70s.

One of the coolest things about growing up is learning more about personal style.

Since I was a teenager, I loved experimenting with my look...I remember distinctly being in a Ross or Marshalls and finding some Converse-style kitten heels when I was in Grade 7 or 8. I have no idea how I convinced my mother to let me buy them, but they became my staple shoes for a good year.

Twelve years later, not much as changed.

Perhaps because it's summer, I just got back from Mexico or I'm just always enamoured with Bianca Jagger (and The Rolling Stones...duh) but I'm really digging and identifying with the 70's as my look.

This past Friday, our dance company was picked to perform at the Rickshaw Theatre with iconic artist Bif Naked. Needless to say, it was a all-black, crop top and combat boots kind of crowd.

I showed up in my white bell-bottomed jumpsuit with platform floral wedges. People stared. I didn't care.

On the beach last week, I was really feeling my one-piece halter pin-up bathing suit. Yes, my tan lines were crazy. I didn't care.

Lately I've been wearing my hair big and curly with one side pulled back. My go-to bag is tan with fringe.

As I learn more about myself and surround myself with artists and people who are 150% themselves, I am finding that as well. Yes, clothing is just the outside expression, but it does oh so much for the inside as well.

On the radar: I'm dying to find a metallic long dress. See something? Let a gal know!

power.

Well hello there, it's been awhile.

Over the past month, I was lucky enough to perform in a monthly review with The Lovers Cabaret, attend one of my best friend's weddings in Mexico, teach a workshop in the Okanagan, and next weekend, see my younger brother graduate from university.

Since the beginning of May, I've felt a shift. I pushed it away initially, thinking that life has its ups and downs...but now that I'm back from a week away (and off my electronics for 90% of it) I feel this shift stronger than ever.

A few things have happened that keep leading me to the word power. 

"Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power." 

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Looking back, I left Toronto almost two years ago, graduated from university three years ago, and Kelowna nearly seven ago...where has time gone? I'm such a different (and better!) person now that I've brought dance back into my life, started owning exactly who I am and just doing what feels right.

Perhaps it's because I'm getting older, but I feel much more conscious about who I surround myself with on a day to day basis. There's a saying that you take on and are influenced by the five people you are around the most.

Choose wisely.

It made me start to think, I am that person to anyone else? If so, what is the influence and the message I want to give?

I've started to think about it, and realized I don't to define it. I'm who I am. That's all. We choose who we want to hang out and not be with.

Know your power. Be your power. Own your power.

That's all.

paradise.

"I wish for the same thing I've hoped for since the beginning. 

I wish for a life so brave, so unpredicatable, so full of unexpected joys and unforgettable love that no box could possibily contain all my memories." 

- Chelsey Philop, Even in Paradise

 

estatic

Have you heard of estatic dance?

My friend took me to a class a few weeks ago...it's all about free movement, taking up space and just being present. There were people of all ages, bodies and dancing abilities.

My friend and I (both 20-something female professional dancers) entered the space and I instantly found my breath caught in my though. My muscles tensed up. My heart beat faster.

I was so scared. This was not my home studio. My home space. My sanctuary.

My friend turned to me and said, "See you in two hours" -we're not allowed to talk during this time.

I hestitated, watchingmenand women of all ages move around the room, make noise and dance their hearts out. I knew how to do this on stage...but with no rules, I suddenly felt paralyzed. I hung out on the sides of the room for most of the "practice".

Week Two.

Something clicked. Maybe it was familiar faces, knowing the space or just where I was that weekend, but this session was fun. No, more than fun. Interesting. Breathtaking. Full of play. Cute eye candy doesn't hurt.

Like most things in life, I realized I needed to see things twice before going forth and truly feeling comfortable. At first, I was mad at myself for not just "giving in" when I had the chance. Now, I'm over it. I know my process, understand it, and go for it.

It works for a reason.

Tomorrow is day three in this dancing realm. Stay tuned.

To find out more about Dance Divine, which fasciliates these sessions, check out their Facebook page. 

years.

I just can't stop listening to Years & Years. I stumbled across their music this afternoon, and ended up changing my entire class playlist to suit my new mood. 

Take a listen...