Meet Taka Carnes | Performing artist and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taka Carnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taka, how do you think about risk?

I see risk-taking as an art form. It can inspire innovation and highlight an individual’s greatness. It can motivate a person to create positive patterns that contribute to the world and have a positive impact. It can also serve as a self-learning tool to better understand the world and one’s limitations.

There have been times when I have taken risks in my career, and they have not worked out. I’ve had to go back to the drawing board and re-examine everything about myself. An example would be dance competitions. I’ve spent considerable time and money traveling to compete. When it came time to compete I let my nerves get the better of me. This caused feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and disappointment. Initially, I questioned everything about myself and was left with so much self-doubt.

However, it became a make-or-break moment. This failure motivated me to get back into the dance studio and work on improving aspects of myself. I think the ability to dust myself off and try again has been fruitful, but not always easy. It can be embarrassing to fail and scary to go back to be judged. The reality is that you are risking more time, more money, and traveling long distances only to potentially fail and embarrass yourself…again! I had to be brutally honest with myself and put everything I had into justifying going back for more. Full disclosure, I bombed the 2nd time as well. It was devastating, but that gave me the fuel and determination to go back. The 3rd time was a charm because I won the entire competition. When I was able to assess my failures and learn from them, I was able to change my mindset and win more competitions. Through these opportunities, I became a stronger dance artist and grew as a person. All because I took risk after risk to evolve, learn, and grow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Sure! My name is Taka Carnes and I’m from Colorado. Since I was able to walk, I knew I wanted to dance. I’ve studied dance most of my life and spent as much time as I could learning various styles of dance. However, as I started to develop into my adolescence, my body type didn’t seem to fit the “standard” for many classical dance styles. After I graduated high school the art form of belly dance, or more accurately ‘Raks Sharki’ came into my life. Middle Eastern dance has brought me so many wonderful experiences and connected me with the most amazing individuals around the world.

I’ve learned a lot about myself, people, and the world around me thanks to this art form. It hasn’t always been an easy road, but I am grateful for all the lessons and opportunities. It can be difficult to make a living as a performing artist. Professional performers such as myself must pay for costumes, hair, make-up, dance tuition, at times travel expenses in addition to basic living expenditures. There’s also the issue of maintaining a healthy body and dealing with injuries. Over the years, there have been times that I’ve had two or three side jobs just to subsist and create art.

To me, one of the beautiful things about creativity is the exploration of all aspects of self and how that fits into the world. I’ve always been a curious person, which has come in handy when faced with difficulties. My desire to learn and progress has enabled me to persevere when I am discouraged. Finding solutions to problems is more meaningful to me than portraying a flawless image or always being correct. It can be scary and even risky to be so vulnerable, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My goal is to add value not only to my life but to the lives of others, as well.

This past year, I have produced events that have promoted culture, diversity, humanity, and love. I have been able to showcase amazing artists in Colorado and offer entertaining shows to various communities. Recently, I organized a world dance event that raised money for UNICEF Ukraine. Things like this give my art and life significance and purpose.

If you are interested in checking out a show, my next production is going to be Anime Mayhem at The Clocktower Cabaret on September 23rd. (Shameless plug.) Lol.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Hiking and hot springs are two of my favorite activities! I love hiking Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks. I will literally travel to any of the amazing hot springs throughout Colorado. Getting to experience a concert at Red Rocks amphitheater is quite special, so that could be something on the agenda, as well.

I perform in a variety of settings, but I also frequent them when not working. The food at Sahara’s Middle Eastern Restaurant and Phoenician Kabob is fantastic. It’s always enjoyable to watch a Middle Eastern dance show and eat delicious food. Blush & Blu hosts my favorite karaoke night and The Clocktower Cabaret is a blast.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father Robb Carnes and partner Josh Courtney. These two men have supported me and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. I’m grateful every day for them.

Instagram: takadance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takadance/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaJuSO2Pk8U

Image Credits
Kaya Munn Mel Haynes Jr. Dave Wood