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! 

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. 

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. 

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.

borders.

I love borders. 

August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. 

Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. 

The border is longing; when both have fallen in love but still haven't said anything. 

The border is to be the way. 

It is the way that is the most important thing.

- Tove Jansson 

This hit me square between the eyes this AM. Have a wonderful Sunday friends. 

feminine.

I've been thinking about femininity and womanhood a lot lately.

Being female does not mean (or require by any means) needing to wear dresses, makeup or be obsessed with pink. In fact, the most feminine people I know are completely the opposite of that, and may arguably be on the edge of "tomboy"-ish. It's about their demeanor.

Not going to lie, I'm a Girl's Girl. This might be because I didn't have a sister growing up or any young female cousins (however, I got two charming little brothers who light up my life).

I respect and love being a woman. According to a highly intelligent source - i.e. Urban Dictionary - a Girl's Girl is "not petty, and strives to be ethical and decent in her dealings with her female friends."

Womanhood is something to be explored, respected and fascinated by. To me, womanhood is finding the strength in femininity, your heart, your voice, your attitude, your mind, your gut...and living it to the 5,000th per cent. It's pursuing life exactly the way you want to, with no apologies.

I personally like working and tapping into my sensual femininity and am pleased to work in a city and society that takes (and respects) this. The moment I dropped what expectations I thought others needed to have of me, my life changed. I was able to become the woman I am. This took a really long time, but it's also part of growing up.

That being said, I love men and do admire the masculine in many ways. We are raised in a culture that praises the masculine attitudes, and thus, the softness in both sexes is often overlooked.

The feminine and masculine need each other to balance. Without the men I've met, lived with, dated and adored, I wouldn't know the strength of my femininity.

In my opinion, it's the relationships one builds with women that supports and fosters feminine growth. These are with our mothers, aunts, friends, their mother's, babysitters, teachers...the woman before us who paved the path. It's up to us to continue the maintenance and build the next bridge.

What do you think? How do you define womanhood?

Just a thought.

tour.

'Tis the witching time of the summer.

I love this part of the year. The days are hot, and the evenings are a welcome relief from the heat. Every day is open to possibilities...meetings turn into hangouts, we end up waiting that extra hour for a happy hour patio.

Life is just lovely in the summer.

At the beginning of the year, a close friend of mine asked if I wanted to join in on an order for a Day Designer. My gut said yes before I even knew what I was getting into. A few weeks later a beautiful little box arrived.

The first few pages are tough. You work through your goals, values, emotions and so much more on paper. I remember sitting down in a crowded coffee bar on a rainy day with a newspaper, Americano and pen, ready to attack.

Only a few minutes into my planned "planning" session, I found myself way too overwhelmed and had to step back. A few days later I dove back in and found out a completely different path awaited me that I had hinted at loving, but was rearing it's head.

I won't get into the nitty gritty, but one of the reoccurring statements was about traveling and teaching. Combining those two together - a teaching tour is in the works.

Six months later, I'm on the eve of heading to the Okanagan to teach in two different cities, several classes for the City of Kelowna, Army of Sass and perform in a wedding flash mob proposal for a couple.

It's true, once you speak something out - whether it's vocal, written, etc. things happen. Your brain is triggered to start responding and putting into action what you really want.

Just a thought. Here we go!

full.

And just like that...things can change rather quickly.

There are always going to be months where one is feasting, and others when you're fasting.

In some areas, business will be booming. Others, falling apart.

You start to do things you never thought you'd do, but ended up loving.

Change is coming and it's always for a reason.

I'm taking this full moon as a sign. Wait it out, take things as they come and look at each day as an opportunity to expand, try something new and reach for the stars.

Sunday thoughts.

PS - I'll be back to Toronto for a wee visit, my birthday and a wedding in October! You best know there'll be some dancing happening.

tiki.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

I'm going to let that sink in for a moment. 

Not going to lie, the last couple weeks I've felt like I was in a little bit of a plateau. I've not been 100 per cent sure what my next move was going to be in the dance world - especially after a year like this.

Looking back, I'm on the eve of the anniversary of my life changing. While working on the show "Mistresses" with The Lovers Cabaret last summer, I found out quite a bit about who I was and where my priorities laid. The past 10 months especially have been about embracing that to a full tilt.

Over the past 5 days, the my life shifted again.

First off, my show with the Army of Sass Vancouver was hands down, my most fullfilling term as a teacher. The wonderful thing about working with adults is that they realize how much of an impact and change they are making.

Children don't always understand how much they have improved, whereas adults (especially in the age of YouTube) and watch themselves and "connect the dots".

I got to sit back and watch the show, audience reactions and much more from the sound booth, and it's safe to say my heart swelled 10 times its size.

How things have changed since I was a student in the program - I'm so happy I stuck with my gut and kept dancing when so many people told me it wasn't a good idea.

The Army of Sass - Vancouver Privates dancers. 

One of my lovely students, Claire. 

From week one to Saturday night, I have never been more proud to see women embracing their bodies, attitudes and lives on the stage.

Numba two...about a year ago (actually when I was working on Mistresses) I was attending a plethora of burlesque shows to learn more about its true style, the classic tease and also just out of pure fascination and urge for entertainment.

Vancouver is wonderful and a very rich city in burlesque and cabaret shows, classes and talent. Throughout my tour de shows I stumbled upon a few dancers who completely took my breath away. One ran a tiki-themed, 1960's go-go night at The Shamefull Tiki Room on Main Street, and I was immediately hooked on her social media presence, and drooled over her tiki-themed posts.

Fast forward a year later, and I had the chance to take her go-go dance class, and the producer picked me to dance on Sunday night in a preview for new students, for the show.

The wonderful thing about the work I did this past year (especially with a highly interactive show, SYN) is that I love being in a room of people I don't know. I'm pleased to share I'll be shaking it at the Go Go Bungalow at The Shameful Tiki Room on August 30!

Dancing at Lydia DeCarllo's Go-Go Bungalow at The Shameful Tiki Room.

So here we are, just a day after the summer solstice, and according to astrology, The Summer of Love (more here...I know, but I'm learning to love and wholeheartedly embrace it all). My life is going to change yet again. Here we go. Time to take the plunge.

Stay tuned. 

rest.

This is one of those few days that I have completely and utterly alone. 

Audrey Hepburn once said, "I have to be along often...that's how I refuel." 

Maybe it's because I grew up in loud, fun and wild family where there was always someone on the go, dogs running around, people listening to music, etc., that has made my gravitate to a city life. I love living and being around people, bouncing off ideas, spending time together and having a partner in crime. 

This past 10 months has changed me in a bigger way than I think I can even comprehend. There's always someone asking me a question or for advice, which I'm more than happy to assist with or direct in the right direction. 

I love being out. I love being busy. If I had it my way, I'd be in class, having drinks with friends or at a show every night of the week. 

I had solid plans to be in a yoga class, literally right now. But as I sit, listen to some mellow beats and sip on a cup of tea, I realize I'm not going anywhere this evening. Looking ahead to the unpredictability of the next three days, the best thing is to be alone. 

A ping came up - am I being lazy? Shouldn't I be working every, single, damn day to make these dreams of mine true. I have always preached that I would sleep when I'm dead. 

I have to remind myself that I don't work a 9 to 5 with set weekends and time off. As an entrepreneur and contractor, I work every day in some capacity. I know my body, mind, patience (just saying!) and such will be tested and maxed this weekend. 

If my sanctuary for the evening is a warm bath, candles and the scent of my last peonies of the season...so be it. There are many more weeks of summer to come. 

My phone is officially on "Do Not Disturb" mode. See you tomorrow friends. 

Just a thought. 

yay.

There's something really wonderful about growing into who you really are. 

Happy. Happy. Happy. 

don't.

"I know you've heard it a thousand times before. 

But it's true - hard work pays off. 

If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. 

If you don't love something, then don't do it." 

- Ray Bradbury 

chapters.

Currently listening: Patti Smith's cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

The last month has certainly been an interesting one. I know there was a ton of this "New Year, New You" mantra-ing happening, but I really wasn't feeling it. In fact, I felt exactly the same moving into the new year as I felt leaving 2014.

I sat down with one of my good friends and Producer for several shows I've been a part of the other night, and we hashed it out. January 2015 was hard. T

here were a lot of things that went south during a time of refreshment and renewal. On the flip side, I experienced and found success in several places I didn't think would be profitable (like booking my first TV show!)

However, it's ending. Tomorrow is a fresh page of a new month. For me, I feel like it's my time to step into a new chapter.

I'm thrilled to be expanding my personal brand of dance work and choreography, and am taking on new projects, teaching more classes and brainstorming ways to travel, share and showcase more of what I love to do.

Right now I'm in the thick of building www.portiafavro.com with a full class schedule, background and demo work in all my areas of expertise and creativity. It's a long time coming, but I'm en route!

Have a wonderful weekend friends. Tomorrow, it's a brand new day.