Meet Kelly K Stalnaker | Dancer & Choreographer | Coach | HUMAN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly K Stalnaker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly K, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
This is such a beautiful question. The first that comes to my heart is, authenticity. Authenticity is our lifeblood. And it doesn’t care about outcome. It isn’t attached to the result. It’s stripped. It IS. And it frees us from bondage.

THAT is the value or principle that matters to me most. In myself and in others.

Because words are so important to me, I tend to research the original definitions of them to get a sense of what they Actually mean.

Authenticity is the quality of being genuine, real, and true. But even more significantly, the quality of being true to oneself and ensuring our actions remain in alignment with our purported values and principles. That last part of the definition hits me hard– do our actions Always align with what we say is most important to us? We ALL face inauthenticity at times, but it becomes a principle we can return to and evaluate ourselves based on.

Primarily, I dance and choreograph. If I claim that I love this free expression, but I don’t go full out during a routine because it’s hard or if I hold back because I’m afraid to look dumb or begin to hide myself out of fear, I am not being authentic. When I am hosting a workshop for other dancers, I base so much of the class around these same principles to encourage others to let go and be seen– to fully immerse ourselves in the expression of movement.

I am also a friend and a human. If I claim to be someone of good character who doesn’t speak ill of others, and I catch myself judging or gossiping (even if it’s just to myself in my thoughts), I am not being authentic.

And because authenticity is about the connection between our values and our actions, the value of authenticity also forces me to identify and lay out my values. If I don’t know my values and principles, then I can’t be sure I’m being authentic. And look, this is hard for me! Sometimes I don’t know the best way to express myself to another person, and I have a tough time knowing the balance between authenticity and tactful communication. It isn’t always easy, but it’s something I’m working on too just like everyone else. When we act or feel out of alignment with our values, it doesn’t mean we are any less valuable or loveable in those moments. It just shows us areas where we can grow.

That’s where the real magic happens. When we can come together as genuine, real people and inspire each other to settle firmly into our principles and stand boldly in alignment with ourselves.

I could go on and on about this, but a value of mine is also speaking less and listening more, so I’ll pause there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Thank you for asking about my art! I dance and choreograph! And I also coach women to get into their bodies too and embody their purest essence and confidence.

Watching dance can inspire us to feel more empowered, dancing can move us to express and emote in ways we didn’t know we needed, and creating dances can stir creativity in us in ways we never knew possible. Something I always say is that we are meant to move and to be moved– physically, spiritually, emotionally. Submitting to dance does all of that.

As a side note, other artists may feel this too, but it’s tough to tell about my art. I want to show you! I want to experience it with you! Art to me is not to be defined or discussed but rather to be felt. That being said, since I can’t stop and feel this with you right now, I totally understand and appreciate the question. I’d love if you checked out my instagram @kkstal or my website kellyk.love to see more!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a spontaneous kind of girl, so I likely wouldn’t have a plan but I Love when someone else has one so long as I trust them ;).

Of course I would say they should visit some dance studios in the area! Miami is an art hub, so I would definitely head to Wynwood Walls to see murals and graffiti art. From there, I’m sure they’d want to see South Beach.

Walking around Brickell gives a great Miami vibe, and there is this cute cafe I have been wanting to try called, i think she is. If there is one thing your girl loves, it’s cute cafes and espresso. I’m not much of a night-life lover, so I would defer to everyone else to say where we should go out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God. I wholeheartedly believe. Glory to God always. All of my gifts are from God. I also have an incredible support system with amazing friends. Some of the people I dance with have helped teach me what love is, what love looks like, and what love feels like. Some of the people I have met through artistic collaborations have shown me this too and have become some of my closest friends. Other friends have been around for longer and have stood by me and encouraged my evolution, inspiring me along the way. I also have to shout y’all out for giving me an opportunity to share a bit of my life here!

Website: https://kellyk.love

Instagram: kkstal

Image Credits
[gold feature photo, Jerome Rivas, Gouda LLC]