San Francisco: Meet Your Teacher Mel Katz
It’s been a long time coming, and we’ve finally found the perfect person to kick off weekly Dance Church classes in San Francisco! Seriously, we’ve been working towards this moment for years (no joke). So, with a drum roll as thunderous and sustained as your call for regular classes in the Bay, let us introduce Mel Katz (they/them). Mel is a multifaceted artist and human, making their way through this world with a wry sense of humor (their teacher bio does not fail to remind us that they “love pina coladas, and…”). They practice art and life through freelance dance and choreography gigs, curating, art framing, art and set design (we love a dancer who knows how to pack a tool belt), working as a handyperson, and hosting/collaborating on art events. They told us all about their life in the Bay, their exciting plans for Dance Church SF.
Gotta start with the weird fun facts: what is the strangest handiperson job you’ve ever worked on?
Mel: In the past, I’ve worked on some strange projects. Once I had to build a set for a post-apocalyptic Measure of Measure that was essentially a deserted church filled with trap doors and tunnels. Think Shakespeare meets Mad Max- it was hilarious and a lot of fun to build. That’s what I love about being creative - getting to bring a vision to life!
Hilarity, imagination, creativity: these things feel super relevant to dance art, too. What do you love most about dance and movement?
M: I believe that dancing is a state of euphoria and liberation that is embedded into our DNA. I personally feel the most alive when I’m sweating, feeling my heart rate racing and my blood pumping. I dance to empower myself and connect with others, I dance to celebrate and to heal.
Lol, sounds like you and Dance Church are a match made in heaven!
M: Discovering the Dance Church community was one of the best things that ever happened to me.I started going to Dance Church in Seattle in 2018. When I first went I saw so many people I knew from school, teachers and students. Everyone I thought was cool was at Dance Church Sunday mornings. I loved how energized and held I always felt after class and the community I started to build around class was so precious. I’m hoping to bring that same energy to SF and bring back some of that sacredness I felt in the very beginning.
Where else are you finding joy and aliveness in dance these days?
M: My current obsession is country western line dancing! Right now I’m dancing with Stud Country a queer country western community. This community has been one way that I contribute to building a queer community while honoring a legacy of non-normative dance.
We also definitely operate on the base notion that dance is more than movement; it’s fun, it’s identity, it’s expression, and most importantly: it’s community.
M: As a queer person, community feels integral to building internal resilience. I am incredibly grateful that I started line dancing with Stud Country over a year ago, as it’s connected me with hundreds of other dancers (especially queer ones) and brought a weekly burst of joy.
Do you feel like there’s a place for a similar kind of space for joy and connection in Dance Church SF?
M: For me, dance has always been a liberating practice. When I'm surrounded by other dancers I feel free to express myself authentically and I get an overwhelming sense of euphoria. My queer identity shines whenever I’m dancing. The joy of teaching is being able to share that experience with every body in the space.
We’re in love with you already. Give us one more reason to fall head over heels… Share a track that you’re obsessed with right now?
M: Baddy On the Floor - Jamie xx + Honey Dijon
Yep: obsessed. When can we start dancing with you?
M: I’m still confirming a schedule, but stay tuned for November 😉