KAYLA TOME

Kayla is an international dance artist, movement educator, performer and community practitioner currently living and working in Sydney. She began her dance journey at 3 years of age and has since dedicated her life to teaching, training, making and performing internationally.

Born in Africa with a desire to travel, she has since lived and worked between Australia, Europe, the UK and Latin America. Living amongst these cultures has allowed her to study and train in a wide range of movement styles as well as become involved in diverse collaborations and arts projects which have all driven and informed her current practice.

With a background in education, Kayla has had the privilege of teaching and working with children, young people and adults across the world with varying abilities and from diverse cultural backgrounds. Kayla’s work is driven by her understanding of how movement can positively impact, empower and connect individuals and the wider community.

Kayla has worked within a wide range of arts and education organisations, schools, community groups, charities,dance companies and alongside fellow artists choreographing, teaching and making work.

She has graduated from UNSW with a Bachelors Degree in Dance/Theatre and Education and also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Community Dance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. Kayla is currently studying a Diploma in Yoga Teaching with the Internatioal Yoga Teachers Association

OUR INTERVIEW WITH KAYLA:

Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do because dance makes me feel alive! It is through dance that I am closest to my true nature, it is how I continue to learn, experience and develop a greater understanding about my whole self, my inner world and the world around me. I dance to belong and to be a part of something bigger. I teach because I hope to inspire and hold space for others to access this same inner freedom and creativity that dance provides for me.

What message/intention do you want to leave in our world?

I am personally and professionally driven by cultural activism and individual and collective empowerment. I believe that all people no matter their age, gender, ability or background should have the opportunity to experience the power and magic of dance and movement. It is my mission to share this beautiful art form with others to help create happier, healthier individuals and communities. Through my art I hope to inspire people to experience the world with empathy and compassion and to look at things more carefully and delicately, to soften, to slow down and to discover extraordinary beauty in unexpected and unfamiliar places within themselves and the world around them.

What modalities do you express yourself with?

I work primarily with movement but I am also interested in interdisciplinary arts in particular working with sound, drawing, photography and film alongside movement. I am particularly interested in somatic movement – body/mind integration and finding one’s authentic expression through dance. I work as a solo artist, collaborative artist and as a community artist.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere! I find inspiration in nature, people, the world around me and the world inside of me. I find inspiration in seeing past the obvious and beyond the distractions. To see beauty in the subtle, unusual and unexpected. I am also forever inspired by my students – of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, who teach me something new every time I have the privilege of working with them.

What experience do you have with the arts? eg art classes, hobbies and interests?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance/Theatre and Education from the University of New South Wales. I also hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Community Dance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK. I have worked within a wide range of arts and education organisations, schools, community groups, dance companies and alongside fellow artists choreographing, performing, teaching and making work both in Australia and internationally.

KAYLA’S PHILOSOPHY

“I believe that all children should be given the freedom and opportunity to access the world of creativity that lies within them. Children can come to understand themselves, others and the world around them through the practice of creative learning. I aim to provide a safe and nurturing space where children can channel and explore their self-expression and imagination. Through my teaching I aim to promote inner freedom and inspire creativity. The creative and collaborative process allows children to develop fundamental life skills and gives them the confidence to carry these into the rest of their lives becoming well rounded, happier, healthier individuals, consequently creating more cohesive communities.”