We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katherine Krause a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katherine, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My mom has always been my biggest role model, and I gained a lot from her work ethic. Even as a child, my ethos was “Complete your work first, and relax later”. So for any project for cosplaying or even dance, I practice or update the item I need first before sitting or lying down.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In the previous year, I focused a lot on cosplay and that was my primary drive for many years. In 2021 – present, a friend introduced me to the wonderful world of Renaissance Faires. Starting as a patron in 2021; in 2022, I joined the Jewel Faeries as “Ruby” where I was a performer that interacted with all guests. I loved interacting with little kids to see their faces brighten when we told them stories about being a faerie, especially when they got a “magic wishing stone” and/or “faerie dust”. During that time I observed the belly dance troupe, Lotus Shambhala, perform and I thought to myself how beautiful the art of belly dancing is. For many years, I wanted to learn to dance, and luck had it that a fellow faerie knew the director of the troupe!
In 2023, I officially started my belly dance journey learning basics, technique, and new choreography. I learned how to dance with a group, alone, and with some props! Additionally, I learned how to play the Egyptian Darkbouka drum to play Middle Eastern Rhythms for the troupe as we played both live and track music. My goal now is to continue improving my dance, learn how to play finger cymbals (or zills), as well as learn how to dance with a sword. Ultimately, I’d love to be able to perform at different venues and spread the beautiful art of Belly Dance, or Oriental Dance as it is sometimes referred to. I still cosplay and perform at comic cons, which will continue in 2024!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For those who wish to embark on journeys in cosplay or even belly dancing – I always suggest learning about what you would like to get into. For belly dance, I researched basic movements to attempt on my own before I officially started classes. This gave me a solid base from which my teacher could help me clean up. If you have former dance experience such as ballet or jazz, many of the techniques you learned will help you in learning belly dance.
For cosplay, know that there is no wrong way to cosplay! From closet cosplay (gathering items you already own to assemble a costume), making it on your own via sewing, and foam crafting; to commissioning or purchasing a pre-made outfit – all of this is cosplay. I always say to go with characters you identify/see yourself as to help connect. This is super helpful when you are being a performer for a show, masquerade, or even just LARPing with others.
You will need to prepare for lots of stretching (a must to avoid any injury when dancing), a good water bottle, and bring any props your instructor may require you to have. This could be finger cymbals, fans, fan veils, veils, etc. My tenacity for constantly improving myself has shown from when I first started, to my first ever performance at Camelot Days, to now.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My belly dance instructor, Alina Yllanes, has been a wealth of knowledge and so encouraging on my dance journey. She has helped me learn the bare bones of what it takes to belly dance from muscle isolations, arm and hand positioning, learning musicality, and so much more. I always listen to her feedback when she observes us during class and rehearsal, as I take it as a point to continue improving. She says whether you are a beginner or master dancer, we all have areas to improve and grow on. She has been dancing for over 20+ years, and I’m so grateful for her mentorship!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailor_kit_kat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailorkitkatfl
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/tripl3threatkosplay – I am a co-founder and “Elder Threat” with Triple Threat Kosplay. We are a cosplay group focused on education, networking, and performances. We are primarily found in South Florida and Southwest Florida.
https://www.instagram.com/lotusmusicandmovement/ – Instagram of Lotus Shambhala (Music and Movement). One of South Florida’s longest-running Folkloric/Tribal Belly Dance troupes.
Image Credits
Gizmo Xpressions, ThatOnePhotography, Fantasy_Focus_Photography
