DS2DIO: Remixed with Jillian Meyers and Clara C.

Dancers and non-dancers alike will fall in love with DS2DIO, a new dance life style channel on Youtube headed by Jon M. Chu. The channel has the feel of a television network featuring shows including, "S2DIO City", "Masterclass", "LXD",  and one of my personal favorites, "Remixed".

Recently, the astounding Jillian Meyers paired up with musician Clara C. to create a wonderful segment of "Remixed":

Jillian has a unique ability to tell a story with the most simple gestures, and her movement quality is beautiful. I can't think of any other dancer that I look up to more, and I am always impressed by her creativity and artistry. 

Check out DS2DIO and Jillian's youtube channel for more dancing!

Cher Lloyd on America's Got Talent

Cher Lloyd, an up and coming artist who appeared on UK's The X Factor, recently performed on NBC's America's Got Talent.  I had the wonderful opportunity to perform with her in the results episode that aired on 7/26. Here is the video in case you missed it:

Nick Florez and RJ Durell choreographed and staged the project, and I really enjoyed working with them both! I actually have been hoping to do a job with them ever since I moved to LA, but the opportunity never materialized until now.

RJ, dancers Yorri, Reshma, Deja, Aubree, Angela, myself and assistant Nanci with Cher Lloyd

Check out Cher Lloyd and buy her debut single, "Want U Back" and album, "Sticks and Stones" on itunes!

Happenings this Weekend: 7/22 Jamie xx at Drai's

I was pleasantly surprised the other day to find out that I will be going to Drai's on Sunday to watch Jamie xx and some other awesome artists perform.

I have neither been to Drai's nor heard Jamie xx live, so those two events combined makes for an awesome Sunday evening.If you're a fan of Jamie xx or even that one Rihanna song that features his and Gil Scott-Heron's sweet beat, you should come join me! Check out more info here.

If you're unconvinced of this event's awesomeness or just unfamiliar with Jamie xx's work, listen to this:

 

See you Sunday!

A Gift and A Question

Never thought I would be a couch surfer, but I guess it happens to the best of us.

This month I was "homeless" for 12 days between the day I moved out of my Westwood apartment and the day I moved in to my Los Feliz apartment. I reached out to a friend, Jillian, and asked if I could crash at her east side apartment for a week and a half.

It somehow was perfect timing for us: she was going out of town for a week and I could house-sit for a week (and a few days). The location was amazing, and I was surrounded by all the things I love about the east side including yoga studios, cozy cafes, and vegan restaurants. It was bitter sweet moving out of her picturesque apartment with its bright colored curtains and comfy vintage couch.

As a token of my appreciation I gave her a brightly colored scarf from Versace. When I saw the piece in the store I immediately thought of Jillian and her exuberant personality and love of rich colors. Here is a picture of Jillian rocking the scarf (photo cred: Jillian Meyers):

If you think about it, she's actually helping me do little PR for the company! Having the amazingly talented dancer/choreographer/artist sporting the company exposes the brand to a new demographic of potential admirers. She represents the brilliant "starving" artist defying the notion that high fashion isn't just for the uber rich and pretentious. And high fashion designers are artists too, so who better to appreciate and understand their work than other artists?

Despite how proud I was of my gesture, I was a little torn by how my gift to Jillian made me feel. On one hand, I was delighted that she was so happy. On the other, I felt materialistic in thinking that this Versace scarf was somehow more demonstrative of my gratitude than a heartfelt thank you letter.

Such is the kind of struggle I think about often. Especially at a time when I am trying to be independent from my parents' financial support, material goods are becoming more and more of a luxury. I love taking care of my friends and family, and I especially love being able to give to them the best of the best. So here is the question: What can I do as a dancer and a part-time PR Assistant to maintain a steady stream of income?

I'll let you know when I have it all figured out. In the mean time, be sure to be on the lookout for Jillian and that brightly colored head wrap!