whirlwind.

Whew...well the last few days have certainly been a bit of a whirlwind.

I have to say, I did not anticipate to see and be a part of so much dance happening in Vancouver!

Everywhere I go, I'm either running into dancers or teachers from class, seeing a poster to come take classes at various studios or for another show.

This past weekend I ended up at two dance shows celebrating various types of movement in the city. In many ways, these are the "networking" events of the dance world.

I got to see some incredible performers, choreographers and get a scope of the many companies and people involved in each.

As I'm moving more into a choreography and producing role (never fear, I won't stop performing anytime soon), it's been very interesting to be coming into a community fresh and seeing everyone for the first time.

Yes, I've already encountered some people I'm not interested in working with because of their attitude. However, the rest of you are still looking mighty fine - I'm looking forward to working with many of you throughout the coming year on some great projects.

What are you waiting for? Kick up those heels and get dancing!

dinner.

The other day, someone asked me an interesting question that really got me thinking.

"If you had a dinner table set for you and three guests, who would they be?

They can be living or passed, and at any age." 

I knew my answer right away. I would love to have dinner with:

- Karen Kain, the current Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada 

 - Late German choreographer Pina Bausch, right after she choreographed "The Rite of Spring" 

- Nico Archambault, the first winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. 

If I could, I would also sneak a chair in to seat Michael Jackson during the "Thriller" heyday. 

I would be fascinated to hear each of their views on dance in 2013. Is it too commercial? Do average people still go to the ballet? What needs to change? 

With digital technology connecting us more than ever before, we can watch and share dance content so easily. As a choreographer, YouTube has become a huge source of personal and artistic inspiration, and has allowed me to watch full performances from around the world. 

However, I do wonder if this is actually helping or hindering our art. There have been many artists caught copying choreography from performances they have never seen in person. Some argue it's artistic plagiarism. 

For Pina Bausch and Michael Jackson, they both were apart of iconic moments in dance and movement that have and will continue to be reinterpreted and copied to no end. How do they feel? Was there ever any doubt while working and performing these pieces that it wouldn't work? Can they grasp what their impact was, and still is to the dance community? 

From there, I would be interested in hearing from Kain and and Archambault if what Jackson and Bausch did for dance really was significant. The National Ballet of Canada and So You Think You Can Dance Canada are obviously very different stages for movement, but in many ways, they have the same roots. If not, who would they identify as the movers and shakers (pun intended)? 

Of course, after dinner I would suggest that we all go out dancing. 

I've started asking my peers this same question, and have gotten some really interesting answers. 

Some talk about sitting down with grandparents they never knew, the future President of the United States, Beyonce, the actor who played Big Bird and so on.

So now I ask you...

If you could have dinner with three people of any time period, at any age, currently alive (or not), who would they be? 

Just a thought. 

penny.

Talk about a throwback Thursday - it's been 10 years since Britney Spears and Madonna teamed up in the "Me Against the Music" video.

I was dancing competitively as a jazz and tap student at the time, and remember one of girls, Penny, had just left the studio to pursue a professional career in dance.

To me, she had made it. Penny landed a backup dancer position in the video, "Me Against The Music". You can see Penny at the 1 minute and 40 second mark, when Britney and Madonna are dancing opposite each other through a wall - Penny is just off of Britney's right shoulder.

For me, this was my first brush at the professional world of dance - when someone you know makes it, it completely changes your perspective. I remember thinking that maybe one day, I could dance for Britney Spears.

Now, I may not be dancing for Britney Spears (but would in a heartbeat if she decided to revisit The Oynx Hotel Tour circa 2003), but I'm still performing professionally at various events, shows and across the city.

As I've written before, I'm now finding a niche and passion for instruction and choreography. Seeing may students emerge as performers after 13 weeks of serious training has made me feel that maybe, just maybe, I might be making it in my own way. P

I never thought that "Me Against The Music" would be a milestone for me - but it has reminded me just how many things can change, how my movement has changed and ultimately how my perspective has changed. Sometimes fulfilling your passion does not always mean being in front of the camera. Sometimes it's building up those who will be.

And I'm more than okay with that.

throwback.

It's never too late for a Throwback Thursday memory.

The hashtag #throwbackthursday (or #tbt) has emerged as a huge trend on social media, especially through the photo-sharing network, Instagram.

As a journalist, my natural tendency is to observe from both a distance and in the thick of it all. Like most trends, I thought Throwback Thursday would phase itself out over a few weeks. However, I think time is proving that it will be here to stay for awhile.

Slowly but surely, I have started to post my own photosr aging from a couple months to a couple years prior. As like-minded friends and I have shared funny, old and classic photos of each other, Throwback Thursday has become something I look forward to.

A few weeks ago, I had a major reality check/throwback. When I first moved to Toronto, I was still trying to get my feet on the ground and figure out where I wanted to work, dance, study, eat, et cetera. In the dance department, I tried out more studios and classes than I could shake a stick at.

I remember being in an open jazz class in 2009, watching an absolutely stunning dancer with beautiful technical training perform a combination across the floor. I had this moment (and I kick myself now for thinking this) where I said to myself, "Portia, you'll just never be that good. Let this dream go."

Over the next few years, I dabbled in the dance community, but put all my energy into school. When the dance bug bit me during my fourth year of university, I started taking more classes, choreographing and performing. Slowly, I found my self confidence and technique rising even more than I thought possible.

Now that I'm teaching, dancing and choreographing professionally, I try to take a moment and see how far I've come.

However, sometimes you can't choose those moments, I think they find their way to you. Mine happened in March while I was on stage performing in a sold out show. As I came up to my partner, she put her arm around me, looked me in the eye, and we continued along with the choreography. Front and centre in the piece, I realized my partner was that girl I had compared myself to in the studio only a few years before.

Of course I knew it was the same dancer long before this, but that was my "aha" moment, realizing how much has changed on my end.

I'm an avid believer in the throwback - they show us just how far we've come, and I can't imagine how much further we can go.

I can't wait to post a photo from that performance in a future Throwback Thursday.

Just a thought.

speigel.

Not only is this little video quite special, so is the song which accompanies it.

"Spiegel im Speigel", as performed by the Bergen Philiharmonic Orchestra, the Berlin Philarmonic Wind Quintet and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, was used in the modern piece, "White Light" choreographed by Viktor Kabaniaev for Moving Arts Dance.

A few weeks after watching professional dancers Holly Morrow and Devon LaRussa perform this piece, I knew I wanted to study modern movement. I dedicated myself to training five to six days a week as an apprentice to Moving Arts Dance throughout my sophomore year of high school. From Graham floorwork to Alvin Ailey-inspired Afro-Cuban, I couldn't get enough of this new form of movement.

I learned several variations of the company's choreography, including the "White Light"(watch two of my colleagues performing it on YouTube here).

Even though it's been six years since my apprenticeship, whenever I hear those first few notes of "Spiegel im Speigel", my ears perk up and body falls right into the choreography. It's a piece of music that sticks with you.

Just a little moment from today.

teaching.

We all know this infamous  George Bernard Shaw quote, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

I don't hate a lot of things, but I strongly dislike this quote. I think it's too broad to be a universal opinion for teachers.

I think many of us can agree that we've had great and not-so fantastic teachers/professors growing up and throughout university.

There are many professions where at a certain age, your body physically cannot take on the demands of your career. As a dancer and morning newshound, people in both my fields have told me they are not sure how many more years their body can take it.

When these people physically can't, many turn to teaching. It's not a downgrade, they are are strong enough to change the course. They can, and will continue, just in a different direction.

sophomore.

The Dancers Among Us by the incredible Jordan Matter 

While most people were at home decorating cookies and the house this past Christmas, I was in the dance studio, choreographing. To me, it's just another home I was thrilled to be back in.

Now several months later, the choreography I set then will premiere this weekend in British Columbia at the Shine Dance Competition.

After a successful run through the competition circuit last spring, I'm very excited to see how my choreography does in its sophomore year.

Over lunch last week, one of my best friends asked me the most difficult (and frequent) question I have gotten over the past year.

"Portia, where do you come up with your dance concepts? How did start doing choreography?"

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.

dimension.

"We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. 

We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. 

We grow partially. We are relative. 

We are mature in one realm, childish in another. 

The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. 

We are made up of layers, cells, constellations."

— Anaïs Nin 

Got some fantastic news the other day about another opportunity this spring to showcase even more of my dance choreography. Fingers crossed I can make it work - stay tuned for updates. 

It's chilly here in Toronto, and after a busy week I'm planning to take a step back this weekend. 

Happy Friday and enjoy!

class.

My Christmas break officially starts today.

In the past five days, I have taught 15 dance classes and choreographed a contemporary solo for one of my dancers for the upcoming competition season.

In-between all that, I've been lucky enough to meet up with friends and spend time with my family. It's amazing to walk into a room and know wholeheartedly that the people in it have your back, one hundred per cent, even if you're not in the same town.

I've had multiple requests about when I'll be back to teach/choreograph/work/visit etc., and I'm a definite "maybe" in the new year. There is an incredible opportunity in the spring that I'm hoping to make a special vist back for - stay tuned!

Hope you are enjoying your time surrounded by loved ones, nibbling on something sweet and playing some charming music. Take it all in - the holidays only come once a year!

solstice.

"I never change, I simply become more myself" 

- Joyce Carol Oates, Solstice 

Whew, it's been a busy but good first few days back in Kelowna. So far I've taught 12 dance classes of various styles across the city and have been able to see quite a few of those that I've missed dearly. 

The best part of this...I had the chance to teach a dance class for students who had physical and mental disabilities. This group of dancers was so enthusiastic and put a smile on my face - they took me and my choreography with an open mind and ran with it (literally). 

I'm so thankful for the opporortunites that have presented themselves this past month. With Christmas coming up and recent news we've been hearing, counting our blessings seems more important than ever. 

gotham.

After months and months digital and electronic mentoring (thank goodness for email and cell phones), I finally have gotten video footage of my dancers performing my choreography in British Columbia.

I'm slowly but surely getting all my pieces uploaded. First up is my duet featuring dancers Brittney and Keanu.

This piece was inspired by Batman and Catwoman fighting/dancing. I have always been fascinated with the relationship between the two fictional characters, and these two dancers let me run with the concept.

This was definitely taking a step away from what we would normally see in the contemporary competition dance category, but it was well received! These two did so well every time they performed, and the duet placed first overall, platinum and in the top 10 several times at competition.

We took a chance and went against the grain. It was more than worth it.

Thank you to my beautiful dancers who made my vision come alive. Who knows? There might be part two - there are many more characters lurking in Gotham...


"Gotham"
Dancers: Brittney Rost and Keanu Herzog
Choreography by Portia Favro

More footage of the solos I choreographed are coming up soon!

PS thank you to so many for all your support in my emerging choreography career. Your help means the world to me. There is so much more to come, stay tuned.

stretch.

It's not how many flips or spins you can do, it's how far you can stretch your soul.

TO PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO DANCE.

Also, I'm hoping...


Want do you want from this month?

Iced coffee. Circus arts classes. Wine. Rompers. Outdoor yoga. Patios. Walks at dusk. Sunglasses. Live music. Spontaneity. BBQ. Crafts. Long dresses. Short shorts. Beach reads. Braids. Day trips. Olympics. Old movies. A whole day of doing things we have never done before.

vlog3.

Here are my latest picks for my "Dances of the Week" vlog!



I'm thinking about doing an all ballroom edition next week. Any ideas for dances/pieces for me to see? Send them my way!

Have a great rest of the afternoon.

vlog2.

My apologies for my delay in posting my vlog for "Dances of the Week" - had some technical difficulties, but we are back at 'em now!

PS I am looking for dance teachers who are interested in teaching at "Dancing in the Park" in Kelowna this summer! If you want more details, drop me a line and I'll let you know why this was the absolute best job ever. (Tweet me @PortiaFavro or email plfavro@yahoo.com)

Have a lovely Friday and good great weekend!

vlog1.

DANCES OF THE WEEK

Like the rest of my life, I've decided it's finally time to mix things up a bit.

This week, I have created my first vlog (video blog) and am sharing my favourite dance routines, choreography, et cetera.

If you follow me on Twitter, every so often, I tweet a video and comment, calling it "Dance of the Day".

My vlogs will be an extension of this, sharing a snippet of the dance, my reactions and some commentary. This week I played it pretty safe to see what works, and will keep trying out new ideas as time goes on.

I'm hoping to do this weekly - stay posted!

Here's the Dances of the Week - May 2:

shining.

Whew today is a busy day - I have events and things happening on both sides of the country, thank goodness for the Internet to help me out!

Today my dancers from Reflections Dance Studio head into their first competition of the season in Vernon, BC. I choreographed about a half dozen solos and one duet, and this the first time my work is being showcased in a competition environment. I am so proud and over the moon excited for my dancers, and can't wait to hear how they do, what the judges think, etc.

I'm a touch nervous because my choreography is a bit out there, but my dancers look so fantastic when they're performing it, I know it will shine through.

My mantra for dance, which I adapted from an previous artistic director:

There is choreography for every
body.

Have fun, live in the moment and enjoy these days dancers! I wish I could be there more than anything.

I found out the piece I choreographed for Kelowna Secondary School's dance team (this was my high school, so much pride) placed third at the Driven Dance Competition in Kelowna, BC in the character division. Congrats ladies!

On this side of the country...another year has come and gone, but the good news is that there's a ton to celebrations to be had!

I have had a blast working as the social media director for McClung's Magazine over the past school year, and have had the opportunity to meet and interact with some amazing people. I'll be hanging up my logins in a few weeks, but not before we celebrate and launch the spring 2012 issue of the magazine!

Check out the event on Facebook here: can't wait!

(A little bird told me that spring 2012 issue will be hitting the stands tomorrow, Friday, April 13 by the way...)

Looking forward to summer, a new apartment, a few new gigs (journalism and dance-wise) and a new kind of life. Feeling very blessed.

Stay posted for continuing updates!

project.

As I approach the next chapter of both my dance and journalism careers, I'm continually working on demo reels for both my choreography and television work.

It's difficult to find the balance between the creative and informative, but after stumbling upon this little video, I'm instantly inspired and know if can be done.

I'm thinking that this may be my next project - since working with some beautiful dancers in December (and heading back to the studio today) I am dying to keep creating and pushing the limit as to what we usually see in competition and commercial dance.

Choreography in this Jason Gorman, music by The Irrepressibles. I love the concept of one fantastic body of work opposed to chopped versions of multiple choreography sections.

There are pros and cons to both, but this video is just exquisite.

journey.

Merry Christmas and (almost) Happy New Year! I hope that you all enjoyed lots of time with family and friends this holiday season.

2011 has been an amazing year full of opportunities in both dance and journalism; I'm hoping for the same in 2012!

Upon my return to Toronto I will be starting work in the Ryerson newsroom and then interning at CTV's Canada AM for my practicum placement. I'll still be running the social media for McClung's Magazine, and it will continue to have constant updates about the issue through the semester (check for the winter issue coming out in January!) I'll be graduating from the journalism program this June - needless to say, I'm excited!

In the dance world, I have completed six contemporary solo and duet pieces for dancers at Reflections Dance Studio and they will compete across western Canada in cities such as Vancouver and Calgary this spring. My open choreography/music theatre piece for Kelowna Secondary School's dance team will also be travelling to perform and compete in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan in the coming semester.

Thank you to so many of my friends and who have believed in me and my vision (whether it be for something dance or journalism) and supporting me through this journey.

As I stand on the edge of my next chapter, I owe so much to those who support the dreamers. I couldn't do this without you.

Stay posted for updates about journalism, dance, life and everything in-between here and on my Twitter (@PortiaLoretta) for the coming year - this is only the beginning!

(PS here's another sneak peak of one of my dancers...beautiful lines!)

flo.

I'm actually obsessed with this song. I'm so excited to be choreographing to it for one of solos that I'm doing! Thanks for the share Emma!

Hope you are all enjoying a little bit on time off and getting ready for Christmas! No rest for the wicked - after a full day of teaching and choreography I'm off to a holiday party and doing the whole thing again tomorrow and the rest of the week. I love my job.

#lucky

Happy holidays and enjoy this amazing cover of "Take Care" by Drake sung by Florence and the Machine