Meet Karley Wasaff

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karley Wasaff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karley below.

Karley, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout is something I constantly navigate, especially living and working in the fast-paced environment of NYC. I don’t think I’ve fully “overcome” it, but I’ve learned ways to manage it. One of the most important strategies has been reconnecting with my practice, which I explore in my mini artist talk series. Practice, for me, isn’t just about staying in physical shape—it’s about creating space for myself to breathe, reflect, and ground myself through movement. When I focus on the process instead of the outcome, it becomes a way to replenish my energy, rather than deplete it. I also make it a priority to step away when needed, whether that’s a day in nature with my service dog or taking time to be by the water. I’ve realized that burnout isn’t something that just goes away—it’s a constant balancing act, and practice keeps me in tune with what I need to stay creative and energized.

For more insights on my approach to practice and staying grounded, you can check out my mini artist talk series on Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/[your-showcase-link]. To stay updated on my latest projects, subscribe to my email list here: eepurl.com/iCTMsQ, and join my broadcast channel at https://ig.me/j/AbZWHEnT8yPKA0H6/ for real-time updates and discussions.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m beyond excited for BoneDaddy’s Bacchanal on October 24th! This one-night-only immersive cabaret is going to be wild—combining queer nightlife, political satire, and bold dance performances in a way that challenges the boundaries of what performance can be. It’s not just a show—it’s an experience where the audience gets to choose their own path. I’ve poured so much of myself into this production, pulling from all the pop culture influences that light me up—think iconic queer nightlife moments with a dark, satirical twist. You can grab tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/bonedaddys-bacchanal-tickets-1020714112387, and follow us on Instagram @bonedaddysbacchanal. And for Bold Journey readers, I’m offering a special discount—use the code KWK10 for $10 off any ticket tier!

Now, a bit more about me—I’m Karley Wasaff, a non-binary movement artist, creative director, and educator based in NYC. My work is all about using movement to heal, connect, and push boundaries. I founded my nonprofit, Kinetics with Karley, to provide accessible training for queer and BIPOC performers because I believe everyone deserves a space to explore and express themselves through movement.

I love playing with different styles—heels, contemporary, gogo dancing, stilt walking. Each one brings a unique energy, and I use them all to tell stories that go deeper than just the movement. My piece XwhY—which exists as both a dance film and a live performance—dives into themes of trauma and healing, and it’s been an incredible journey sharing it in galleries and festivals.

In addition to my artistic work, I’m a Master Fitness Professional, teaching 5 classes a week at GrindHouse, where I focus on helping dancers build strength and longevity in their careers. My approach emphasizes injury prevention and functional movement to support sustainable performance careers.

I also run pop-up classes that bring together community and creativity. My next Heels Hustle class on October 13th is going to be a fun, empowering space to explore movement, and I’m always looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

For updates on my work, join my broadcast channel: https://ig.me/j/AbZWHEnT8yPKA0H6/ or sign up for my email list: eepurl.com/iCTMsQ

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?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been fluidity, vulnerability, and creating immersive experiences.

Fluidity has been a cornerstone of both my personal and artistic life. As a nonbinary person, fluidity is part of how I move through the world—constantly shifting, evolving, and embracing the in-between spaces. My work XwhY deeply reflects this, as it explores gender fluidity and the breaking down of traditional boundaries. This same fluidity translates into my daily practice, allowing me to adapt and grow through movement and identity. For those starting their journey, I’d encourage embracing change—not just artistically, but in how you navigate life. Flexibility and openness to transformation allow for deeper exploration in both art and self.

Vulnerability has been essential in how I approach my personal rituals and practice. Self-vulnerability and kindness are what help keep my work honest in the face of societal and monetary pressures. I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t just something I bring to the stage—it’s something that grounds me daily. By being kind and vulnerable with myself, I resist the external pressures to conform and maintain the integrity of my artistic voice. For anyone starting out, I recommend building personal rituals that invite vulnerability—you’ll find that your work becomes more honest and aligned with who you truly are.

Immersive thinking has shaped how I approach both choreography and performance. My slogan, “shape change through movement,” reflects my goal of not just creating a dance that everyone loved, but a dance that stirs critical conversations long after the performance ends. I want my work to spark discourse, to challenge and impact people in ways that promote growth and change, whether it’s around the dinner table or in broader societal discussions. The immersive nature of my work aims to push beyond the boundaries of performance, leaving an imprint that keeps evolving in the minds of those who engage with it.

For anyone at the beginning of their journey, embracing these qualities—being fluid, vulnerable, and thinking immersively—can open up new ways of growing your work and connecting with others.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with others! I’m particularly interested in working with galleries, venues, producers, and presenters who are looking to push boundaries through innovative and immersive performance art. In addition to my dance film XwhY and immersive cabaret BoneDaddy’s Bacchanal, I’m currently developing an immersive version of XwhY, combining live performance and augmented reality to explore themes of gender fluidity, trauma, and healing. I’m also working on Growing Takes Time, a project inspired by the game Pikmin that blends movement techniques with the game’s themes of overcoming obstacles. The dancers, in Pikmin-inspired costumes, navigate the slow, often conflict-filled process of growth, mirroring the struggles and challenges of self and community transformation.

Beyond my artistic work, I’m available for one-to-one fitness clients. As a multi-disciplinary fitness coach, I specialize in cultivating a pain-free lifestyle through foundational and corrective exercises. My approach focuses on recovery, mobility, joint rehabilitation, yoga, Pilates, somatics, and strength and conditioning. I design programs to enrich my clients’ lives beyond physical appearance, aiming to build body awareness, promote longevity, and prioritize quality over quantity.

Additionally, I’m available for hire as a performer, bringing my unique blend of movement styles and storytelling to new projects. If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, hire me as a performer, or if you’re interested in one-on-one fitness sessions, I’d love to hear from you! You can email me at kineticswithkarley@gmail.com, and I’ll send over my artist kit. It includes works that are ready for immediate presentation, current project proposals seeking funding, and exclusive access to my work library.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

photo credits:
Austin Ruffer
Elyse Mertz
Bryan Clavel
Alan Ross
John Christou
Osmany Cabrera

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