Have you ever encountered another individual and thought, “Wow, we totally need to be friends!”?
As someone who generally prefers solitude over society, this is a thought that does not often cross my mind. It does, however, make occasional blasting appearances. This happens when I encounter someone who’s unique life creed both inspires and resonates with my own.
Zhena Muzyka is one such person. Tea mistress, entrepreneur, board member of WEV (Women’s Economic Ventures), philanthropist, mentor, mother, and much, much more, Zhena’s creed is to live with passion. To identify your passion. And then follow it.
Meditate.
Activate.
Reciprocate.
Simple steps to cultivate your dreams. My favorite quote from Zhena’s WEV presentation this past Saturday? “If you can see the invisible, you can do the impossible.”
The best part about weekly therapy sessions in LA are the subsequent, weekly, retail therapy! Pink Sparkly Stilettos? Um, yes please!
I’m designing two new costumes that were completely based around red cowboy boots. And I was walking back to my car after a successful “materials” shopping trip, arms laden down with foam, fabric and trim. But then I saw these! Uhhh, I might have to redesign the whole costume concept now, or these might not make it into the photoshoot. Buuutttttt, I’m sure hot pink, glitter, high heels will always come in handy, for something….
Stay Tuned For Valentines Day Themed Costume Updates, Sketches & Photos!
Movement therapy addresses social, emotional, behavioral and physical patterns held in an individual’s body. Addressing these issues, via movement, allows a therapist to tap into depths that other forms of therapy can’t always access. A somatic approach uses an educational model with more hands-on facilitation than other types of therapy. These tools help increase awareness in the mover’s body, enhancing synapse connections between body and brain.
Somatic Movement Education Therapy works by:
engaging and addressing the whole person in a holistic approach
enhancing sensory motor skills through brain based learning
On my recent visit to SF, I reconnected with an old friend and colleague. Much to my delight, I discovered that Rosanna, originally from Columbia, not only lives in California now, she is the proud owner of Caliope Dance Studio, in hip Noe Valley.
Classes offered are not just dance. Tumbling, yoga & somatic movement therapy are offered as well. A highly skilled staff supports an incredibly creative environment. If you live in SF and have children, I highly recommend checking it out!
I ran into my friend Cath Masi, owner of Ciara Obscura, in Trader Joe’s yesterday. We got to talking business, and she shared this wonderful website with me:
Elsie Larson, of A Beautiful Mess, also offers a business e-course, for a super low price. Info here:
For those of you in Southern California, here is an upcoming series of business courses for artists. Tons of fantastic, invaluable info. Taught by highly skilled professional artists (performance & fine), for only $15 a pop. See you there!
Jan 9, 2012 “Let’s Put On A Show! OMG! Now what do we do?” Julie McLeod will share a checklist and timeline on how to put on a production from concept to cleaning up the dressing room. Julie was in the original Broadway company of West Side Story and produced close to a hundred productions for her studio, Dance Warehouse, and Santa Barbara Dance Alliance as their past Executive Director. She is the founder/director of Art Without Limits. Location: Rabobank 914 Carpinteria St by the roundabout on Milpas St.
Feb 13 “The Business of Show Business” Marsha Bailey of Women’s Economic Ventures will give guidelines on business plans, budgets, and how to run your art form like a business.
Mar 12 “Copyrights – Why can’t I just use it?” From why and how to copyright to getting licensing and permission to use other’s material. This will be a panel of experts covering all art fields; visual, literary, performing and media.
Apr 9 “Insurance? Who needs it? I do?”
Future workshops will be held on; Keeping Financial Records and Budgets, How to talk to a Gallery Owner, more on Marketing, How to form a Nonprofit, What is Fiscal Sponsorship, Performance and Exhibit Venues and so much more.
Suggestions for additional subjects are gracefully received.
Wanna come to these events? Pop an email to info@sbstage.org to sign up. You may pay at the door.
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One last one. Superb business classes, consulting and networking. Not just for artists, but anyone interested in growing or starting a business. Targeted for women, but open to all genders.
I have a friend in LA who wants to move to Minneapolis. I always thought he was nuts. Until I went there. It isn’t ranked the nation’s happiest places to live without reason.
Love city life? Minneapolis has a booming art scene. Culture is prevalent without having to search for it.
Love country life? Minneapolis is built around a ton of natural lakes. You can walk out your front door and take a jog around your nearest neighborhood watering hole. There are often more than one lakes to choose from, just steps from your home.
Love easy navigation? Minneapolis is built on a grid. Half the streets run in ascending numbers. The streets that run perpendicular to them ascend by letters of the alphabet. Feeling lost? If you’re at 1st and Apple St but need to get to 32nd and Hatha St, just count the blocks. (Those street names are made up, but you get the idea.) Everyone I met there was both happy and interesting. Win, win!
Looking for a place to stay? The hotels are reasonably priced, but were all booked by the time I bought by last minute plane ticket. So I went with AirBnB.com. If anyone is ever going for a visit in the twin cities, I recommend staying with Keith. His mom used to run a Bed & Breakfast while he was growing up, so he really has it down. Check out his place here: http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27319
Here is a short list of some awesome people/places/things I saw & attended while in Minneapolis:
America Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) Annual Conference
I attended a workshop hosted by Dr. Suzi Tortora & Dr. Martha Eddy: the 11th Early Childhood Forum: The Essential Knowledge for Dance Educators and Therapists
Lots of good review and a joy to meet Dr. Tortora. It was fun to listen to (and participate in) a story about being a rocket ship, blasting off into space, to accompany a developmental movement sequence she uses with kids.
Click picture to visit Dr. Suzi Tortora's website
Dr. Martha Eddy
I also discovered some new tools:
octaband
body sox
I also made some good connections. I didn’t get to meet her in person, but it was the first time Marylee Hardenbergh’s name was thrown my way. And ever since, people keep telling me I need to meet her. I’ll be excited when I finally do!
Click here for Marylee's Global Site Performance website!
After the Conference I moved on to a series of workshops, hosted again by Dr. Martha Eddy and Catherine Burns. We got to play with kids, review reflexes, and learn much more!
Visit Catherine Burns' website here.
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Walker Museum- Nathalie Djurberg
Last, but not least, I visited the Walker Art Museum and discovered artist Nathalie Djurberg. The entire room was filled with fantastical birds, claymation videos projected on the walls, while music reminiscent of a Tim Burton film filled the ears. This exhibit was one of the most inspiring things I’ve witnessed in a long, long time.
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If you’re interested in viewing a few snapshots I took on my phone, while wandering around, click here. Enjoy!
Meditate.
Celeste Ondreya 