KYL/D's 39th InHale Performance Series is this weekend.
Whew... that's over 10 years that I've curated and organized this excitement of performance work.
Here are some of the amazing artists sharing their voices this weekend:
KYL/D's InHale Performance Series March 1 2019 from Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers on Vimeo.
Get your tickets at the Dance Box Office.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
In the news
Thank you, to everyone who came out to Reading Theater Project's 5-Minute Fringe Festival last weekend!
The shows were over sold (!), the audiences were engaged, and the cast was a great group of folks. I deeply appreciated being able to share myself in a supportive environment in an honest and authentic way. I'm grateful that I began new conversations and creative relationships.
And! There was so much press!
It was previewed in the Reading Times/ Reading Eagle's Weekender. (But the online link isn't working.)
Click here to see me talk about the Festival on the local news station.
And in case you missed the performance, Susan Pena reviewed it for the Reading Times/ Reading Eagle:
"...choreographer/dancer Jessica Warchal-King's “Shed,” to music by Jude Eden, using an upside-down folding table as a prop, is absolutely mesmerizing. Her intense, often spiritual exploration of metamorphosis combines consummate grace, expression of the music, and economy, clearly influenced by an Asian aesthetic. Watching the articulation and eloquence of her back is a dance lover's dream."
Click here to read the rest of the review.
Thanks, Berks County!
The shows were over sold (!), the audiences were engaged, and the cast was a great group of folks. I deeply appreciated being able to share myself in a supportive environment in an honest and authentic way. I'm grateful that I began new conversations and creative relationships.
And! There was so much press!
It was previewed in the Reading Times/ Reading Eagle's Weekender. (But the online link isn't working.)
Click here to see me talk about the Festival on the local news station.
And in case you missed the performance, Susan Pena reviewed it for the Reading Times/ Reading Eagle:
"...choreographer/dancer Jessica Warchal-King's “Shed,” to music by Jude Eden, using an upside-down folding table as a prop, is absolutely mesmerizing. Her intense, often spiritual exploration of metamorphosis combines consummate grace, expression of the music, and economy, clearly influenced by an Asian aesthetic. Watching the articulation and eloquence of her back is a dance lover's dream."
Click here to read the rest of the review.
Thanks, Berks County!
 |
| Pic of Berks County from World Atlas |
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Shed - research part 2
One day last fall, Yogi Kristen spoke these words before our yoga practice at The Restorative Center. I was in the midst of purging a multi-family storage unit and questioning my role as an artist, mother, and partner.
Kristen spoke of the trees. (I love The Lorax by Dr. Seuss).
"Every year," she said, "The trees let go of their leaves. They don't need them anymore. They don't get upset about it, they just let them go. New leaves emerge the following year and the trees seem to be confident in their own cycle. But, they have to let go in order for the next process to occur. We need to let go of stuff that doesn't serve us anymore in order for us to grow."
BAM! (That was one of those I'm-not-really-sure-if-I'll-make-it-today days. I'm so grateful I went to practice.)
I've been holding Kristen's words as I've been purging - not just my stuff, but my body too. My body is different now. As my physicality has changed and my physical practice has needed to change. After an injury, the goal is usually to “get back to normal”. But after giving birth, there’s a new “normal”. This new practice is learning how to understand new pathways as I develop a new relationship with my body in time and space.
In my pre-Mom-life, I spent years under the mentorship of Kun-Yang Lin and Nora Gibson. As any dancer tries to, I tailored my physical practice to the needs of their choreography and artistry. Since stepping away, I've been able to let go of some of their aesthetics as my body discovers new pathways that are uniquely mine. I write this with total gratitude. I understand a student will always acclimate nuances and stylistic impulses from their teacher, but there is also a time when the student needs to step away and continue to grow.
Kun-Yang and Nora will always serve me and be a huge part of my heart and story, but it's been time (and I’ve been reluctant to admit it) to step out on my own - as a mover, artist, teacher, performer, creator, director...
So, Shed is informed by letting go, and saying "Thank you" to that which has served me, to the things that I've held onto, and to the people and places who have shaped me. Not just movement pathways from Kun-Yang and Nora, but the books from my grad program, pictures from old vacations, treasures I've saved, the dining set that's been a centerpiece in most of my adult living spaces, notes from friends who made a lasting impact on my heart... Dancing these feelings and stories is a way to move through this time of change with authenticity and awareness.
It's a very scary and vulnerable place and I'm so grateful for my past and the people who are emerging in my present.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Shed - research
SHED - \'shed\
1. Verb (1)
a. to set apart. to cause to be dispersed without penetrating (duck's plumage sheds water). c. to cause *blood* to flow by cutting or wounding. d. to pour forth in drops (shed tears). e. to give off or out (shed some light on the subject). f. to give off, discharge or expel from the body of a plant or animal such as to eject, slough off, or lose as part of the normal process of life or to discharge usually gradually especially as part of a pathological process. g. to rid oneself of temporarily or permaently as superfluous or unwanted.
2. Verb, intransitive (2)
a. to pour out. b. to become dispersed. c. to cast off some natural covering (such as fur or skin). d. to cause death by violence.
3. Verb, (3)
to put or house in a shed.
4.. Noun (1)
a. obsolete. b. something that is discarded. c. a divide of land
5. Noun (2)
a. a slight structure build for shelter or storage. b. a building that resembles a shed. c. hut
6. A Dance (1)
Shed is a contemporary dance solo that will premier as part of the Reading Theater Project's 5-Minute Fringe Festival. Get your tickets here.
1. Verb (1)
a. to set apart. to cause to be dispersed without penetrating (duck's plumage sheds water). c. to cause *blood* to flow by cutting or wounding. d. to pour forth in drops (shed tears). e. to give off or out (shed some light on the subject). f. to give off, discharge or expel from the body of a plant or animal such as to eject, slough off, or lose as part of the normal process of life or to discharge usually gradually especially as part of a pathological process. g. to rid oneself of temporarily or permaently as superfluous or unwanted.
2. Verb, intransitive (2)
a. to pour out. b. to become dispersed. c. to cast off some natural covering (such as fur or skin). d. to cause death by violence.
3. Verb, (3)
to put or house in a shed.
4.. Noun (1)
a. obsolete. b. something that is discarded. c. a divide of land
5. Noun (2)
a. a slight structure build for shelter or storage. b. a building that resembles a shed. c. hut
6. A Dance (1)
Shed is a contemporary dance solo that will premier as part of the Reading Theater Project's 5-Minute Fringe Festival. Get your tickets here.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Re-view. Re-flect. Re-new.
“Re”: a prefix of Latin origin . Meaning again and again.
I’ve REpeated throughout 2018 that this year was “The year of RE-...” During my REflection on this last evening of 2018, I REalized that, despite feeling my world was in a constant state of REcovery, REbellion, and REvolution, I was also the REcepient of beautifully REcycled and REcently discovered gifts of the Universe in 2018.
Over the past year, I’ve REmoved myself from much of the public, virtual sphere to REconnect, REcharge, and RElease myself from REsidual expectations. I REturn to this blog with REverence and REspect for the lessons I learned during the past year. I’ve REduced the many REvelations down to 18 elements for which I’m extremely grateful:
18 REwards from 2018 (in no particular order):
Professionally...
1. Returning to Berks Ballet Theatre to teach and set a new work on the company. The piece, (re)tracing weathered veins, was performed at the Philly Youth Dance Fest in Philadelphia, PA and in Reading, PA. I created the piece to the music of veteran and artist Jude Eden and Reading native Jill Haley (with permission).
2. Engaging in new, raw research that resulted in a solo. Stained Glass physically reflected on aspects of my first year as a mother. AND performing Stained Glass in Reading and in Philadelphia.
3. Co-producting a performance in Philadelphia that benefitted Mary’s Shelter in Reading, PA. Little Things was a part of SOLOWFest. We were able to give a nice monetary donation to Mary’s Shelter along with several things on their Wish List. For me, this was one of the ways I began to understand and develop a relationship with my community in Reading.
4. Getting to know some of Service Learning folks of Penn State Berks’ and Albright College through the This is Reading Dancers project.
5. Presenting at the icommit RIZE Mindfulness Workshop for Youth in Reading.
6. Performing as part of the D.O.T.S. (Dancing on the Streets) Festival in Reading.
7. Collaborating with writer and film-maker Jake Buczewski to re-investigate and re-discover the potential of artmaking while seemingly isolated. AND creating my first dance on camera production in collaboration with Jake Buczewski and premiering it in Philadelphia.
8. Returning to the Lehigh Valley to teach at the DeSales Summer Dance Intensive and as part of the
Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange’s Master Class Series.
9. Developing a Contemporary Dance Summer Workshop series for adults in Reading (and local dancers responding!) resulting in an ongoing Contemporary Dance Movement Practice for EveryBody at The Restorative Center.
10. Leading several sessions of dance classes with members of Alvernia’s Seniors’ College.
11. Celebrating a year of Dance for Wellness classes at the Tower Health/ Reading Hospital Rehab Center.
12. Developing 10 original dance pieces for Widener University and continuing the creative collaborations within the Fine Arts Department.
13. Accepting a position as Artist in Residence at Alvernia University.
And personally...
14. Justin and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.
15. Celebrating Tristan’s first birthday and Baptism.
16. Purging physical, mental, and emotional stuff.
17. Finding a gathering place for like-minded, curious people at The Restorative Center.
18. Rediscovering constant gratitude for family and friends who are on this journey with me and continue to support and challenge me.
What are some of the lessons you learned in 2018?
What are your hopes for 2019?
Happy New Year!
I’ve REpeated throughout 2018 that this year was “The year of RE-...” During my REflection on this last evening of 2018, I REalized that, despite feeling my world was in a constant state of REcovery, REbellion, and REvolution, I was also the REcepient of beautifully REcycled and REcently discovered gifts of the Universe in 2018.
Over the past year, I’ve REmoved myself from much of the public, virtual sphere to REconnect, REcharge, and RElease myself from REsidual expectations. I REturn to this blog with REverence and REspect for the lessons I learned during the past year. I’ve REduced the many REvelations down to 18 elements for which I’m extremely grateful:
18 REwards from 2018 (in no particular order):
Professionally...
1. Returning to Berks Ballet Theatre to teach and set a new work on the company. The piece, (re)tracing weathered veins, was performed at the Philly Youth Dance Fest in Philadelphia, PA and in Reading, PA. I created the piece to the music of veteran and artist Jude Eden and Reading native Jill Haley (with permission).
2. Engaging in new, raw research that resulted in a solo. Stained Glass physically reflected on aspects of my first year as a mother. AND performing Stained Glass in Reading and in Philadelphia.
3. Co-producting a performance in Philadelphia that benefitted Mary’s Shelter in Reading, PA. Little Things was a part of SOLOWFest. We were able to give a nice monetary donation to Mary’s Shelter along with several things on their Wish List. For me, this was one of the ways I began to understand and develop a relationship with my community in Reading.
4. Getting to know some of Service Learning folks of Penn State Berks’ and Albright College through the This is Reading Dancers project.
5. Presenting at the icommit RIZE Mindfulness Workshop for Youth in Reading.
6. Performing as part of the D.O.T.S. (Dancing on the Streets) Festival in Reading.
7. Collaborating with writer and film-maker Jake Buczewski to re-investigate and re-discover the potential of artmaking while seemingly isolated. AND creating my first dance on camera production in collaboration with Jake Buczewski and premiering it in Philadelphia.
8. Returning to the Lehigh Valley to teach at the DeSales Summer Dance Intensive and as part of the
Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange’s Master Class Series.
9. Developing a Contemporary Dance Summer Workshop series for adults in Reading (and local dancers responding!) resulting in an ongoing Contemporary Dance Movement Practice for EveryBody at The Restorative Center.
10. Leading several sessions of dance classes with members of Alvernia’s Seniors’ College.
11. Celebrating a year of Dance for Wellness classes at the Tower Health/ Reading Hospital Rehab Center.
12. Developing 10 original dance pieces for Widener University and continuing the creative collaborations within the Fine Arts Department.
13. Accepting a position as Artist in Residence at Alvernia University.
And personally...
14. Justin and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.
15. Celebrating Tristan’s first birthday and Baptism.
16. Purging physical, mental, and emotional stuff.
17. Finding a gathering place for like-minded, curious people at The Restorative Center.
18. Rediscovering constant gratitude for family and friends who are on this journey with me and continue to support and challenge me.
What are some of the lessons you learned in 2018?
What are your hopes for 2019?
Happy New Year!
 |
| Photo by Mike Hurwitz |
 |
| Photo by Jake Buczewski |
 |
| Berks Ballet Theatre performing (re)tracing weathered etchings photo by Julieanne Harris |
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Veterans' Day 2018
Thank you. Welcome home.
"Happy" Veterans' Day.
I've struggled with writing and sharing this year, in part because of time (its hard to sit at a computer when there's a precious little one asking for my attention). And in part because I've been struggling with so many questions -
What is my role as a mother?
What is my role as a professional?
What is my role as an artist?
Where is our country going and how can I help shape my small piece of it?
Is it possible to protect, create safe spaces, and allow for vulnerability? How? Where is this appropriate?
In the past, I would listen to the trauma on NPR on my daily commute and walk into the studio with tears in my eyes and heart, but resolved that creating dance was a responsible answer. Through dance, I was honing my body and the body is a place of protest. The body is a place for joy. Dance making, performance, and viewing is a place where people come together. Art making is challenging and scary because it demands a sense of vulnerability and authenticity. It demands bowing to a personal truth and to something greater than the self.
Now, I want to hug my baby a little tighter and retreat to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Because of my own fear? A change of my own perspective? A shift in our cultural narrative? Am I responding the way that those in the highest offices want me to respond by shrinking back and away?
I've often been reminded of the importance of taking a step away from the noise and being quiet with oneself, one's family, and one's truths. Perhaps this is one of those times.
But, to that end, I've also been researching more in the wee hours of the night, after Little has fallen back asleep.
What can I do?
What is my role?
What is my worth?
To those who hold the line, Thank you.
You model strength and courage in the face of doubt and chaos.
To those who love those who hold the line, thank you.
You, too, model strength and courage in the face of doubt, fear, and chaos.
I've found and am sharing a list of resources that speak directly to family members of veterans (in no particular order and without compensation... I don't receive anything for sharing these, other than the possible satisfaction of helping someone else):
Road Home Program
5 Tips for a Healthy Relationship with a Combat Veteran
Top 10 Things your Combat Veteran Wants You to Know
What its Like to Love a Combat Veteran
FamilyofAVet.com
What a Combat Veteran and His Wife Want You to Know about PTSD
Do You Love a Veteran?
Home/Front A New Musical
May you/ we find peace and reasons to dance.
"Happy" Veterans' Day.
I've struggled with writing and sharing this year, in part because of time (its hard to sit at a computer when there's a precious little one asking for my attention). And in part because I've been struggling with so many questions -
What is my role as a mother?
What is my role as a professional?
What is my role as an artist?
Where is our country going and how can I help shape my small piece of it?
Is it possible to protect, create safe spaces, and allow for vulnerability? How? Where is this appropriate?
In the past, I would listen to the trauma on NPR on my daily commute and walk into the studio with tears in my eyes and heart, but resolved that creating dance was a responsible answer. Through dance, I was honing my body and the body is a place of protest. The body is a place for joy. Dance making, performance, and viewing is a place where people come together. Art making is challenging and scary because it demands a sense of vulnerability and authenticity. It demands bowing to a personal truth and to something greater than the self.
Now, I want to hug my baby a little tighter and retreat to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Because of my own fear? A change of my own perspective? A shift in our cultural narrative? Am I responding the way that those in the highest offices want me to respond by shrinking back and away?
I've often been reminded of the importance of taking a step away from the noise and being quiet with oneself, one's family, and one's truths. Perhaps this is one of those times.
But, to that end, I've also been researching more in the wee hours of the night, after Little has fallen back asleep.
What can I do?
What is my role?
What is my worth?
To those who hold the line, Thank you.
You model strength and courage in the face of doubt and chaos.
To those who love those who hold the line, thank you.
You, too, model strength and courage in the face of doubt, fear, and chaos.
I've found and am sharing a list of resources that speak directly to family members of veterans (in no particular order and without compensation... I don't receive anything for sharing these, other than the possible satisfaction of helping someone else):
Road Home Program
5 Tips for a Healthy Relationship with a Combat Veteran
Top 10 Things your Combat Veteran Wants You to Know
What its Like to Love a Combat Veteran
FamilyofAVet.com
What a Combat Veteran and His Wife Want You to Know about PTSD
Do You Love a Veteran?
Home/Front A New Musical
May you/ we find peace and reasons to dance.
 |
| Katherine Kiefer Stark exploring the silent trials and joys of being a family member of a veteran in my piece "Unspoken: Everyday Hope". Pic by Bill Hebert |
Friday, October 12, 2018
Rediscovering...
This year is a year of "Re-"
Re-newal
Re-flection
Re-storing
Re-negotiating
Re-discovering...
especially of places and people I thought I knew.
To this end, I've been collaborating with writer and film-maker Jake Buczewski to take another look at the Reading area. We're premiering our dance-film tonight at KYL/D's InHale Performance Series.
Re-newal
Re-flection
Re-storing
Re-negotiating
Re-discovering...
especially of places and people I thought I knew.
To this end, I've been collaborating with writer and film-maker Jake Buczewski to take another look at the Reading area. We're premiering our dance-film tonight at KYL/D's InHale Performance Series.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)