Grace Kaya
(they/them)
aka
Waterlily. Shugamai Johnson. Megan Johnson.
BIO
FOUNDER / ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / MUSIC
Grace Kaya has dedicated their working and spirit-full life to 'creatively turning traumas into triumphs.' As founder and artistic director of The Waterlily Project, they conceptualised and coordinated 135 creative collaborators to create 20 short music films with a heavy focus on dance over two years. Each contributor gifted their time, energy, and talent to donate 100% of the proceeds from the premiere to charity. As a singer-songwriter, Grace hosted 35 blesSINGS Cushion Concerts in 6 countries. They also wrote, recorded, and self-published five limited edition albums and a collection of poetry ("phoenix riSING", "plumROSE", "acoustic SWAN", "Beauty-fully blue, Blue.", "Ripples" with Saint Peter Miller, & "Growth, Grievance & Gratitude"; three of which were brought to life through choreographed dance shows.)
DANCE / CIRCUS
As a child/teen, Grace was a member of The MainSpace School of Circus Arts performance troop for 5yrs, where they specialised in the aerial spinning hoop and was a part of a stacking bike team, leading them to pursue dance as a profession. Highlights from their thirteen-year career include facilitating workshops in Canada, Germany, Norway, Sweden, England, South Korea, Switzerland & Australia, dancing in India on tour with bilingual pop singer/traditional dancer Bageshree Vaze, performing as a showdancer on a Carnival cruise ship in Mexico, cameoing in 14 music video with artists like Rihanna, Ricky Martin, Seal, Daniel Beddingfield, Mstr Krft, K-OS and the Universal studio's movie Honey. Winning a battle hosted by Krumping creator Tommy the Clown; guest performer at Oslo's Soul Sessions ; featured in a dancing Ikea commercial with Robert Muraine with over 1,100,000 views. Performed spontaneous live improvisations with singer Bobby McFerrin and The Guru Ganesha Band; toured across Canada dancing for the Family Channel, participated in solo and group choreographic works by SYTYCD judge Mia Michaels in New York City, and as a back up dancer was a part of live opening acts for 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Cyndy Lauper in Toronto and at the Canadian Music Awards - The Junos. Grace's movement was even motion captured for characters in an X-Box video game. Outside of the commercial dance world, Grace shared co-creative space and stages with choreographers Olivia C. Davies and Esie Mensah. Having made it through multiple days of auditioning to become a member of Cirque Du Soleil's prestigious performer databank, Grace didn't perform in one of their shows; however, they have gone on to co-facilitate social circus with Lookup Theatre and SoCirc. Grace reconnected with their earlier passions by mounting a dance/aerial hoop piece + a dance & Hang (musical instrument) collaboration with musician Gurpreet Chana for a Toronto screening of The Waterlily Project (Dec 2021). Following that, in March 2022, they performed an original multi-disciplinary (dance, circus, storytelling) two-hour, one person show about abortion entitled Written with the womb. A second exhibition of the multi-media movement based show is in the works for autumn 2022. Currently they are offering choreographic consultations and dance workshops for Lookup Theatre's mental health social circus company, TTYL - Talk To Youth Lately.
At the start of their professional dance career, Grace was nicknamed Shugamai (pronounced Suga-May). It stuck, so they legally changed it to Shugamai Johnson to avoid confusion.
At the start of their professional dance career, Grace was nicknamed Shugamai (pronounced Suga-May). It stuck, so they legally changed it to Shugamai Johnson to avoid confusion.
YOGA THERAPY / YOGA / HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER
Grace began working as a Yoga Instructor (Hatha, Vinayasa, Restorative, Kundalini, Yin & AcroYoga) in 2009 and a Holistic Practitioner (Axiatonal Alignment Therapy, Thai Reflexology & Basic Shiatsu) since 2001. After teaching at various studios, leading workshops, courses and camps, they opened their home studio practice, Graceful Wellness Sheffield, in Sheffield, U.K., in 2016. Closing its doors to support their father near the start of the pandemic in another part of the country. In 2021 Grace completed a three-year diploma in Yoga Therapy at The Minded Institute in London with a thesis themed "The efficacy of Yoga Therapy for people who have undergone an elective abortion." As co-founder of Mend Movement: Ancestral Framing with Amélie Gaulier they have created a collection of meditations to support wellbeing and deeper self-awareness within social justice work.
AN INTEREST IN SUSTAINABILITY
After spending time at the German eco-village Sieben Linden in 2010, Grace was inspired to expand their interest in the sustainability movement. Recognizing the undeniable connection between one's inner and outer world, Grace's modes of teaching evolved with an underlying focus of greater responsibility and commitment to living well with the earth using innovative, engaging and creative facilitation styles. In 2011 they completed the Gaia Eco-Design Training of Trainers program at Findhorn (Scotland's renowned eco-village and education centre). Dr Michael Ben-Eli supported them with a collaborative internship for the course through the Sustainability Lab, where they wrote an essay relating their experiences on the program to the Sustainability Lab's Five Core Principles of Sustainability..
Presently, they are engaged with a Renewable Energy Techniques college program focused on photovoltaics and thermal grid design.
Presently, they are engaged with a Renewable Energy Techniques college program focused on photovoltaics and thermal grid design.
HISTORY / ANCESTRY / IDENTITY
In the summer of 2008 and 2009, Grace experienced two head injuries resulting in multiple concussions that halted their dance career. They discuss the experience briefly in the Waterlily Project short music film Lady Dragonfly. In an act of gratitude, as a reminder that they had not sustained worse injuries and because the impacts of the concussion left them feeling different, they changed their name to Grace Kaya. In Feb 2020, results from a brain scan taken before the pandemic showed the power of their brain's neuroplasticity; the neurologist said there was no sign of having any prior brain injury. They have made a return to dance and circus post this news.
Whether performing, mentoring or teaching, Grace thrives in intimately held spaces, so opts consciously for minimal online/social media presence, thus allowing a level of anonymity precious to their creative process and introverted spirit.
Grace Kaya identifies as a white-bodied second generation settler born in T'karonto, Turtle Island (colonially known as Toronto, Canada). Their ancestral lineage is Irish, English, French, Swedish & German. Grace spent 8yrs living in England between South Yorkshire and Somerset, but has since returned to their place of birth to connect with their creative roots. Though comfortable with their female body, Grace identifies on a fluid gender spectrum as a non-binary female-bodied person. Experiencing their inner world outside of limiting constructs of what our dominant white supremacist, heteronormative culture defines as "acceptable" or "expected of female-bodied people". Grace's pronouns are they/them, though they feel best described as an evolving water-based living organism capable of growth and change in body, breath, beliefs, and presentations.
Whether performing, mentoring or teaching, Grace thrives in intimately held spaces, so opts consciously for minimal online/social media presence, thus allowing a level of anonymity precious to their creative process and introverted spirit.
Grace Kaya identifies as a white-bodied second generation settler born in T'karonto, Turtle Island (colonially known as Toronto, Canada). Their ancestral lineage is Irish, English, French, Swedish & German. Grace spent 8yrs living in England between South Yorkshire and Somerset, but has since returned to their place of birth to connect with their creative roots. Though comfortable with their female body, Grace identifies on a fluid gender spectrum as a non-binary female-bodied person. Experiencing their inner world outside of limiting constructs of what our dominant white supremacist, heteronormative culture defines as "acceptable" or "expected of female-bodied people". Grace's pronouns are they/them, though they feel best described as an evolving water-based living organism capable of growth and change in body, breath, beliefs, and presentations.
"If change is the only truth, then inevitably, every truth will eventually change. Need to keep our hearts open to a wide range of various interpretations."
- Waterlily, aka Grace Kaya, in the short music film Shanti hOMe VIEW HERE
QUALIFICATIONS
- Renewable Energy Techniques - Conestoga College (graduating 2023)
- Embodied Social Justice Certificate - The Embody Lab Directors Rev Angel Kyodo Williams and Dr. Sara King (50hrs)
- Help for Long Covid Training - Breathing Institute Founder Ben Wolff & Nadyne McKie (10hrs)
- 550hrs Minded Yoga Therapy - The Minded Institute (an IAYT accredited institute)
- First Aid Annual Skills Update (e-learning) - British Red Cross
- Understanding Biomedical Science & Research Behind Yoga - Sat Bir Khalsa Singh (3hrs CPD)
- Level 3 Emergency First Aid At Work (1 Day) HSE & RQF Regulated - Crystal First Aid
- Yin Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training - Sarah Lo (40hrs)
- 220hr RYT Aquarian Kundalini Yoga Instructor Level 1 - I-SKY School of Kundalini Yoga
- Hot Yoga conversion training - Hot Yoga Sheffield (14hrs)
- 300hr RYT Yoga Alliance, Hatha Teacher Training - YogaSpace (Including 30hrs of prenatal teacher training + 30hrs flow yoga)
- Restorative Yoga Teacher Training - YogaSpace (30hrs)
- 125hrs Ecovillage Design Education - Gaia Education Certificate Findhorn, Scotland (Immersive learning & living course at the centre for 1 month)
- Kids Yoga Teacher Training - The Yoga Sanctuary (14hrs)
- Basic Shiatsu Certificate - Shiatsu School of Canada (30hrs)
- 200hr RYT Yoga Alliance, Hatha/Vinysasa Teacher Training - YogaSpace
- Basic Reflexology Massage - Traditional Thai Massage School, Chiang Mai (10hrs)
- Axiatonal Alignment Therapy Certificate - Una West Master Teacher
- The Way Of Council, non-violent communication training - Mindfulness Without Borders (8hrs)
- Tanunu - The Living Education - Facilitated by David Berger - 1 year program
- Musical Theatre Diploma - Etobicoke School of the Arts
"If they can't respect your NO, they'll not appreciate when you say YES. You're worth much more than gold, and boundaries are a blessing."
- Waterlily, aka Grace Kaya, in the short music film Boundaries VIEW HERE
EXPERIENTIAL STUDY
- Yoga Personal Practice - 25yrs with a wide variety of teachers in Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Flow, Ashtanga, Kundalini
- Vipassana Meditation - 777hrs = seven 10 day silent vipassana meditation courses - Vipassana Centres in Barrie, Canada & Hereford, U.K. - as taught in the lineage of S. N. Goenka (offered service on 1/10day, 2/5day + 1/teen & kids course = 230hrs)
- Professional Dance training - 18yrs with a variety of teachers, studios, companies in Toronto, New York City, London & Stockholm
- Continuum - 20yrs under the tutelage of Kim Brodey
- Sounding - 5yrs under the facilitation of Gary Diggins
- Circus - 8yrs of Circus training at the MainSpace School of Circus Arts under founder Marsha Kennington (specialising in Spinning Hoop, Adagio & Stacking Bike)
- Creative Writing - "months that have felt like years" under the facilitation of Soulo Theatre Founder Tracey Erin Smith
"There are universal questions and external clues, internal answers and spontaneous cues."
- Waterlily, aka Grace Kaya, in the short music film Hope & Anchor VIEW HERE
MOST INFLUENTIAL FACILITATORS ~ MENTORS ~ TEACHERS ~ HEALERS
I have been lucky enough to encounter, study, be supported, challenged and elevated by some remarkable people covering a variety of my soul's interests. Some of these folks I spent decades with and continue to learn from, whilst others led workshops or courses that shifted my perspective, fuelling change within my inner landscape that enriched my life's trajectory. I give reverence to all named and unnamed, to all human and non-human teachers (including my beloved cat Legacy before she passed and dog Sierra, who gifted me deep learnings with unconditional love), to my teachers teachers and the living lineages they come from. I also thank the lands on which I've stood. I extend my respect, recognition and gratitude for the indigenous people who hold true governance on the often stolen lands many of us work and live. And lastly, to the thousands of students/clients who've granted me the opportunity to guide, hold space for, offer hands-on healing, I am profoundly thankful for your trust and the learnings our shared experiences have gifted me throughout the years.
* Facilitators/mentors/teachers/healers are listed in no particular order. All learnings have been of equal value.
* Facilitators/mentors/teachers/healers are listed in no particular order. All learnings have been of equal value.
"Beautiful colours all in a row, one bumps another and a new colour starts to grow"
- Waterlily, aka Grace Kaya, in the short music film Mudita VIEW HERE
Kim Brodey (Continuum Movement & Mentorship)
Patricia White (Hatha)
S.N. Goengka (Vipassana)
Marsha Kenington (Circus)
Victoria Slager (Soul Dancing)
Gary Diggins (Sounding)
May East (Sustainability Educator)
Una West (Axiatonal Alignment Therapy)
Mia Michaels (Contemporary Dance)
Silvia Laurenti (Experiential Anatomy)
Katherine Duncanson (Voice & Kundalini)
Hali Shwartz (Yoga Philosophy)
Lawino Maria Johnson (Ashtanga)
Jerry Brodey (Mentorship)
Shweta Panchal (Yoga Philosophy)
Dr Samantha Bottrill (Yoga Therapy clinical skills)
Dr. Kat Bulat (Embodied Chiropractic)
Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams (Embodied Social Justice - Radical Dharma)
Angola Murdoch (Circus)
Saint Peter Miller (Vocal Coaching)
Tracey Erin Smith (Creative Writing)
Vinx (Song Writing)
Dr. Sarah King (Embodied Social Justice - Science of Social Justice)
Steve Williams (Psychotherapy)
Nkem Ndefo (Embodied Social Justice - Resilience Toolkit)
Leslie Allen (Family Soul)
Sasha Padron (Pre-natal yoga)
Layah Jane (Homeopathy & Holistic Massage)
Amma (Satsung)
Cassandra Fairweather (Group process work)
IKYA (Meditation)
Hari Nam Singh Khalsa (Kundalini)
Alanon (Fellowship for Family Members of Alcoholics)
The founders of the five elements of Hip Hop Culture and the positive frequency of conscious community it brings,
(especially the B-Girls, B-Boys and beat makers of the 80's & 90's)
Kerri Kelly (Embodied Social Justice)
The Minded Institute (Yoga Therapy)
Tobias, Makayla + Legacy, Sierra (Sentient Spirits)
Bill & Syd (my parents)
+
Mother Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether
in all its unique manifestations
Patricia White (Hatha)
S.N. Goengka (Vipassana)
Marsha Kenington (Circus)
Victoria Slager (Soul Dancing)
Gary Diggins (Sounding)
May East (Sustainability Educator)
Una West (Axiatonal Alignment Therapy)
Mia Michaels (Contemporary Dance)
Silvia Laurenti (Experiential Anatomy)
Katherine Duncanson (Voice & Kundalini)
Hali Shwartz (Yoga Philosophy)
Lawino Maria Johnson (Ashtanga)
Jerry Brodey (Mentorship)
Shweta Panchal (Yoga Philosophy)
Dr Samantha Bottrill (Yoga Therapy clinical skills)
Dr. Kat Bulat (Embodied Chiropractic)
Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams (Embodied Social Justice - Radical Dharma)
Angola Murdoch (Circus)
Saint Peter Miller (Vocal Coaching)
Tracey Erin Smith (Creative Writing)
Vinx (Song Writing)
Dr. Sarah King (Embodied Social Justice - Science of Social Justice)
Steve Williams (Psychotherapy)
Nkem Ndefo (Embodied Social Justice - Resilience Toolkit)
Leslie Allen (Family Soul)
Sasha Padron (Pre-natal yoga)
Layah Jane (Homeopathy & Holistic Massage)
Amma (Satsung)
Cassandra Fairweather (Group process work)
IKYA (Meditation)
Hari Nam Singh Khalsa (Kundalini)
Alanon (Fellowship for Family Members of Alcoholics)
The founders of the five elements of Hip Hop Culture and the positive frequency of conscious community it brings,
(especially the B-Girls, B-Boys and beat makers of the 80's & 90's)
Kerri Kelly (Embodied Social Justice)
The Minded Institute (Yoga Therapy)
Tobias, Makayla + Legacy, Sierra (Sentient Spirits)
Bill & Syd (my parents)
+
Mother Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether
in all its unique manifestations
"We are more than just our losses. Can you sense the cost of keeping it inside? Surrender.
Fading into dark, we struggle, but it will pass just like the night does."
- Waterlily, aka Grace Kaya, in the short music film When Lightning Strikes VIEW HERE
PEER REVIEWS
"Their patience, passion and extensive experience is beyond exceptional! As a former student of Grace, I can say firsthand, they are very sensitive to students' needs, smart with their class flow, and devoted to excellence!"
- Amanda De Freitas, Professional Dancer & Yoga Instructor
"I have known Grace Kaya for many years and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them as a Yoga therapist. They are highly intuitive, compassionate and empathetic. Drawing on both their fascinating, courageous life journey and their many educational undertakings Grace offers a unique blend of lived experience and cutting edge techniques."
- Emily Franklin, Yoga Therapist