FAITH LOVE AND HOPE

A Vist To The Alvin Ailey Dance School and New York Cares Volunteer Orientation Workshop

2009-09-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Me and my aunt went down to Manhattan Midtown to the Alvin Ailey School and what a building it is!

Its amazing|! My aunt managed to sort out a meeting with one of the staff who works in the community outreach program for next week, which is great!

Afterwards we went down to Brooklyn Pacific Library for the New York Cares Orientation Day for volunteers. I contacted them a while ago and they contacted me back. A team leader briefed us about the services they provide for other organizations all over New York and the type of projects we could get involved with.

My aunt wasn't initially interested but afterwards she signed up which was really good. So now I can volunteer anywhere in New York for the time that I am here.

Leaving LA Behind and Moving forward to NYC!

2009-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Owww so its my last days here in LA and I can't believe its gone so quickly!

Feeling very emotional! Its been great and I have truly made some great friends. Met some wonderful people too.

UPDATE:

Went to P-Diddys sons birthday party tonight, a great way to finish up my time in LA

Culture Shock Dance Troupe I- Connect Performance

2009-09-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

So... I went to see the Troupe perform on Friday evening. It must have been about 100 dancers on stage The theatre itself is amazing and is set outside on a backdrop of what looks like a forest- so beautiful:

Photo by Paul Antico (from the website)

Amazing performance, from such a diverse mix of adult and young children. I-connect talked about issues about how we communicate and the breakdown of communication in todays society. through dance and culture. This was represented through the different dance styles such as African, Cuban, Salsa and slight Asian influences. I enjoyed the dynamics present throughout the performances and the energy was great!

Culture Shock Dance Troupe

2009-08-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.cultureshockdance.org/index.htm

This is one of the organisations I managed to contact and was invited to their performance at the Ford Theatre.

Culture Shock LA is just one of the many dance troupes branching from the original organization in San Diego. Since then the non-profit hip- hop dance troupe has extended its network all over America, Canada and the United Kingdom!

When I cam across their website I had to immediately get in touch with the directors. The troupe aims to outreach to adults and young people from diverse communities and is reflected through their performances (i-connect). Not only do they offer professional performances but they aim to instill self-worth, dignity and respect through the power of music and dance. The troupe uses dance as an opportunity to education young people and outreach to hard to reach communities, who may not have an opportunity to dance because of a number of barriers such as money. In addition, the troupe offers community classes and scholarships and programs for promising dancers.

This is what I admire about Culture Shock, they have many similar values to my own company and the same direction, the only difference is that they have made it. So I spoke to Alison Tanaka - Director of Programs and Development. Who then invited me to their performance which I managed to attend and a community class.

Debbie Reynolds

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Some classes I took at Debbie Reynolds.

All different kinds of teachers and very different styles.

Check them out!

One of my favourites!

MDC Classes!

2009-08-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have attached some of my videos of my classes.

Hope you enjoy them because I LOVED the classes.

Kenya teaches HIP-HOP with her brother Spark- The class is amazing just like a lot of the classes that I have been to so far. But her class has been one of my favorites. Her style is definitely her style but she allows you to bring your own interpretation into the choreography. The dance itself was refreshing because it wasn't like all the other choreography that I was used to. Loved it!
http://www.youtube.com/user/rainbowfysh

Nick Demoura Class- Amazing dancer - first time trying his style out.

He is one of my inspirations

Dance Class Mania!

2009-08-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

MDC
Debbie Reynolds

Okay so I've started my dance classes now. I have signed up for a block of 40 classes! (yes I know) Between Debbie Reynolds and Millenium Dance Complex Studios looking forward to them the first one is hip- hop.

Millenium Dance Complex (MDC) is based in Noho, LA's arts district, the environment in which the classes are set in are very proffessional and inspiring. From the moment you enter the building there are inspirational words and pictures around the studio. The classes are packed almost 100 people in one class but FOCUSSED. I have noticed that people from all over the world travel here to LA to attend dance classes, which is a good thing, one thing in common!

http://millenniumdancecomplex.com/

Debbie Reynolds on the other hand has a more laid back vibe. Dancers usually accommodate in the front of the studio and the cafe/lounge, socialize or wait for their next class. Debbie Reynolds is one of Hollywood's renowned stars. Her work stems back to 1948 where she appeared in the movie "June Bride". From my understanding she set up the studio for young professional dancers to rehearse and also have a place to socialize. They have a larger range of classes ranging from Salsa to Krumping, Freestyle and African.

http://www.debbiereynolds.com

My schedule looks something like this....

Will give you an update of my experience once I finish. I will also post some videos too...

Getting Lost than found in LA

2009-08-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Finally arrived in LA and I'm staying at the Oakwood Apartments on Hollywood Hills.

Its beautiful here check out the pictures.

But it's literally on a hill!

Walked about trying to get my bearings, but obviously got lost. But its beautiful so that made up for the long journey home. Plus I met some lovely people. Starting my classes on Monday at Debbie Reynolds and Millennium Dance Complex.

Excitement, Excitement.

Life starts now

2009-07-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Many thanks and appreciation to the Winston Churchill Trust who have awarded me this traveling fellowship to go to both LA and New York to research dance in other communities and established organizations in the hope to bring innovative and fresh inspirational ideas back into my local community. Over the next two months as soon as I arrive I will use this opportunity to blog most if not all my findings, experiences and just how I am getting on from day to day. It is totally new environment, different location, which is both daunting but exciting. I think this fellowship will really be a great experience for me as I graduate from university. I feel I am one step closer to making a difference to my local community and beyond.

I never thought I would be awarded such an opportunity so I am still heavy hearted and thankful even thought I found out in April. Thanks to Chris my mentor, friend, daddy number 2, brother and all the things you can really ask for for pushing me to apply. I know this fellowship means so much more to the young people who attend my dance class then me, and that's what matters. Anyway this is just an introduction of fellowship this summer so keep posted on my blogs