Kata Kertész

About me

I was raised between two worlds;

by my writer parents on one side,
and by my aristocratic grandmother and peasant-born grandfather on the other.
From my Jewish grandparents, only my grandmother was still alive when I was born.

Through my parents, I was brought into art;
a vivid, creative world of theatres, rehearsals, films, and music,
surrounded by remarkable people.
I grew up among respected and celebrated artists,
watching their creative work, listening to their thoughtful conversations.

Through my grandparents, I received something else;
the grounded truth of life,
with a sense of love and safety.

From my grandfather I learned honesty, integrity;
the quiet strength of realistic creativity.
From both of my grandmothers, each in her own way,
I inherited a natural, effortless elegance.

From all these worlds I received countless gifts:
a deep sense of quality, authenticity,
and the importance of true values,
all of which still guide me today.

Although my parents were influential figures in the artistic world,
I never wanted to rely on their name or influence.
I wanted to build my own path, with my own strength.

My curiosity and adventurous spirit led me through many paths.
I have worked as a baby nurse, librarian, shop assistant, greengrocer, street vendor, cleaner, and as a bartender.
I have danced, sung, written, and taught.
I have explored Eastern philosophies, cultures, dances, and martial arts.

What I wanted was to understand the human being
the soul, and the forces that move the body.

In 1989, we founded the band Hermelin,
where I was the lyricist and singer.

In 1994 my son, András was born.

In 2004 my poetry book Selyem (Silk) was published by Magyar Napló in 2004.

In 2005, I founded my dance company Beton Pillangók (Concrete Butterflies).

I moved to Amsterdam in 2013.

Currently I teach dance, write, and translate poetry.
I also hold supportive consultations
listening, sharing, and connecting with others.