Dance

In 2022, I began traveling to Southern Italy in search of all I could find related to ongoing traditional dance practices, initially drawn to what I had learned about the history of pizzica. That search led me into an entirely new world: that of the music and community that surrounds regional tarantelle dances in their communal popolare contexts. 

Writing

You can find my reflections on this journey on my substack.

Puglia Residency

Since 2024, I have brought to life the dream of creating a bridge between guests to Puglia and the local music community through the annual La Danza Residency, in collaboration with the artistic direction of Rosa Voto, of the Melbourne School of Tarantella. This experience is designed for folks who want to come to the homelands of these dances and dive into experiencing them in their revived community, learning directly from local artists and tradition holders. 

Hosted Online Gatherings

I am happy to collaborate with various artists and researchers from the South of Italy to offer educational "bridges" to the lived realities of music & dance in oral traditions. View upcoming events here.

Workshops in the United States

I have deep respect for the complexity of seeking to learn about community arts held in a context of profound culture lineage, over time I have come to develop my voice in sharing the stories and movements I have experienced through the dances in their cultural contexts. I offer classes & workshops from that perspective when I am outside of Italy. 

You can view upcoming events here. 

Or you can join the email list or contact me about hosting a workshop or other collaborations here.

"The care, rootedness, and thoughtfulness that Kate brings to her own learning and teaching was apparent. ... Kate's commitment to syncing her dance work back to local traditions is paramount in her dance instruction." - Monica Berini

"The class was engaging, and fun. Presenting a rich appreciation for the subject matter, and approaching teaching a deep and important lineage in a very humble way. All attendees seemed to have felt extremely comfortable trying everything that was taught, which speaks highly to the quality of instruction. The entire room was full of smiles and openness, which again, particularly in a fairly physically intense dance class is rare." - via Scuola Italiana di Portland

Past Workshops and Projects:

Hidden Village, New York, January 2026

Collina Italiana Italian Language and Cultural Center, New York, January 2026

Cascadanza, Portland, December 2025 & January 2026

In the Company of the Ancestors with Tacoma Arts Live, November 2025

Northwest Folklife Seattle, May 2025

Scuola Italiana di Portland, May & July 2025

Dante Alighieri Society of Washington, November 2024

Rhythms of the Mezzogiorno: Stories of Drums & Dance in Southern Italy with Antonio Gomez, Casa Italiana Seattle, July 2024

Lines Dance Center, San Francisco, January 2024

Collaboration with Anthony Taddeo of Alla Boara, Little Italy, Cleveland, June 2023