Our spring Dancing Word performance brings together poets and dancers to explore “The Layers of Life: Where Do they Begin?” The poets for this show include Stewart, Victoria Barbee, and Joel Awaken reading their own works and others. The dancers include Kosha Chandler, Kyleigh Harm, Ashley Ebner, Lauren Thompson, and Christine Srisbie.

The Dancing Word performance will take place May 2 at 7 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1014 W. 39th Street in Kansas City. (Please note that additional parking is available behind the building).

Guest poet and author Sandy Hazzlett will read from her new book “Where Have You Been?” She’s a perfect participant, as Hazlett once considered becoming a dancer but became a poet instead. Hazlett hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began writing at a young age. During her middle school years, her father, Theodore Lyle Hazlett Jr., co- founded the International Poetry Forum. She moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1992 and began writing “with greater intent.” Her book “Where Have You Been?” is a collection of poems from that time. She has also published “The Prom Dress Room,” a collection of illustration and verse inspired by thrift store prom dresses and their stories.

Three Questions for Sandy Hazlett

WCA asked Hazlett three questions about her upcoming participation in the Dancing Word.

WCA: The theme of this Dancing Word Performance is “The Layers of Life: Where Do They Begin?”  What poem will you be reading and how does it fit into the theme?

Hazlett: “The Layers of Life: Where Do They Begin?” is a wonderful topic for Dancing Word. I chose three poems from my new book, “Where Have You Been?” which consider that question. “Art History” is actually about layers, a palimpsest of Italian painting that is a metaphor for the layers of our lives. “Sometimes There Are No Words” is about the kinds of memories we have from our childhood and how they change and inform us as we grow older. “Scraps of Your Life” is a moment from my childhood when my parents are throwing a dinner party, and I am in the kitchen with Betty, our maid, watching. I think this poem describes a pivotal moment in childhood that will grow into adult character and sensibilities.

WCA: Have you ever participated in an event like the Dancing Word, where poetry is blended with dance? If so, what was it like. If not, how are you expecting it to be different than a more typical poetry reading?

Hazlett:  I studied dance with June Lewis in Pittsburgh, PA when I was in high school. She invited me to dance with her so, for a brief moment, I considered dance as a profession. I ultimately decided not to do it. So, I have been around dance but I have never read my poetry along with dancers. I did read to music and I saw a friend of mine read her poetry to dance. The reading part is not much different but, for the audience, it adds a depth and vision beyond what each of the arts can give alone.

WCA: Do you find that events in the news are making people more or less interested in seeking out the arts? What role do you think poetry can play in a time of rapid changes in society?

Hazlett:  I think the news is making everyone afraid and despairing but I also think that times like this generate more art making and interest in the arts. Poetry is a way of reflecting the world as it is and beyond words. The news words get to be too many and too false. Poetry speaks truth and elevates life. I have a poet friend who was originally from Odessa, Ukraine. During the war, he returned and started poetry classes for children and adults. In doing so, he has given them moments of creation, relief, and joy. This is probably the best answer to your last question!