World Of Dance Los Angeles!

We're competing at World of Dance this weekend! We're excited to be on that stage with all the other talent coming out!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Koan #1

What Is A Koan? The purpose of a koan is to get you out of your head and into your heart. The heart just lives the moment. It is not concerned with the future or the past.

“A koan is a fundamental part of the history and lore of Zen Buddhism. It consists of a story, dialogue, question, or statement whose meaning cannot be accessed by rational thinking, yet it may be accessible by intuition.”

Water heats gradually
and boils suddenly.

"We cannot force the natural course of events; everything happens in its 'right' time. The process is gradual, and hence may appear slow to us as we are often too impatient with expectations, but the change takes place within an instant.

Similarly, awakening can not be forced, but may be encouraged; just like a seed which sprouts naturally when the right conditions prevail."

Monday, November 28, 2011

Inspired #12

By Emeroy Bernardo

This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.


1. Don't blame the world for your problems. You're your own problem. You're also your own solution.

I heard this watching Bridesmaids during Thanksgiving. I thought the movie was pretty good, but this particular scene and line from the movie really stuck out to me.

We all can be guilty of doing blaming others or something for the wrong that happen within our lives. This was a reminder to myself that everything that I want starts with myself.

2. Thanksgiving

I enjoy the fact that there is a day were we all get to be thankful for what we have. I do believe we should be thankful for everything we get nonetheless. But sometimes we do get lost in the grind of things that we take things for granted.

I appreciate the holidays that allow us to appreciate the things we have even though the holidays itself can drive us mad sometimes.

If we counted our blessing as much as we counted our problems, we'd be a little happier.


3. Training
Whenever I get the chance, I train. Most the time, it's by myself.
I have to admit that training solo is really challenging since their really is no one else to to either challenge you and whatnot. I enjoy vibing off the energy off my friends or the friendly competition of trying to one each other up. 

In contrast to training solo, you have only yourself. Which I think is something really unique in practicing by myself. I have to be my own motivator, I have to come up with my own challenges, and see that I get better. 

I'm intrigued by the idea of becoming self motivated, so that's why I continue to do it. I have to admit I dread the idea of it before I start. But once things start rolling, I drive myself to the ground.

We can easily come up with a million excuses to not do anything, but only one good reason to do it.

Friday, November 25, 2011

A Dancer Recognized - Emeroy Bernardo

By CJ Capili

Emeroy Bernardo, a man that leads, inspires, motivates, and shares his wisdom among his peers in the dance community. One of the original founders of Family Bizness, he has progressed throughout his career as a dancer, but also has learned to balance his life in his profession as a graphic designer and animator. Through trial and error, he was able to mold the very foundations to how Family Bizness is today along with the help of a fellow founder, Marc Miranda. Both of them were able to create and transform the very likeness of how Family Bizness is today.


Emeroy Bernardo is a Glendale native has been dancing for about 12 years, but it wasn’t until his junior year that he joined his first dance team with Glendale High School’s Co-ed Dance & All-Male Dance Team. The styles he has trained under has been Commercial Hip Hop, BBoy, Locking, Krumping, House, Waacking, and Popping, in which he continues to perfect theses styles to this very day.

He became a part of the Jayvee Dance family back in September 2009, originally being a substitute instructor for Poreotix’s Jet Li while he was away training in other countries; he was then approached to take on the mantle of being Teen Groov’s director. Since then, he has become a permanent instructor and has shared his knowledge of dance to those who share the same passion in as he did when he was young. Along with Marc Miranda, and fellow Family Bizness members, Stephanie Hagberg, Roxine Ami, Kimmay Evans, and Anthony Macaraeg, they all have become part of the Jayvee Dance family. They contributed to the dance community by teaching, inspiring and motivating those who seek to become a dancer. And when it comes to the growth of who he has become, I came to ask a few key points to what dance is all about to Emeroy Bernardo,

CJ: Who or what inspired you to dance?
EB:
“Michael Jackson's "Bad" music video is what started me to dance. I had no idea what it was doing at the time, I just knew I had to move.”


CJ: To this very day, what motivates you to dance?
EB: “The feeling of being on stage and sharing your heart and soul to the audience. It’s liberating and intoxicating. The fact that there’s always some sort of challenge to overcome, something that will make my craft THAT much better. I don’t want to get comfortable with what I just have, when you stop learning, you stop growing, and when you stop growing, you sort of die metaphorically.”

CJ: What is your philosophy towards dance and hard work?
EB: “There a lot of talented people out there, but a lot of times that’s all they rely on. There are people out there that would kill to have a natural talent others have. But they don’t, so they work their asses off to get to where they want to be. They bleed, they sweat, and they cry until eventually they get to where they want to be. Whatever anyone is going to do, just make sure you give it your fullest, otherwise, what are you doing?”

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
-John Wooden

 “It’s not the hours you put in, it’s what you put in the hours.”
-John Wooden

As being a founder of Family Bizness, I got into depth of the vision and idea behind the team he, along with Marc Miranda has created.
CJ: When did you create Family Bizness?
EB:
“I, along with Marc and a few others, created this team back in July 2004.”

CJ: How has the experience been?
EB:
“This whole experience has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. I’ve seen this team go through a lot throughout the years. There are a lot of challenges to overcome. Some of them being were improving my leadership and organization, and others were finding gigs and consistent members. There were times where we wouldn’t perform for three months.
Things have really been going up since the beginning. The growth of this team has been exponential and it’s exciting to see where this team goes in the future. I've learned a lot and I'm glad to see that we're still here and how far we've come.”


CJ: If you can define Family Business, what would it be?
EB: “A family of dancers dedicated to sharing our passion for dance through humility, creative expression, integrity, and hard work.”

CJ: What was your vision behind Family Bizness.
EB:
“It’s great to be successful as an individual, but it’s even better to be successful with the people you love. You share a journey with one another and forge a lasting bond that can’t be imitated by anything else. I believe success carries more meaning when you have loved ones share with.”

Emeroy Bernardo has had the privilege of dancing with many other teams such as Culture Shock Los Angeles, The “2auce” Project, Sangles, The Next Chapter, and Chosen Few Bboy Crew.
Culture Shock Los Anegles Locking Crew
Sangeles
The Next Chapter
Being involved in these teams exposed him to many talented danced and has helped further his skills. His drive to excel and become better as a dancer will further captivate the other dancers that are around him. Along the way, his ability to become a leader and lead teams like Family Bizness and Teen Groov show his passion of leading a group of individuals and also inspiring them with the wisdom he has gained throughout his years not just as a dancer but as well as a person.
that
However, not all dancers have had their proudest moments, and even Emeroy himself has struggled as well.

CJ: What has been your biggest disappointment as a dancer?
EB: “Having to disband the team back in 2007 due to commitment issues. I have to admit that I was depressed for quite awhile after that. It took me about three months until I finally decided to talk to Marc in bringing the team back together and revamping the system. It was a scary decision, but I’m glad I took the leap of faith.”

And even though he faced a disappointing moment in his life, Emeroy gathered himself and rose back into occasion. Reforming and reshaping the team to how it is today. Emeroy, like all dancers in our team is a determined individual, who shares the passion of dance, the eagerness to inspire, motivate and create something to bring awe not just to the dance community, but to the people who share an interest in dance. Each and every day he grows not just as a dancer but as a person as well. In the near future, all the knowledge he has gained and the skills he has attained will be passed down to future generations, and as the new generations of dancers come into the scene, we will all come to thank him for the wisdom he has bestowed.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Fresh Friday! Video #1


 
Marc Miranda's FRESH FRIDAY Hip Hop class.
Every Friday, 730 to 830PM. come out to take class!

Jayvee Dance Center
216 E Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
626.300.0178
jayveedancecenter.com

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

It's About Time! #8

30 years of music videos, it's about time!  The past few weeks the dancers alliance have been posting up videos in their fight to get a fair music video contract. we would like to support them in helping get the word out.

You can follow their twitter @dancersalliance and that YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/dancersalliance.


This week we'll be featuring the next phase in this movement. It's time for YOU to lend your voice! 










1. UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO and tag @DancersAlliance when you share it on Twitter and Facebook.

2. Send an email to DancersAlliance@yahoo.com with a link to your video, and we'll favorite it on our YouTube page!

3. Keep it POSITIVE and make sure we can hear you clearly!

Next steps we can ALL take:

1. Go to DancersAlliance.org and register with us. Being on our email list ensures you'll stay in the loop!

2. Keep spreading the word!

3. Educate yourselves- SAG and AFTRA members should attend union orientation meetings!

4. Add the "Goodsearch" toolbar to your web browser. Every time you search the web or shop online, Dancers' Alliance will EARN MONEY!

http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/dancers-alliance

SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THE "IT'S ABOUT TIME" CAMPAIGN:

Steve Sidawi
Galen Hooks
Damian "Dmoe" Gomez
Aimee Winston
Alicia Allen
Valerie Moise
Bobbie Bates
Dana Wilson
Ava Bernstein
Aisha Francis
B Thomas
Sharon Ferguson
Brian Friedman
Chonique Sneed
Kevin Maher
Kevin Stea
Suzie Q
Nicole Delecia
Tony Testa
Cassidy Noblett
Bryan Tanaka
Shaun Evaristo
Vergi Rodriguez
Raquel Horsford-Best
Reina Hidalgo
Randi Kemper
Lindsley Allen
Carmit Bachar
Affion Crockett
2011 VMA dancers
Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas dancers

*Shaun Evaristo, Movement Lifestyle, Kanauru, NoHo PAC


Monday, November 21, 2011

Inspired #11


This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.


1. My friend, CJ
My friend an fellow famblog writer, Christian Jordan Capili finally submitted choreography for Fam Biz's upcoming set! I first talked to him about submitting a piece to Fambiz 2 years ago, I saw him doug a pretty dope freestyle and I figured that he could potentially be a good choreographer if he just learned how to pick and choose which parts of his freestyle he wants to keep. It's been an ongoing process in getting him to actually put something together; and after a million conversations and debates, he finally came around to putting something together.

He was a bit nervous when he did it, but he killed it. And I hope he continues this path in creating.

2. Andrew baterina: Legends Never Die
I haven't watched too much of Andrew Baterina's choreography and concept videos, but this particular one really caught my attention.

Out of all the concept videos I've seen so far, this one is one of the best I've seen.
The location, the choreography, the visuals, the MESSAGE; everything about this video is sick. Check it out for yourself.



3. Values of the game
I LOOOVVVEE books. Particularly books about coaching, leading, zen, psychology, and other tapics about the self and philosophy. Over at the Fambiz retreat I was lookin through the books that the owner had when I found a new book to add to my reading list, Values of The Game by New York Knicks legend, Bill Bradley. Yes, it's another basketball book. But what can I say, I love basketball as much as I love dancing.
I didnt get achance to read past the second chapter because I was busy leading the retreat. But from the first chapter I read, it seems like an amazing book. He shares in what he believes are the tools in being successful in not only basketball, but also in life. I'm always looking for a new perspective that could help me become a better person and as a leader. And I'm definitely excited to read this book once I get my hands on it.

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Dancer Recognized - Julian Roca

By CJ Capili

Julian Roca, a Los Angeles native, is one of those dancers that came into dancing with a sense of curiosity and interest. He is a person who continues to show progress and growth not just as a member of Family Bizness, but also as a dancer overall. Being part of something and continually being exposed to different dance styles has allowed him to excel in the thing he truly loves to do.

Residing from Los Angeles, CA he was part of the Glendale High Schools All-Male and Co-Ed Dance Team, and is a current member of Family Bizness. What inspired him begin dancing, he quotes, “When I was into k-pop, I thought the dancers in the music videos were really cool and stuff. So when I got to Glendale, I ended up joining the dance team my Junior year.”

Every person, dancer or not, has a certain spark that continually drives and motivates them to do what they do. Julian is no different, his love for performing for an audience is what pushes him as he states, “Everyone's watching you. You're able to be under the spotlight and show the crowd what you're able to do. You'll be able to shine anywhere on the stage. From the back, the front, at the wing. You just get to be out there and perform. I keep dancing cause being on stage is an amazing feeling, and I wanna have that feeling again, and again.”

As being part of Family Bizness and being a veteran, I asked him a few questions regarding his previous dance experience.

CJ: What was your first dance team?

JR: Glendale High's Drill Dance Team.

CJ: What convinced you to join the team?

JR: I thought it'd be cool to know how to dance.

CJ: How was the experience?

JR: It was a life changing two years of my life. I sacrificed to continue playing basketball and volleyball for the school, but it was worth it. I would've been an athlete for a team that really can't even make it to playoffs if I didn't join. I like winning. The dance team was a really good team, and it really made me into the person I am today. C J: What does Family Bizness mean to you?


CJ: What does Family Bizness mean to you?

JR: “A group of people that like to dance. A bunch of friends that like to hang out together. A family that will take care of you, and try to help you out in whatever kind of situation you're in.”

CJ: What are your plan for the future for FamBiz?

JR: “Get out there in the community. Shine and be noticed. Be thrown in the conversations with those top tier teams. Win.”

Julian Roca, 18, young, bright, eager to learn, and currently on the road to master his craft. He seeks to become better and will do whatever it takes to become better at what he loves to do. We all share the same dedication as dancers, but at times these dedications and reasons to dance differ from one person to another. As for the future of FamBiz, Julian Roca will become the new generation of dancers that’ll rise to become a big impact to the team.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

It's About Time! #7

30 years of music videos, it's about time!  The past few weeks the dancers alliance have been posting up videos in their fight to get a fair music video contract. we would like to support them in helping get the word out.

You can follow their twitter @dancersalliance and that YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/dancersalliance.


This week we'll be featuring Brian Friedman, The Femme Fatale Dancers, and Maryss fom Paris. 







Monday, November 14, 2011

Inspired #10

By Emeroy Bernardo

This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.

1. Frame Machine
I usually find it a challenge to balance my work an animator and as a dancer.
But ever since establishing my dance schedule with the new company I was recently hired at,the balance is as close to ideal as it can be.
I usually end up being more stressed about dancing because the companies dont know about my dance schedule until after the fact. I just didnt think the schedules would ever collide.

But considering that I teach 10 classes a week over at Jayvee, I did NOT want to take that gamble.
I'm truly thankful for the people of frame machine for being understanding and respectful of my time. It's only motivated me to become a better worker for not only them, but for jayvee as well.

2. Retreat with Fam Biz
I waited until after the Fam Biz retreat to put this post together.
As mentioned, Fambiz went on retreat this past weekend. We threw a retreat last year, but I personally found this retreat more powerful simply because we were away from home.

I always find this as an opportunity for the team to grow, share and learn about each other more without the element of dance. dance is what brigs us all together as a team, but sometimes it ends up being the only thing that connects us.

This retreat allowed us all to be open and vulnerable to one another in a safe environment.
I believe that you truly don't know a person until you've seen their worst.

There is more to life than just dance, and that there's more to dance than just dance. we share who we are to the world at competitions and performances through sharing our talents and dancing. It is through practices and events such as this that allow us to share who we are with each other.

3. We are all survivors
"I'm a survivor - a living example of what people can go through and survive." - Elizabeth Taylor

"I'm a survivor of life. I try to give the glory to God and appreciate what's happening to me." - Mike Epps


The Fam Biz retreat made me realize that we are all survivors of the cards we've been dealt with. Whether we're in a good situation or a bad one, we're constantly working towards something that we know is something bigger and greater than what we have now.
And we almost always have some sort of obstacle that challenges who we are to get there.
The many stories that were shares this weekend has reminded me that I am not he only one who struggles. And that I'm not alone in them either.

Friday, November 11, 2011

A Dancer Recognized – Marc Miranda

By CJ Capili

Marc Miranda, one of the original founders of Family Bizness embodies the amount of work and passion a dancer puts in their work. He has grown into an exceptional dancer and an inspirational figure for many dancers in his own town. He has worked his way up from the bottom all the way to the top, to prove his ability and dedication for the art of dancing. Striving to succeed, and aiming to always lead a group of individuals, Marc has become a prominent leader since his days back in Glendale High Schools Co-ed Dance and All-Male Team. Even today he has become the leading force along with one of the founders Emeroy Bernardo, in shaping how Family Bizness is now. Without him, nor the other founders, the existence and growth of Fam Biz would come to a halt

Marc Miranda is a Los Angeles native, and began dancing at Glendale High Schools Co-ed Dance and All Male team back in 2004, he was trained by Kelly Palmer and Erik Jimenez during his time in High School and from there on out began his love for dance and his career in dance. Dancing for about 8 years, he has trained under the styles of hip-hop, breakdancing, popping, locking, lyrical, jazz, walts, and tanikling. As of today, through the help by Emeroy Bernardo he was able to become part of the Jayvee Dance Center family, by instructing kids and even led a junior team called Teen Grove that was part of the Jayvee Dance family. This expansion in his opportunities has also led to the further growth in his skills as a dancer.

In essence, being one of the leaders of Fam Biz, we all wonder what drives Marc Miranda in what he does as a dancer.

CJ: What inspired you to dance? 
MM: The Glendale high drill team inspired me to dance. And from there the world and the culture of dance itself. 
CJ: What motivates you to dance? 
MM: My motivation is to be a great leader for every team I am in charge of. All my wonderful students, and music and what music can do for the soul.

As a person, he has grown throughout his life time as a dancer. Becoming a leader and leading those who are inspired to dance to become better at what we love, and also sharing the experience with others who has also become a big impact in his life as well. He credits Kelly Palmer, Erik Jimenez, Cheyenne Thompson, Jay Chris Moore, Mario Neverate, Joanna Vargas, Tu Devera, and the dance community as the leading force that has allowed him to grow in what he truly loves. Aside from being apart of Fambiz, and danced for Glendale High Schools Drill team, he has also danced for Uniformity dance team, Goon Squad, Mavyn Entertainment, Mischief Makers, and Academy of Swag.

Marc Miranda, a driven man that’ll do what it takes to become better at what he does. We all try to do what it takes to become better, but this guy has gone through thick and thin, seen the good and the bad of the dance world and still he shows the compassion, humbleness, and integrity to keep together a team of dancers that has grown into a family. His ability to lead is no other, and can’t be compared amongst other dance teams. He continues to inspire and spread the love of dance through his choreography and truly shows that appreciation he has for those who have guided him through where he is now.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

"Dance to Express, Not to Impress"

By Christian Jordan Capili

 We are always given opportunities to enjoy what we have. Whether it’s the family and friends we have or the skills we have taken up during our spare time, whether it be singing, drawing, sports, dancing, arts and many more. In the end, we have learned to appreciate these what we have been blessed with, and not take them for granted. While this focuses more on the emphasis of dance, the phrase "Dance to express not to impress" is one of the many phrases that has grown to become known throughout the internet and in the dance community.

 Dancers dance to express the emotions they have.

Dance to express…. Something that most of us love to do, I for one began dancing because it was my get away from the stresses of life; it was the cure for me. Dancing allowed me to be me, and not have to be afraid of what others saw in me. .

Expressing ourselves has become something hard to do in this time and age, yet we have learned to use sense of expression in other forms such as dance. .

To me dance is one of the grandest forms expression. It’s an attitude or feeling that allows us to share our innermost emotions to the crowd. Making the crowd understand the story we have set on the floor by showing it through dance; and at the same time as we move we begin to feel liberated, free, and further more to a sense of happiness begins to course through our body. We may have different ways of understanding the emotions of the dancer, but in the end we leave the dance floor with a sense of acknowledge because of the effort they have put in their dance. .

A showcase of talent that exceeds our expectations, to tell a story and illustrate the emotions these people portray through the moves they make. Dance is an expression that will always blow our minds:

Keone & Mari project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FiuIvUvx5Q&feature=fvst

Dancers dance to illustrate their passion, dedication, and motivation .
Dancers dance to illuminate the darkest depths of our heart.
Dancers dance to escape the realities of life..
Dancers dance to unite others with the common goal..

Eddie Uehara’s concept video entitled: Dance to inspire, Inspire to dance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ALtIwy77RU&feature=channel_video_title.



Dance is not to impress… is something I often see people doing. Not to express, but to impress the crowd around them. We all dance because it stirs a mixture of emotions in us. We do dance battles because it’s to showcase our style and at the same time goes hand in hand with hip-hop culture, but if the sole purpose for someone to dance is to show off and look cool to the crowd then it’s a different story. When I see people showing off, it gives me a horrible feeling in my stomach, maybe because they are abusing the art for the wrong reasons. As dancers we will get praised and acknowledged by other dancers and people in due time, but to show off to people for the sole purpose of looking good is beyond me. But using dance to impress is not the way to be, dance is another art, and it should be given the respect it needs to be given and never abused.

Dancers who try to look cool are those who fail to see the true meaning of dance.
Dancer is a universal language and in a sense people will use it for the wrong reasons.


Dance is to be appreciated, respected, and given credit like any art form. We dance to express who we truly are not to impress the crowd. When given praise we must show our utmost appreciation and humbleness, because when we truly are praised, it isn’t because we dance to just a simple song, but because they can tell the hard work we put into our routine. Never forget that, an art takes a while to form, and once it is completed it becomes a masterpiece that leaves an everlasting mark in someones life.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

It's About Time! #6

30 years of music videos, it's about time!  The past few weeks the dancers alliance have been posting up videos in their fight to get a fair music video contract. we would like to support them in helping get the word out.

You can follow their twitter @dancersalliance and that YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/dancersalliance.


This week we'll be featuring Chonique Sneed, Kevin Maher, and Vergi Rodriguez. 






Monday, November 7, 2011

Inspired #9

By Emeroy Bernardo

This was inspired by the writer of The Simple Dollar. Every week I will be sharing the top 3 things that have inspired me as a person throughout the week.



1. How bad do you want it?
Recently I was watching a video on YouTube during work. I was looking for motivational videos to help inspire me to motivate my team. Out of all the videos I watched, this one spoke to me the most.

It's a beautiful short story sharing what it takes to be successful. Me describing it won't do the video justice so you will just have to watch it for yourself.



2. Today was a good day
I didn't get to post this up on the previous article, so I'll share it today!

A week ago from today, I had the opportunity to perform with Fambiz, teach class, hang out with my family, and spend time with my girlfriend.

May not sound much to some people, but to be able to spend time with so much of the people I care about in a jam packed day is truly a blessing!




3. My mom
I was recently listening to a radio show that happened to be on the topic of Giving. They were sharing a story about people still giving to help others even though they themselves are struggling just as much.

The minute they finished telling this story, the first person I thought about was my mom. She has always helped everyone out who ever needed it.
She has always given whatever she can to help out even though she may not have a lot.
She's currently helping out some family financially over at the Philippines and helping out another family member go through college.

She has definitely helped me countless times in the past and still does today.
Her willingness to give even though she struggles just as much as we all do is something that astounds me.
And it's through her that I've been inspired to give more. My challenge to myself now is to not come up with excuses not to.

4. The truest form of expression
I recently found this video of Bruce lee talking about expression through martial arts. I'm no martial artist, but I can relate to his view about expressing oneself in dancing.

Dancers in all essence are performers, yet a lot of dancers I tend to see are not performing. Many get so caught up in the move, choreography, or technique that they forget to add themselves into that equation. Anybody can learn choreography, show off a cool move, and put on a show, but to be express yourself honestly is quite difficult.

Dance is a form of expression.

We can all agree to that universally. Yet even with that it is so hard for many truly express the self. It's not about the style you learned or the choreography you know, it's about how you can truly express yourself through that dance.



Friday, November 4, 2011

A Dancer Recognized - Kelly Khuu

By CJ Capili

Kelly Khuu, a fellow member of FamBiz and also a dancers that took up dancing at a young age. She is an El Monte native that has made a name for herself around her peers. She has been taking dance for about 8 years, and began her dance training in Jayvee Dance Center, in which she has learned under the styles of Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap.
In this sea of dancers, everyone has their story. And I wanted share hers starting from the beginning.

CJ: Who or what inspired you dance?
KK: When I was a little kid my parents would always see me dancing around and decided to put me in dance lessons and ever since my first dance class I immediately fell in love with it.
CJ: To this day, what motivates you to dance?
KK: I know it sound very cliché but dance really is my drug. Whenever I dance, I literally forget everything and everyone around me and just be in the moment. I don’t know if that make sense but whether taking a class, or dancing at a club, I always feel my most happiest when I’m dancing.


Kelly’s roots in training and performing bring her to Teen Groov, a junior team located at Jayvee Dance Center. She was invited to audition by the studio owner at the time, Joanna Vargas. Along the way her experience with Teen Groov, it has led her to meet many great people including one of her best friends and fellow FamBiz dancer, Serena Su. As her experience as a dancer grew, Kelly has also performed under Breed’s junior exhibition team, Offspring, where she further pushed her ability in dance without the stress of competition.

CJ: If you can define Family Bizness, what would it be?
KK: Family Bizness to me is really a family. Everyone on the team truly cares and enjoy each other’s company. I think what sets us apart from other teams is that we actually like each and everyone one of each other. There are no cliques in our team.
CJ: What are your plans for the future for Fam Biz?
KK: My future plans for Biz would be to help us grow as a team and become one of the best teams in the community.

Kelly Khuu, a old member, and once again an experienced dancer that is dedicated to the art. She is young and energetic she will become one of those dancers that’ll contribute to the future of FamBiz, and also to the dance community. Her growth as a dancer will continue to grow as years goes on, and her motivation, dedication, and inspiration to dance will give her the strength to stand against any obstacles she faces. Kelly Khuu is a determined dancer with a lot of talent, and will become a prominent impact into the shaping of our dance team.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

In a Dancers Shoes #1

By Christian Jordan Capili

“My experiences, thoughts, and feelings regarding dance as whole whether it’s my team, the community or my life as a dancer.”


At times as a dancer, our worse opponent when it comes to dancing is our emotions. Our emotions are what drive us to be a better dancer, or it can be the tool that destroy the very passion we have for dance. In this case, when it comes to “Casting” sometimes our emotions play a role in how things turn out for any dancer, and sometimes it either has a positive or negative after-effect for any dancer.

“Casting is a process in which a dancer would “try out” for the pieces that was taught by the choreographers to have a spot for that section in the routine.”

1. When you don’t get casted for that piece – Don’t get mad, don’t give up, just work harder.

What I have learned as a dancer is that, if I don’t get casted to a certain piece there are certain things I am missing as a dancer that fits into the choreographer’s criteria. It isn’t reasons like “I suck at dancing” or “ The choreographer has favorites” or even “I know I did better than that guy/girl” is the type of thinking that will only cause us to think more negatively and cause us to lose the motivation to dance not just for ourselves but for the team as well. Emotions play a major role when it comes to these types of processes in my opinion. Once we let our emotions into our dance nirvana, we lose all focus and we become astray from the real goal of why we dance.

A solution to this dilemma is simple to work harder next time. Ask for critiques from the choreographer themselves, and those criticisms as a result will show were our weaknesses are, and will make us into a better dancer. Every opportunity that may seem lost isn’t entirely gone. As a member of Family Bizness there were times I’d let my emotions get the better of me, but I know better that just because I wasn’t casted for one piece, that one piece won’t be the same group of people the entire season. We all compete in multiple competitions, and changes will be made. And if we continue to work hard and accept the criticisms our choreographers has said to us, then we can improve ourselves twice as much as before.

2. When you do get casted for that piece – Work harder no matter what, be humble and appreciative.

When dancers do become part of the section they casted for, there has been an instance in which a dancer becomes too relaxed, too confident in their ability and even at times possible begin to belittle the dancers around them who aren’t part of the section. Though the last example is a hunch on my part, I believe it has happened somewhere before. Nevertheless these type of attitudes, and ways won’t be a good example for other dancers alike, and will only fuel the negativity that other dancers feel already after a casting.
A quote/statement that was said to me was that we mustn’t let our achievements keep us in one level and make us lazy; we must keep rising and rising no matter what the occasion is. Because as hard as it is to become part of a particular section for any dance team, it is easy to easily lose the spot we worked so hard for in an instant by not showing the dedication and hard work a choreographer asks in return of us dancers. We must be a good role model to those around us and even encourage, support, and guide those who wish to become better. At times people forget to appreciate the things we have been given, even if we are given a spot for a certain section we must still show our appreciation for it and stay humble to it no matter what.

Afterword:
Though it is hard to face these realities, its part of life. At times our emotions play a core role in how we act as a dancer. If we act prideful and cocky, that will be the energy we will let out to those around us; and as a result, we as individuals will look at those dancers who are in a sense “prideful and cocky” as a bad influence to the dance community. If we try to confront these issues and try to find a solution to these, I can guarantee that any struggling dancer in a team can find a safe haven and a sense of reassurance that not all hope is lost. We as dancers need to remember that dancing is fun, it is part of our life and that we can’t let any negativity get the best of us, and if there are those who are astray, we must learn to go back down and help those who are on the ground no matter what.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

It's About Time! #5

30 years of music videos, it's about time!  The past few weeks the dancers alliance have been posting up videos in their fight to get a fair music video contract. we would like to support them in helping get the word out.

You can follow their twitter @dancersalliance and that YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/dancersalliance.


This week we'll be featuring Raquel Horsford-Best, Suzie Q, and Kevin Stea. 








Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Life = Risk






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