Avril Lavigne at MMVA 2013

Here's to Never Growing Up!

On June 9th I danced at the Much Music Video Awards in Toronto for Avril Lavigne! I danced with 24 other dancers, boarders and breakers who made the audition cut and the opportunity to dance for choreographers Nick Florez and RJ Durrell! See more info about these amazing choreographers below....

This was the main stage where we danced called PLOT. There was a second stage on John Street where Ed Sheeran, Serena Ryder and others performed. On the Main Stage Avril, Mariana's Trench, Armin Van Buuren and Demi Lovato performed! I even saw Cody Simpson, Psy and Drake backstage!

I started on the left side of the stage at the beginning of the performance and moved my way to centre stage by the middle of the song! I got to dance right behind Avril before we walked with her to the centre circle around the fans. It was like a big party on stage and I had so much fun dancing with the lights, cheers of fans and pyrotechnics!

I had so much fun at rehearsals and the day of the performance - Avril is so sweet and she gave me a hug and a high-five after we performed! Prior to the performance, I had the chance to interview the choreographers, Nick and RJ who have danced and worked with some of the most sought after artists in the music world! Here is my interview with them:

Thank you Nick and RJ for chatting with me!!!!!!

Here is footage from one of the rehearsals. Thank you to Danny D, Tanya K, Teya W, Wayne S, Luther B, Nick F, RJ, Craig from SONY records and of course, Avril for this awesome opportunity!!!!

And thanks to Julie, my Big Sister for the day - we had so much fun hanging out together!

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Don't forget the Pulse Events are just around the corner! I hope you can join the amazing faculty and crew for another inspiring dance event. Join us in Las Vegas or New York city....the countdown has begun!

May 2013

I'm having so much fun dancing lately - feeling so grateful and inspired to dance with so many talented people in my travels. Here's an update on my dance experiences since my last post:

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"Disorder" Choreography by Juliette Irons, entitled "Autism".

I'm happy to share rehearsal footage from Juliette's first show in March. It was such a great experience to dance with the cast and perform in a piece with a message about how we define what is "normal".



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I recently was in Los Angeles and took classes with Willdabeast, Tricia Miranda and Miguel Zarate. Each class was high-energy and it was fun to dance with friends I've made the last few years. Shout out to China Taylor, Sean Lew, Vanessa Rae Jamieson and Kiara Gudgeon who were at several of the same classes! Here is footage from Willdabeasts' class at Millenium Dance Complex...there were 5 Elite Proteges in this class working it out!

Thanks to Sean for the cool edit after Willdabeast's class at IDA! I love him.

Thanks to Will for always having such challenging classes...I am a proud "immaBEAST" member. Look out for NEW immaBEAST instructional DVD's in the next few weeks. Can't wait to learn some new combos!

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I also attended JUMP Los Angeles and took class with Teddy Forance and Andrew Winghart on Friday night. Here is Andrew's combo from class...it was great to dance alongside Payton, Sammi, George, Courtney and Hayden again. And Congratulations goes to Andrew who just completed auditions for his show scheduled for July 2 called "Out of Darkness...can't wait to see the show and some familiar faces dancing in it!

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I love to support my dance friends in their endeavours and this month I want to give a shout out to Eryn Waltman and Juliette Irons on their beautiful submissions for the 2013 Ace Awards and to the cast of Shaping Sound for the Premiere of their tour!

     VOTE for Eryn at www.dancemedia.com/v/8419

re(spective)

Choreography by Eryn Waltman, artistic director of Conteur Dance Company. Danced by Kelly Shaw, Mia DiLena, Jenna Tabachnick, Emma Portner, Bianca Melchior, Justin Lopes and Akria Uchida. Videography by Alvin Collantes. ***The following video features experimental concepts and movement in preparation for Conteur Dance Company’s upcoming season. With the development of our world as we presently know it, there comes strong expectations, preconceived notions, and a desire to be socially compatible, which alters the framework of one’s authentic perception of surroundings, of time, of purpose, and ultimately of the self. Such a fabricated conception of life places the individual out of perspective. “To put into perspective” - The act of redefining one’s perception of the simple matters, thereby allowing the individual to first see and then go about gaining a genuine sense of fulfillment in succeeding to accomplish the greater objectives. 

      VOTE for Juliette at www.dancemedia.com/v/8309

Show Excerpts- "DISORDER"

Choreography by Juliette Irons Dancers:Matt Luck, Ryan Spencer, Sara Silkin Excerpts: Chelsea Thedinga, Miranda Maleski, Christian Beasley, Kate Supplee, Jesse Johnson "DISORDER" Based on the neurological phenomenon of Synaesthesia, Juliette Irons just had her first debut full company show march 2013! A exploration through a shift in perception on the world of mental dis[ability]. Using projection and animation, Juliette creates a physical experience for the audience of what the world of Synaesthesia is like, while giving the audience a chance to reach a new state of mind on the topic of "normalcy", and life under the label of a condition or "disorder". Competing at the Ace Awards would be the absolute opportunity of a lifetime for Juliette, as well as her newfound company (Art.uncensored), and could be the kickstart we really need!! Juliette's goal is to change and inspire as many lives and minds through dance as humanly possible!!

Shaping Sound Premiere - May 18, 2013

Congratulations to the Cast of Shaping Sound on their premiere show at the El Portal Theatre! It was a great evening of dance and all the dancers looked amazing. I really enjoyed watching Teddy, Nick, Travis and Kyle (who many of us know from the convention circuit) dance together with their cast of friends. Jamie Goodwin was a stand-out, she is a stunning dancer with amazing flexibility, stage presence and control. Best of luck to the entire cast on the remainder of their tour!

In each tour city, Teddy, Nick, Travis and Kyle host a two-hour workshop limited to 50 participants. There was a thorough warm-up then we were taught the choreography of one of the numbers from the show. It was fun to dance on the El Portal Stage where they danced the premiere the night before.

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While in Los Angeles, I also shot my first video on green screen. I can't wait to share the final product with you when it's complete! It was such a great experience and I learned so much about how dance performance differs from stage to film. A huge thank you to Will and Monique for sharing their vision of dance with me and the opportunity to try something new! Here is a shot of one of the takes of "Subplementum"

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 I continue to take classes at OIP Dance with Miles Faber and Eryn Waltman. Photo credits to @janelledoucet. Hope you can join us on a Monday night between 7-10pm - it's always a fun night of dance!

Lastly...don't forget to check out Brian Friedman's new clothing line called "Brian Says Be Free" and get your gear for summer! Check out www.facebook.com/BrianSaysBFree for updates on the product line direct from Brian.

The countdown to the Pulse in Las Vegas begins... I can't wait to be reunited with Pulse staff, crew, faculty and elites. It's going to be a great summer...hope I can meet up with you somewhere on my journey!

April News

Happy Spring everyone! It's hard to believe it's been over a month since the last Pulse event. I miss my time at the Pulse on Tour so watching videos from the various cities we travelled to brings back such great memories! Check out video of The Fashion Show from New Orleans and a NEW behind the scenes look at what the Pulse is all about! There is still time to register for either the Las Vegas or New York City events so, get on it!!!!!!!!!!!!





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This month I took class in Los Angeles from Josh Killacky and Tricia Miranda. I also participated in a new project with Willdabeast...can't wait to see it when it's ready to share! It was my first time dancing with members of the "immaBEAST" crew and it was so much fun! Here is a video by Tricia Miranda from her class at Movement Lifestyle...catch me at 1:45 and at 2:21 with immaBEAST company! It was such a fun combo and so awesome to see so many dance friends in class.






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This month I also took class with Ian Eastwood and Brian Puspos as part of their Young Lions "Courageous Creators Conference" in Toronto at OIP Dance. There were five classes in total, two intermediate and three advanced level classes.  Ian and Brian each taught two classes and did one combo class together. It was such a fun day of dance and a well-attended event! Thanks to Julia, Ian and Peter for bringing Young Lions to Toronto! Check out Young Lions on facebook for future event info and video links. Their next event city is Chicago....

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I was honored to be interviewed by Dance Mogul Magazine this month as part of their "empowering self-empowerment series". Below is the link to the article entitled "The Pulse of the Next Generation". I owe a big thank you to Anthony Dushaan Cave-Harris for the opportunity! The magazine is a great platform for dancers of all genres, age and experience to share their journey with others. Check out the link to my article or their website at www.dancemogulmagazine.com for other interviews!

http://dancemogul.com/news/?p=4781&fb_action_ids=452202461540510&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=fac
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Last but not least, Eryn Waltman of Conteur Contemporary Dance Company just announced The Conteur "Academy" will be performing their first show called "Frames" in June...check out the flyer below for ticket information. The performances are selling out fast! If you have a chance to take Eryn's class in Toronto, she teaches at OIP Dance Centre Mondays from 7-9pm and Sundays from 12-2pm. Both are great classes for conditioning and learning a new combo. Conteur also offers a summer event, either two or four weeks in duration from July 3rd-31st. Registration is by audition only so check facebook at "The Conteur Summer Intensive and Academy AUDITION" for more information!

Here are some photos taken during Eryn's Monday night classes. Her combos always have challenging floorwork and are lots of fun!

*photo credits to Eryn Waltman

Thanks for visiting my blog. Check back soon for more of who and what inspires me on my dance journey!

March Madness

On March 4, 2013 I made my professional Los Angeles debut in "Disorder". I was so excited to dance alongside art.uncensored company dancers and be part of Juliette Iron's first show! I danced to choreography called "Autism"- it was a very special number and I was honored to share the stage with the many talented visual, dance and spoken word artists. Thank you to Nick, Taylor, Nana, Jennifer, Will and Monique for coming to watch my debut. It meant so much to me to have you all there with me. It was also nice to see the support for Juliette and her company from other dancers and choreographers in the industry. And of course, a BIG thank you to Juliette for the opportunity to dance for you!

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When I wasn't in rehearsals, I had the chance to take classes from Will Adams, also known as "Willdabeast". He recently held auditions for his Company "immaBEAST"and announced a talented cast of dancers. I took one class at IDA and the other at Movement Lifestyle. It was awesome to dance alongside so many dance friends in both classes. His combos were so fun and I loved taking class at professional LA studios. I was so excited when Will asked me to be an honorary member of his company!!! I can't wait to perform with the other beasts sometime soon!

Check out Will's youtube page at beast9688 for videos of his choreography and watch the immaBEAST's kill'in it.

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Sadly, after 13 cities, the 2012-2013 Pulse on Tour has come to an end...up next are Las Vegas and New York City Summer events in July. I had such an amazing time as an Elite, meeting so many amazing dancers, getting to know my fellow Elite Proteges, Pulse staff and the Faculty. I will miss everyone over the next three months until we meet again in Las Vegas. Here's some of our behind the scenes fun....

I have so many great memories of the tour and I love everyone so much. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this such an amazing experience. I will always be thankful for the opportunity to dance with you, to become friends and share our love of dance with each other. Can't wait to see what the future has in store for all of us!

Thanks to Taylor for always dancing full-out with me, to Tori for teaching me about King Cake, beignets and Lousiana slang like "fixin to get", "she gone"and "up the road and down the road" in place of North or South! And thanks to Jordyn for becoming my special new friend!

Thank you to ALL the Pulse Staff for everything that you do to make the Pulse the special event that it is. To Kristen for being such a great "mom" to us all, to the Pulse Elite Parents who were so nice to my mom and I, to everyone at Propix, Cyndi and Danielle from Nappytabs for all the great clothes, fun dinners and laughs; and to the Faculty who have challenged and inspired me in ways I can't fully articulate. I am forever GRATEFUL to you and PROUD to have been an Elite Protege.

This is video from our last time performing the Fashion Show at Pulse Detroit. We received a standing ovation from the Faculty! Catch me at 2:35 and 4:55...

...and one more Brian Friedman video because it was just so fun!!!! Check out new pop artist Sarati dancing in the back!



I can't wait to be reunited in Las Vegas with everyone and pass the torch to another lucky dancer as they begin their journey as an Elite Protege!!!
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Lastly a big congratulations to the official Cast of Monsters of Hip Hop Show 2013! I am especially happy for Jordan Ward, Robert Green, Jake Deanda and Jade Chyoweth for making the cut. I was honored to be nominated by MOHH this year as a Cast Semi-Finalist...ALL of the semi-finalists are really talented dancers! I'm sure it will be a great show so if you are in Los Angeles in August, check monstersofhiphop.com for more information.

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Thanks for checking my blog and good luck to everyone as they plan for their summer training options. I hope to see you at The Pulse this summer!!!

See 'ya next time at move it with Maddie :)

The Countdown begins....

The countdown is on for my professional debut at Art.uncensored's first production called "Disorder" on Monday, March 4th in Los Angeles! The show is the brain-child of dancer/choreographer Juliette Irons and I am so proud and excited to be part of her first production!

The show will feature choreography by Juliette Irons, Billy Bell, Jillian Meyers and presentations by other special guests! The premise of the show is based on "traveling through the beautifully unlimited mind". I can't wait to share what I learn from this new experience so check back in March for updates!



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I LOVE these photos....it's hard to believe the countdown is on for the last two Pulse on Tour cities! Up next is San Francisco and Detroit. I'm sure many dancers are looking to the summer for off-season training options...be sure to make a Pulse summer event in either Las Vegas or New York City one of your stops! Check out the Behind the Scenes peek of the Pulse.....



Just for a little inspiration, here are three videos from Brian Friedman from Atlantic City, Toronto and New Orleans Pulse Intermediate Level. I love dancing with amazing dancers every Pulse weekend!

I'm going to miss dancing with these girls, the advanced and pro elites when the tour comes to an end this summer! I love each one of them and have enjoyed every minute dancing, laughing and WERKing alongside them.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Check back soon for more updates. Happy Dancing everyone :)