I am interested in the blur of reality and liminality. The joints and bones as independent puzzle pieces, trying to make sense of themselves and their relation to one another; pockets that spill and the desire to collect; softening versus rigidity. Often questioning what drives me- nature, self, conflict, permission, lack of, I continue to search for what makes sense while peeling back the layers as to what doesn’t make sense- finding value and truth to both. Finding balance (or not) of abstraction and directness, I learn how to face an audience. I am driven to performance again and again for its dreamlike trance- almost like a blanket of vulnerability and rawness. The honesty of movement holds me accountable to the self. Through mess and improvisation I access the depth I wish to explore and research the ache to become more human. I am constantly finding ways to face myself anew, letting the body act as a vessel. My curiosity for this world and myself keeps aliveness in what it is I wish to find. I crave questions, but I don’t crave answers, and I hope my audience is brought into this same space.
Artistic Statement
Biography
Kara Smith (she/her) is a movement artist with various experiences within dance performance. Originally from Macomb, Michigan, she is a 2026 graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and a minor in Exercise and Sports Science. Kara has worked under artists such as Wanjiru Kamuyu, Joshua Peugh, Dual Rivet, Leah O’Donnell, Kyle Abhraham, Hannah Andersen, and Dr. Biba Bell throughout her time in the colligate space. Kara has developed a fondness for exploration within contemporary movement, floorwork, and improvisation. Additionally, the intersectionality of differing art mediums such as live music has been a focal point of Kara’s work. Through her studies, Kara has been comprehensively trained through all Balanced Body modules on her journey to becoming a certified Pilates instructor. Kara’s experience in Pilates has beneficially influenced her understanding of movement, which is something she hopes to keep developing and sharing with others.