popn' cherries

Have you danced with my sassy friend and BodyBeatz sub-instructor – Kathryn Martin? She’s pretty fly.

Kathryn and I popped each other’s cherries and first met in January of 2018 during a BodyBeatz Masterclass led by Lee Pazmino. We locked eyes and it was game over, we were soul mates.

Ok…ok…the truth of how we actually met went more like this… dancing at the back of Lee’s BodyBeatz Masterclass, we both have A.D.D. (have a short attention span), got easily distracted, and we locked eyes… not with each other, but with this cute ass squirrel climbing up a tree. From there, our friendship was born and we became dance soul mates. She is my “D.I.C.” = Dancer in Crime. You’ll often find us goofing around in the BodyBeatz classes and we’ll be forced by Master Lee to separate on opposites sides of the room (eh, (shoulder shrugs)).

A bad influence in one aspect but all with good intentions. I truly believe we both tend to be more extroverted in class because we naturally like to encourage others to open up, feel comfortable, and dance their hearts out. All about spreading those good vibes ya’ll!

Spending time with Kathryn, I realized we have a lot in common. A passion for werkin’ the dance floor and workin’ up a good sweat, being free spirits, living life, not taking things too seriously, and inspiring each other as well as others to forever keep dance in their lives.

Kathryn is incredibly talented, super friendly, full of sexy sass, and you’ll love her. Next time you see her, don’t be shy, say hi! Get to know her more – read my interview below. Enjoy!

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Who is Kathryn Martin?

1. Where are you from?

I was born in Saudi Arabia, grew up in the Philippines until I moved to the U.S. when I was 12 years old. I mostly lived in San Mateo, California but I currently live in South San Francisco.

2. What do you do for a living?

I am a full-time visiting nurse for a home health agency. On the side, I co-own a company that specializes in makeup and hair for weddings and events. (Check out glamourteamservices.com and holla at your girl!) I occasionally teach for BodyBeatz when needed!

3. Uh, literally… how do you do it all?

Shit, beats me! LOL

4. You’re a BodyBeatz instructor – when do you teach? How can others stay up-to-date?

I teach when I need to sub for Master Lee! You can stay up-to-date through my social media @khatmartin and/or @bodybeatz

5. Can you share your dance experience with us?

I’ve always loved dancing from the beginning without even knowing it then! I grew up with my dad always playing his instruments as well as any music at home and at parties! That always got me moving. His love for music definitely influenced my love for dance.

Since my youth, I was part of the school dance teams and also taught the kids in town. Dance was inevitably my passion whether I was to perform or teach. In high school, I joined Tribuzi’s dance ensemble for four years and the hip hop dance team. After I graduated HS, I danced here and there at different studios. I eventually stopped because life got me and I simply lost my confidence and motivation.

In 2016, I took my first Bodybeatz class (Thanks to my friend, Viki, for posting it on FB!) and in the following year, I joined Lee’s music video workshop, where I rekindled my journey to dance! The rest is history and since then, I haven’t stopped dancing!

6. What inspired you to create this video project?

I was inspired to create this video project in order to show my love and enthusiasm for all types of dance and better yet, to encourage people to start anew, discover their passion, or/and express themselves–FREELY. No matter wherever you are in your life, I want people to know, dancers or non-dancers, that you can always do and learn whatever the hell you want!

7. Do you have a mission? If yes, what is it?

When I met Kim from popn’ dance cherries and learned about her story, I saw a quick reflection of myself. I admired her fire and eagerness for dance! But it also reminded me of my beginning and how I felt before I took my first BodyBeatz class. I was nervous and shy; I told myself, “I don’t think I got it anymore.” I didn’t perform and dance for many years after high school and my life wasn’t the same either. I constantly work and totally disregarded my passion for the things that I enjoy and love such as dance. I just thought “adulting” was all about getting life together with work, work, and work. I used “work” as my purpose to live. I was all wrong.

Once I rekindled my love for dance, since then I realized, “Why the hell did I EVER STOP DANCING?!” From then on, I established with myself that, DANCE WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF ME. It didn’t mean I have to lose anything or take away anything from my life. If anything, I gained so much. I gained so much love. So much love for life and for the people that cross my path through this journey. I am so grateful for Lee and Bodybeats fam for believing in me and helping me grow as a person and as a dancer! And so, my mission is to use dance as a medium and an opportunity to show the community that anyone (and YES YOU) can be whoever you want to be! And best yet, LIVE AND DANCE FOR YOURSELF!

8. If you could describe your dance style, what would it be? Is there a dancer or artist that most resembles your dance style or is there someone you grew up admiring?

Most of the dance styles I’ve learned and done are hip-hop. So I would say that would describe me best. I still admire no other than J-lo up to this day because she is super fly and can dance just as good as she was younger! I also love Chris Brown and his dance skills; I wish I can dance like him for sure! And who does not love Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson?!

9. What is your favorite quote? Or, what would you say to inspire others to keep the love of dance as part of their lives – beginner or experienced?

No matter where you are in life and no matter who you are, you can do and learn anything! It doesn’t matter what people think, it is about WHAT YOU THINK. So you want to dance? THINK IT, DO IT, AND BE IT. If there’s a way, there’s a will. If there’s a will, there’s a way! Believe me! No matter how our lives get busy, if you want to dance, GO FOR IT!

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” – Angela Merkel