Art & Such

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

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

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

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

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?

AUDITIONS!

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

Contradiction Dance OPEN HOUSE - Sept 12

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

Half-Day Openings Next Week for Camp!

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!

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.

In the Flesh - Reviews :)

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

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...

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!

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

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

Got Kids? Get Dance...

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/

Just sayin'...

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 

Pics & Such

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

Monkey Do Workshops

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/

What you need to know...

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 :)

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....

"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

Feeling Springish...

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!

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

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