(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!
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!
