ask kitty answers insta Vol 16

ask kitty 

Vol 16

Sooooo many wonderful questions via Insta…here are answers to a few. MORE SOON. So grateful for community right now! Thank you for engaging with me.

xxxxx

Kitty

______________________

Kourtnie, Los Angeles

“When do you feel most vulnerable?”

Sitting with an audience watching my own work unfold live onstage.

Sara, Los Angeles

“Any rituals before a performance?”

I’m actually quite superstitious so I have a few strange rituals! If something goes well I will wear the same shoes to the following performances. So weird! I walk on exactly the same path in and out of the venue. I always try to do a little huddle with the dancers - hands in the middle - with my hand on top.

“How do you keep inspired during all these fits and starts”

Staying inspired during all of these fits and starts has been interesting. I’ve made a conscious decision to ride the fits and starts instead of trying to buck them. If I have an opportunity to create I savor it and challenge myself to work differently. I’m exploring what happens if I allow myself to create more quickly and with less self-criticism. I’m trying to get out of my own way - or shall I say - out of creativity’s way. MOST importantly - the dancers - their resilience and generosity of spirit has truly kept me inspired and hopeful. 

Andre, Forth Worth TX

“What is it like to be female choreographer in the dance industry”

I think because of my background in modern/contemporary dance I have always seen women as leaders in the field, literally. Women planted the seeds and tended the garden that I play in today. Many of them; Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham and Twyla Tharp were initially based in Southern California. I had no trouble imagining myself as a choreographer and director of a company with these women imprinted in my mind. That is why it’s so critical to me that everyone is represented in media and the arts. Each of us - regardless of gender, race or sexual preference - deserves to see that the life they dream of is possible. The commercial side is a bit trickier. It feels like a balancing act - maintaining your dignity and power while serving a typically male hierarchy. I also feel a tremendous responsibility to protect dancers who are the most vulnerable on set.

Sasha, Los Angeles

“What’s your favorite way to warm up?”

Oooohhhh, I cannot warm up alone. I really need company!

Patricia Zhou...alive with possibility!

ask kitty

Vol 15

Patricia Zhou…humble, beautiful and open to the possibilities life has to offer.

Take a peek into the understated wisdom of one of the most beautiful dancers I’ve met in quite a long time. Patricia’s insights into shifting from ballet company work to free lance at the onset of the pandemic give me hope. She is resilient, present and has a sly sense of humor!

shine on

ask kitty

Vol 13

Justin P, Los Angeles, CA

What is your biggest dream/desire?

Dear Justin,

Thank you for your heartfelt question. I must apologize for the long overdue response. It’s been a minute, an hour, a month, a year. Quite the collective journey!

I have definitely slipped into the “Abyss.” Am I am the only one?

Are we ready for this transformational moment? Are we poised for the possibilities this new era offers? My biggest desire is to find my true place in our communal journey. I am no longer the heroine, I am the goddess/wise woman. It’s time for me to step up and shine on.

I have been avoiding dreaming and desiring for fear that this past year and a bit has made expansion impossible. I hate this mindset. I really find it despicable yet here I am mired in it, trying to extract my self. OK - let the extraction begin! I dream of growing UP.  I dream of using more of my mind, more of my internal power. This seems simplistic - simple is hard. I dream of doing newer, bigger things. Of shining a brighter light on the incredible humans I find myself surrounded by. Of expanding, not collapsing. Of creating something on a scale that I never saw coming.  I desire clarity, camaraderie and calm. I desire opportunity for all. I desire true collaboration.

I’m here for you, Justin. I’m here for myself. Let’s dream a beautiful collective dream.

Stay well,

Kitty 

ask kitty asks ray

ask kitty

Vol 12

Greer W., Vancouver, Canada

What are your glows and grows?

Chris A., Los Angeles

What is your dance superpower?

Lee., Los Angeles

What is a subject you want to create on, but have not yet had the opportunity to or felt ready to do?

JM R.,

As an artist, what is your take on intent when it comes to creating work? How important is it for you to create work that has the potential to shift society in a positive direction?

Dear Greer, Chris, Lee and JM,

I’m grateful for these questions and the wonderful opportunity that they provided me to expand ask kitty.

For this Vol, I decided to turn the tables a bit and ask one of my favorite collaborators Raymond Ejiofor these questions. We played, challenged each other and dug deep into why we create and what we would like to grow into.

Stay well,

Kitty

CLICK IMAGE FOR VIDEO of interview!

power

ask kitty

Vol 8

Minami M., Osaka, Japan

What does dancing mean to you?

Dear Minami,

Thank you for this precise question. To me, dancing means power. The internal power that comes from self-reflection and subsequent articulation. This stealth power is the key to my survival. NO ONE can take it from me or shut it down. It is hovering safely, quietly within me ready to be accessed. 

A few days ago I was looking at videos of rehearsals for Hysterica Dance Co. As I watched I experienced something very unexpected - I felt at peace. These rehearsals were challenging, we worked hard with no $ and little expectations, and yet looking at them I was overcome by a feeling of contentment. We were true to ourselves and each other. We gained power in the process by respecting each ‘self’ and executing the articulation of that self without judgement. 

For me, dancing also means community. I’m not interested in dancing alone or making dance for myself. The meaning and JOY for me is in the exchange. 

Stay well,

Kitty