We want to share some insight on what makes a Space Babe, for Contact Winter Music Festival. We interviewed all 8 performers, and will be updating this post every couple of days.
Last but definitely not least, the one and only Karie
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
K. There is not one thing I don't like about it. I get to feel like a combo of Kitana and Zoolander with Tron accents for TWO WHOLE DAYS! Also Jessica and the whole crew are so talented and supportive of eachother. Kindest people you'll ever meet, I'm so humbled to even be in their presence.
Why do you love to dance and perform?
K. I'm literally getting paid to have the greatest time, all the time. It's ridiculous that I'm even allowed to do this. Did I die in 2015 and this is just a simulation? Maybe.
What is the hardest part of being a performer?
K. Trying to not sweat like a hog is up there. Trying to not tear fishnets with my claws is probably my number one qualm. Also shout out to the ladies with curly locks that can't maintain smooth, straight gogo hair!
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer?
K. It's the best thing I've ever done with my life, you'd hate it.
Seriously though, if you've ever dreamed of doing this - you can. Reach for the stars! I believe in you.
What is some advice you have for anyone new getting into the industry?
K. Maintain a highly cardiovascular workout regime so you're not gassed halfway through the set. Shyness and embarrassment is just a state of mind also...picture everyone naked.
Next up we have the beautiful JJ. She is one of our favorite people, and dancers.
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
I've always loved a space theme. Sharp Futuristic costumes combined with the right amount of LED lights make it easy to get Into character. This is also one of the biggest festivals of the year in Vancouver and I am really looking forward to the show, the energy and dancing alongside my fellow space babes!
Why do you love to dance and perform?
Dancing is freedom, performing is an empowering creative outlet for me.
What is the hardest part of being a performer?
I think it's difficult for performers especially in smaller cities simply because there is limited work, limited creativity in nightlife venues, smaller budgets to create the wonderful costumes you see and to pay the talent accordingly.
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer?
We do not do it for the money but for our love of creative expression. I may not have looked at it like that when I first started performing however through the years I have realized how therapeutic it has been for me. When performing you are so mentally physically and emotionally connected and locked into your movements and how you feel. Each song, every new beat presents a new feeling or emotion that you respond to in the moment with movement, it can often be difficult for me to find moments like that in everyday life where I am as completely and totally present and in the moment.
What is some advice you have for anyone new getting into the industry?
I would say do your research to know what is expected of you and be realistic. You have to exude confidence on stage and when you move it should be a fine line between sexy, elegant and graceful, we are not shuffling and grinding over here. There is a no drug tolerance, it is unacceptable to be sloppy. You should be mentally and emotionally prepared for critiques and understand you can make some money but it's not about the money (especially in smaller cities as there is much less work and much smaller budgets). You need to be physically prepared as
our bodies are our instruments and you need to be healthy for endurance purposes and aesthetically look the part.
Smile! Its contagious!
Interview #5 belongs to the every so wonderful, longest running member of VanCity Talent, Halie!
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
H. The cast of dancers is rad, and we have an amazing team. It transcends being a 2-day job; it's a spaceship camping trip with the best music, all your friends, and some of the coolest performance sets I've ever had. Why do you love to dance and perform?
H. I love the magic of performing live, for all of the perfect moments, mistakes, improvisations. Live performance is always slightly imperfect, and in spite of that imperfection, that's what makes it so special! What is the hardest part of being a performer?
H. Forgiving yourself for imperfection. Looking back at a performance through a phone screen or a what-if frame of mind, it's easy to be critical! It's hard to remember the presence you had in that moment is what matters What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer? H. THAT IM BROKE AND TIRED (just kidding but only as far as the 'gram is concerned) I wish everyone knew how many hours and years go into training and performing, and how no matter your skill level, you can always train and improve more What is some advice you have for anyone new getting into the industry?
H. Be willing to learn, and go to dance class! Always ask for feedback, and try your best not to let ego get in your way. There's always room to improve!
Interview # 4 belongs to the incredible Amanda Leigh. This is her second year with us, and we love having her!
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
A. My favourite part about being one of this amazing team, is the unique gratitude we all share for this craft and music. We’ve come together under one roof to perform because we love the energy of the crowd, and the ability to feel something under the electric stars we call Contact. Jessica’s passion for costumes and love for entertainment brings out an excitement and zest in all her dancers - this radiates among our crew and we become a powerful unite that truly magnifies the experience of the entire audience. I love that I become a better artist when I secure those wings and light up the LED.
Why do you love to dance and perform?
A. Every since I was a little girl my greatest escape was stepping foot on the stage and seeing the bright lights. It gave me a sense of power to know that all my fears, doubts, and worry’s couldn’t touch me on that wooden sky. The curtains opened and I suddenly was invincible. It wasn’t until I became a teenager that I was able to transform those insecurities into a channel for sharing my story and helping others forget their pain too. I became moving my audiences with each showcase in a different way, that in turn healed myself. Being an artist is always about your message, and I am proud that I’ve been able to create a legacy for turning pages. Whether it’s a high energy show, or a introspective piece - I tap into the gift of just writing with my soul in movement.
What is the hardest part of being a performer?
A. Many would probably say the rejection, I think it’s the time away from home. Being on tour is hard on your body. You mentally will challenge yourself, and physically will train. Not having your family, being single (for the most part) or having long distance relations takes its toll. Sleeping in a new bed, having your sleep schedule, food routines and missing comforts all can be exciting but in the end exhausting. I am so grateful to be able to travel and do what I love, but I will always cherish those first hugs home at the airport.
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer?
A. Don’t ever let someone tell you to change your looks or body. Technical dancers are built a certain way, but there is an unspoken word about the difference between a dancer and a performer and it’s your soul. The talent you have inside your heart as an artist will ALWAYS book you the right roles. Stay healthy, keep training but NEVER change what you were born with to fit someone’s idea of perfection.
What is some advice you have for anyone new getting into the industry?
A. My biggest advice is to always try something new. Whether this is a genre of dance, a type of music to perfect your freestyle, an audition, a trick, a prop.. challenge yourself to break outside of your comforts. Being well rounded is great for the resume and your confidence. You don’t have to master this new craft but having knowledge on how your body can adapt is the key to opening endless possibilities.
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
B. Being a contact space babe for the second year is a dream. I love being apart of this cosmic experience that brings people out of this world. Seeing the smiles on the people's faces as we emerge is heartwarming and inspiring.
Why do you love to dance and perform?
B. Dancing is an amazing creative outlet to let yourself be free and be in tune with yourself. To perform and share the joy I have with the audience makes me so darn happy.
What is the hardest part of being a performer?
B. Against all odds the show must go on with a genuine smile and high spirits.
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer?
B. How much we all work our butts off on and off stage.
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer, and what advice would you give to newbies?
B. Just do it, it can be hard work but it always pays off. Practice and grind your craft
Oh Marilú, how we love you! Marilú has been a space babe for 4 years, and we can't imagine the festival without her! With her extensive background in dance, she has some great words of wisdom.
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
As a contact space babe I feel like I’m another character from another world, and I love to play with that concept when I’m dancing.
Why do you love to dance and perform?
Dancing It's being my lifestyle for almost 20 years and is my best way to connect and express myself. Dancing is freedom, and performing in big stages is where can I be my best. I love performing for big audiences because I feel that I can share more good energy AND I feel EMPOWERED.
What is the hardest part of being a performer?
I believe that we need to be stubborn and have a strong heart and mind to keep up as a performer, sometimes this career is really hard to maintain for financial and emotional stability, and as you grow older, your body changes and you need to recreate your art and yourself to keep up with your artistic creative needs. Our body’s are our only art instrument so if you get injured you can’t perform and is very normal to get depressed. Also the support of your people ( family - friends) is very important to keep being strong and healthy in this industry.
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer, and what advice would you give to newbies?
To be a dancer you need discipline, self love and A BIG PURPOSE. You need to have very clear your "why" . Why do I dance? why is so important for me being an artist? Being an artist i'ts being a blessing for me in all this years because led me to know much better myself and find the freedom that I was looking for. I do Dance To EXPRESS not for money. And this statement sometimes is hard to remember when we do our art as a form of living and we don't get valued enough
Jazmin is one of the newest to the crew. We love the natural energy she brings to the stage, and we can't wait to see what she brings this year.
What do you like about being a Contact Space Babe?
J: What don't I like!? I've only been doing gogo for about 2 years now and I assumed it'd take me a while to get to the point where I could qualify or pass auditions for festivals and bigger shows, but instead I was graciously accepted last minute to work Contact and it was one of the better things that's happened to me. One thing I love is the atmosphere we create and the interaction with the crowd as gogo's and Contact is the best and biggest festival we have here in Vancouver, making for a massive crowd to entertain! Being a part of making the magic and having fun doing it are what I like about being a Space Babe.
Why do you love to dance and perform? J: I think I get a lot of it from my mom, I'm not a classically trained or even trained at all dancer. A while back I got into the Kpop music scene and one popular thing to do is copy the choreography to the songs so I thought why not give it a go? I really hardcore sucked at first but I persevered and even made it onto a Korean tv show for making it to the semi finals of a dance contest. My mom loved to go out dancing at The Comfort Zone in Toronto (I'm from Ontario) and I was raised on dance music so Ive always been a dancer but just at home. As for the performance aspect, that actually surprised me! I'm an introvert who grew up bullied about my appearance and I also identify as Asexual so dressing in the costumes and dancing in front of big crowds seemed like something I'd never do, but I love dancing for people! There's something about how comfortable I am dancing that I don't get scared or have anxiety while performing.
What is the hardest part of being a performer?
J: For me I'd say makeup, honestly. I never wore heavy makeup with full face and contouring and brows etc etc before I started gogo, and I don't wear makeup during the week either. Its been 2 years and I'm still learning!
What is something you wish everyone knew about being a dancer and performer?
J: I wish that more people like me who aren't necessarily trained in dancing or in whatever field they're interested in can see people like me and figure out that you can! Just hard work and practice! Learn!
What is some advice you have for anyone new getting into the industry? J: Network with everyone! Be friendly and courteous to staff and management at the places you work, clean up after yourself, leave a good first impression! Take some classes specifically for gogo style like a heels class and/or watch gogo videos on Instagram, Youtube etc Last but not least buy a crap ton of basic g-strings and bras in lots of colours (ESPECIALLY NUDE!!) and invest in a good pair of black thigh high boots and nude Capezio fishnets so you're prepared
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