games.

If you didn't know it already, I'm a huge fan of Toronto-bred musician, The Weeknd. I remember downloading his free mixtape on a whim and becoming completely obsessed.

Back then, he was known mostly in the Toronto music community...now, he's headlining festivals like Coachella. No big deal.

This is the first time I have ever seen him perform on television, and I am absolutely loving this softer, more acoustic version of his song "Wicked Games". Enjoy.

playlist34.

I know everyone is saying this, but I'm blown away that it's already December. This means a crazy week ahead full of writing, dancing, training, rehearsal, holiday parties and performing in a huge show on Friday!

In between there, I'm finding time to choreograph combinations and work on pieces for the 12 classes I'm teaching in four days in Kelowna over my break.

Nothing says living the dream more than that my friends.

Thus, a good playlist is vital to keep me going this week (especially with my early AM start times). I'm pulling inspiration form all corners of my life for this playlist. A little from my show, some of what I'm feeling choreography to and little tidbits I "Shazam-ed".

I'm also going through a Pearl Jam and George Michael phase as of late - not sure where that's coming from, but it's good.

Enjoy this month's psuedo holiday/contemporary playlist.

playlist20.

I just wrote my second to last exam ever of university. From here on out, it's only practicum work - yippee!

It's interesting - I remember freaking out before writing an exam during my first year, staying up way to late studying even though I had already put hours in, scribbling notes everywhere, waking up super early to review again. Some of those methods haven't changed, but my attitude has.

There's a difference between being lazy and being relaxed. Being lazy means that you did not go to class all semester and are studying like crazy to catch up. Being relaxed and confident is knowing that you know the material, paid attention in class, and are just going to show what you know to the professor. I'm also a nerd and have only missed one class in my university career, so I learn towards acting like the later.

Maybe that maturity comes with experience as well as age. I'm not nervous about exams anymore. There's always an adrenaline rush before writing one, but never a meltdown.

In my review session this past weekend, I relied on the simple and easygoing sounds of classic artists like Billie Holiday and Pearl Jam, as well as some new favourites like The Weeknd.

Happy studying and keep positive, the semester is almost over and we are nearly to Christmas!