process.

Whew, what a week it's been so far. Working out at the TV station, dancing, booking clients for social media training...and to cap it off, getting ready to perform this weekend. 

I have been thinking a lot about "the process" this past week. 

With both of my careers, my peers and I spend endless hours  training, researching, interviewing, watching, et cetera until putting together the final product. 

Whether it's an article, television segment or a show, I find the process, though the most  difficult part, can sometimes be my favourite piece of a project. 

True, there are few things better than seeing your name in print or that moment when you step into the lights. However, the process if vital to making that moment happen. 

In a world where it seems like everyone demands to be paid every moment they "work" it was interesting to see what I found off-hours. The process doesn't happen in the nine to five time frame. It happens when you're in an impromptu Can Can dance rehearsal. Or running to the library archive to find a document to quote in once sentence. 

It's through building relationships, keeping your eyes open and most importantly, stepping back. Looking at things from the outside personally help me work more effectively. 

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, so much of this is relates back to what Charlie Skinner says in an episode of one of my favourite shows, The Newsroom. At the end of all the hard work, sometimes we then forget to relish in the result of the process. 

"It's going to be a long night and we need you to work fast and we need you to work well. But once in a while, take three seconds- you can't spare more than that- take three seconds to notice where you are and what you're doing."

Just a thought. 

unknown.

"Recently I’ve learned that you can’t wait around for life to be good for you,

you have to make it good for yourself with the resources that you have. 

That’s why you could own the whole entire world.

But, if you don’t have the drive and urge to make your life special, then you own absolutely nothing in the end."

— Unknown


 

Wise words. 

b&w.

mantra.

I stumbled upon this little quote and posted it on my Instagram account the other day. Funny enough, two of the people who so inspire me and really build up the people around them were the first to comment on it. 

Some things just happen for a reason.

10things.

Is it spring yet? I promise with my whole heart to never complain again about the weather being too hot after how chilly this past winter has been. 

However, yesterday was the epitome of why I love living in the city. After shooting (long overdue) head shots, my good friend and I ended up on a wild goose chase and to a fashion show in Liberty Village. 

Tina Fey said the secret to success is to just say yes. In a world where we are so busy and things move faster than ever, it's all about balance. You need to know when to say no, but when the opportunity comes up, just take it and run. 

Thinking about it, nine out of 10 times, I'm happy I took the risk. 

This weekend, I'm challenging myself to keep saying yes. 

annex.

I know it's only the beginning of the afternoon Eastern Time (and just the start of your day West Coasters) but today was off to a meh start for me.

Nothing life or death-worthy, but waking up to find out some details aren't in place can be frustrating. Especially when you're not sure how you can get them back.

Thus, going out for a morning walk to clear my head, reevaluate my options and get a much-needed latte ended up being an impromptu therapy session.

One of the things I'm loving about living in the Annex is the community feel of the neighbourhood. After six months, I'm starting to recognize the shop owners and staff, and when I see my neighbours out and about, it's nice to have a friendly face acknowledge you.

This morning in one of my favourite coffee spots, a barista clearing up the section I was sitting in approached me.

I don't know if she sensed that I was feeling down, but she introduced her self, saying she recognized my face. Her name was Annie, and it turns out she lived just a few blocks over from me as well. We ended up having an impromptu chat about life and the neighbourhood before she had to hustle back to work.

At the end of our chat, she said something to me that I haven't heard in a long time - "You go girl!"

It's like that scene in Sex and the City when Carrie gets in the back a taxi after her book launch. After finding out the party was for Carrie, the female driver gives her a stunning smile and exclaims "That's amazing! Congratulations!" before they take off.

Carrie narrates, "It was kinda of amazing. Why did I need a stranger to remind me?

Not that I've written a book or found a cure for the common cold, I finally understand this moment.

However, this reassurance could have not come at a better time. Thanks Annie, I really appreciate it.

top5.

I've never liked February. It's always feels like a slump month, and literally it is the dead of winter. 

However, this year, February has kept me on my toes, teaching, going to shows, with interesting work projects, reconnecting wtih some unexpected people and so much more. 

With just a few more weeks until some (hopefully) warmer weather, I'll take an early catch of spring fever any day. 

In honour of the month, my Top 5 are a little more whimsical. 

Hair chalk. 

I have always lusted for a touch of pink in my hair. I'm considering trying out a hair mascara or clip in extensions (just for fun). If you know a good brand, lemme know! 

NYWF. 

I've loved following the shows at New York Fashion Week over social media this year. With Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Vine and more, it feels like you're almost there. 

For now, Style.com's through show reviews do just fine. Even better paired with a cup of tea. 

Wicked Game. 

I heard a cover of "Wicked Game"by Chris Issak at a show last week, and have had this version on repeat ever since. 

"The Box Presents" - Evoke. 

Dancers, aerialists, singers (and yours truely) will be performing at this showcase of Toronto talent on March 2 - I'm very excited to see my peers hit the stage in a piece I helped co-choreograph. Check out the event link and leave me a comment if you're interested in tickets!

Mantra.

Wise words from one of my favourite musicians. 

dancelife.

One of the things Toronto is very blessed with is an endless amount of things see and do any night. There's concerts, cabarets, films, parties, flash mobs - whatever you're into, there's something here.

I had the pleasure of attending a few shows this past week that featured dancers and choreographers I greatly admire. At all the venues, I found myself surrounded by so many people I have met at auditions, in class or workshops that I can call my friends.

Two very cool moments happened last night while in the crowded Virgin Mobile Mod Club at the show Urbanesque.

A choreographer who hired me for a flash mob gig a few months back (i.e. a plethora of dancers were hired for us to "mob" the venue) came and up put her arms around me. I was floored that she remembered exactly who I was.

In line for a drink, another woman tapped my shoulder and said, "You're Portia Favro right? I've seen you perform -  I'm a huge fan!"

I was floored.

In a community that really, I have only been a part for about a year, knows who I am. What started out as a stress release while I was at school has blossomed into something else.

I didn't plan to be a part of any of this, but I have fully been pulled in and accepted here.

This industry, like so many, is small but oh-so supportive. It embraces the uniqueness of each performer, cultivates individuality and supports each other. A huge part of the audience at many shows I've either attended or danced in are made up of those in the community.

This is something I haven't seen anywhere else. Perhaps it's because I came from an area where there were just so many dancers, each of us was just a number. And true, we all are a number or just a brunette when we're in an audition. However, once you land the job, it's about personality. It's your character. Your individual dance and performer persona is accentuated here.

Oh man Toronto, it's good to be here.

normal.

"Once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can’t go back to being normal; 

you can’t go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time."

— Donald Miller, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

Keeping this in mind. #mantra

tiesto.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I'm surrounded by so many people I love, love my work and honestly, am pretty in love with life. I know it's cheesy to say that, but over the past year it's been become evident to me how important it is to be happy. 

Enjoy today and celebrate the love around you - as I've seen this year, it has many facets. 

I'll also be jamming out this for most of the day. Obsessed. 

And this new treat from JT...

swap.

The quote in the above photo really struck a chord with me this morning. 

I've realized the people I admire most - whether it be my peers, role models, bosses or mentors all have no vanity. Their lives are incredible because they aren't afraid to risk, fail and pick themselves up. 

It's not easy. 

One of my of my mentors last week said she definitely has moments where she just  wants to settle. 

"However, that would take away my angst and lust for life," she said. 

This got me thinking. I've had some amazing opportunities with absolutely no guarantees come in my direction this year, and I'm also realizing, several times throughout the last five years. All the best experiences I have had started from zero.

Right now in the middle of winter, there are moments where things look to be in complete shambles, but spring is coming. I'm confident that things will continue to blossom. 

Just a thought.