BWW Blog: Kathryn Mowat Murphy - Blogging with Kat

So, welcome to my blog. I should begin with a little about myself. First of all, personality wise, I can be a bit too honest, or blunt, as some people have told me. I speak my mind, what you see is what you get; you either love me or hate me. I am an egg, all hard on the outside but can be all gooey on the inside. I am loyal to the end and will stand up for you when you can't. I can forgive anything except cruelty to animals. Long story, seemingly endless, I am a dancer-singer-actor who has had the pleasure, and sometimes displeasure, of working with some amazing shows on Broadway, on tour, and in a hole in the wall downtown with no coffee pot. All of them are a learning experience; some I still shake my head about.

I was a late starter, as I had a crazy and dramatic upbringing. Circumstances of life had me surviving, rather than being able to choose a career at the appropriate age. (When is that by the way???)

So at the age of 23, I decided to be a dancer. I will give you the cliff notes version. Starting in 1985 I had three years of dance training in New Zealand, 9 hours a day, and six days a week. I came to New York in 1988, not at all successful and ran back to New Zealand, fat and broken. I returned to New York 1992, refreshed, stronger, and determined to perform. Finally, I was snatched up a national equity tour of Chicago, then a Broadway spot with Fosse. I have worked steadily since then; not show to show like some gypsies, but enough to make me experienced and thankful. That's all I will say about myself. Google my name if you want to know more.

Now on to the topic of today. I am now choreographing. This is my first attempt at bringing a piece from nothing to something. It's a scary endeavor. One night I had one too many chardonnays, and I applied to an organization to be selected as a choreographer. To my surprise, and slight horror, I was selected. Now what? Get to work, that's what.

So I chose some music dancers - five men, one understudy and me. Got a studio and began.

Underneath all our insecurities and doubts, we can do anything. True!! I shy away from the people who say they are in complete control; guess what- they're not. The people who inspire me are the ones who are afraid, but do it anyway. They are the ones who know what they are doing. Why, because they are listening to their instincts!

Over the next few weeks I will give you an inside look into my "I don't know what I'm doing world," and you will take this ride with me. Hang on, because even with the smallest budgeted shows there is always drama. Not 'Dance Moms 'drama, but still drama.

My promise to you for my blog: I will be honest. I will not mention names, but I will tell you of the situations, dilemmas, inspirations and hurts I experience as a performer, slash choreographer, slash teacher. By the way, did I mention that I will be 50 in August? That fact probably just cost me a few jobs. Oh well, it is what it is.

Stay tuned.

Double Trouble

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