Performance Activism
A Living Dream
Carla Neilsen
Western Washington University Winter 2008
Technology has quickly altered the way people view and obtain messages. Apathy is an unfortunate side effect in this “information age” and has become common and comfortable for many people.
Our culture is becoming visually inclined and when it comes to spreading a message or concept, an image can be more powerful than text. I propose a new way of sending messages; a way which will allow full ingestion, and to not be passed over like so many other avenues of information.
Performance activism combines theater, dance, and advocacy for the purpose of furthering social and political change. My goal is to not only entertain an audience but to influence, expand, and educate people on important issues. I am highly passionate about nonviolence, and I know the time is NOW for the end of war and the "industry of defense". As a species we have huge potential to rise above concepts like hate, greed, war, and violence. The evolution of consciousness is taking us to higher places, dont be afraid to live your dreams.
The fusion of communication through performance arts has been a goal of mine ever since I started performing and taking classes in college. Through my theater and dance classes I have gained confidence, stage presence, and knowledge of costume design. My Fairhaven and communication classes have helped me realize my ideals and goals and helped me to communicate in a clear, effective, and persuasive manner.
This breakthrough area will help to dispel apathy and despair in our turbulent world. My education continues to help me bring this dream to life and I hope that someday everyone can have the opportunity for freedom of expression and growth I have had.
As a child Carla was deeply inspired by fantasy and sci-fi movies and literature. Later, when she was introduced to the rave scene, electronic music became her source and motivation for moving in creative ways. When she started combining contact juggling and belly dancing, she found a natural union which became her unique style. In 2006 she joined The Infinite Carnival Allure and has been performing and choreographing contact juggling, belly dancing, and fire dancing since. Burningman and the Rainbow gatherings continue to inspire and activate her. She is a Myspace promoter for Boogie Universal a local arts collective which seeks to build community while showcasing music, performance arts, art installations, and badass parties. Her future projects involve intensifying contact juggling shows by adding UV bubbles, fog machines, laser lights, waterfalls, and performing in fuzzy cages suspended above crowds, as well as building LED lighted costumes. She welcomes collaborations with audio and visual artists as well as people interested in activating peace through nonviolent solutions. Her skills include contact juggling, belly dance, fire dance (poi, fire fingers, palm torches), unicycling, costume design, promotions.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY:
February 7th 2008 Beats without Borders Presents David Starfire The Red Room, Vancouver BC
Contact juggling fusion.
December 16th 2007 The Glitch Mob (edIT and Boreta) and Buddhaful Fashions Neumos, Seattle, WA
Contact juggling, Go-go dancing, modeling on stage.
July 2007 Lets Dance Music Video Seattle, WA
Contact juggling and hip hop dancing.
August 10th 2007 The Summer Meltdown Whitehouse Mtn Amphitheatre Darrington, WA
Contact juggling fusion with belly dancing.
June 11th 2007 Arte del Cuerpo Body Art Expo and Fundraiser for the Dream Science Circus The Nightlight Lounge, Bellingham WA
“The Mermaid” body paint modeling and contact juggling.
May 26th 2007 Industrial Dance A Go-Go The Nightlight Lounge, Bellingham WA
“Madame J’s House of Hotness” contact juggling and shadow screen dancing.
February 16th 2007 Arcane Films Circus Fundraiser Studio Seven, Seattle WA
“Le Seraphim Divine” fire dancing and acrobalancing, “Illuminata” contact juggling duo.
September 30th 2006 Belly Dance Dinner Show The India Grill, Bellingham WA
Solo belly dance and contact juggling.
September 2nd 2006 Burning Man Festival Black Rock City NV
“The Infinite Carnival Allure” Fire Conclave.
August 12th 2006 The Summer Meltdown Whitehouse Mtn Amphitheatre Darrington WA
“The Infinite Carnival Allure” fire show and solo belly dance and contact juggling.
March 7th 2006 Fat Tuesday The Wild Buffalo, Bellingham WA
“The Infinite Carnival Allure” with Flow Motion, solo contact juggling.
January 9th 2006 Animal Kingdom The Majestic, Bellingham WA
“The Infinite Carnival Allure” contact juggling and dancing.