Articles by 12to28admin

As another year comes and goes I’ve been thinking about something my Hula Instructor Gina announced in class awhile back…that “Hula is much more than a dance…it is a lifestyle. It’s about Living Aloha”. Gina continues by explaining what Living Aloha means:

• Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
• Lôkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
• `Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
• Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
• Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.

• Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
• Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
• Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
• Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

And also forwarding me some great reading material on Living Aloha and Hula. Now, I also thought back to my first day of Hula class in September. Gina approached me and said “Hula is for Everyone….” and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek (which is how we depart after each class!) I thought I must have really been horrible for her to come and console me this way! (But it was really what I needed.) Generally, I can tell when I suck, my face is contorted and the competitive side of me wants to get it right…and right away.  Now, I know that Gina was of course right! Yes, Hula is for everyone and whatever brought me to it’s doorstep I’m soo happy to have been embraced. Living Aloha is aligned with how I want to craft and live my life.  It is what 12to28 is about.  I have a little smile now as I sense that Ahonui has made a space in my heart.

But of course, here comes my confessional. Because Dance is a weakness I wanted to take a class that was fun, exciting (new…at least to me), and not so challenging. And what I ended up with was the intensity, focus, and preciseness that is Hula, (including a much more difficult time catching on to the moves). Mentally, I’m always ahead of my body.

Yes! Hula is sooo much more than you think! I must say that I’m happy my bubble was shattered and that I’m experiencing the dance for all it’s richness. My body is catching up with my mind and getting better every week! It is a honor to be learning Hula….I guess I’ve  been most struck by all there is to learn when dancing and how it has become such a great way to awaken my spirit, my bones, myself to the hidden potentials I possess…..Maybe we should all take some time infuse the principles of Living Aloha……..

One of the small things in my life that really brings a spark of joy or contentment is reading the free Daily Express (of the Washington Post) papers that are issued in front of the DC Metro Stations and can be found around town in bright yellow news paper boxes. I don’t know why I enjoy reading it so much, particularly after a friend informed me that the news in the Express is always/generally a day or so late.

I guess it’s because I always find useful information and great events that I would have otherwise missed. (It’s sometimes hard to stay in the KNOW in DC with so much going on.) While running an errand Monday morning and picking up someone’s left over Express on the H8, I saw an advertisement for a Young Playwright’s Theatre event at the GALA Hispanic Theatre and that magic word “free“. After a little bit of debate I convinced myself to check out the event.

The event was sponsored by YPT or Young Playwright’s Theater a non-profit organization that teaches students to express themselves clearly and creatively through the art of playwriting. According to their website, they do this via a combination of in-school, after-school, and special event’s programs.  Monday’s event was a part of a workshop series called New Writer’s Now! where students in grades 8th-12th have professional actors stage readings of their plays.  The theme was GREEN, GROWING and ORIGINAL and featured 7 short plays and poetry written by 8 very talented young superstars. The students’ pieces ranged from serious, to dramatic, to funny and explored issues that ranged from Environmental vs. Human Stability, Immigration, and public figures (like Al Gore) and their influence on how environmental issues are viewed. Afterward, the Executive Director of YPT lead a talk-back session with the young Artists, actors and the audience.

This event was very refreshing and I was pleased to see the diversity of voice & style that manifested from the student’s pieces and, likewise, the diversity of personality and expression as they each shared a bit about themselves and their motivation for writing their particularly piece.  Unsuspectingly, I left very motivated and encouraged armed with great advise from some of the world’s brightest and most imaginative….

If you’re in the DC area please check out YPT’s other events in the New Writers Now! series in 2009 (Feb 2, April 20, & June all at the GALA at 7pm and check out the other great special programs they have happening for young people & the young at heart!

After I finished, refining my Single Ladies dance skills on Saturday, I headed over to NE DC to see a preview of a friend’s upcoming show FEMA’s 1603 at an event called 12×6. 12×6, sponsored by the Artists’ Bloc provides a venue where artists from all genres are provided the opportunity to present their developing work to their fellow artists and the public for peer review. The event held at the great space that is the Atlas Performing Arts Center located on historic H-Street featured:

1. FEMA’s 1603 by Giani Clarkson

Giani (a Katrina survivor) explores the effects of Hurricane Katrina via 10 different characters. During the full production of FEMA 1603 in January, the project will be raising funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Although, I went to college was Giani and recall seeing him on and around campus, this was my first glimpse of him in action. He’s extremely talented and has natural gift for embodying and giving voice on stage to a multitude of characters. The show premiers in January 2009 at Flashpoint DC. So get your tickets today!

2. Black and Kinky Among Brown Waves by Margaux Delotte-Bennet

Black and Kinky explores a young woman’s experience living & working in India for six months. Although, still in development I know this is a piece I’ll want to see.  Aside from loving the title, I enjoy pieces that explore identity and place and one’s journey of experience coping with each.

3. The Race by John Milosich

This piece explores a young man’s thoughts and perceptions on Race and Racism. Milo’s performance will definitely be one to watch.  Although for me the topic was not, his interpretation, physical performance was imaginatively different and will definitely engage  and encourage a firestorm among those interested in the exploration of the topic of Race/Racism.

The audience watched about 10-15 minutes of each of the Pre-viewing pieces, had some quiet time for anonymous written feedback, and then, facilitated by an Artists’ Blocl rep, engaged in a lively dialogue with each Playwright/Performer. I took alot of way from this event and was able to learn from and see great talent on stage…comfortable and owning it…..what a great feeling that must be!

This was my second time visiting Atlas, the first was at a similar event sponsored by the African Continum Theater and included staged readings of up & coming plays with the feedback session from the audience…..hopefully, it won’t be my last.

This weekend, against my better judgement, I joined in with Kadriene’s Video Choreography Class to learn the dance moves to Beyonce’s new single “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”.  Yes, I did! Shocked myself. The weekend Video Choreography classes are new and were initiated to help raise money for the DC Dance Collective’s SOS (Save Our Studio) Fund.

If you’re one of the few people in the world who has yet to see the video please check it out below courtesy of YouTube:

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

Now, Imagine me busting the moves….. A brief history. Upon seeing the premier of this video. I immediately thought this looks familiar. It wasn’t until my friend MSJ and I were having a chat and he pulled up a oldie but goodie video of 3 older Caucasian women circa 1965 doing a dance choreographed by Bob Fosse.

Walking it Out Bob Fosse Style

And it hit me! I’d seen the video over a year an half ago when I was searching for video’s on how to do the ‘Walk It Out’ dance. Well the late Bob Fosse has inspired many greats and I don’t think he’s getting the credit he deserves. To see what I mean check out this video of Fosse circa 1974 performing “A Snake in the Grass”

Bob Fosse in “A Snake in the Grass” from the movie A Little Prince

hmmm…remind you of anyone?!? Totally blew my mind…but that’s another blog posting.

Back to class. Now Saturday, I was joined by a group of friends who were celebrating a birthday and decided to surprise the B’day girl with 1.5 hours of booty shaking Beyonce style. Kadriene, who by the way is an Amazing instructor (precise, thorough, and just plain great), kicked off with her usual 10-15 minute warm up and dove straight into the first steps of the choreography.  Ok, I can handle it:  make your hand heavy and sway your hips for 8 counts in an exaggerated motion. Next up: hop-step out, kick, left leg out, hands on but and shake, shake, skake-shake-shake….All good until the music came on and the tempo…well, it’s fast. Needless to say we were all looking a bit like Video Girl rejects….Some more moves and then the infamous twirl your torso and drop it down to the floor (One leg bent, the other extended) that Beyonce so elegantly performs.

I’ll spare you the details…but folks it is why I presume Bey has “A Ring On It” and I don’t.   Though, all jokes aside, besides the fact that I’m not naturally gifted in dance (only a hard worker) that class kicked my butt! Beyonce’s Choreographer, Back-up Dancers, and of course Beyonce are all in great shape and if I don’t become a famous, brilliant dancer by the end of 12to28 at the very least I’d like to be in pristine physical condition.

Admittedly, my performance in Day 2 was an inch better (let’s say I could kick at the appropriate times) and I was able to convince a friend of mind to join me.  And I had fun!  (Everybody, present had a good time!) All in all, I’m learning to put aside the embarassment of not being a great dancer immediately, trusting myself and letting it all hang out (well, at least slowly but surely).

It’s been two months and one day since 12to28 kicked off and I’ve been busy! First off, I must say that this endeavor is not easy! I mean taking a sabbatical during an economic down-turn may not have been one of my brightest ideas….Not to mention the daily stress associated with staying on task and motivated (Who knew that I’d actually dream about having employer sponsored health insurance again? sigh) but the other hiccups like the WIFI malfunctioning on my laptop (if its not one thing it’s another), and losing my cell phone and wallet (not on the same day) on the Metro!

Yet, the challenge of working my body to perform….stretching my toes, hips, back in Hula; learning my many voices….and wondering why my voice sounds so much more different than I’d anticipated….

hmmm….Yes, it’s good to finally be meeting these parts of myself. Our introductions have been long over due.

I’m still going strong in Hawaiian Hula and will share (in a separate post) my mission to LIVE ALOHA! I’ve moved on from Turkish Belly Dance….my spirit began to drift slowly away and now I’m on to researching a new groove. Any suggestions in the DC area? I have two weeks left of my Acting/Realism class and though I’m saddened by this revelation I’m excited to embrace what’s next…Maybe an audition??

You might have also noticed the change on my Journey page….don’t be alarmed the Show Will Go On!….and it’ll include a layover to enjoy the Presidential Inauguration Activities in January. And honestly, more time to budget, Fundraise, and secure a gig that pays alot of money fast! (Did I mention fundraise?!)

So, I’ve finally given in and joined the Twitter bandwagon. Admittedly, it’s been difficult for me to SIT down and blog about 12to28 (who wants to blog when I should be out dancing (maybe not well) but dancing, nonetheless, and having a blast in my theatre class?), I’ve decided that Twitter is the next best thing to keeping the updates going. So the new revolution begins. And I promise. Updates coming very soon about my days living the artistic life. Oh! And I’ve filmed my monologue on Monday, October 13th.  I have mixed feelings about it but have been bitten by the bug and have made it my mission (yes, another one in life) to keep theatre/acting an integral part of my existence. World be ready.

And so it begins! It’s a few weeks since 12to28 kicked off. I had a great day of Dance (cardio funk workout) in the morning, Work in the evening (I gotta raise some more money!) and Dinner at night with friends. You’ll notice that my Journey dates have a changed a bit. Notably, I’ll be based in Washington, DC for a few months mainly working and saving up some extra cash before I cross the seas.

Secondly, this gives me a bit of space and time to build a base (and my confidence!) This is a daunting challenge, ya’ll. So, I’m enrolled in Acting 1/Realism class at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. Which I absolutely love! (Although the class has too many people in it (25?) and I selfishly find myself impatiently waiting for my turn.) It was a tough decision as I was juggling between the Little Theatre and downtown DC’s Theatre Lab class with Deidre Starns (a Howard University drama professor and noted Thespian). Ultimately, I chose this one because of the early focus on each participant selecting, perfecting and performing a monologue which will be subsequently taped by a professional videographer and plastered on DVD. (Yes, you may look forward to my world premier in a month or so when I upload my performance on the website……)I also liked that the Lil’ Theatre was open to drop in’s on the first class to get an idea of the pace/temp. Theatre Lab, promptly said no to this request….sigh. Perhaps, next time I’ll be able to switch it up.

And then there is: Dance. I fortunately lucked up on a Work Exchange Program at the DC Dance Collective which allows me a free dance class for every 2 hours I volunteer! I’ve been volunteering so far one night a week for four hours, and my classes of choice are Hawaiian Hula and Turkish Belly Dancing. But Im getting that itch to hop in on a Tap Dancing Class…..DC Dance Collective is a small, privately owned Dance Collective with 3 studios and I enjoy the relaxed, come as you are (and Dance!) atmosphere. In fact, the Mission of DC Dance Collective reads as follows:

The Mission of DC Dance Collective is to make dance available to everyone, regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, or artistic or cultural background, and to establish a studio atmosphere in which students and instructors have artistic choices, share in the artistic process, and learn the value of artistic expression.

I love it!

I’m realizing that my goals are ambitious. They always are. While initially I thought I would be actively engaging in all 3 (Poetry, Theatre and Dance) PTD, every week, I’ve realized that in the early months of 12to28 I have to slow down and ENJOY and focus on what I can focus on without overwhelming myself. But don’t fret Poetry will be infused ever so gently in the coming weeks….I have a few things/people up my sleeve.

Finally, my internet capabilities are limited and I’m working out a routine to post a minimum of twice weekly. So thanks for being patient while I work this all out and find my groove and THANKS for joining me on this journey!

Kissing the Sphinx in Spring 2002

BEGINNINGS

Born and raised in Alabama Kesha recalls the beauty associated with growing up in the South but also the limitations. As a child she enjoyed reading, painting rocks, and exploring (albeit mostly imaginary explorations beginning and ending in her head). However, it was perhaps her fondness for reading that nurtured Kesha’s natural curiosity for learning any and everything.

“I don’t know where my passion for reading stems. Although, I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that my Great-Grandmother ,who lived in Anniston while I was growing up, would bring small gifts/treats for the grand kids when she and her sister would make their monthly doctor’s visits in Birmingham.  Along with my treat, I’d also get carefully clipped pieces of the funnies from, I assume, the Anniston Star.  My Great-Grandmother would clip them just for me and they often included puzzles/games, mind teasers, and coloring pages (of which Granny would color for me!). I would read them,  try to crack the puzzle and then place them in my scrap book. I can’t pick up a newspaper today without searching for and reading the ‘funnies’.”

…..I always have to know what’s coming next. As I read, my mind paints a picture, a movie of all the scenes, smells, people…whatever I am reading about at the time I am engrossed in it. One of my guilty pleasures was going shopping at the Alabama Thrift Store with my Grandma. Ordinarily most kids would have been super embarrassed by this. And I did have some slight embarrassment. But this particular store had a great used book section and this is where my Grandma (who could shop for hours) would allow me to hang out….in paradise reading, skimming, looking at the pictures until it was time to go.”

Not surprisingly, Kesha excelled in school and graduated with honors and numerous college scholarship opportunities. She humbly and excitedly accepted Dillard University’s offer of acceptance and began a remarkable journey of growth and exploration during her years at the small liberal arts college.

Notably, while at Dillard, Kesha was awarded the Luard Scholarship from the English Speaking Union of the United States. It is the experience of living and studying for a year in London that Kesha credits as one of her major life milestones.

“I learned so much about myself during this time away from everyone I knew and everyone who thought they knew me…..I also came to the realization that prior to traveling to London my exposure to opportunities and the dynamic possibilities of life had been limited. I hadn’t seriously thought about what I wanted my life’s mission to be…my vision was limited…..I was just on the fast tract to purposeless success.”

It was during the 6 years after London that Kesha began nurturing her life vision engaging in work, volunteer, and public service opportunities dedicated to improving access (domestic and international) to educational opportunities for African American and United States minority youth.

NOW

Kesha is on the journey to execute her life’s purpose and inspire others to live their best life. She is working on the 12to28 project, setting the stages for other business pursuits, and evaluating the educational offerings of various graduate and professional programs in Law, International Education Policy and African American studies.

She spends her days engrossed in 12to28, volunteering, writing, reading and exploring life.

FUTURE

Kesha is an author, consultant, explorer, philanthropist, activist and scholar and is contributing to the radical evolution of the Public School System in the Southern United States. In addition to her role as producer, occasional correspondent, and CEO, Kesha is the founder of a co-educational International Academy in Bessemer, Alabama. When she is not traveling, she enjoys guest lecturing at HBCU’s, volunteering, and acting in film and theater projects with progressive scripts. Kesha is a proud donor to the United Negro College Fund, Dillard University and several Alabama educational initiatives.

ALWAYS

food, life fulfullment, God’s Path, music, good people, real love, opportunity, acting, the genious of Stevie, Travel, reading, writing, daydreaming, family, shooting the breeze, newness, peace, the soul and spirit, education, art, Maya Angelou, exploration, creativity, living and experiencing, breaching the unknown, friends, rain and wind, health, the south, computers and gadgets, documentaries, PBS, southern accents, Oprah, self employment, upliftment, photography, courage and uncertainty, impact, law and policy, community involvement, Change, breaking the rules

Well, I meant to write this post yesterday on August 19th. The 12to28 kick-off is quickly approaching and have so much to do. This summer has been an phenomenal one….As I worked to make and save money for 12to28 I’ve been able to sneak in a few pre-12to28 events. Including this past weekend in NYC where I witnessed Laurence Fishburne embody Thurgood; admired the many sites and sounds of the Harlem Jazz and Music Festival; participated in an actor’s workshop taught by Mel Jackson at Hueman’s in Harlem; and sat in on an Advanced Beginner Ballet class at the infamous Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Absolutely AMAZING unplanned weekend. Actually, I’ve had plans to see Thurgood since May but the other happenings were simple acts of kindness from above. The ones that say: There are no coincidences.

You may have noticed that I’m undergoing a bit of a transformation. I hope you like the new site and the more focused, clean look. Stay tuned….there’s more to come.