curves.

'Tis a witching week my friends. Come dance with me! 

Tuesday - Dangerous Curves at Vancouver Burlesque Centre (7PM) 

Wednesday - Jazz Tech (5:30PM) and Jazz Choreography (6:30PM) at iDance Vancouver 

Thursday - Sass Class (North Vancouver) at Perform Arts Dance Studio (8:15PM) 

For more information or to find out about other classes + shows, take a peek at my website. 

lifestyle.

This the longest I've been in Kelowna on vacation (rather than Christmas holidays) in awhile. It's lovely.

I feel myself slipping back into the casual, easy breezy lifestyle of the Okanagan.

It's always interesting coming back. When I was in high school, I couldn't wait to get out of here...but now each time I return as an adult, I almost don't want to leave again.

I feel a lot of clarity and space when I'm here. The things that seemed to matter so much in Vancouver, Toronto, life, relationships, blah blah blahhhhhhhh all become super clear on what really matters.

I'm finding myself making faster (and better) decisions, feeling better and stepping back.

When we chat about "recharging our batteries" and having a rest, I truly feel that here.

Yesterday I saw an old, dear friend who gave me my first tarot card reading. It was beautiful, scary, enlightening and was exactly what I needed to hear.

Ultimately things are coming to down to making space...I've been feeling and intense and big draw back to the pool. It's not just because the Olympics are on (although I love watching the swimming competition every day so far), but I want back in the water.

Yesterday it became very clear what I want and need to do moving forward into the next few months to keep on my path, keep being creative and going the distance.

But for now, I'll sip my beer outside, stream the Olympics and enjoy this beautiful Kelowna sunset.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.

glow.

I'm currently in hibernation.

This past two weeks have been amazing, wonderful, insane, divine and full of magic.

"From Bond with Love" was all I dreamed it could be, and more. I can't even begin to describe the feelings that I've still having after the show.

I feel the post-show glow!

However, this week, I've stepped back. I'm teaching and working, but when I'm not, I'm reserved and in hiding.

When I'm ready to come out, I'll be there.

For now, I'm staying back. I'm going to take these moments of "freedom" and just be for a few more days.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support over the past few months. I'm truly honoured and on top of the world. I'll see you on the other side.


PS - Currently listening to Man Repeller's new Podcast: "Let Loose".

*Do it - it only takes 10 minutes*

Xo
-P.

tmw.

It's always over so fast.

Two years of processing and dreaming about a project // show. Hours upon hours in the studio...all for 1.5 hours over three nights on stage.

I'm thrilled to see my James Bond show come to life and my characters blossom on the stage. It's been a trip and a huge learning experience working as a producer this time.

As we head into the final hours before our final curtain call and I'm soaking up every moment.

I have no idea what tomorrow is going to feel like. The last time I was this deeply integrated into a project, I cried all day and was a mess. Other shows, I was so ready to be done.

However, this one doesn't feel finished quite yet. I think there might just be an opportunity to go a little further. We'll see.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all the love, support, advice and assistance with bringing "From Bond with Love" alive.

bond.

La vie est belle. 

There are things we can't always explain. Nor should we. 

There are moments that take your breath away when you least expect it. 

There are times when everything starts to come together. Sometimes, things fall apart. 

I'm one week away from debuting my first full show as a producer + I'm over the moon. I'm so proud of my dancers, the process, this story and everything. 

I know I'm going to feel a huge void after 7 months of work. It's inevitable. It's going to hurt. Maybe I'll be ready for it to be finished. Maybe not. 

Either way, it's a major step as an artist and performer. 

See you on the other side my friends. 

delicate.

This is one of my favourite times of the year.

It's that breath just before we plunge into summer.

 We've been blessed with some beautiful weather in Vancouver this year, and for the first time in a long time, I'm planning on taking a bit of time this summer to recharge and reset.

I so enjoy the sun being up until 9PM (or later), that warm breeze that still lingers in the evening, and we're just more willing to stay out for that extra glass of wine, take a walk along the water, or be silly.

It's the delicate time of year where projects are about to end, and other are about to begin.

As part of the "step back" plan (and only working really when I need to be 150% on it, I know it sounds weird, but it's so much more effective for me),

I'm going to buy more peonies, finish my glass of rose, and dream more about costumes for my show. I'm not stressed, I'm blessed beyond belief.

Have a wonderful weekend.

calm.

Ahhh...morning.

These past few weeks have been full to the brim with work, of the best kind.

I made a special trip back to the Okanagan to see my high school's dance program take their final bow (this was the final year for their annual dance show), teach a plethora of classes across the region, and one of my best friends proposed to me...to be her bridesmaid next summer!

Life in the fast lane is fun, but it catches up to you. After hitting the ground running last week dancing, teaching and in preparation for my two upcoming shows, I hit the wall.

Many entrepreneurs will tell you they work all the time. I confess, I'm one of them.

I usually have an "off" button to click into my personal life, but sometimes it has to be pushed aside, especially when your timetable is different each day.
I don't find it stressful, just busy!

During my intensive in L.A., Galen Hooks said it best - she drinks, thinks, processes, breathes dance all day.  I'm in the same place.

Literally everything right now in my life is moving towards a few goals in the artistic realm.

One being producing a show, but there are a few more that are still in the back of my mind I'm hoping can come to fruition.

This morning (and over the next few days) I'm taking a step back.

I've been so concerned with creation a high quality piece of art that I've forgotten to have a little bit more fun.

Isn't that why I got into this all in the first place? Duhhhhh Portia. 

From my bed, a large coffee in hand, and some Stevie Wonder playing in the background - good morning.

I'm taking this moment before heading into meetings and rehearsal this afternoon.

Life is good. Things don't need to be done at this exact second - one day at a time.

Have a wonderful week loves.

showgirl.

There's no good way to put it - this week has made me feel extremely vulnerable.

A lot of hard work has come into a beautiful bloom. Since speaking out about six months ago that I wanted to be teaching more, not working a desk job as much, and creating my own show...it's all happened. And even better? Cool partnerships with artists and businesses that I value and really resonate with are also coming on board to make it even more vibrant.

I came out of the dance studio tonight and completely had a cry on the side of the street. In broad daylight no less!

I wasn't even sad. I wasn't happy. I wasn't upset.

I just felt like a little tank of water had filled up with a lot of emotions, and a few tears was the only way to let it overflow. Sometimes, I think that the same thing happens and I have fits of giggles.

As soon as it came, it passed. That release was exactly what I needed.

Lucky, I had one of my besties walk of the studio with me, put her arms around me and let me go through all those emotions. She supported me, let me have a moment, and didn't tell me how to feel. I'm eternally grateful for that - thank you M.

Tomorrow, I jet off to the City of Angels to dance for the weekend with a choreographer and 9 other dancers. I'm terrified, excited and ready to learn.

This week, we launched ticket sales from From Bond with Love this July at Fox Cabaret. It's happening! WHOA.

Next week, I head to Kelowna and Penticton to teach - what was supposed to be 2 classes turned into 10+ classes. DOUBLE WHOA.

Cheers friends. Let's do this. I'm ready.

apartmentday.

Bonjour May!

To steal a note // style from my wonderful friend Breanna of Sex and Sandwiches:

Currently listening: "Prisoner" by The Weeknd ft. Lana del Ray (listen here) 

Drinking: a glass of rosé wine. One ice cube. 

Sitting: at home.

Today is my first full day off since March 29. By full day off, I mean - no meetings, no calls, no rehearsals, no dates. 

Zip. Nada. Kapeesh. 

Well, my parental units are coming into town so I'll be having a rendez-vous with them, but that doesn't count. 

Since leaving my "day job" I've been to Terrace, B.C., Portland and all over the Lower Mainland teaching, dancing and enjoying the sights in-between. This morning, I relished in the glory of not setting an alarm, staying in my PJ's until 3PM, and my only chore being to go get a said wine that I'm enjoying now. 

I'm having what one of my good friends calls an "Apartment Day". That means, not leaving your home (unless for crucial supplies...again, the wine) all day. It's up there with one of the most glorious feelings one can experience. 

Like any good party girl, I like to go out every night of the week that I can. If someone invites me over for a drink, I'll be there. If there's a show happening, I'll find a way to get the money to go. Life is too short to stay home and watch Netflix. 

But there are are moments that I need to step back. I can feel it physically - especially now that I'm teaching and choreographing almost full-time. 

I felt it this weekend. I needed to take today to recharge my batteries. Take a moment. Soak in the nothing. The lull. The sunshine. The words of my book. 

Life is good. 

If you can, take an Apartment Day. I promise, it will feel lovely. 

places.

Oh the places you'll go.

I called my mother early in the morning from the Vancouver airport while waiting to board a 50-person flight to Terrace, B.C.

Since starting dance at the rec centre at the tender age of 4, I've never been very good. Even as I moved up into a studio, competed again dancers across California, performed in more shows and productions than you can shake stick at - I never quite had the "it" factor that some of my peers did.

But I LOVED to dance.

I would literally count down the hours at school until I got to rush to the studio, pull my hair into a bun and high kick my way to high heavens.

I'm so lucky that my parents believed in me and made my dreams come true - it was never in the plan to become a professional dancer (especially after my knee injury at 18), but life has shaken out this way, right now at least.

Calling my mother to tell her I was being flown up to teach and share my dance knowledge with another community was a way bigger prize than any of the trophies I never got at competition. Hearing her react on the other side of the line - her sigh, her breath, her smile - that made all that hard work worth it.

As we are 10 days away from Mother's Day...thank you Mom (and Señor Favro!) for driving me to all those classes, competitions, workshops, helping me with costumes, and sitting in dark theatres on hot sunny days. 

You've made my dreams come true, that I'm now living out. 

This past year, I've been or am going to Los Angeles, New York City, Terrace, B.C., Kelowna, Penticton, and beyond for dance-related work or classes. 

Thank you for everything. 

deep.

"I think there is a certain age, for women, when you become fearless. 

It may be a different age for every woman, I don't know. 

It's not that you stop fearing things: I'm still afraid of heights for example. Or rather, of falling - heights aren't the problem. 

But you stop fearing life itself. 

It's when you become fearless in that way that you decide to live. 

Perhaps it's when you come to the realization that the point of life isn't to be rich, or secure, or even to be loved - to be any of the things that people usually think is the point. 

The point of life is to live as deeply as possible, to experience fully. 

And that can be done in many ways." 

- Theodora Goss 

portiavsnature.

Portia versus Nature. Day 9.

Today I drove home from the dance studio in a truck, flabbergasted at the sunset glowing behind the mountians that surrounded me (literally 180 degrees) while the radio played country music.

How am I?

Yes, that's the Portia you all know. She's still in there.

Today was the first one since I arrived in Northern B.C. that I put on eye makeup and really properly did my hair (I had a video call with a client - girl's gotta look professional) - but there's something very interesting about stepping away from the "mask" we wear in the city.

I've learned a lot of things since I've been up here.

I've always been comfortable spending time along and always make a point to have "me" time, especially when my jobs are so social and interaction-based.

There's a whole different kind of solo adventure that happened to me this time - one I imagine some must have when they're travelling to a country by themselves.

But this solo-adventure has been in a low-stress situation, sharing my knowledge and trying new things each day. Without the added work of a different language, or customs, I've really found a place to settle in my mind.

I'll never take good WiFi or cell phone service for granted again.

Don't underestimate how many resources you have available at your fingertips. For example, there isn't even a Starbucks in Terrace...there's one on every other street in Vancouver and Toronto. Whenever I'm now looking for a costume piece, etc. I'll remember this.

However, there is a level of simplicity here. Less options, less stress, less rushing.

I will give it to them, I've had more time to plan, look ahead to the coming months and strategize how and how I want to attack them. With much more teaching on the table, I definitely caught my breath in my throat the other night (was it nerves?)

Then it occured to me, just like it did a couple years ago when I had a lot of things going on - this is everything I've always wanted, right? These are opportunities, not hinderers.

Last Fall, I remember thinking and manifesting that I wanted to be teaching more dance and working with students of all ages. Be careful what you wish for I guess, that's now basically my full-time job!

Along with that, I'll beheading to both Portland and L.A. in the next six weeks for both work, professional development and pleasure. I can't wait, and am very honoured to have both of the opportunities. More on that to come.

For now - I'm surviving my time in the woods. I'll be back to Vancouver late next weekend. See you on the other side!

top5.

It's been a hot minute since I've done a Top 5! The last couple months have been wild - but in the best of ways. New job, new projects, new show...I couldn't ask for more.

Before I head into a busy weekend, here are a few bits and pieces I've been dreamy about over the last bit.

Top 5 for March: 

Ranunculus flowers. 

Although peonies will hands down, always be my favourite flower. The ranunculus blooms have been sneaking into my heart over the last few weeks. 

Scarves. 

If money was no object, I'd be picking up one of these NYC-themed scarves to pair with a t-shirt and jeans on these early spring days. 

Laundry hacks. 

I've been taking a couple of these laundry hacks seriously, and they're making a difference! 

Dita von Teese. 

Next month I'll be heading to Portland to see the Queen of Tease perform. To say I'm excited is an understatement. 

Rose Quartz. 

A good friend gave me a piece of rose quartz last summer, and it's been by my bedside ever since. Although I don't consider myself spiritually connected to crystals, I do appreciate the messages and background information about what they mean. A few have come into my life for a few reasons, and are very, very special. 

Enjoy your Thursday night loves! 

noel.

There's something I love about airports...the anticipation of a new adventure, or the warmth of coming home.

This was the first Christmas Eve I spent away from my family. I've been very lucky over the last few years to make it home or be with my family for a couple days before Christmas. However, with how work panned out this year, I'm coming back tonight.

There was something very satisfying about spending the day alone (and rejuvenating myself after my roomie's birthday last night).

I wrapped presents, packed my bag, danced around my apartment singing along to Marvin Gaye, and watching friends around the world share holiday memories on social media.

Maybe this is really growing up. Maybe I'm okay with breaking tradition. Maybe (no...I am) okay with things not being perfect - that's life.

Alas, I made it to the airport in plenty of time, met up with a friend who's also en route home, had a champagne flight at a restaurant, and am settled into my gate. My flight is delayed for at least another hour, but that's okay.

I'm in the in-between, heading home and also off on a new adventure of travel and experience this Christmas. It's all good.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Enjoy your time with loved ones this season.

2015.

Hat's off to you 2015...you rocked.

Thank you for a wonderful year of dance, work, shows, friendship, travel + so much more. This pin-up is off the grid until 2016. Stay tuned for fresh things a'coming!

Here are a few of my favourite moments.

Back To Basics - Army of Sass show with Alicia 

The Lovers Cabaret presents: SYN (Photo by Kristine Cofsky)

The Lalonde Wedding - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

My debut at Go-Go Bungalow at The Shameful Tiki Room 

Canada Day on the water 

Camping in Squamish, B.C. 

One of my besties since grade 11 in Kelowna.

Araxi Long Table Dinner at North Arm Farm. 

On set for "Howl" (short film) 

Shooting the Holiday 2015 campaign for Gloss Boudoir 

First trip back to Toronto since I moved. 

Soaking up New York City in October. Heaven.

The Lovers Cabaret presents: Lovers of Zeppelin

Guest performing in "Wonderland" for Army of Sass Kelowna + Whistler

My students from the Army of Sass Vancouver before our big show. 

nyc.

Oh New York. New York, NEW YORK.

I love you.

My trip out East was so needed, and absolutely the best for me. I saw colleagues, celebrated my birthday, witnessed a dear friend get married, lived in the middle of the Jays/Mets/Drake HLB/election high...and then went to explore and dance my face off in New York City.

Although I had moments when I questioned if I should be taking the time and money to do this trip, I'm so, so soooooo thrilled I bit the bullet to do it.

Part 2: I'm definitely heading back to NYC to audition for Company XIV. I'm addicted and in love with their work.

You can follow all my adventures on Instagram, but here are a few of my favourite moments from my trip. A must-do/see guide to NYC is coming soon!

My dearest friends at Shannon's wedding. 

The Six.

Teaching the Army of Sass Toronto Corporals with my OG dancers Meghan + Sam.

Manhattan owns #FlowersFriday. Hands down. 

Upper West Side - Alee + Tyson's apartment.

My fave people at the MET. 

Casually trucking around NYC with my friend Dallas (who's also from Vancouver!)

Since high school - my best friend Alee. 

Shake Shack is the food of Gods. Yes, this was breakfast one day. 

Got totally lost in Central Park. No complaints. 

Being a #basic pin-up in SoHo. 

tricks.

It's no secret, I eat, breathe, sleep and process dance daily.

When I'm not in the studio, you'll often find me bopping along the sidewalk with my headphones in. Since I was a child, I would choreograph music videos and dances to every song I heard. I still do.

I've had the pleasure of working with so students from various walks of life of the past year - children, adults, women, men, seniors, those with disabilities, pre-professionals, and more.

I've been thinking a lot about tips of the trade - by no means to have the right answers for do's and don't as a dancer (I'm still figuring it out!) but I do get asked quite often for advice on a few things.

Bingo! Blog post inspiration.

TIPS, TRICKS, AND SECRETS 

1. Cross-training. 

I can't stress this enough, especially for my developing dancers. I struggled with repetitive injuries, body image, etc. for years when I was dancing 20-plus hours a week. It just didn't make sense - I was doing everything right from ballet class to stretching to resting. 

Everything changed when I started swimming. Two days in the pool completely changed the overall tone of my body and worked those muscles in a non-weight bearing medium. When I started doing yoga, I found all the strength to ground and secure my balances, turns, and more in my leg movements. 

Every body is different. I've had colleagues find spinning, Pilate's, hiking, running and many other activities also beneficial. I strongly encourage cross-training outside of a dance studio or gym to build up cardio and endurance strength. 

2. Watch, watch, watch. 

Go to shows. Any show. All the shows. 

Dance is a visual art. We learn by watching, copying, interpreting and adjusting. Watching other professional artists in our medium - and outside of it - opens up your mind to so much more. Some of the phrases I've loved most have come from watching how bands play music live. I love watching the arm and fingers move on a guitar, and have integrated that movement into my choreography. You never know where that inspiration can come from. 

3. Find your niche. 

This is way easier said than done. But the dancers, choreographers and artists who are not only enjoying success, but also enjoying being successful in the arts are just being themselves. 

Heels dancing is "cool" right now. I prefer to dance in a 2.5 inch heel character shoe compared to a 6-inch shoe. It's just comfort level. 

From that, I found that I identifying with more cabaret and contemporary movement as my centre of gravity is lower to the ground in those shoes. Then I met a few real life pin-ups, and knew that's what I wanted to be do. I refuse to conform to what society and the dance industry thinks a "heels dancer" should be. 

4. Take a class way outside your comfort zone. Then do it again. 

My first Sass Class was like that! I almost didn't go in the room because I was so scared. 

Thank goodness I went in. I got hooked, made the best friends of my life and started a new career. 

My other colleague made me go with her to an ecstatic dance class about six months ago, and I was completely weirded out and scared to go in the room. It was a freestyle class for 2 hours with a bunch of strangers...on Sunday morning. 

But we kept going back. Every week brought up something new. I'm still terrified every time I take that class. But it brings me back to a very "human" place, and I learn a lot of the dancers around me (most whom are retired contemporary and modern dancers in their 50's). 

Just a few thoughts. Dancers - what are your tips and tricks of the trade? 

home.

Oh my goodness, when did October get here? It's one of my favourite months of the year for many reasons...

1. Canadian Thanksgiving (I'm en route home to Kelowna now) 

2. Halloween (duh) 

3. My birthday (duh x2) 

4. This year, I'm travelling! 

In all technicalities, I'm only in Vancouver for 16 days this month. This is the first year in many that my entire family is in the same province, much less the same town, for Thanksgiving. 

In a little over two weeks, I'm off to Toronto and New York City for one of my best friend's weddings, teaching several masterclasses and take in a couple shows I'm dying to see. 

I want to know...what are your must-do and see things in NYC? I'm coming from a dance perspective, so that's always a bonus. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! 

thanksgiving.

Last year, one of my colleagues said to treat each day like it's Thanksgiving. 

That really stuck with me - I'm so healthy, happy and living my dream work-friends-passions-interest-wise. 

Last night, I took a step outside of my comfort zone and performed with another dance group in a very different venue, crowd and style then what I'm accustomed to. 

In turn, I ended up connecting with some absolutely fabulous women and gents (inside and out!) and was invited to Portland, Oregon to perform in the future. 

Needless to say, I'm thankful. 

Thankful for going with my gut. 

Thankful for the support of my friends and colleagues. 

Thankful to be one hundred per cent myself. 

As we head into the next week and Thanksgiving weekend in Canada (I'm heading back to Kelowna for some family time, and couldn't be more excited), I'm really reflecting and soaking in all that's happened this past year. 

Thanks universe. You've been awesome. 

dreams.

Every season, I definitely feel a shift.

Whether it's physically with a temperature change, emotionally or even work-wise with projects and morphing or wrapping up...things change.

Full disclosure, I found my transition into autumn and the "school year" very difficult this year. I had a wonderful summer playing and working in Vancouver and across B.C. I've expanded my business and am challenging myself to take on things outside of my comfort zone and try new things. Alas, I long for those lazy attitudes and long days by Kitsilano Pool, tank tops and weekends away.

I just updated a couple portfolio pieces, and really stepped back to realize how much has happened - I've done a lot of work in things I really like doing!

This morning, I woke up and really felt the need to say thank you.

Near, far, wherever you are - thank you for the encouragement, support and feedback over the past year. It's helping me live my dream so big!

Happy Saturday.