Last week I got together with the incredibly beautiful and talented Anna Freda – one of the unique ladies that bring the KL universe to life on an everyday basis.  Ana is almost sprite-like.  Tall and slender with a cropped pixie cut and a kind twinkle in her eyes (that might sound seriously cheesy but when you meet her you might succumb to the same description yourself).  For those of you who may have never experienced her in person, Anna has walked many a catwalk for Katrin’s Montreal Fashion Week shows as well as performed in-boutique for some of the many KL events and soirees… she is the girl with the glow, with the endless confidence… the one with the “it” factor.  So really, it came as no surprise when I discovered she is a practicing flamenco dancer when not helping ladies of all ages cover themselves in KL goodness .

Anna is one fifth of the Montreal based contemporary flamenco group Compasion (Compas being the rhythm of flamenco mixed in with the groups passion for the art).  Compasion will be performing here in Montreal tomorrow for their Juvance spectacle which will also tour in Toronto, Quebec and Temiscouata.  Anna describes Juvance as a rejuvenation of the soul and spirit through creativity.  When I asked her what flamenco meant to her, I got exactly the fiery, passionate response I was looking for… “It’s a raw energy of savage expression, an untamed, wild nature that means so much more than just the dance itself.  It is the epitome of passion itself communicated physically”.  Anna applies her performing philosophies to her in-boutique ethic stating that it is a natural interaction for her to be outfitting others who are curious about expressing their own inner personalities and passions.

When Compasion (info on show time and venue) performs, every element of their dress and stage setup are deeply thought out and colors and textures quickly translate to emotions and feelings.  Skirts and pants dictate moods and lighting creates the desired aura.  Anna understands the importance of everything coming together in unison to create desired effects and sensations.  Juvance is about new beginnings and Anna and her dancing partner have chosen fuschia as their symbolic means to represent healing joy and the beautiful sight of new flowers in spring (a KL favorite).  The group take pride in their non-traditional approach to flamenco and it’s usual costumes, only incorporating the established shoes into their routines… everything else is a creative free for all and inspired by what they truly love.  Anna aims to have all future costumes made by Katrin for her groups productions including so many of the beautiful colors and textures we all love so much.  In fact, while doing this interview Anna was sporting the KL Sexy Dress Tunic in a pattern of golden yellows and oranges, browns and punchy pinks.  She says she tries to apply the symbolism and significance of color when dressing people in the boutique, matching moods and personalities with the appropriate shades (how cool is that)?!?

Amongst her many inspirations is a deep, unconditional love for Michael Jackson and all things musical, mastery and artistic excellence (when one has mastered his craft) alongside innocent and genuine people.  She holds a deep respect for all who are able to overcome their fears as she relates quite closely to them.  Although she may appear as a cool, calm and collected lady with a whole lot of stage presence, she is actually quite introverted and has to push and prepare herself for her onstage offerings…. pretty hard to believe considering how well and naturally everything seems to flow when she is in front of you struttin’ herself down the catwalk .  That is why we love Miss Anna though, she realizes that her natural gift is something that MUST be shared for the rest of the world to adore.

Dearest Anna, the best of luck (not that you need it) for tomorrow’s show and I will see you there!

xox