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. 

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. 

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.

maaay.

In the wise words of JT - it's going to be Maaaaaaay. 

Over the last 3 years, May has always been a month of surprises, work, travel and change for me. In 2013, I was in Vancouver for a hot minute and it convinced me to sell everything I owned and move! 

These past few weeks have been nothing short of lovely. Busy, especially with producing my first show with The Lovers Cabaret and teaching more than ever, but all good. 

Here are a few of my favourite shots from my travels (all taken on iPhone!) 

Fresh blooms in my neighbourhood.

Night at Kits Beach.

Volunteering and cheering on the babes at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. 

A roomie date night at Ballet BC. 

Is this place even real? Stumbled upon Paradise Cove in Malibu, CA.

My friend's Malibu home - I call it "The Secret Garden"

Views from above. Zuma Beach.

Excuse me while I kiss the sky. North Hollywood. 

Pin-up's and palm trees en route to the dance studio. 

Mantras at Movement Lifestyle Dance Studio. 

A killer weekend working with Galen Hooks one-on-one in Los Angeles! 

lalaland.

Hello from the other side!

Since April 1, I've been out of town and travelling for work, dance and pleasure approximately 28 days. Holy smokes.

It hit me the other day that last year I was writing out goals as part of new year's circle and I found myself continually writing down and vocalizing that I wanted to teach, dance and travel more.

Well, here we are. I got home from Los Angeles this past Monday and went straight into work all week. This included teaching and choreographing my feet off, as well as assisting to produce both my Army of Sass and The Lovers Cabaret shows this June and July.

This coming Tuesday, I'm packing my bags again and heading home(ish) to Kelowna to teach at my old high school, a couple masterclasses and connect with my friends out there.

Hard work pays off. Finally, so many things are coming together. They aren't perfect, by any means. I'm learning to deal with things on a totally different level as a producer and leader, not just a dancer.

I feel strong in my decisions. I feel valid. This work is good and I'm stoked to be doing it.

Also...Los Angeles rocked my world.

I'm still processing a lot of what I learned, saw and attempted. But to say the least, Galen Hooks gave me that extra push to conquer some major habits and break them. (See more about that on my Instagram).

This entire year has been a big one for me. I've learned how much I can rely on myself and my skill set to make anything happen.

I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true.

Have a wonderful weekend. A glass of rose wine is calling my name!

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. 

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!

nature.

Well, hello from Northern B.C.!

I'm up in Terrace, B.C. for a teaching contract over the next couple weeks (never fear, I'm back in Vancouver mid-April and will be teaching and running all my scheduled classes as per normal).

Life is definitely simpler here. I'm thoroughly enjoying not setting an alarm, working with dancers who are hungry for knowledge, and having access to a car to explore this sweet little town.

However, the most essential thing happened - I turned on the radio to the first news story at 4PM being about a wolf warning. Apparently they have a wolf problem with the animals coming a little too close to humans while in town.

I had to pull over the truck and have a good giggle. Then I looked out and checked for wolves.

It's made me start to think - having been a city girl almost all my life (I found Kelowna very, very small when I first moved there...) I wonder about the pros and cons about where we grow up.

I've often thought being a small town might be a great place to have space to run free, explore, be in nature, blah blah blah.

However, I do see the incredible benefit of my parents moving us to semi-large towns with access to a metropolitan area. The amount of history, dance classes, lessons, art, sports, etc. that you just get from being in a more populated area is unparalleled.

Of course, to each their own - and I'm not planning to start a family anytime soon - but it's definitely starting a conversation with myself.

Here we go - Portia vs. Nature, Day 4. I'm still alive, and the cat and dog at the house I'm staying at love to cuddle with me more than the pets I grew up with. Maybe fewer people around them makes their hearts grow founder.

That's all. Have a wonderful weekend.

yorkkkkkkk.

"So I went to New York City to be born again. 

It was and remains easy for most Americans to go somewhere else and start anew. 

I wasn’t like my parents. 

I didn’t have any supposedly sacred piece of land or shoals of friends to leave behind. 

Nowhere has the number zero been of more philisophical value than in the United States…. 

and when the [train] plunged into a tunnel under New York City, with its lining of pipes and 

wires, I was out of the womb and into the birth canal."

-Kurt Vonnegut

I'm really, really feeling the above quote. Since Christmas, work has picked up like a wild thing (whooooa - how lucky am I?) I'm dancing as much as I did when I was in high school, when I really thought I was at my peak of my craft. It's busy, but life feels good. 

However, I still feel this pull to large cities. I love Vancouver and all the opportunities I am allowed to have here because we are in a smaller city. But I'm why am I dreaming of being somewhere performing as a small fish? 

Maybe it's the challenge. The beautiful experience I had. The freedom. 

We'll see. I'm excited to see how things shake out. 2016 has been divine so far...I can feel so much more good coming. Thank you universe, you rock. 

chosen.

What's the happiest place on Earth? 

Disneyland? In your lover's arms? Home? 

These past few weeks - between Kelowna, Toronto, NYC and Vancouver, I found home in my chosen families. I've had friends who's travelled far and wide, and those who've stayed close to their roots. 

I've struggled with where to call "home" after moving every few years growing up and now as an adult. 

Travelling around has made me realize Vancouver is home, geographically. 

This weekend, I remembered where home really was. 

On stage. 

Flanked by dancers. Lights. An audience. I don't even have to move big, far or wide. I can just relax and be. 

Welcome to my home. 

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? 

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.

vidi.

Kiss me hard before you go. Summer time sadness. 

I just wanted you to know. 

That baby, you're the best. 

Soak up those last summer days my friends.