2014 Recap - Part 5

Recap - Part 5 (last post for awhile!)
(Adrenaline Dance, NYCDA, Dancescape LA, Sean Lew Concept Video)

Adrenaline Dance - Phoenix

I had a great time at Adrenaline Phoenix in April. Although I missed dancing with Matt Aylward who is busy on the European leg of Justin Timberlake's tour...I really enjoyed dancing in Nick Bass's classes!

I love the vibe at Adrenaline...it's very low key and the Faculty is very supportive of each dancer. It's always fun to see Justin Giles, Matt Luck, Nick Ninicolangelo, Caroline Lewis-Jones, Mikeal Knight, Chris Jacobsen, Nick Zborowski,  Maddi Berg, Rose Yager and Merissa Gassel. They are great teachers and very genuine people. You feel constantly inspired after a weekend at Adrenaline.

Adrenaline will be announcing their 2014/2015 tour dates soon....check out www.adrenaline.com for more information on the tour, their 2014 Summer Nationals event and FOUR Summer workshop options including Elevate, Syncopate, Urban Legends and Soul Escape!

New York City Dance Alliance - Phoenix



I attended NYCDA Phoenix at the beautiful Phoenix Convention Centre. Such an amazing venue and the teen/senior ballroom was a great place to dance in.

Faculty for the weekend consisted of Andy Pellick, Suzi Taylor, Ray Hesselink, Taja Riley, Martha Nichols and Tony Testa. Anyone that knows me, knows that these are some of my favourite people to take class from! I also took Girlfrenzy during lunchtime with Kaitlyn Edgar and Amber Jackson. It was a fun-filled weekend of dance and I had a blast seeing the Faculty, Corey, Nick Gomez, Andre Jovovich and Croix Dilenno.


Dana Foglia Dancers Perform at Dancescape LA

I had an awesome time dancing at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles for the 10th Anniversary of Dancecape LA. The program supports excellence in dance and philanthropy with all proceeds donated to Art and Music Programs in Public Schools.

There were performances by Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Andrew Winghart, Tony Tzar, Matt Cady & Ricky Palomino, Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies, Rhapsody James, Mather Dance Company and more! I wore one of the infamous DFD leotards and wigs and danced my first stage performance in heels (yikes!)

The event was held at Club Nokia right across from The Staples Centre/LA Live. The venue was crazy busy with hockey playoffs between the LA Kings and Anaheim. I had a great dinner with my mom, Jordan, Will & Moe who joined us to watch the show!

The DFD Mentorship students are a great group of people. Everyone is supportive of each other and I've met some great friends. Thank you to Dana for allowing us to perform your repertoire alongside the Company members. It was a great evening and I am proud to be part of DFD!

Sean Lew Concept Video

Sean Lew...budding dancer, artist, chef and choreographer, asked me to be in his new video to Ariana Grande's song "Problem". We rehearsed and shot the video at mL Studio with Big Will. It was really fun to take direction from Sean with his Choreographer Cap on....it was also a lot of fun to throw water balloons at each other after dancing outside in the California heat! Check out his new video:

2014 - Recap Part 4

2014 Recap - Part 4
(The DBSD Show & Workshop, Young Lions Workshop, Carnival LA, Dance On Network/HUMAN Contest)

The Difference Between Sinking and Drowning

In April, I attended the Premiere of Talia Favia's show entitled "The Difference Between Sinking and Drowning" held at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood.

I attended the show with my friend Tasha...it was an amazing show and Talia Favia is a brilliant choreographer. The premise of her show was based on a literal representation of her life, her experience with romantic relationship(s) and the joy, turmoil and angst she felt in those relationships. She parlayed her experiences into a dance show that was unbelievable to watch. It's like you were on an roller coaster ride with her, an empathetic view of the pain and joy she felt while in her relationship(s).
Kudos to Talia for being so open with such personal experiences.

The show had 19 cast members of which Talia and Chaz Buzan were the principal dancers. The story, music, backdrop, choreography, sheer athleticism and artistry of the show were mesmerizing.

 

I was so happy to see Chaz and Talia backstage after the show. They were both brilliant and I couldn't wait until the next day to dance with them in their workshop!

There were four classes offered at the DBSD workshop taught by Christina Nelson, Brian Friedman, Chaz and Talia. Thank you to Talia for the Scholarship to attend an ASH event on the new tour. Talia was recently announced as a new addition to the Faculty line up! Congratulations to Talia and ASH! Here is Brian Friedman's class combo from the workshop:

Ian Eastwood Young Lions Workshop

A week later was the chance to attend the Young Lions workshop in West Covina, CA. I took class with Keone & Mari Madrid, Lando Wilkins and Ian. I love spending time with Ian, his mom and dad. They are such wonderful people and so supportive of young dancers who share Ian's passion for dance.

 

After the workshop, we went to a BBQ at The Lew Family's home. It was fun to sit around the pitfire, chat and sample Sean's cuisine. Sean is an awesome cook....he was even patient enough to teach me a few things in the kitchen. In honor of Ian's upcoming birthday, we baked homemade mini-cakes with caramel sauce made from scratch.

Carnival LA

In April I took a class at Millenium with Willdabeast. He invited me to join the immabeast crew who had begun rehearsing for the upcoming Carnival with his movie tribute to Micheal Jackson.

It was a fun night at the Avalon Theatre and Willdabeasts' piece was an amazing 7 minute tribute to the King of Pop. I can't wait to post the footage when it's available. I had never been to carnival before so it was an interesting experience being in a club, with an older crowd and staying up well past I'm used to for dance! There were lots of famous dance enthusiasts in the house and all major talent agencies were in the VIP section of the theatre. It was fun to take it all in...another blessed experience on this amazing dance journey.

Dance On Network

I recently joined Dance On Network and participated in a contest offered by Brian Friedman. As the new Brand Ambassador for Dance On Network, Brian created and posted a video to HUMAN, a new track by Christina Perri. The video was shot in the desert with a cast of talented dancers. Brian then challenged his followers to upload their own choreography to HUMAN for a chance to win $500.

Here is Brian's creation and my improv submission to the contest.

I was honored to be a Top 10 Contest Finalist - there were some inspiring submissions. Congratulations to Lex Ishimato for winning!

Thank you for visiting my blog....I hope you find inspiration in my experiences and the people I've met on my journey. Dance is a large community - so it's important to share each other's gifts, talents and experiences with others who share the same passion. See you next time!

2014 Recap - Part 3

Recap - Part 3
(IV Real Movement, The Pulse Toronto, Monsters Cast Announcement, Dana Foglia Dance Mentorship)

IV Real Movement

In the new year, I was honored to be an Assistant at a new in-studio workshop entitled "IV Real Movement". It is the brain-child of William B. Wingfield and Monique Borromeo. Check out www.ivrealmovement.com for information on how you can bring this workshop to your studio!

This new venture offers something new to dance studios - not only is the roster comprised of some of the best and brightest artists in the dance community, they offer a FREE Community out-reach program in EVERY city they do a workshop to bring dance and their passion to individuals, encourage team-building and community.

The first project for IV Real Movement was held at The Talent Factory in Providence, Rhode Island. IV Real Movement partnered with Project Night Vision, a program founded in 2010 by Kobi Dennis, to keep at risk-youth off the streets at a time when they are most likely to be involved with inappropriate activities. More than 3000 youth participate in the program that provides opportunities in athletics, community service, team-building and peer discussion groups during the hours of 5:30-9:30pm.

The Faculty of IV Real Movement and participants of Project Night Vision shot a music video in a local gym in a span of four hours! Participants were divided into groups, taught choreography by either Kris Noble, Noel Bajandas, Sasha Mallory, Comfort Fedoke or Will & Moe. They then filmed their segments by a professional videographer. When the taping was done, the kids participated in a freestyle circle and party dance. It was an inspiring evening and a great way to start the weekend workshop off in the spirit of sharing.



Attached is final video:



The next two days were devoted to taking class at the studio with the various faculty. At night there was an opportunity to perform in front of the Faculty for one-on-one solo critiques -a huge opportunity for dancers right before the start of competition season! There was a pizza party, movies and games following the Faculty advisor meetings!

And to top off an already amazing weekend, my BFF surprised me and we celebrated her belated birthday! We stayed at an awesome loft hotel, had birthday cake and hung out.

I had so much fun dancing with the kids from The Talent Factory, the Faculty, JQ and Samantha. Can't wait to do it again soon!

The Pulse Toronto

I loved being at the Pulse in my hometown! It was so fun dancing Brian's combos and Gil Duldulao was on fire that weekend - he offered such amazing advice and we learned original choreography to Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation! I performed my Hip Hop solo and was chosen to re-perform it in the Pulse Showcase in front of the Faculty. I was given a standing ovation from Brian, Gil and Dave Scott....I love these people - their love and support means so much to me! Thank you again to the Pulse for an awesome weekend of inspiration and perspiration.

Monsters of Hip Hop Cast Announcement

In April I received the most mind-blowing news....I was selected as a Cast Member for the Monsters of Hip Hop Show!!!! Over the course of one week, Monsters announced cast members with Faculty posts through social media.

I was in ballet class at the Dana Foglia Mentorship Program when a fellow nominee at the start of class said she had an announcement to make. She said I was selected as a Cast Member for the show and everyone cheered and clapped for me! I rushed out to call my mom and met Anna Dalton and Laura Edwards in the lobby at mL. I nervously watched the announcement by Tony Testa and was so happy to learn my friend Noah was selected as well! I am shocked to have been chosen but I am ready to work and can't wait until August to be with the faculty and my fellow 2014 Cast Members! If you're in Los Angeles August 14-16th, check out the show...I'm sure it will be amazing! Thank you Andy, Gene, Dave, Faculty and Crew for this opportunity!




Dana Foglia International Mentorship Program

As soon as I read about the Dana Foglia Program for International Students, I knew I had to apply. I attended a Master Class with Dana in New York back in December and loved every second of the three hour class.

The mentorship program is a three-month program, hosted at mL in North Hollywood. The program runs Monday through Thursday from 10am-2pm each day. The morning starts with ballet or yoga and then we learn and rehearse company repertoire. The program is challenging and I love it. We get to dance alongside company members each day and take class from Dana, Company members and Guest teachers like Brian Friedman, Kevin Maher and Tamara Levinson-Campos!

I am blessed to have Mishay Petronelli as my Mentor for the program! She is a stunning dancer and such a supportive person. We've met three times to date to discuss my experience with the workshop, my dancing, observations and suggestions for improvement. I've also met with Dana Foglia twice...it's such an unbelievable opportunity to sit one on one with such inspiring artists with such altruistic motivations to help me improve!

I've met some great people on this journey....I love Maria from Bolivia - we share the same ballet barre every day and even celebrated her birthday at a local restaurant! There are dancers from all over the world - Spain, France, Britain, Canada and more.

If this program interests you, Dana recently announced a 2nd Semester! The deadline for submission is June 15th and the program runs September 8 - November 27, 2014. Check www.danafogliadance.com for more information.

It's a great way to train with strong dancers, to immerse yourself in a Company environment and to be in Los Angeles and live the life of a dancer. Did I mention you get two months of free classes at mL??? What are you waiting for...get your submission in now!

2014 Recap - Part 2

2014 Recap - Part 2
(Adrenaline Dance, Rock The House Dance, On The Floor Update, 20/20 Experience Workshop)

Adrenaline Dance Convention

I attended Adrenaline Dance Convention for the first time ever in Detroit, Michigan. The 2013-2014 convention tour made 14 stops and offers an amazing Faculty comprised of Nick Zborowski, Nick Bass, Matt Aylward, Matt Cady, Jenn Freeman, Nick Dinicolangelo, Justin Giles, Chris Jacobsen, Caroline Lewis-Jones, Matt Luck, Paula Morgan, Morgan Lawson and Maddi Berg.

I loved this convention...they offer three bonus classes on Friday evenings, a competition, workshop and scholarship opportunities to qualify for their Nationals event. In each city, they produce an awesome highlights reel that gives a real flavor of the weekend:

I also attended Adrenaline Los Angeles and competed my new Hip Hop solo, choreographed by Tatiana Parker. It's a great event with a no-pressure vibe. The passion each faculty member imparts on you in their class and the lessons they teach are invaluable whether you want to be a professional dancer or not! I highly recommend you attend this workshop, especially if you are a contemporary dancer. But I guarantee you'd enjoy tap class equally as much as a contemporary class with the hilariously funny Nick Dinicolangelo or hip hop with Nick Bass or Matt Aylward!

And shout out to the Adrenaline Technical Staff that are AMAZING dancers...don't be surprised to see some of them dancing at the back of the room! They blew me away....

On The Floor - Fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital

In December, I had the opportunity to dance alongside some of Toronto's best dancers at the On The Floor Benefit for Sick Kids. Here is a video of Mitchell Jackson's Choreography to close out the evening! It was a great event that raised a lot of money for the Hospital.

Other Travels

One of the best things about being a dancer is the opportunity to travel, meet up with friends (Jessica, Taylor, Reisha, Kris and Karina), enjoy the experience of a new city to work with inspiring, creative and talented people in the dance community.

Here I am at 24/7, NYCDA and at Willdabeast and Janelle Ginestra's workshop in Kitchener.

In Los Angeles with Will, Janelle and Tatitana working on projects

I traveled to New York City just before Christmas to work with one of my favorite dancers, attend "After Midnight" to see the uber-talented Desmond Richardson perform in this off-broadway show and attend a student performance at NYU. Desmond was AMAZING...well, the whole cast of After Midnight was amazing!

I love the SMELL of New York, the outdoor markets to buy a tree or produce on a weekend and dancing at the stunning Gibney Studio on Broadway! I'm thankful and blessed for the opportunities I'm given and for the people I meet on my journey.

Rock The House Dance Convention

I was honored to be an Assistant for the 3rd Annual Rock The House Dance Convention, held in Park Ridge, New Jersey December 27-30, 2013.

The Faculty consisted of Noel Bajandas Chelsie Hightower, Jeff Lapes, Dha'Sean Serrano, Chaz Buzan, Zakk Manzella, Talia Favia, Taja Riley, Sasha Mallory, Comfort Fedoke, William Wingfield and Moe Borromeo.



There were classes in hip hop, contemporary, modern, tutting and isolations, strength and conditioning, rhythm, fusion, improv tech, ballroom and house! There was also a Movie Night, Dance Battle and on the final night, the "Rock the Hotel" dance party!

It was a great event and I had lots of fun assisting the Faculty, dancing and hanging out with my best friend JQ.

We exchanged Christmas presents and are so similar....we got EACH OTHER a Harry Potter wand! Of course we had to take them everywhere we went from there-on-in! and wear matching beanies and track pants.....

It was fun to hang out with Niko, Emily and Jentry too!

Rock The House was a very intimate event where the dancers could socialize with the Faculty after a busy day of dance. Everyone was approachable and willing to share their gifts with each other. There were some moments that I will never forget and every dancer should have left the experience with a new-found appreciation and love for dance...just in time for the new year!

Thank you to Jeff Lapes and CAJJA Productions for the opportunity to assist your Faculty. Be on the look out for information regarding their new 2014 events!

20/20 Experience

In February, Toronto dancers were lucky enough to take class from three dancers from Justin Timberlake's tour during their stop in Toronto. The event was hosted at Rightfoot Studios where Ivan Koumaev, Nick Bass and Lyle Beniga taught class to a packed house!

The "Girls" on the tour were also present, taking class at the back of the room. It was fun to dance with Dana Wilson, Natalie Gilmore and Lindsay Richardson too! There was so much talent in that room...it was off the charts!

And...I got to dance alongside my friend Tessa who was in town for The Pulse event! It's always fun seeing Tessa :)