Today we’d like to introduce you to Kitty McSparkles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started off as a first-generation immigrant dancing in the reflection of my parents’ stereo system. Bass bumping and family laughing from the kitchen. Movement and sound have been a part of my development and cultural understanding of the world as a Caribbean person and as a show choir kid. Stories came through the body. Sound is a transformational tool to send your soul to heights and realms of your dreams.
I always knew that I wanted to help people, but also loved performing and making art with movement musicality. My undergraduate education focused on dance alongside biology, and pole dance and aerial movement found me upon returning home to Nashville. Flying through the air spiking volleyballs and show jumping on horses wasn’t foreign to me, but silks, lyras, and spinning pole opened up an entirely different form of flight. After a serious bout of depression, anxiety, and psychiatric hospitalization, it was through yoga and aerials that I was able to find deep healing and self-trust again. The hanged man in the tarot became my friend, and I found liberation in being upside down – finding a new perspective on being present.
I made my way to Austin where yoga and Danzversity helped me grow exponentially in my understanding of teaching pedagogy and energetic awareness (to my own body and others). It is from there that I began to grow my intuitive gifts in divination and understanding of healing based on my knowledge of the chakra system.
Today, I am teaching pole and sensual movement, offering divination services via tarot and scrying with fire and energetic clearing and sound healing at Danzversity, Minx + Muse, and my own business Illumine Wellness. I am still focused on my own healing and hoping to share the tools that have been so helpful for me by centering safety and joy in all things.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! 😅
This journey has been nothing short of realization after realization, growth opportunity after growth opportunity, avoidance and learning the hard way, and a lot of unlearning of bad habits and learned behavior.
My father is from one of the most homophobic countries in the world, and I’ve struggled to feel comfortable in my identity as a pansexual person loving other queer folx.
I’ve learned that to struggle with your mental health means that you are among the most resilient and brave humans on the planet.
Sensual arts, my astrological chart, and my childhood have taught me that no matter how loving and open you are, you need strong boundaries even with those that intend to be safe spaces.
Heartache has shown me that loving with non-attachment and without control can be the truest form of love.
And when the universe wants you to take a break, sometimes it sends a car to split your bike in two to make you whole.
I’ve learned patience the hard way every time. But I’m constantly met with ambition and drive. The biggest struggle now is hearing Jay-Z in one ear singing, “I’m a hustler, homie,” and The Nap Ministry encouraging me to rest in the other.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a passionate dancer, movement instructor, and performer. But what makes me the most happy is being able to support folks through transition. Whether that’s moving homes, job changes, or Saturn’s Return, there is a vulnerability in the emotions encircling change and infinite possibilities to be had.
My goal is for everyone who works with me to feel three things: Safe, Joy, and Present in their Body. The way to get there is through play, awareness, and learning these feelings in a way that is personally sustainable. The best practice is the one you do, and if you can’t safely do it until you’re 80, why bother?
When I moved to Austin, I told myself that I wanted to be in the business of helping people take care of themselves. It’s so deeply ingrained that we grind until we collapse. But that is not sustainable. That is not fun. And that leaves no room being present in Joy!
What sets me apart from others is the willingness to witness the process and sit in the discomfort with clients. That is where the growth is, and no one ever grew from beating themselves down. Empowerment is my focus.
What makes you happy?
Dancing, singing, music, eating, dogs, and horses make me happy.
Quincy Jones and Stephen Sondheim are probably two of my favorite composers. But the ability to make beauty with sound or amplify that beauty with a body is such a fascinating feat. It’s exhilarating!
I’ve always found joy in the relationships that I’ve had with animals; and one of my first businesses as a child was dog sitting for my neighbors. I dreamed of being an Olympic equestrian before focusing on movement, and my goal is to retire and begin vaulting.
Lastly, I love in trying new food and restaurants around the city. Cooking doesn’t always come easily to me, but I enjoy flavors and presentation in plating. Watching the Chef’s Table and learning about the process of creating incredible menus is probably one of my favorite past times.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@illuminewellnessllc.com
- Website: illuminewellnessllc.com
- Instagram: @illumine.wellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminewellnessllc
Image Credits
Caroline Poe Brian Keyes Joel Guardado
