No Pen

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

Getting Social at "Social"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zero complaints.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(scratches her head)

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

Zombies, Comp Class & More....

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

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

Snowverkill 2010

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

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

Thank you snowverkill 2010!

Making Dances...

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

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

New Beginnings

Wisdom surrounds us - past, present, future

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

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

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

All in all... happy for 2010.

Blessings to you.