Cena Stardust: Silk Fan Mystic
By Autumn Feldmeier
I don't know about you, but when festival season comes, I look forward to the freedom to MOVE without judgement. While the streets of San Francisco are a very welcome stage for self-expression, there is something about going offline, sleeping in a tent and sitting on the earth that inspires dance.
Luckily, for the attendees of the upcoming Lightning In A Bottle (LIB), there are friendly spaces for movement and flow. One of my personal inspirations is Cena Stardust who describes herself as a 'Silk Fan Mystic.' We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Cena this week leading up to LIB.
Cena said that she entered the movement space by learning to hula hoop after being inspired by a performer at LIB in 2012. "This performer mesmerized me with his hooping! He had one on his chest, one on each arm and one around his waist! He followed what felt right for him. It inspired me," said Cena.
Now, Cena is also known for her experience with silk fans. She explains that "silks are easy enough for a beginner but can become an advanced prop. I'm also playing with burlesque fans to give the crowd a tease."
When I asked Cena why she was into silks right now, she said, "I'm seeing the switch from strong acts to more feminine ones. Silks are accessible to everyone and they incorporate softness, which allows for pure, creative expression."
Like most of you, I used to assume that performers (especially on stage!) were these poised, confident people with super-human skills. But Cena shocked me by sharing this with me:
"I used to suffer from anxiety and was introverted. Before, I was dancing in my room alone. Now I performing in front of thousands of people! I'm so thankful for flow arts, it has taught me to be patient, kind and loving, while laughing the whole time."
It is very inspiring that Cena has brought this into her personal life outside of the festival life. "Flow arts got me teaching in my community. When you have a passion for something, it spreads no matter what community you are in!"
Lightning In A Bottle is happening May 24th - May 29th at the San Antonio Recreation Area in Bradley, CA. Visit lightninginabottle.org to get your tickets. And to learn more about Cena Stardust visit cenastardust.com.
Cena is performing at LIB on Thursday at 1:30am and in the fire circle Sunday at 10pm.
Come, be inspired, take the inspiration home with you!
Join the author Autumn Feldmeier in CUBA this October for a retreat. CLICK HERE for details.
