An Artist

What does it mean to be an artist?

Ummm this question I think should be answered by the artist. I’m pretty sure many artist  share the same answers, but because artists are so unique you never know what you’re going to get.

To me an artist is there own and see there work as an expression of who they are not as a whole but as revealing part of themselves to the world. Creating is valued and respected..the process of creation is cherished and needed. An artist is inspired by happiness and sadness.

An artist values self-expression, and without it feels trapped. They need to express themselves through different forms of art. From clothing, music, writing, dance, the list goes on.

Each artist has a unique way of saying let me do me. “Sometimes in these very bold words..Fu*k off and let me do me”

I find it funny when people think of artist as earthy and sometimes too far gone for the average person to communicate with.

Or when someone spends their time trying to proof to others that they are an artist. I also find it interesting that in a world of over a billion people, that an artists sometimes feel they don’t fit in or they are finding where to fit in.

Do I consider myself as an artist? “Yes..”

Do I fit in? “I don’t know…I don’t try to fit in, I do what I do, and what I do takes me places…if I fit in great, if I don’t that’s unfortunate, but also great”

How do I express myself? “Through dance, writing, clothing, art, and story telling”

How do I see the world? “I don’t know how I see the world…I’m still figuring it out. What I could say, is this Lets spend time being true to ourselves, do what we love to do, respect each other, care for each other, and care for the world we live in”

 Could I be judged by the work I put out? “No, the work I put out is a small reflection of myself, my surroundings and experiences, judge me as a form of expression, Judge my work ethic and creativity. But not me as a person…If you wan to judge me as person, base it off of how I treat others, and how I contribute to the better being of the world..”

Featured in New Video

I was featured in Farahri’s new video ft Choclair “Dance the night away

I also choreographed the video. You can’t see the dance scenes as much as I would like, but you could see just enough. I’m the young lady dancing with Choclair:)

Here it is. I know I’m a little late posting this, sorry.

November Article **Start planning for the New Year**

With the end of 2009 only two months away, ask yourself are you ready for the New Year?

 Are you ready to make 2010 a year to remember or are you entering 2010 without a plan?

Don’t wait until 2010 to get your action plan and goals together, start now, that way you could enjoy January 1st 2010 knowing that you have already taken the time to evaluate 2009 and you’re ready to take on 2010 with a clear mind.

Here are a few tips to give you a head start to a successful 2010

***Vision***

Do you have a vision for yourself and how you want 2010 to be? If not, then the perfect time to let your creative mind run wild is now.

Start to visualize how you want the year to be, how do you want it to look and feel? Get pictures that bring your vision to life and put them on a board. “The Vision Board” I have one.

Even if you don’t have the specifics, still imagine a great year. Get excited about it. Get so excited about the year and all the great things happening to the point that you could feel it.

 ***Goals***

What are your goals? write them down, think big and don’t limit yourself. Don’t wait until 2010 to start thinking of your goals. Do it now and picture yourself accomplishing each goal.

Write your goals down and put them on your vision board. Don’t forget these are your goals, your dreams, the only limitation is yourself so go for it, think big. Once you have your goals down get into the action phase.

***Plan***

“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” I’m pretty sure you heard this short yet effective statement before. I know I have, I have heard it and I have read it time and time again.

 Ask yourself how am I going to make sure I accomplish my goals this year, what’s my plan? What steps do I need to take so that I’m able to move closer to my dream everyday?

Plan your days, weeks and months, this will help you out greatly, you will notice a difference. Planning is not always easy, but it’s ok, don’t give up. Once you have a plan put the plan into action, if it doesn’t work don’t get discouraged, keep on trying. Those who succeed, failed many times before they got it right.

 ***Evaluate***

Take the time to sit down and be real with yourself. Ask yourself was 2009 a good year for me why and why not?

 Did you do what you said you were going to do?

Don’t beat yourself up about not accomplishing everything you wanted to do, however you should definitely take responsibility for your life. If you did accomplish what you said you were going to do, then congratulate yourself. Praise yourself for following through with every task big or small.

Evaluate all aspects of your life, and do this truthfully, don’t lie to yourself because the only person you’re hurting is yourself. This may be hard to do especially when you have to look at yourself and face some dark facts.

However think of it this way, your taking the time to evaluate your life and that’s a powerful self growth tool, by doing this you’re taking responsibility, so that you’re able to make effective changes that will help you, you will also know what to do differently for 2010.

***Take care of yourself***

“Put yourself first and love yourself”

 Workout

 Incorporate regular physical activity in your day to day life.

 Ask yourself what will I do to incorporate fitness into my life? Everyone is different so were not all going to enjoy the same exercises.

Start to investigate what you like and what type of workout you could commit to. Don’t forget you could always switch up your workout. Jogging, dancing, swimming, walking, and a gym membership are just a few ideas.

When you find a workout that you like, you’re much more amped to stick to it, so start doing your research now. Not only will you look and feel better from regular physical activity, you will have more energy, and you will have an healthier life.

Make 2010 a healthy one, get your fitness plan into action now.

 Nutrition

Making sure you eat food that gives you what you need to function throughout the day is always a challenge for most of us.

We get busy, we go for the quick fixes and before we know it our body is crying out for attention. It’s lacking the right nutrients to function at the level we want it to.

Be the leader and take a stand for your health, no you don’t have to cut out your favorite foods, however start asking yourself what will I do to make sure I provide my body with the proper nutrition. Start educating yourself. Find different ways to make sure your eating well.

Put your health first. Start now.

Me time

 Happiness, laughter, relaxation should also be on your priority list. You’re no good if you’re constantly tired. Make time for yourself. Ask yourself what will I do to make sure I have time for myself, friends and family?

 What activities do I enjoy doing and what am I going to do to make sure I do these activities in the New Year?

Take the time now to go over what worked and didn’t work for you in 2009. You want to have a great year, so start planning for 2010, have a clear vision and idea of what’s to come your way.

Go into the New Year equipped with clarity, strength and positivity, your path will be much better.

Dance, and live like no ones watching..

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Thanks for reading.

Big Art for little minds

I was asked to choreograph an amazing closing act to “Kanye West love lock down” Remix for the 2nd Annual Big Art for little Minds Fundraiser.

This was my 2nd year being part of the show, and its truly amazing.

I choose a similar theme to the one that he used for the original Love lock down video.

The theme was African tribal..it was absolutely amazing, the costumes and the fact that each dancer had nail polish and paint that glowed in the dark.

Over 500 people attended the show, so I was pleased that they would all see the magic of 5 amazing dancers doing what they love to do and glowing in the dark.

I just love putting together themed related performances..because you could really get in-depth with each detail and pay attention to the story, costumes and music.

Thanks to all the dancers.

Malika, Amy Taylor, Kwasi McKnight, Melonie Hamilton and myself.

Thanks to Nicole Eliopoulous for putting together such an amazing and breath-taking show at the Paramount Event Venue.

Heres a picture from last years big art performance. Dancers: Myrosia Palmer, Lindsay Tompkins and Justin David. Last years theme was very 70’s as you can tell with the dresses..:)

Vibing in the dance studio

After teaching today’s Sweat B4 U Sweat “Caribbean Dance Workout” I went to the studio to dance. I went by myself.

I did this because I feel that I’m at a place where I just need to dance without any added pressure of performing and or creating I just need to vibe.

And that’s what I did, it felt amazing, it’s therapy it really is.

Just me, myself and I in the dance studio, of course my creative bug hit me and I started to put together choreography, but its different putting choreography together for yourself and no deadlines, than putting together choreography for a show with a deadline.

So there I was just grooving away…

I was able to let my body move, and watch myself, I was able to feel each movement and understand how I needed it to be, I was able to let go, it was great, and I plan on going back to the studio this week to do the same thing.

I must say, my muscles are sore. After an intense workout this morning, teaching Sweat B4 U Sweat then going to the studio and dancing as if my life depended on it, I’m aching from head to toe…I’m not looking forward to how I will feel in the morning.  But I am looking forward to dancing some more..:)

 

 

 

CN Tower climb recap

Here is a quick recap of my first ever CN Tower climb..which I have to admit is a little addictive, I think I may do it again, who knows..lets see.

Why did I climb?

This started off as a goal for me.

I love to dance, workout, jog and walk, but I do not and I’m going to say it again, I do not like climbing stairs, something about it..I find it tedious, tiring, not fun…I’m just not a fan, I would rather take the escalator or elevator. I mean I will take the stairs but it’s not my preference.

 Plus I don’t like being in tight closed off spaces..lol..for some reason I thought the staircase at the CN Tower was going to be in this dark and small tunnel looking staircase..lol..I have quite the imagination. It was nothing like I imagined it to be..the staircase was spacious, and it had light.

So overall I wanted to conquer my fear and do something that I did not like to do. I thought the CN Tower would be a great way to do this..I had no idea the Stair Climb was coming up..So my personal trainer Helen gave me the information at my 1^st training session she gave this to me two weeks before the climb. So there you go, that’s how it all started

Bright n Early

I could scream. I’m not a morning person…NO NO NO::(

I mean I will get up and do what I need to do, but if it was my choice I wouldn’t get up so early, but it was a team decision that we will have an early start.

So of course that’s why I had my hat pulled down low over my face, my eyes were still closed, and I was half sleeping.

All in all I’m glad we started that early, plus everyone had a great attitude so complaining about how early it was went out the door.

 Helen and I (Lol, you see my eyes are covered, but I got a big smile on my face)

Other early birds..

I seen these guys..I have no idea if they climbed the stairs dressed like that, or if they came to protect us once we got to the top..lol.Good times.

Don’t know who this guy is, but I liked his pirate costume, plus he was in good spirits. (My eyes are still covered)

Helen on her way to the Climb

The Climb

Wow…wow…wow is all I have to say.

Rules: We can’t bring ipods, mp3 players or water with us..lol..

Let me tell you, I started off the climb in high spirits..I was like yes here we go..by the time I got to the 40^th floor I thought darn it I’m going to pass out..lol..I wasn’t going to pass out..I was being dramatic..but really after finding out that in total there’s 143 flights of stairs and I was at 40 I felt defeated..but I had to come back and push myself…that’s what everyone did..it was good to see people you didn’t know encouraging each other to keep going.

The end

Yes I made it. I finished the climb in 26 minutes and 36 seconds..I was ready to fall over and sleep.

Lol…lol..after I got my ticket with my time I was sooooo happy, I was like yes, this is finish, lol only to realize there were more stairs to climb..I could scream..lol..whhhhhhhhyyyyy…

Everyone had to walk up 3 to 4 more mini flight of stairs to get to the waiting area..

I have to say, it was a great challenge, it was fun, and I’m glad I did it..I went from not liking stairs to climbing the tallest tower in the world. I’m still not a fan of stairs, but I will climb the CN tower again, I want to beat my current time, plus it’s a great challenge, for a great cause, and it’s a little addictive.

I had these fashionable hoop earrings on..lol..one of the volunteers noticed, she said “You did it, you made it to the top, plus you did it with your earrings on”..lol..hey I love style..whatever you do, do it in style all the way, full-out.:)

After the climb..lol..look at us..we did it..:) I look like I’m going to fall over and Helens gonna have to catch me..lol

The team, Congrats ladies

So tired..just relaxing on the glass ceiling..

My time, I have to beat that the next time I climb..

Thats it for now, make sure you join Helen Marie Fitness Fan page on Facebook, she will be posting additional pictures up of the climb. Now let’s get back to dancing.

An Eventful Weekend a head

I’m excited about this coming weekend, there is a lot happening.

On Friday I’ll be performing at the Paramount event Venue for Big Art for Little Minds this is an amazing fundraiser featuring some of Canada’s most talented artists. From dancers to musicians, and painters the list goes on. I’ve choreographed something entertaining yet powerful to close the dance portion of the show. With me are the lovely dancers, Kwasi McKnight, Amy Taylor, Malika and Melonie Hamilton.

As many of you know, I’m participating in my first ever CN Tower climb…:)

Definitely exciting, well to me….at least.  I asked a few people to join me and they all gave me that are you crazy look..lol…lol….lol which is perfectly understandable, I mean The CN Tower has 1, 776 stairs and is one of the tallest towers in the world.

But on the flip side to that, it’s great to challenge ourselves, and do these things that you could look back on and say I did that.

I’ve been training, climbing stairs to get myself ready. I climbed over 1, 900 stairs in 30 minutes. I mean that’s nothing compared to the records that belong to regular stair climbers.

I’ve joined the Helen Marie Fitness team. And together we will climb the CN Tower. It’s not too late to join, registration is closed but you still have the opportunity to register on the day of.

On Sunday I’ll be dancing along side one of my favorite dancers Ms Toya Robinson. This routine is choreographed by Minerva another fantastic dancer and choreographer.

We are performing at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, another fundraiser; this one is for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada.

So yes its going to be an eventful weekend, I can’t wait. Like always I’ll keep you updated with pictures and videos.

Whats in my soup?

A little bit corporate

A little bit hood (Just a little, please don’t get shook)

Quite Urban

100 percent real

A little bit shy

A little bit misunderstood

Very out of the box

A little bit of a wild child (Really not giving a **** (I didn’t the say word, because like I said I’m a little bit corporate)

100 percent classy yet sassy

100 percent intelligent

A little complex, (not trying to be figured out)

100 percent Humble

100 percent focused

100 percent driven

100 percent inspired by life

Ingredients to my soup are added daily, so the flavor gets better… Thats what’s in my soup, what’s in yours? Get your soup together, start cooking.

United Way CN Tower Climb

On October 24^th, 2009 I’ll be participating in the United Way CN Tower climb…

This will be quite the challenge, a good challenge though. I’m excited about it. So if you want to join in on the excitement and challenge definitely register. Registration closes on October 14^th 5pm.  http://www.unitedwaytoronto.com/climbforunitedway/main.php

It’s for a great cause, plus we all get the opportunity to meet new people and share the experience of climbing the stairs of one of the world’s most famous and tallest towers…That’s definitely something to share with generations of family and friends.

I know I will have my camera and water bottle with me. And of course I will keep you all posted, with pictures and video of the event.

 

 

 

Just look around

I believe when we look around us, and take in our surroundings, that there is so much to learn and be inspired by. Life has so many beautiful places, people and gifts to offer that there really shouldn’t be a day when we are like umm I don’t know what to do…or I’m bored

I find when my mind is clogged, and I’m finding it hard to create, I look around, I take in my surroundings, the buildings, the textures, the way we move freely, the way we interact with each other and that alone is inspiring.

When I find myself bored, I will ask myself  ”have I seen it all?” and I haven’t seen it all, so I need to get out there and explore…

And when I can’t get out there, well we have the great internet and search engines that connect us.

I found some amazing pictures, they are breath taking, and all I have to say is, you really could find magic; beauty and inspiration in just about anything….take a look for yourself.

I like these images for many reasons, but the main one is, when I look at them I feel something, and when an image or art work is able to bring emotions out of someone that’s a good thing. It could be music, dance, or visual arts.

 

But just take a look at these pictures.

 Dance Side Tip: Don’t get stuck, look around you for inspiration, dare to create not duplicate.