Another round of exciting performances and emerging and established artists take the stage this Friday. KYL/D's 21st InHale Performance Series is Friday, January 31st at 7:30pm at CHI MAC in South Philly. I'm excited!
Here's a bit about the show:
Get tickets here: Dance Box Office
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
What is your dance of service?
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| Photo by Bill H. Choreography by Kun-Yang Lin. |
A reflection by a former student on what our time exploring Dance and Service have meant to her. (I have her permission to reprint this, but I've left out her name and some personal details of her writing).
I think differently. I see the world differently than most people I know. I don't just see with my eyes. I see with my shoulder blades and my knee caps and the bottoms of my feet and my neck and rib cage.
I experience the world through the body I have been given to experience life. Something I have been thinking about as a performing artist and an advocate... is how much our bodies are attached to our experiences, physical and emotional. We live in a society where we are taught what goes on in our mind and what happens in our bodies are two different things. THEY ARE NOT. They are the same thing! Why do we think of our minds and bodies and souls as these disjointed appendages? They are all one entity that make up an individual.... My body IS my mind and my SOUL. THAT is why we need to take care and nurture and nourish our physical bodies, it is what allows our soul to move about the earth and mingle with the creation of the Universe. Dance has made me realize when I am experiencing emotional pain, stress, anger, happiness, my body feels it too. Sometimes, my mind doesn't even know what I am feeling and I ask my body instead - I have learned to listen.
Readers, what is your dance of service? Through dance classes and other physical practices (Yoga, Pilates, Kung Fu, Contemplative Movement Practices), I've learned to look inward, to turn to my physical body when my environmental states seem to be in chaos. (In Yoga as a philosophical and religious practice, the physical postures are practiced to calm the mind for meditation.) Dance also can calm the mind, energize the body, and can build a sense of community. Dance can bring people together. Dance can create joy. Dance can be a form of service.
What's your Dance? How do you keep moving forward?
Sunday, January 5, 2014
KYL/D's at APAP 2014
Check out http://kunyanglin.org/ to stay updated on KYL/D's performance at Drexel University's performance at the Mandell Theater in March. The website has info on the performance, the process, and the artists!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Dancing Sugarplums...
Merry belated Christmas, if you celebrate. And if you don't there are many other things to celebrate.
The Nutcracker.
At this time of year, I smile and remember my own, many Nutcrackers and enjoy reading the stories, blogs, and articles about other dancers' experiences.
Joffrey dancers reflect on Nutcracker
Philly dancer, Jennifer Yackel, reflects on Nutcracker
My own thoughts turn to December 1996, when I danced the role of Clara. The performance was particularly special, not only because I, like many girls, dreamed of dancing the role, but because I dedicated my performance to a dear friend who had passed away during our elementary school years. I remember reviewing songs we learned in chorus together on the bus. She was a gifted piano player and could relate to my love of dance.
In 1996, several weeks before the performance, Joseph N. Farrell wrote the following article for the Reading Eagle. (That was before the Internet was in every corner of the world and I've been unable to find a link to the original article to post.)
"Ballerina, 14, will be dedicating her role to 'angel'
Angel of God
His child, my friend,
To heaven above,
My performance I send...
Jessica Warchal, 14, has studied ballet for 11 years. Next weekend in the Rajah Theatre, her hard work gets its reward.
She is one of two members of the Berks Ballet Theatre corps to be showcased in the lead role of Clara in 'The Nutcracker.' Rebecca Stamm will open the run as Clara on Friday night at 7:30. Jessica will take the lead twice Saturday, at 2 and 7:30 pm.
It is, Jessica says, a dream fulfilled. It also will be, she says, bittersweet. She is dedicating her performance to Angela Tamayo, friend and confidant, who died of leukemia March 14, 1995 at the age of 11.
Enjoy, my friend,
As you watch me tonight;
Smile down upon me
With your childlike delight...
Jessica and Angela grew up in the same neighborhood... (removal my own) and went to the same school... (removal my own), since kindergarten. They were members of the first class of female altar servers at the church and sang together in the school's Siena Choir. Angela, Jessica says, was the only one who understood her dedication to dance.
'We understood the beauty of the arts and she was such a talented musician,' Jessica says.
Angela did not make fun of her dream to dance one day as Clara, but encouraged her, Jessica says.
Angela got sick in fourth grade and missed most of the school year, was in remission and in school for fifth grade, got worse in sixth.
The last Jessica saw her was at the start of that sixth grade Christmas vacation, three months before Angela died.
'She didn't want her friends to see her so sick,' Jessica says. 'She wanted us to remember her the way she was.'
So Jessica wrote her goodbyes to Angela, telling her she'd never forget her, and meaning it, and making her a promise, and meaning to keep it.
If she ever got the role of Clara, she vowed, she would dedicate her performance to Angela.
Then she served on the altar at Angela's funeral Mass.
'I understand,' Jessica says, 'that she died of a terrible disease.
'But a lot of people can overcome it, and I don't understand why she couldn't be one of those people.
'I still talk to her a lot,' Jessica says, 'and I really do believe she helped me get this part. She was always there for me.'
Jessica's is not the only heavy burden laid upon this year's 'Nutcracker.'
Two weeks ago, director Carol Ennis lost her son James, 34, in a tragic automobile accident.
The kids in the corps are helping Carl get by, she says.
For Angela's parents, Ronito and Yonie Tamayo, the birth of Myra three weeks after Angela's death has helped them get by.
For Jessica, knowing that Yonie, along with Angela's brother, Steve, 7, will be there for her when she makes her debut at Saturday's matinee is really helping her.
And Angela?
'I know,' Jessica says, smiling through her tears, 'that she'll be there.'
In the program there's Jessica's dedication poem, three stanzas, which ends thus:
As I give you my gift,
As I dance you my part,
My promise fulfilled,
May joy fill your heart!
Merry Christmas, Angela!"
The timing to share this story feels poignant for two reasons.
Joseph Farrell, the author of this and many other articles, recently passed away. Joe, thanks for your work as a journalist and for diving into stories that embraced our vulnerability as humans and for sharing our struggles and successes.
Over the weekend, Berks Ballet Theatre, again, as they have for many, many years, presented The Nutcracker. This year, another little girl fought for her life. BBT dedicated their performances to Laney Brown. Read the story here: BBT dedicates Nutcracker to Laney
And, if by chance, you haven't heard of Laney's story, here's the story from Philadelphia's ABC 6. (The video from their website wouldn't embed).
Laney lost her battle on Christmas Day. Thoughts, light, and dancing Sugar Plums go out to Angela, Carol's son, Laney, and the many more friends and family we remember and miss during this time of coming together, happiness, and cheer. We celebrate your lives through our dancing!
The Nutcracker.
At this time of year, I smile and remember my own, many Nutcrackers and enjoy reading the stories, blogs, and articles about other dancers' experiences.
Joffrey dancers reflect on Nutcracker
Philly dancer, Jennifer Yackel, reflects on Nutcracker
My own thoughts turn to December 1996, when I danced the role of Clara. The performance was particularly special, not only because I, like many girls, dreamed of dancing the role, but because I dedicated my performance to a dear friend who had passed away during our elementary school years. I remember reviewing songs we learned in chorus together on the bus. She was a gifted piano player and could relate to my love of dance.
In 1996, several weeks before the performance, Joseph N. Farrell wrote the following article for the Reading Eagle. (That was before the Internet was in every corner of the world and I've been unable to find a link to the original article to post.)
"Ballerina, 14, will be dedicating her role to 'angel'
Angel of God
His child, my friend,
To heaven above,
My performance I send...
Jessica Warchal, 14, has studied ballet for 11 years. Next weekend in the Rajah Theatre, her hard work gets its reward.
She is one of two members of the Berks Ballet Theatre corps to be showcased in the lead role of Clara in 'The Nutcracker.' Rebecca Stamm will open the run as Clara on Friday night at 7:30. Jessica will take the lead twice Saturday, at 2 and 7:30 pm.
It is, Jessica says, a dream fulfilled. It also will be, she says, bittersweet. She is dedicating her performance to Angela Tamayo, friend and confidant, who died of leukemia March 14, 1995 at the age of 11.
Enjoy, my friend,
As you watch me tonight;
Smile down upon me
With your childlike delight...
Jessica and Angela grew up in the same neighborhood... (removal my own) and went to the same school... (removal my own), since kindergarten. They were members of the first class of female altar servers at the church and sang together in the school's Siena Choir. Angela, Jessica says, was the only one who understood her dedication to dance.
'We understood the beauty of the arts and she was such a talented musician,' Jessica says.
Angela did not make fun of her dream to dance one day as Clara, but encouraged her, Jessica says.
Angela got sick in fourth grade and missed most of the school year, was in remission and in school for fifth grade, got worse in sixth.
The last Jessica saw her was at the start of that sixth grade Christmas vacation, three months before Angela died.
'She didn't want her friends to see her so sick,' Jessica says. 'She wanted us to remember her the way she was.'
So Jessica wrote her goodbyes to Angela, telling her she'd never forget her, and meaning it, and making her a promise, and meaning to keep it.
If she ever got the role of Clara, she vowed, she would dedicate her performance to Angela.
Then she served on the altar at Angela's funeral Mass.
'I understand,' Jessica says, 'that she died of a terrible disease.
'But a lot of people can overcome it, and I don't understand why she couldn't be one of those people.
'I still talk to her a lot,' Jessica says, 'and I really do believe she helped me get this part. She was always there for me.'
Jessica's is not the only heavy burden laid upon this year's 'Nutcracker.'
Two weeks ago, director Carol Ennis lost her son James, 34, in a tragic automobile accident.
The kids in the corps are helping Carl get by, she says.
For Angela's parents, Ronito and Yonie Tamayo, the birth of Myra three weeks after Angela's death has helped them get by.
For Jessica, knowing that Yonie, along with Angela's brother, Steve, 7, will be there for her when she makes her debut at Saturday's matinee is really helping her.
And Angela?
'I know,' Jessica says, smiling through her tears, 'that she'll be there.'
In the program there's Jessica's dedication poem, three stanzas, which ends thus:
As I give you my gift,
As I dance you my part,
My promise fulfilled,
May joy fill your heart!
Merry Christmas, Angela!"
 |
| This is a scanned version of the printed article. |
The timing to share this story feels poignant for two reasons.
Joseph Farrell, the author of this and many other articles, recently passed away. Joe, thanks for your work as a journalist and for diving into stories that embraced our vulnerability as humans and for sharing our struggles and successes.
Over the weekend, Berks Ballet Theatre, again, as they have for many, many years, presented The Nutcracker. This year, another little girl fought for her life. BBT dedicated their performances to Laney Brown. Read the story here: BBT dedicates Nutcracker to Laney
And, if by chance, you haven't heard of Laney's story, here's the story from Philadelphia's ABC 6. (The video from their website wouldn't embed).
Laney lost her battle on Christmas Day. Thoughts, light, and dancing Sugar Plums go out to Angela, Carol's son, Laney, and the many more friends and family we remember and miss during this time of coming together, happiness, and cheer. We celebrate your lives through our dancing!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Preview for KYL/D's Be/Longing I
Save the date for Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers' performance at the Mandell Theater on March 21st & 22nd. Check out this preview of the performance:
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Moving mindfully in moody moments...
It's that time of the year when I'm reading and hearing many stories about how to deal with the stress of holiday parties, end of semester finals, family get-togethers, darker days, colder temps... A lot of challenges.
I'm reminded of the importance of grounding into our bodies and moving within intention - physically through our environment and mentally through our crowded lists of to-do's and what'd-I-forget's?. In moving inward physically and mentally, we're better prepared to negotiate the excitement of our external worlds.
There are so many movement practices. Which ones work best for you? Dancing. Yoga. Pilates. Running. T'ai Chi. Labyrinth Walking. Biking.
Here are some links if you're interested in learning more about moving with intention and where you can get started, if you're not already!
Dance UP - Check here for all types of concert dance classes, opportunities, and performances in Philly
5 Rhythms - A contemplative movement experience, a dynamic workout and meditation
Conscious Dancer Magazine - A HUGE resource for dance and contemplative practice
The Yoga Alliance - a great place to find resources and information on yoga practice
The Pilates Method Alliance - learn more about Pilates and where you can practice
TRX - more mindfully into suspension training? Check out TRX - developed first by a military man for an intense, portable workout for troops in county, it's great for traveling dancers, or anyone else!
Veriditas - The Labyrinth Society website. Find a labyrinth in your area, find a guide, learn more about the history and the practice.
Spirit Wind Internal Arts - Founded by Sifu Chik Mason, Spirit Wind is a great resource for T'ai Chi, Qigong, and Kung Fu.
There are so many more ways to drop into your body, but these are just a few. Stay warm, stay safe, stay sane, and stay present! (What other suggestions do you have? What works for you?)
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