A passion for samba

South Sound woman puts her heart into dance group

By Molly Gilmore | For The Olympian • Published April 26, 2007

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Kelen spends a huge chunk of time working collaboratively, but her latest project is a solo one.

She's playing guitar and singing Brazilian and Cuban songs, as she did at the Women's Way Concert last month.

"The performing as a singer is pretty new," she said. "I want to keep working on that.

"I don't feel I came into this with a lot of natural ability as a dancer," she added. "The music was easy for me, in a way. ... But if I am any kind of a good dancer, it's because I've really worked at it." Age: "I'm past the age where I really want my age published in the newspaper. Next time I see my age published in the newspaper, I'd just as soon have it be because I'm dead."

Roots: Grew up in New York City. Moved to Olympia in 1982.

Family: Son Jesse Partridge, 24, and daughter Clea Partridge, 21, both of Olympia. And both are musical. Jesse drummed with Samba Olywa one year and sometimes goes with his mom to world music shows. And, says Kelen, "Clea is epicenter of the indie music scene by virtue of knowing everybody."

Education: Bachelor's degree in Near Eastern language and literature from the University of Washington.

Career: "Where could I find time for a job?" Kelen joked. Actually, although she is unemployed and filling her time with music and dance, she is looking for work as an events planner or writer. "I describe myself as a connecticator," she said. "I pull people together."

About the series: Each month, look in The Olympian for an extended conversation with one of the people who make South Sound a unique place. procession of the species

What: The annual free event celebrates the Earth - and the elements of earth, air, fire and water - with music, dance and floats, but no signs or motorized vehicles.

When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Downtown Olympia. Participants gather at 3:30 p.m. at Legion and Cherry, and the parade route, which ends at Heritage Park, is on the Arts Walk maps available free at local businesses and the Olympia Center.

Tickets: Participants donate two cans of food to the Thurston County Food Bank. Spectators also are asked to donate and may give their food to the Olympia police officers who distribute sidewalk chalk before the parade.

More information: www.procession.org or 360-705-1087 samba olywa

It's too late to join the group for this year's Procession, as today is the dress rehearsal. But there are rehearsals all year long, and new members are accepted any time. For more about Samba Olywa or South Sound Kids Drum & Dance, a nonprofit that shares samba with the younger generation, go to www.sambaolywa.com or call 360-866-6129.

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