One Down, ODD to go...

What an incredible weekend at ODC!


The recently refurbished ODC Theater is a beautiful space that allowed the wonderfully articulated movement of the dancers to resonate alongside dynamic live composition by Jean Jeanrenaud and Dohee Lee. I have been given the great privilege to perform alongside the company as a guest dancer. Being both physically and strategically involved with this year’s home season has given me a new burst of passion for dance. ODD is beautiful, hypnotizing and pulls you into the paintings of Odd Nerdrum. David Molesky, a San Franciscan based artist who apprenticed with Odd, will be painting his own impression of the choreography this coming weekend at The Malonga, needless to say I am looking forward to seeing the final product!
I am also looking forward to celebrating at the after party, especially if it’s anywhere near as good as last week, plus I won’t have to wait for BART home!


I’ve been continuing my adventures of the Bay and beyond. Last night I took my first ever Brazilian dance class, have been enjoying weekend brunches at the great cafes around, San Francisco sightseeing up Coit Tower and I have a trip planned with friends to Monterey Bay next weekend. Yes I will go to the aquarium!


Being over half way through my internship I’ve begun thinking of what’s next? Maybe what’s next for you is taking my place in the AXIS office- the pink pilates ball I’ve been sitting on will be lonely otherwise! AXIS is looking for applications for the Winter internship beginning January 2011, so if you enjoy working in a fast-moving environment and a laugh a day then give us a call!

A quick thought on what makes us a dancer!

During my time in the US I’ve been asked many many times “are you a dancer?”
My answer: “We all move in our own unique way and exude a personal spirit through our movement. A job, a style or payment does not define us as a dancer and being a dancer does not define who we are. We are all dancers as everybody dances- don’t pretend you don’t move around your bedroom now and again!”

Kat's Blog: things are heating up at AXIS ( in a good way)

The temperature may have dropped in the Bay area but things are heating up at AXIS. There is only 2 weeks until the company premieres ODD at ODC Theater in San Francisco and 3 weeks until we come home to The Malonga Theater, Oakland!

Tickets are starting to pick up fast so make sure you reserve yours today at http://www.brownpapertickets.com for the Malonga show and http://www.odcdance.org for the ODC show. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how the piece comes together and meeting an AXIS audience!

On my time out of the office I’ve been enjoying exploring the dance scene in the city and the bay. I’ve been taking regular Bhangra and Bollywood classes at the YWCA Berkeley, Irish Celeidh dancing at The Starry Plough pub (one of the only places I’ve found serving a pint of Blackthorn Cider from back home) and the occasional ballet, contemporary and jazz classes at Alonzo Lines and Shawl-Anderson Dance Centers. I’m yet to make it down to ODC but hope to go check out a class there in the near future. Still so many styles I want to take the chance to try- any recommendations? I was thinking maybe West African, Samba, or Ballroom? Or if anyone would like to be my partner at a Salsa night!?

I would love to get out and see dance performances around the city however ticket prices around here are quite high, definitely more pricey than at home, and I’m yet to find smaller scale shows that suit my budget- I know they’re out there so I’ll just keep searching…..

I turned 22 last week and spent a great day at Tilden State Park. I believe this is the first time I have ever sunbathed on my birthday and it was a real treat to go hiking and then swimming in Lake Anza. That, plus a weekend in wine country for The Revolution, made for great celebrations although my friends and family back home will know I was missing a good traditional cake!

I’m also looking forward to Halloween coming up at the end of the month. It isn’t a big deal in the UK so I’m waiting with anticipation for my chance to visit a pumpkin patch and start carving. What costume to wear-now that’s the question!

Looking forward to seeing you all at the show!