B&W.

I was thinking about it the other day...and my blogette is almost five years old. 

My oh my, where does the time truly go? 

Well, our official birthday isn't until next month, but stay tuned for some flashback posts. Black and white photos was one of the original content concepts - and here we are, still doing it! 

start.

If you follow me on Pinterest, you've probably notice I have been "pinning" a plethora of Rolling Stones photos lately.

I grew up listening to The Rolling Stones, and their music literally made appearances at our breakfast table. In fact, my first concert was the San Francisco stop of their "Bigger Bang" tour.

This music runs in my blood, and I've been flirting with the idea of a producing a showcase featuring the music of the world's greatest rock and roll band for the last year. Although I'm working on several different projects that are requiring my full artistic attention, I'm hoping to focus making this a reality as soon as I can.

It's been 50 years since band was formed, and I want to celebrate how music has changed as well.

My friends, I am on the hunt for amazing covers, remixes, etc. of anything by The Rolling Stones. I found this cover of "Miss You" by Justin Timberlake a few weeks ago, and immediately, my choreographic brain started tingling...



This is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm not sure where this path will go, but I'm hoping to collect a plethora of songs and formulate more of a story and direction from there.

Feel free to post in the comments below or tweet me (@PortiaFavro) if you hear anything fantastic.

Thank you and stay tuned!

playlist.

Happy Saturday!

Although I've been a bit under the weather this past week (pesky spring cold, go away!) I've been moving steadfast toward a couple of new goals, tying up some loose ends on some big projects and finally enjoying a touch of warm weather.

In honour of The Rolling Stones performing in Toronto tonight - it only makes sense to kick off the playlist with a mixup of one of their newer singles "Doom and Gloom". Normally I would shun any remixes of their music, but this version by Benny Benassi is actually pretty fantastic.

This past year I've really developed a taste and interest in electronic and dubstep music (who would have thought...) but I'm finding it the easiest to teach my warm up in class, and also tune out when I need to focus on work. The beat feels like a metronome - consistent and keeping time.

Here's a sneak peek into what I've been listening to over the past few weeks gearing up on new choreography, teaching class, and writing, writing, writing.

Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!

mondays.

A few years ago in a restaurant in the middle of Mexico, I remember reading this quote scribbled on the wall in black sharpie: 

"If we don't meet your epxectations, lower them. Then everything is a bonus". 

This year so far has been a bonus. I went into 2012 knowing I would graduate from university. I had it set my mind that I would work as hard possible to pursue my passions. 

Growing up, I was a control freak. I hated not knowing what was coming at my next. However, with the news, live performances and well, life, I have finally freed myself from these constriants.

Personally, I have had a few friends experience loss or have had their world turned upside down by things they can't control. This really hit me how small the window is for us to grab opportunities and run. Yes, not every one may be perfect, but it's experience. 

I've gotten some really lovely tweets, messages and texts in the last week of people saying it looks like I'm doing well. I'm very lucky to be in the right place at the right time, working with some incredible people. Looking at each day as an opportunity has changed what I do, and I am in full, wild pursuit to make my time here (whether it be in Toronto, or on Earth) as valuable as possible. 

However, I wouldn't be able to live the dream without the support of my amazing family and friends. Major shout out to you all, you're my village that has picked me up when I tripped and have my back. 

Just a thought. 

glory.

It's been a glorious, long hot summer here in Toronto.

It's been different - not going home to my summer job, friends, family and life in British Columbia was something very new for me (as well as the humidity of Ontario).

However in ways, this was my favourite and best summer yet both personally and professionally.

Big and small, here are a few of my favourite moments:

The last photo shoot with my favourite photographer Katie before she moved back to B.C. (and is getting married next summer!)

Taking in the "50 Years of the Rolling Stones" photo exhibit opening night at the Analogue Gallery with fellow J-Skooler (and my lovely friend) Cashlyn.

I got to celebrate my two passions with my friends and family on the same day.

I graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Journalism in the afternoon, and performed in a big dance show that evening.

playlist27.

Holy smokes where did July go already? I've started work with CTV's Olympic bureau and am getting very, very excited for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games starting next Friday.

If you're not already, follow @CTVOlympics on Twitter for all the latest news, athlete information and more throughout the games.

My brain in thoroughly induced with everything British, so it felt fitting to dedicate this month's playlist to the artists of the British Invasion.

Of course, we honour the classics (we all know how much I love my Stones...) but it's time to share the torch with some of the new voices coming out of the UK. Check out Marina and the Diamonds, Florence and the Machine and Rita Ora, some of my new favourites.

Also released this afternoon - The Spice Girls will be performing their hit "Wannabe" at the London 2012 closing ceremony. #Cantwait

Enjoy the playlist and have a great weekend!

playlist25.

In all my excitement of hearing frontman of band Outkast, Andre 3000, will be portraying icon Jimi Hendrix in a new biopic about the late singer, my original intention was to make a classic, 1960's rock playlist.

However, the magic of these online streaming music websites is they lead you to artists and sounds you've never of heard before.

A few hours and a lot of music later, I now have a playlist which was inspired by Hendrix, yet features none of his foxey tunes.

Can't wait for the outdoor festivals and music performances this summer in the city and beyond...keeping my fingers crossed I have the funds and time to fit it all in.

PS check back tomorrow for my second "Dances of the Week" vlog. Got some good ones!

rollingstone.

It's Friday night - what are you up to?

Usually I'm out tearing up Toronto with a few of my girls by my side, but after a long and busy week of moving and what not, I'm taking this weekend off. I have a glass of vin blanc at my fingertips, music turned up and a good book waiting to be read.

Last night was a bit of a different story though, but I'll back up a bit further.

Growing up, I remember when we had Cream of Wheat for breakfast, my dad always asked:

"Do you put the milk or brown sugar on first?"

Of course, my brothers, mother and I all had vastly different opinions and would argue back and forth.

One of my siblings or I would eventually catch on that Dad hadn't said anything yet.

"Okay Dad, what's the answer then? Milk or sugar?"

Without hesitation, my father would raise his hands, assume an air guitar position, and in his best impersonation, sing "Brown Sugar!"

And that's where my Rolling Stones obsession began.

Last night, I was invited to the opening night of "50 years of The Rolling Stones: A Rock & Roll Retrospective Exhibit Opening" at the Analogue Gallery on Queen West. This was a part of the Contact Photography Festival (see I'm making my list happen!), and was the opening night party for the exhibit.

mayday.

My apologies in advance - I am in the middle of moving out my apartment, running out to a dance workshop and performing tonight at a charity function.

Busy, busy, busy...but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Before things get too chaotic, I wanted to share some of my goals for the upcoming month.

May 2012 has been a looming month for me. Besides moving, it has essentially meant a lot of change in many areas of my life -especially no longer being a student and deciding what direction I wanted to pursue for the summer.

However, the great thing about the right now, is that I'm excited to be moving more west in Toronto's downtown core and have quicker access to more events, classes, et cetera. I'm hoping to take full advantage of my location over the summer.

First off, The Contact Photography Festival in Toronto kicks off this May. I'm never here for the festival, so I'm hoping to take in and tour as many galleries as possible. One of the galleries is doing an exhibit dedicated solely to my all-time favourite band...(drumroll please, or is it even needed?) The Rolling Stones.

If the 50 Years of The Rolling Stones: A Rock & Roll Retrospective Exhibit Opening is as awesome as it sounds, my month will be off to a great start!

Also, the Hot Docs Film Festival started this past week, and I'm planning to take in as many weird, out there, interesting, thought-provoking films as my mind, schedule and wallet will allow.

Last but not least - four years later, and I still have not been to the Art Gallery of Ontario. This month though, I want to see the touring Picasso collection, which includes pieces from the Musee National in Paris.

I got my goals and will try my best to stick with them - and blog along the way!

Happy Saturday and have a great weekend.

PS! I had the highest amount of views on my blog this month ever! Thank you to all my readers for your support!

playlist17.

As we begin to bid adieu to summer, I'm finding that my soundtrack choices are starting to change as well. I'm lusting for the simple strokes of a guitar covers - warm and familiar notes that remind me of sitting next to the water.

However, there's a newfound need for more post-punk pieces that remind me of autumn, where things are fast, exciting and new. A change of pace is always good, as long as you balance it out with the speed of classics.

Enjoy and happy weekend!

mick.

No one else compares to moving like Jagger.

summer2011.

"I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie
I have my freedom, but I don't have much time
Faith has been broken, tears must be cried
Let's do some living after love dies
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day" - Wild Horses, The Rolling Stones.

Photography by Portia Favro.