Grit & Grace VIII: A Beacon in the Shadows Performance This Weekend
Kinetic Energy Alive Dance Center Celebrates 15 Years of Transformative Dance
This weekend, the Kinetic Energy Alive Dance Center marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 15th anniversary with a performance titled Grit & Grace VIII: A Light In the Dark. Scheduled for May 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and May 11 at 2 p.m., the performances will take place at the Camden Opera House. Founded by the visionary Kea Tesseyman, this event symbolizes a remarkable journey of serving the Midcoast community through the transformative power of dance.
Over the past decade and a half, Tesseyman has trained thousands of dancers, many of whom have pursued professional careers while maintaining their connections to the center. This speaks volumes about the nurturing environment fostered within the center, which has become an important hub for artistic expression in the region.
The upcoming performance will feature a diverse cast of 63 dancers, primarily teenagers, who will showcase a wide array of dance genres. Under Tesseyman’s solo direction, choreography, and instruction, the program will encompass styles such as contemporary modern, jazz, hip-hop, classical ballet, and even Broadway jazz. The dancers will don simple yet expressive fabrics, emphasizing the art form’s connection to raw emotion and creative storytelling.
Kea Tesseyman’s own journey into dance began at age 16. By 18, she transitioned from a student to an educator, demonstrating an early commitment to sharing her passion. In 2010, she founded the KEA Dance Center, embarking on a mission to bring dance to the Midcoast and beyond. Her personal experiences with childhood challenges and mental health struggles deeply inform her understanding of the art form’s capacity to inspire resilience and self-acceptance.
Tesseyman emphasizes that dance can serve as a powerful medium for self-exploration and emotional health, allowing individuals to confront fears and build confidence. “Dance pierces the veil to the soul which words cannot penetrate,” she states. Her studio is a sanctuary where young dancers are encouraged to embrace their vulnerabilities as strengths.
Central to Tesseyman’s philosophy is the “Kea Method,” which prioritizes the well-being of each dancer. This approach encompasses five foundational pillars and incorporates a six-question integrity test designed to foster a healthy mindset and emotional balance. It reinforces the importance of cultivating a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to explore their individual identities through dance.
Kea’s vision extends beyond her local community; she aims to take the principles of Kinetic Energy Alive to schools and studios nationwide. Through this endeavor, she hopes to disseminate her philosophy and make wellness through dance accessible to all.
As the Kinetic Energy Alive Dance Center embarks on this celebratory weekend, it stands not only as a testament to Tesseyman’s dedication but also as a beacon of hope and transformation for aspiring dancers in the Midcoast community and beyond.
Author’s note: Mimi Edmunds resides in Camden.
