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7983880.stm

Roman police find sewer children

The children were found in sewers close to railway stations

Italian police have found more than 100 immigrants, including 24 Afghan children, living in the sewer system beneath railway stations in Rome.

The children range in age from 10 to 15 years and are now being looked after by the city's social services.

They were found when the railway police followed up reports of children living near the city's stations.

The police say they do not speak Italian and broke into the sewers by removing manhole covers.

The charity Save the Children Italy says that more than 1,000 unaccompanied children arrived in Rome last year from various countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Container stowaways

Railway police had been following up reports that groups of homeless immigrants were living in unhygienic conditions in and around Rome's three main railway stations.

Police said the Afghan children appeared to have arrived in the Italian capital as stowaways on board trailer trucks arriving from Turkey and Greece.

Some children were sleeping at night in sewers under the railway station to shelter from the cold, police said.

The number of foreign minors arriving in Italy has risen substantially over the past five years, according to children's charities.

Roman police also recently discovered groups of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and China living crammed 20 or more to a room.

As fast as the authorities find them proper accommodation, their places are taken by new arrivals, the BBC's David Willey reports from the Italian capital.

Gurlz dancin' around

2009-04-02T18:18:00.002-04:00

REHEARSAL FOOTAGE
k.k. & Jaszie
4/1/09
music by aligning minds.

Monkey Do Workshops

2009-03-30T10:50:00.004-04:00

MONKEY DO!

SOMETIMES YOU CAN RUN AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS!

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

REGISTER

APRIL 10-12

Friday, April 10th:
7pm-10pm Danny Dart

Richmond’s Danny Dart Stylizing. Dart is an ancient Chinese Kung Fu weapon turned dance form.

Saturday, April 11th:
10am-11:30pm Warm up Improv Class 1.5 hr: Register: MabjustMab.com
12pm-1pm 20 minutes in Vaudville 1 hr: Register: MabustMab.com
1:pm-3pm DJ Poi - Virginia Beach’s Daniel Greenberg’s Poi Stylings!
3pm-4:30pm- Juggling Beginner to Advanced 1.5 hr Register: MabustMab.com
5:pm-6pm Mental Magic with Dr. Eon 1hr Register: MabustMab.com
7pm Burner Bazaar - Buy, Sell, Trade & Explore You World

Sunday, April 12th:
12pm-3pm DJ double staff - Virginia Beach’s Daniel Greenberg’s Double Staff Stylings!

3:30pm-6:30pm HOOP: Composition, Performance & Partnering Workshop ith Surprise!

7pm-10pm Last Pajama Jam - A chill end of the weekend gathering of dancer-folk… don’t miss the last one of the season!

REGISTER: http://monkeydo.eventbrite.com/

risks & handstands

2009-03-29T19:27:00.004-04:00

I see a fear of trying things and taking positive risks in the children & teens I work with... perhaps it stems from the pressure to "be right" or "the best" or "good" at everything. Whatever it is, it is sad to see and it breaks my heart. I spend a lot of my teaching time coaxing students into making the first attempt. I celebrate the joy of discovery and of trying new movements I see in students. I am saddened by how much time it takes to get to the comfort zone of the attempt. The refining process in the movement suffers as a result. Anyone else seeing this?

My initial thought is that students in this generation begin thinking about their collegiate success/careers much earlier than mine. And seemingly EVERYTHING counts for, or against them in that process. In a world with diminished risk, there is equally diminished reward. And little ownership of acheivement, large or small. Or, worse, bloated vanity about mediocre acheivements due to a lack of experience in risk vs. reward and energy input = result.

And risk need not be a word with negative connotation. What happened to positive risks? A dance student may not like the movement, may not particularly enjoy the result, but they can enjoy the process of learning something new & different with no negative risk; meaning they are not going to suffer for the effort in the attempt.

Here's my challenge - passed down from Ed Tyler: When was the last time you did a handstand? If it's more than a day... go upside down and check out the world from that perspective. It might even be fun.

Cheers!

What you need to know...

2009-03-23T08:47:00.002-04:00

Image by Enoch Chan

AUDITION: 3/25 & 3/28: M A S S I V E A T T A C K

SOCIALIZE: 3/28, 7-10pm, $10: The Human Factor Fractured

BE A HERO!: I'm a hero :)

3/28: CLOSING EVENT: Terence Nicholson

2009-03-20T12:10:00.002-04:00

The Human Factor Fractured
Terence Nicholson

3/28: 7-10pm • $10 suggested donation
Light Food & Beverages served
Tickets: http://terencenicholson.eventbrite.com/

Come celebrate the final night of The Human Factor Fractured with Artist Terence Nicholson and special guests from Contradiction Dance, Dance Afire, Shakra, and more!

I am interested in materials first and foremost. For a long time, I have entertained the notion that I need not always load my work down with content. It was a trap that one of my teachers freed me from before both feet got caught into it. Many people ask me, “What does it mean?” I like to give them relief by telling them something like, “It's just some shapes.” Sometimes, I am compelled to express my feelings about a thing through the use of materials. Even in this case, I try to divorce myself form the the content and delve more into the actual process. At the level of production, I try to achieve an almost passive attitude towards the process, in some cases. I like to see myself as a middle man between materials, shapes and techniques. I am in a constant state of build and destroy; accumulation and shedding. I seem to be attracted to the beauty inherent in the most mundane of objects. Rust, tools, soil, etc. I respect the principles of composition, so I trust my ability to bend them. An old artist told me that if I know the rules, I can bend them. If I don't know the rules, I will break them. As I have been training in kung fu for over 15 years and composing music, I allow these disciplines to influence my way of doing things. The paintings and the sculpture come out of a need for expression not satiated by any other means. I hope that as I finish writing this, I will have evolved beyond what was written.

Nicholson fuses unlikely materials into works that sing life’s complexities

info: 240.450.2420 • contradictiondance@gmail.com • 5ringsarts.com • contradictiondance

2009-03-20T10:15:00.002-04:00

Pictured: Jasmine Artis, by Nina K Photography

Dates of Note:
3/25: M A S S I V E A T T A C K - auditions 6-7:30pm: info
3/27: The Kitchen Quartet - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
3/28: M A S S I V E A T T A C K - auditions 6-7:30pm: info
3/28: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Closing Event
4/?: Contradiction Dance & KennDavid Designs at Georgetown Home Tour
4/19: Ernie Hawkins - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
4/25: Hanneke Cassel w/ Natalie Haas & Keith Murphy - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
5/8&5/9: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at 12x6: Source Mash-Up's Showing
5/17: DANCE ANIMUS FESTIVAL in Takoma Park
6/8: Contradiction Dance for Cast of Thousands: Dance Through the Decades Concert
6/12&6/13: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at Source Festival
7/23: CONTRADICTION DANCE: IN THE FLESH at the Phillips Museum. A live performance component to the "Paint Made Flesh" Exhibit

Why Dance is the BEST Exercise....

2009-03-19T14:23:00.004-04:00

"Dance has a great deal to offer to people young and old, irrespective of ability and background. Dance can take many forms and embody elements of fun, creativity and performance that make it an attractive route to a fitter and healthier lifestyle. This research highlights how well people's health can benefit from dance." - Caroline Flint

“We now have the scientific proof that creative dance makes you fitter." - Laban’s Director, Anthony Bowne

Full Release

More data on the benefits of dance: http://www.laban.org/php/news.php?id=325

We have GREAT classes by the BEST teachers!

www.contradictiondance.com

M A S S I V E A T T A C K - audition

2009-03-18T20:45:00.003-04:00

M A S S I V E A T T A C K
Dance for the NOW generation

Contradiction Dance is holding auditions for a new contemporary dance company for the NOW generation. We are seeking thirsty young adults willing to take creative risks exploring the fusion of dance styles.

Talent trumps experience. Bring both.

Wed 3/25
6-7:30pm

ALTERNATIVE DATE:
Sat 3/28
1:30-3

RSVP one of three ways:
Facebook event
eventbrite: http://massiveattack.eventbrite.com/
email: contradictiondance@mac.com

FAQ's

What type of dancer/styles are you looking for?

I'm looking to take the model I created with Contradiction and replicate it with this group. I am looking for a very diverse group of movers who are interested in expanding their core technical skills, build a common movement vocabulary, and augment each other's specialties. Meaning, in my existing company, I have a mix of hip-hop dancers, contemporary ballet and modern dancers, tap, jazz, a composer and a story-teller.

I am interested in training dancers through both class and performance to explore their versatility and expand their options. As a choreographer I make dances that have meaning for both the performers and the audience - our last concert was called, "Objects of Hope: Washington, DC" based on the experiences of my composer and drummer and growing up here in anacostia & adams morgan.

And lastly, to just have fun. We dance because we need to - I'm anxious to work with another group who shares the passion and joy.

TIME:

I'm planning on having rehearsals two days/week max. As this is a ground-up endeavor, starting half-way through the year, I want to build the group as an ensemble through training together and performing as often as possible - but in a way that works in everyone's lives. I picked the Wed/Sat slots as I'm going to offer class for the group both days - choosing to set choreo on the group that can be there each day - meaning we'll end up with two working groups, with some people in both as they are available.

Feeling Springish...

2009-03-18T17:25:00.002-04:00

Today in rehearsal we did lots of jumps... I think it's a springish thing... today was the first really warm and sunny day in a lil while. Felt good. Barrells everywhere :)

We're also generating some new choreo for the Source Fest & the Phillips performance. We wrote 3 adjectives for emotional states then created a shape for each. The result = beautiful bodies in space ready to move from a common vocabulary. YAY!

Typically, I generate and set the majority of our movements, but I want to work on a different path for a while - to broaden my own horizens and create some new flavors in the final product.

But, ya'll know me - I'll be putting my stamp on it... can't help but make those phrases!

Stuff in my head

2009-03-17T08:49:00.004-04:00

On the personal side, I haven't posted much lately. I've been trying to sort out some brain, body, spirit, and soul stuff. And run a successful family & bizniz. Feeling a bit overwhelmed and frustrated by the curve balls.

Mostly, had a jolt. Completely lost faith in someone very dear to me and I'm not 100% sure how to proceed... clearly it's a yellow-light situation - extreme caution all the way. Do I invest time in a situation that is full of fear where I'm not and has proven through actions not to be trusted? I'm out of patience and out of trust. (nails tapping on the table) And, I'm mad as hell. Still.

I'm waiting for spring to really kick in... I miss running outside. Dance is not an aerobic activity - I like the feel of a balancing run. The repetitive motion issues that can become problematic through dance get evened out w/ the running, but I am not motivated enough to put myself on the hamster wheel of a treadmill. I need the outdoors. Ah, soon!

Time to put my big-girl pants on and head out to face the day... much work to be done :) Trying to raise some moolah... I suddenly need to make my own salary - as there are zero pay-checks coming from other sources. Ouch. However, I am enjoying laying down some roots & building some very cool community-based events through the studio. Spreading the energy and joy within and hoping to see it reflect back on all of us.

Combating the blues, one dance at a time.

p.s. Found this... my horoscope - random good fit for my mood/day:

Beside the necessity to maintain a high morale, you must try to overcome your physical fatigue by resting a few moments every time an opportunity for it will present itself during daytime. Beware, don't let yourself be intoxicated by your different successes and commit regrettable errors of judgment about people and things. You'll in all likelihood meet some major difficulties in your work; but don't let yourself be discouraged by the obstacles. Take advice from sure friends, this will give you necessary energy to struggle efficiently.

WESTMORELAND SHOPS: Open House Schedule

2009-03-11T18:05:00.010-04:00

WESTMORELAND SHOPS
OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH 10am-6pm

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11-2pm: Mini-Shock Open Rehearsal - Contradiction Dance
11-2pm: Seated Chair Massage - The Still Point Mind & Body
12pm: Reggae Yoga - The Still Point Mind & Body
11am & 2pm: Acupuncture Happy Hour ($10) - The Still Point Mind & Body
1pm: A Different Drum Demonstration - Parking Deck
2-2:30pm: Live Music! - Contradiction Dance
2pm & 4pm: Roda Movements Demonstration - Parking Deck
3-3:30: Hoop Dance Demonstration - Contradiction Dance
3:30-5: Hoop Class w/ Surprise! - Contradiction Dance
5-6pm: Mini-Concert w/ Shakra, Suprise!, Contradiction Dance & more!

Ongoing: Demonstrations by members of Dance Afire - Contradiction Dance

Click on the flyer below for SALES and OFFERS from the Westmoreland Shops!

Contradiction Dance Presents: Master Classes w/ JoJo Diggs!!!

2009-03-05T16:02:00.004-05:00

Saturday 3/14

MASTER CLASSES WITH JOJO DIGGS!!!

12-1:30 jazz/funk

1:30-3 hip-hop

3:30-5 House

$25/class, $40 for 2, $55 for all 3

REGISTER & SAVE!!

http://jojodiggs.eventbrite.com/

$20/class, $35 for 2, $50 for all 3

ALL CLASSES HELD AT CONTRADICTION DANCE

7014 Westmoreland Ave, A

Takoma Park, MD 20912

240.450.2424 • contradictiondance@gmail.com

www.contradictiondance.com

Contradiction Dance - Upcoming Events

2009-03-05T13:53:00.008-05:00

Pictured: Jasmine Artis, by Nina K Photography

Dates of Note:
3/7: Burner Bazaar - 6pm
3/8: Hoop Workshop: 3:30-5
3/8: Pajama Jam 7pm
3/13: Ben Carroll in Concert - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
3/14: Master Classes w/ JoJo Diggs!! 12-5pm!!
3/14: Contradiction Dance at St. Mary's River Concert Series Annual Gala
3/14: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Artists' Talk-back with Contradiction Dance & Terence Nicholson
3/15: Westmoreland Shops Open House Event: 10-6pm
3/27: The Kitchen Quartet - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
3/28: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Closing Event
4/2: Kelly Mayfield & Lotta Lundgren at House of Sweden
4/?: Contradiction Dance & KennDavid Designs at Georgetown Home Tour
4/19: Ernie Hawkins - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
4/25: Hanneke Cassel w/ Natalie Haas & Keith Murphy - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
5/8&5/9: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at 12x6: Source Mash-Up's Showing
6/8: Contradiction Dance for Cast of Thousands: Dance Through the Decades Concert
6/12&6/13: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at Source Festival
7/23: CONTRADICTION DANCE: IN THE FLESH at the Phillips Museum. A live performance component to the "Paint Made Flesh" Exhibit

Model Call - hair show

2009-03-05T13:52:00.002-05:00

Hoop Master Class! 3/8 - space is LIMITED!

2009-03-03T17:05:00.001-05:00

DanceAFire and Contradiction Dance are excited to present a special workshop with local Hoopdance legend Michele Clark next Sunday, March 8. The class will be during the normal open level Hoop Class time, but will be extended to a two-hour block from 3:30 - 5:30 to give more time to absorb the new and fun techniques.

Creative Movement Play and Hoop Dance
Expand your movement vocabulary and learn how to integrate tricks and dance into your hoop flow. We will explore a variety of techniques to help you develop your own signature tricks and free up your body giving you more room for expression and increase your musicality.

About Michele:
Michele has been in love with hooping for 7 years. She mixes dance, acrobatic elements and her love for all things improv into her understanding of hoopdance. Her classes are informed by a love of play, her yoga studies and her experience of discovering body awareness as a self taught hoopdancer.

Check out her incredible hooping skills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7kcXLmrzs0

When: Sunday, March 8 3:30-5:30pm

Where: Contradiction Dance 7014 Westmoreland Ave, ste A Takoma Park, MD 20912

Cost: $25 Drop-in fee (but no extra charge for those already registered in the ongoing class, you may still register for the class!)

Please RSVP to preregister ASAP. Due to space limitations we are capping registration at 10 hoopers. This class will sell out. Register at www.contradictiondance.com

Performance Dates!

2009-03-03T12:23:00.002-05:00

More to come! Save these....
Dates of Note:
3/14: Contradiction Dance at St. Mary's River Concert Series Annual Gala
3/14: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Artists' Talk-back with Contradiction Dance & Terence Nicholson
3/15: Westmoreland Shops Open House Event: 10-6pm
3/28: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Closing Event
4/2: Kelly Mayfield & Lotta Lundgren at House of Sweden
4/?: Contradiction Dance & KennDavid Designs at Georgetown Home Tour
5/8&5/9: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at 12x6: Source Mash-Up's Showing
6/8: Contradiction Dance for Cast of Thousands: Dance Through the Decades Concert
6/12&6/13: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at Source Festival
7/23: CONTRADICTION DANCE: IN THE FLESH at the Phillips Museum. A live performance component to the "Paint Made Flesh" Exhibit

REHEARSAL FOOTAGE

2009-03-02T22:17:00.002-05:00

how we play...

Opening 2/28: Terence Nicholson, The Human Factor Fractured

2009-02-23T10:53:00.006-05:00

The Human Factor Fractured
works of Terence Nicholson

opening reception
February 28th 2009 7 o’clock pm
film • live music • live performances
beverages • h’ors d’oeurves

artists’ discussion
March 14th 2009 7 o’clock pm
beverages • h’ors d’oeurves

closing reception
March 28th 2009 7 o’clock pm
live music • live performances
beverages • h’ors d’oeurves

Nicholson fuses unlikely materials into works that sing life’s complexities

info: 240.450.2420 • contradictiondance@gmail.com
7014 Westmoreland Ave, suite A • Takoma Park, MD • 20912

5ringsarts.com
contradictiondance.com

Valentine's Day Weekend Events!

2009-02-13T11:04:00.003-05:00

First,

You MUST come to the Fundraiser at Contradiction Dance to support Future Shock & Mini Shock's trip to Italy this summer!

Second, you MUST come see me dance at Luck of the Draw on Sunday! Details here

Ethnic Heritage Ensemble Concert 2/27

2009-02-08T13:27:00.002-05:00

TRANSPARENT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS...
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH

****THE ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE****
36TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE
Kahil El’Zabar - drums, kalimba, voice/Ernest Dawkins - reeds/Corey Wilkes - trumpet

@ContradictionDance@8PM:$15 Door Only:(240-450-2420)
Contradiction Dance (formerly Sangha), 7014 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD
3 blocks east of the Takoma Park Metro Station, just below Carroll & Westmoreland

Transparent Productions, in collaboration with the House of Musical Traditions, is pleased to announce the Friday, February 27th performance of The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble at @ Contradiction Dance, in Takoma Park, Maryland. This ensemble celebrates its 36th year in existence, a now 8-year Black History Month tradition of a DC-area Transparent-presented performance, and the release of “Mama’s House: 35th Anniversary CD Project.”, recorded Live at Sangha.

The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (EHE) was formed 36 years ago. Kahil El’Zabar is the founder of the band and led its first performance in Chicago, in 1973, the year following his return from the University of Ghana. His goal was to combine concepts of African American music making with the earlier roots of traditional African music, yet make it something new. After 36 years, this legendary band is still serving the people worldwide with their special brand of 21st century Griot music. The current band consists of the young trumpet titan, Corey Wilkes, along with Chicago Saxophone legend, Ernest Khabeer Dawkins and the award winning multi percussionist, vocalist, and composer Kahil El'Zabar. EHE’s music conjures a spiritual journey to the inner self, spanning time through multiple expressions that transcend styles and genres, while exhibiting personal virtuosities in making music. Their music has enormous history and incredible love. Aluta Continua!!!...The Ethnic Heritage Ensembleremains a healing force for today’s world. As with all Transparent shows,100% of the proceeds goes directly to the artists.

Contradiction Dance: An Exchange Between Life & Dance
contradictiondance@gmail.com, 240.450.2420, www.contradictiondance.com

Spend Valentine's Day w/ Me!

2009-02-01T15:57:00.003-05:00

VALENTINE'S DAY GALA & CASINO NIGHT
Sponsored by Future Shock and Mini Shock
Fundraiser for Trip to Italy

Saturday, February 14, 2009
7:00pm
$25/person or $45/couple

CRAPS
ROULETTE
BLACK JACK
HORS D'OEUVRES AND COCKTAILS
PRIZES

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

WWW.CONTRADICTIONDANCE.COM • 240.450.2420 • Contradictiondance@gmail.com • 7014 WESTMORELAND AVE, A, TAKOMA PARK, MD 20912

Common Sense on the Senate Floor

2009-01-31T22:32:00.002-05:00

Found this on CommonDreams.org :)

You Gotta Love Her

I'd never heard of Sen. Claire McCaskill, Democrat from Missouri, before Friday. But who could argue with her hammering of bonus-glutted Wall Street fat cats on the Senate floor?

"They don't get it. These people are idiots. You can't use taxpayer money to pay out $18 billion in bonuses... What planet are these people on?"

McCaskill proposed legislation to cap executive pay at any company getting federal bailout money at $400,000, or the U.S. president's salary. "Right now, they're on the hook to us. And they owe us something more than a fancy waste basket and a $15-million dollar jet. They owe us some common sense."

Okay, her language was refreshingly direct, but in truth she could have gone further. She could have capped their salary closer to many of the rest of us, say, $20,000 or $30,000. And she could have used, not only the "i" word, but the "c" word. Can you spell c-r-i-m-i-n-a-l?

--Abby Zimet

SUMMER 2009 - IN MOTION!

2009-01-28T17:28:00.006-05:00

SUMMER 2009 - IN MOTION

Dance • Drama • Visual Art
at
CONTRADICTION DANCE

Get your kids IN MOTION this summer at Takoma Park's Contradiction Dance studio. We offer 8 weeks of summer programs for students 3-12 years. Featuring our "Stories in Motion" curriculum, blending creative writing, drama, story-telling, visual arts, costume making and dance education; Contradiction Dance is "An Exchange Between Life & Dance."

Full & Half-Day Programs
June 29 - August 21 • 8 weeks:
6/29-7/3 • 7/6-7/10 • 7/13-7/17 • 7/20-7/24 • 7/27-7/31 • 8/3-8/7 • 8/10-8/14 • 8/17-8/21

9am - 12pm, Half-Day Mornings • $250/week
9am-4pm, Full Day (6-12yrs only) • $425/week

Pre-Register by March 31 and SAVE $25/week
Registrations after May 31 will be charged a LATE FEE of $25/week
To Register: EMAIL contradictiondance@gmail.com

The Stories in Motion curriculum was originally created for Montgomery County's S.A.I.L. Program by Story Tapestries founder, Arianna Ross and Contradiction Dance's founder, Kelly Mayfield. We are pleased to bring it to you!

Contradiction Dance
7014 Westmoreland Ave, A
Takoma Park, MD 20912
phone - 240.450.2420
email - contradictiondance@gmail.com

www.contradictiondance.com

Melancholy Revisited

2009-01-28T13:17:00.004-05:00

Below is a poem I wrote a while ago, depicted by a drawing Shallom made a while ago. It's a good example of how we collaborate: distinct voices + common subject + complimentary style = result I am pleased with... though, in this example we didn't set out to make this collaboration at all - it is "found art" of sorts.

Sentiments on melancholy: Well, it's a place I go sometimes - and a place of lot of creatives visit. It's not a happy place, but it happens. Usually I land here in periods between inspiration, while I'm waiting on the muse to reappear. I revisit this poem as a reminder that these moments are temporary.

The image - a self-portrait of Shallom (charcoal on paper) is the exact shape I found myself in taking a bubble bath this week. Clearly, some states of being take us to familiar physical shapes. If I asked you to "raise your hand if you've been there" I suspect you'd all raise a hand. Men, I don't know... been there? Or, is this a female thing? Or, is this a creatives thing? I'm curious.

I consider it all a part of being. It's not good or bad, it just is. And it passes.

Thoughts?

charcoal on paper, 2007
self portrait

She Creeps

My brain is loud, then silent.
These emotions a raging ball of tempestuous urge, desire, and need.
Spirit low and empty, then full of light and optimism.

This is far better than the creeping, dreadful and loathsome melancholy. Melancholy laced in apathy, she whispers to my heart while I rest. I wake to remnants of a sorrow so vast and black, the emptiness is blaring loud in its oppressive silence.

I fear I will not wake from the dreams she offers my beating heart. Or, worse, awaken to a dank, cold void as reality.

I choke back tears and realize I’m grateful for them; sadness is better than nothingness.

I long for better dreams, aching to find a new home for her pale whispers and silently screaming darkness.

And yet, she remains. Cold, alone and creeping…

26 March 2007

Regarding Children

2009-01-27T23:07:00.002-05:00

My mom sent this my way...

Drinking Coffee = Lower Dementia Risk? Read On...

2009-01-27T08:05:00.003-05:00

Look kids! Drink up! ... for those of us who drink the dark stuff... have another cup! Thanks Seth :)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/health/research/24coffee.html

Coffee Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

By NICHOLAS BAKALAR
Published: January 23, 2009

Drinking coffee may do more than just keep you awake. A new study suggests an intriguing potential link to mental health later in life, as well.

Pics from "Art of Change Ball"

2009-01-24T23:36:00.000-05:00

These were taken by an attendee... enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilymildew/sets/72157612845310396/

poetry of the moment

2009-01-23T21:30:00.003-05:00

Gentle Lion
Roared Whispers
Chaos landing
Like snowflakes
On the window
Mind reeling
Body stirred
To frenzy
Soul Still, Silent
Unmoved
Until it is time
To cease the
burdens of mind
And body
Then soul, moves
Quickly - with efficiency
Unmatched
Pouncing, with a
Great earthquake of
Thunder and hail
Change is
Near

Sleepy Stuff

2009-01-23T08:53:00.001-05:00

From Joseph:

original

3 Smart Things About Sleeping Late

By Daniel Dumas 12.22.08

Start

Previous: Science We Can Believe In: How President Obama Can Recharge U.S. Research

Next: Ingenious Hellraiser Fires Up Homebrew Flamethrowers

1 // You may need more sleep than you think.
Research by Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders Center found that people who slept eight hours and then claimed they were "well rested" actually performed better and were more alert if they slept another two hours. That figures. Until the invention of the lightbulb (damn you, Edison!), the average person slumbered 10 hours a night.

2 // Night owls are more creative.
Artists, writers, and coders typically fire on all cylinders by crashing near dawn and awakening at the crack of noon. In one study, "evening people" almost universally slam-dunked a standardized creativity test. Their early-bird brethren struggled for passing scores.

3 // Rising early is stressful.
The stress hormone cortisol peaks in your blood around 7 am. So if you get up then, you may experience tension. Grab some extra Zs! You'll wake up feeling less like Bert, more like Ernie.

JANUARY CONCERTS! & a QUOTE.

2009-01-15T11:25:00.002-05:00

This passage is in a book I'm reading, Skinny Legs and All (Tom robbins), it's a conversation between a can o' beans & a mirror, pretty much sums up my thoughts on one part of an artist's role in society, as mirror.

' "And a further thing, Mr. Mirror," the can went on. "Since you reflect chaos and instability as objectively as you reflect order, since you reflect the novelty and variety that humankind's institutions seem designed to suppress and deny, are you not a dangerous agent of truth? I mean, I know that magicians employ you in their trickery, but isn't uncompromising realism your forte? If humans erect institutions to conceal the unruly aspects of their own minds, aren't you mirrors sort of like holes in the fortress walls? Are you not signposts pointing away from rationality and standardization? Because you chaps show it all- good and evil, beauty and ugliness, balance and disarray-with equal emphasis. Or am I making you out to be subversive when actually you're only blasé? No offense intended, sir, in either case." '

JANUARY PERFORMANCES

SINGING THE BODY ELECTRIC Performing the work of Contradiction Dance’s REGGIE COLE
Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 7:30pm
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 8:00pm
The Patterson
3134 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD
410.276.1651
info@creativealliance.org
http://www.creativealliance.org/events/eventItem1637.html
FIDM INAUGURAL FASHION SHOW Come see KELLY MAYFIELD at the Ritz!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ritz Carleton DC

THE ART OF CHANGE, Inaugural Ball
Tuesday Janurary 20, 2009 8pm
CONTRADICTION DANCE performs at 10:45pm
Tickets: http://www.artists-ball.org/

Poetry on a bar-nap w/ b-man!

2009-01-14T00:33:00.005-05:00

Boris & I were at it at Kramer's!

Stately
Refined
Present
My present?
Let's see...
The unwrapping is only a prelude
To what?
Hmmmm

Choices or decisions and feelings observed
by so many who said,
How is she?
Oh, her, well;
I am not the one to ask.
And they see right through me
to the wall that stands at the end of time
While I wait there
Hollow

Fancy meeting you here,
Reflection.
Of me? Said she...
Or, he?
Mirage or Oasis,
What'll it be?
The hourglass releases its sands to the sea,
Drifting to the bottom
Silt. Still.
Smooth as glass,
Reflected In you,
I am
We

Who's Showcasing at APAP? WE ARE!

2009-01-07T13:38:00.002-05:00

Attending APAP?

photo by Enoch Chan

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see
Contradiction Dance & Story Tapestries
join forces once again!

As part of the Mason/Rhynes Productions Artists Showcase, the companies meld the power of the performing arts into a powerful Exchange Between Life & Dance!

Story Tapestries: Story Tapestries: Arianna Ross creates entertaining, international, dynamic programs that weave the power of dance, theatre, music, spoken word and storytelling together.

www.storytapestries.com

Contradiction Dance is a place where theatre, dance, and pop culture meet. The company's vision is to make dances that report on, reflect, and question the world in which we live.

www.contradictiondance.com

MASON/RHYNES PRODUCTIONS
ARTISTS SHOWCASE

Sunday, January 11th 7:45-10:45 pm
Alvin Ailey Studios
405 W. 55th Street (at 9th Avenue)
Directions

Featured artists:

8:05-8:20 Global soul artist Tamara Wellons performs selections from her recent house/jazz albums

8:25-8:40 Gesel Mason presents excerpts from her NDP-supported solo project, "NO BOUNDARIES: Dancing the Visions of Contemporary Black Choreographers."

8:45-9:00 EDGEWORKS Dance Theater, an all-black, all-male dance company from Washington, DC, presents excerpts from the award-winning "Cold Case" and NDP-supported "the determining factor"

9:05-9:20: New York-based INSPIRIT, a dance company performs excerpts from their recent premiere, and solo work by artistic director Christal Brown.

9:25-9:40 Story Tapestries: Arianna Ross presents a cutting-edge performance in partnership with Contradiction Dance that fuses the power of music, poetry, dance, and story.

Showcase only artists:

9:45-9:55 Maryland-based dance company VTDance/Vincent E. Thomas performs excerpts from his Kennedy Center-commissioned work, "Witness"

10:00-10:10: Nursha Project Theater™/Micia Mosely performs excerpts of her solo show, "Where My Girls At? A Comedic Look at Black Lesbians"

10:15-10:25: Former City Dance Ensemble member REGINALD COLE/In Concert presents solo work and hip hop/spoken word artist Aysha Upchurch/Life, Rhythm, Move Project perform excerpts from the Kennedy Center commissioned work, "Am I On?"

10:30-10:40 Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company presents a fusion of modern dance and traditional Indian dance forms.

Gotta Dance? REGISTER NOW!

2009-01-07T12:18:00.003-05:00

WINTER/SPRING SCHEDULE

Adults • Teens • Children

Creative Movement • Pre-Ballet • Ballet • Modern • Jazz • Tap • Hip-Hop • Stories in Motion • The Blend • Taiji • Poi • Hoop Dance • Tribal Belly Fusion • A Different Drum • Dance Afire • Mini Shock • Future Shock

7014 Westmoreland Ave, ste A

Takoma Park, MD 20912

240.540.2420

Register NOW! www.contradictiondance.com

Happy Hour for a good cause... 1/26!

2009-01-07T12:00:00.003-05:00

My friend Kelly B is hosting this event... please come out, drink up, and support a new theatre company!

theHegira
Hosts Happy Hour!!!

This fundraiser is to support theHegira, a new theatre company,
producing the world premiere of
Deep Belly Beautiful by 2008-2009
Resident Playwright Jacqueline E. Lawton!!!

Join in the Journey!

When: Monday, January 26, 2008
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm

Hotspot: Ultrabar in Penn Quarter (911 F Ft NW Washington, DC 20004)
Specials: $4 bud lights, $5 bay breezes, and $6 house red wine
How to Help: $10 per person (Suggested Donation)

About theHegira: Our mission is to showcase works that link women of color since their artistic efforts are underrepresented in the theatrical mainstream. We aim to develop, examine, hone, and produce quality work through a dialogue with artists embracing stories of struggle, survival and triumph. This mission encompasses work in all stages of development and theatre practitioners in all aspects of their artistic journeys.

Join in the Journey: DONATE! theHegira is a theatre company based in Washington, DC and is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas. Contributions in behalf of theHegira may be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donate online at www.thehegira.org

Thoughts on New Year's

2008-12-31T11:16:00.003-05:00

First, a history lesson lifted from wikipedia:

History

See also: Old Style and New Style dates, Julian year (calendar), and Lunisolar calendar

Originally observed on March 15 in the old Roman Calendar, New Year's Day first came to be fixed in January 1, 153 BC, when the two Roman consuls, after whom - in the Roman calendar - years were named and numbered, began to be chosen on that date, for military reasons. However, dates in March, coinciding with the first day of spring, or commemorating the Annunciation of Jesus, along with a variety of Christian feast dates were used throughout the Middle Ages, though calendars often continued to display the months in columns running from January to December in the Roman fashion.

Among the 7th-century pagans of Flanders and the Netherlands it was the custom to exchange gifts at the New Year, a pagan custom deplored by Saint Eligius (died 659 or 660), who warned the Flemings and Dutchmen, "[Do not] make vetulas, [little figures of the Old Woman], little deer or iotticos or set tables [for the house-elf, compare Puck] at night or exchange New Year gifts or supply superfluous drinks [another Yule custom]." The quote is from the vita of Eligius written by his companion Oueen..

Most countries in Western Europe officially adopted January 1 as New Year's Day somewhat before they adopted the Gregorian calendar. The Feast of the Annunciation, March 25 (9 months before December 25), was the first day of the new year in England until the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. The March 25th date was called Annunciation Style; the January 1 date was called Circumcision Style, because this was the date of the Feast of the Circumcision, being the eighth day counting from December 25.[citation needed]

[edit] Other celebrations on January 1

Some churches celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ on January 1, based on the belief that Jesus was born on December 25, and that, according to Jewish tradition, his circumcision would have taken place on the eighth day of his life (which would be January 1). The Catholic Church has also given the name Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God to their holy day on January 1.

hmmmm. Well, I'm curious... what are your traditions? Is it a day of QT with your significant other? Chillin with the fam? Drinking like a frat boy? What do you do to celebrate? What do you wish you did instead?

I'm taking a moment to say thank you. Thank you to the universe for bringing such wonderful people into my life. Friends, old and new, are in my heart and mind today. Family has been a bizarre juxtaposition of what it should be versus what it is. I am thankful for those of you who consider me a part of yours. I am also thankful for the family that is - unconditional love is a remarkable gift.

I hope the New Year brings you peace, prosperity, and joy.

Support Contradiction Dance! DONATE TODAY!

2008-12-30T22:53:00.000-05:00

CONTRADICTION DANCE

News & Events for the New Year!

Photo by Daniel Clarke

Please consider donating to Contradiction Dance. Your donation allows us to continue bringing meaningful dance performance and education to the community! There is no gift too small to have a meaningful impact.

http://contradictiondance.com/donate/

CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 5TH!
Register NOW: www.contradictiondance.com
Creative Movement • Pre-Ballet • Ballet • Modern • Jazz • Tap • Hip-Hop • Stories in Motion • The Blend • Taiji • Poi • Hoop Dance • Tribal Belly Fusion • A Different Drum • Dance Afire • Mini Shock • Future Shock

Upcoming Events:

New Year's Day Potluck with A DIFFERENT DRUM

5-8 pm
$5 suggested donation
Bring something edible to share!

Institute of Musical Traditions "Next to the House" Concert Series
Presents

Justin Trawick, Friday Jan 9, 8pm
$12 at the Door

Firewheel, Saturday Jan 24, 8pm
$12 at the Door

Click on Image to Enlarge