After the Storm...

This is the cover of NY Magazine's upcoming issue out Monday. I was one of the lucky ones. I had power, a warm home, hot water, etc but I can't say the same for so many people in the area. If you can volunteer your time, please do.
Keep ya head up NYC...
Volunteer

Introverts vs. Extroverts

Food for thought ya'll...
Video: RSA Shorts Introverts vs. Extroverts
Which one are you?

Fall colors

Since fall is officially here (sadly I might add), vivid colors are beginning to emerge. I'm loving the grey, navy, burgundy, red, and golden colors in fashion right now. Here is a fall dance inspired look to look fab in class. 

                

                                 

                                                   


                    

Pink Leggings: Jo and Jax
Camel Legwarmers: American Apparel
Leotard: American Apparel
Platform Sneakers: Steve M.
Red Sweater: J. Crew
Backback:Ecote

Scarf: Deena and Ozzy 
What are your dance class staples?

The Bessies!!!

Isaac Mizrahi MC'ing The Bessies in 2010.
Pic courtesy of anothereyeopens.com

Decadance Theatre: Jennifer Weber is nominated for Outstanding Emerging Choreographer.
Photo courtesy of dancebulletin.org

Have you heard of the Bessies?
It's the Oscars for the Dance World in which we celebrate excellence in choreography, performance, visual media, music composition and other areas of dance and performance. I've always heard about the Bessies but I guess I equated it with the Oscars as being an unattainable entity; something for the only very popular, famous and rich. Or more likely, I just never really paid attention as much as I should have. As I got older and started to recognize the names of the nominees, I began to get interested again. Besides tickets are only $10 and the ceremony will be held at the Apollo Theatre. C'mon, I can't NOT go. What's even better is that the selection committee is comprised of a vast spectrum of dance movers and shakers. We are talking about a breakdancing legend, Rockafella and the experimental Director of Dance for the NYC Board of Education, Joan Finklestein to start. The ceremony will be hosted by Elizabeth Streb and will include performances by the Trisha Brown Dance Company among others.
And there is an after party…
For more info check out The Bessies
Are you going?
Any favorites to win?!?!?

Rainy day

I can't with this rain. I love rain by the way, I really do. But traveling by mass transit all day in the rain is no fun. Shoulda worn this today..

With these….

and with this attitude..

Here is a little pick me up for this rainy day. And I promise I will have a better attitude next rainy day. Also, one of my favorite dancers/choreographers/teachers/humans, Nicole Wolcott, is teaching at DNA this week Tuesday, Oct 2nd and Thursday Oct. 4th from 11-1pm. 

"By using our curiosity and a sense of humor in this rigorous investigation of artistic technique, we will cultivate the JOD and grow as artists. Come play"

For more info check out her website Nicole Wolcott

Dance Problems

It's Monday already?

Didn't it feel like EVERYONE had a show this weekend? This weekend I performed with Banana Peel Dance in the White Wave Dance Festival as part of the Dumbo Arts Festival. We performed on the pier in a couple of crazy costumes. I even got a "WTF?" look from a 4 year old. I mean I was wearing a purple party dress with green shorts and sneakers; I get it. We were lucky enough that it didn't rain and got an opportunity to take some sweet pics with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. Banana Peel Dance performed on the main stage later that night and then headed to Siggy's for some yummy food.

What did you do this weekend?

Photo by Aaron Draper

Photo by Aaron Draper

Slow progress is progress

Me performing with Dance Cat-alyst

Dance Magazine Interview with Troy Ogilvie
I sometimes forget how far I've come when thinking about what I have yet to accomplish in my life. Being a professional dancer is hard. IT'S HARD! There are times when I am on the brink of giving up or think I'm not good enough. There are times I think I won't "make it" and that I should just ignore my dreams. I have to remind myself why I am doing this. It was NEVER for fame or money but the sheer joy it brings me; the need to create with my body. As a child I was painfully shy and dance was the only way I could express myself. Dance has become not only how I get to structure the many thoughts and ideas in my head but it's became how I communicate with others. It's not that I want to dance, I need to. I came upon this great interview from Dance Magazine with Troy Ogilvie from Gallim Dance that re-inspired me today.
During times of doubt, what do you turn to to pick yourself back up?