Making Waves: Kaylala The Christmas Mermaid Comes To Towson
Today, we’re talking with “Kaylala The Christmas Mermaid” about her upcoming appearance at Baltimore County’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Maryland’s own mermaid culture, and even a little belly dancing.
Ok, lets clear this up early… your not really from the Christmas Islands? Are you?
No, I’m actually quite local with strong ties to the Towson region. I grew up in Pikesville until my family moved to Ocean City. I spent most of my childhood enjoying outdoor activities. OC summers of sand and sun, and a little bit of surf. I guess that's where I began to understand why mermaids are “made of saltwater and sunshine, wild tides, and starry nights.”
What led your family to Ocean City?
My father was the Head Greens-Keeper at one of the local golf courses. For all you “Caddyshack” fans out there, my Dad was like the guy who told Bill Murray to kill all the gophers.
So when did our “Caddyshack” quoting mermaid leave the friendly sand dunes of OC?
I went to Stevenson College to study graphic arts and eventually put down roots in the Frederick area. But I still visit Towson whenever I can.
When did you become a mermaid?
In 2019, a belly dance friend told me about mermaiding. She gave me some tips of where to find a tail. I bought one and gave it a try! Did a little more research and some model meetups and boom, full blown mermaid!
Mermaid culture includes everyone. It’s very inclusive and welcomes anyone regardless of age or body-type. It's a culture that allows you to break free and be who you really are inside. There are a lot of Mermaid activities in the Maryland/DC/Virginia region like swimming meets at indoor pools, Mermaid conventions, and art and fashion themed events.
What was your first Mermaid gig?
It was a little girls’ birthday party. It was a perfect start because they were still at that magical age where legends are real.
Are most of your appearances at birthday parties?
No, they range between all kinds of events! Corporate events, festivals, pool parties, you need a mermaid, I'm there! One of my favorites was a 4th of July event in Frostburg, Maryland. Being that I'm from the Potomac River, it's just a splash away.
Tell us about your scheduled appearance at Red Pepper Sichuan Bistro as part of the Tree Lighting Festival?
Yes, it’s really exciting to be part of a great Towson tradition. I worked with Ping Wu a couple years ago doing a corporate marketing event for one of her restaurants, so I love getting the opportunity to work with her again.
Ping is a real ambassador of Chinese culture and told me about how mermaids in Chinese mythology are known as Jiaoren and depicted as gentle, intelligent beings that are considered guardians of the oceans. It will be an honor personifying such a positive image in Asian lore.
Again, when will you be at Red Pepper on the Dec. 5th?
I will be there at 600PM and available to greet everyone until 800PM.
So, we’ve talked about Kaylala The Potomac Mermaid but lets talk about your other persona…Kaylala, a Belly Dancer.
That’s kinda how I got mermaiding. I've been belly dancing for over 13 years. Found it in college and just didn't stop. I have made friends over the years and the two communities are starting to weave over each other. With Comicons and festivals, we all have creative avenues, and mermaiding is one of them!
Do you perform professionally?
Yes, there is quite a demand in the DC area because of the large concentration of Mediterranean communities and restaurants. I’ve performed numerous times at parties, culture events, hookah bars and restaurants.
And you also teach, correct?
Yes! You can find me at Alma Dance Studio in Rockville, MD on Wednesday evenings. Students range from young to mature adults, body types and genders. Every body can belly dance!
So if someone wants to hire you as a Mermaid or Belly Dancer, how can they get in touch with you?
Just email me at: [email protected]
And remebmer, It's never too late to be a mermaid!
