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-------Some Vital Stats and Bellydance Deets-------
Name: Kate
Nickname(s): Katie, Katerbug
How long have you been dancing?
If prancing around the living room in a pink tutu counts, then for many, many years. Next lace in salsa, hip-hop, gymnastics, a little modern dance, and way too much step aerobics. I started tribal belly dancing with Sharon in 2004.
What was your first bellydance class like?
A-W-E-S-O-M-E! It was with Sharon Moore and I was hooked after just one short hour. Everyone was so friendly, happy, positive, and Sharon was absolutely engaging.
What other kinds of performing have you done in your life?
Years of flute recitals mixed with a little theater in high school and numerous speeches and presentations for school and work. Toss in a handful of singing/vocal performances in college.
What is your favorite inFusion Tribal memory?
Watching inFusion at MedFest in 2004. It blew my world. Beautiful women, vibrant costumes, powerful yet graceful movement, confident and happy performers… All during a glorious Seattle summer day.
What is your most embarrassing performance experience?
In college I had to perform three songs in front of the entire music program faculty; people with PhDs and doctorates in voice. I have never been so nervous in my entire life. I just wanted to learn how to sing better; I wasn’t looking to be a professional singer! My knees shook so hard it looked as though I was dancing a jig. I then realized dance might be more my forte.
Do you have a favorite tribal move, combo, or choreography?
Double single combo. Simple to remember, yet powerful, natural, and speedy.
Name three dancers or troupes, past or present, who have inspired you in your dance journey.
Sharon Moore is a huge inspiration. It’s watching her do extremely complex moves while making them look so effortless, her limitless creativity, and that rock-solid center of gravity demonstrated on every spin and turn.
Troupe Hipnotica first introduced me to tribal belly dance during a New Year’s Eve party at the Baltic Room several years ago. Their performance planted the seed; though at the time I never thought I would be able to dance like that. I didn’t even know it was improv!
Patricia Barker. I grew up watching that woman dance. She is the true Prima Ballerina. Her athleticism, stamina, and grace are enchanting and fixating.
What is your biggest struggle in your dance life?
Turning and spinning. I will always need to work on turns and maintain a sturdy center of gravity. Coming from a soccer background, it has been a challenge to lift and center myself and find the dancer’s center of gravity.
In what ways has bellydancing influenced your everyday life?
It makes me more graceful and deliberate in my movement. I used to rush through and abruptly change moves in yoga class. Now I am the one holding the pose the longest and slowly coming out of the move. I feel so much more powerful being able to control my use of energy and movement.
You're at a party. You're trying to briefly tell a fellow partygoer about tribal bellydance and why you do it. Go.
Tribal belly dance is not the kind of belly dancing you typically think of with the sparkly and glitzy costumes and flighty movement. It’s a group dance with the kind of music you can’t help but tap your feet to, vibrant and colorful costumes, and it has a focus on community. It is about being connected to the people you dance with and is very dynamic. I have formed incredible connections with my dance sisters and it is a very supportive community. You have to see it to really understand it. Come to a performance!
------And the not-necessarily-bellydance questions------
What are you doing when you're not bellydancing?
Too many things. Graduate school, work, writing, running, reading, painting, and soon I will be a real librarian!
When you were little, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian. I loved animals so much that I gave up meat at the ripe age of 3 as a personal decision.
Look at your iTunes/iPod—what is your top three most played songs?
Escape by Enrique Iglesias
Friday by Goldspot. I listen to it every Friday...
Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie
What's your favorite snack?
Popcorn.
Do you have a favorite quote or personal maxim?
Life is about the distance between your starting point and destination. It’s not always about reaching the destination. I picked up this axiom when I went to Mother’s Day Church for my mom. The sermon resonated with me and reminded me that the journey is equally as important as destination. It’s during the journey where you learn, experience, grow, share, and help others.
...and the eternal question: chicken or the egg?
Chicken. I like the idea of life deriving from the mother.
