Defining Me

Recently I got to thinking about what defines me. What is it that really defines who I am and makes me feel happy and fulfilled. What defines you? 

For as long as I can remember it was always my work. Becoming a dancer and then a teacher and choreographer was the most important thing to me and really shaped my life. I left my roots in the north east many years ago and came to London to follow my dreams and for better opportunities. I love it and have built a great life here but having no family around isn't always easy. 

Being self employed and choosing a creative career comes with sacrifices and not always the stability of a career such as being a solicitor or a doctor or any 9-5 job. I've been judged many times for not having a 'proper job' and when you feel vulnerable you question yourself and your worth. Recently I felt this very strongly and questioned what I was doing, if I was good enough and was I even successful. I'm sure many of you can relate to that. We are only human after all and it's impossible to feel amazing about ourselves all of the time. 

Then something happened. I had a great day at work and suddenly remembered why I do what I Do and that where I am in life is ok. I was overcome with happiness and relief and the doubt and vulnerability and care of what others thought melted away. My work, my relationship, my friendships and most importantly how I feel about myself is what defines me. 

For some people it's a career. For some it's family or Charity work or A creative hobby. What matters most to everyone is being happy and being able to hold your head high and know you're doing the very best you can. We should support, help and encourage each other and not judge or criticize. No good ever comes from that. 

Whatever it is that defines you or make you happy do it unafraid and with passion.

Love  and light 

Emily x 

'On The Run' in Paris

I can't wait to tell you all about my wonderful weekend in Paris!

I was lucky enough to be taken to Paris as a treat from my boyfriend and the main event was watching Jay Z and Beyonce perform their On The Run Show at the Stade de France. It was an amazing show which lasted almost three hours with a massive variety of their solo and joint hits. Beyonce was simply  phenomenal! This woman really does have amazing talent and is such a powerful performer with a great live voice. My favourite song was Flawless during which the rapper Nicki Minaj made a guest appearance sending the crow wild. Jay Z was also amazing and any rumours of animosity between this beautiful complete looked false to me as their chemistry and unity appeared electric. If you have the chance to see them live go, it was a really wonderful night.

We took in many of the great sights of Paris including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. This was my first trip to Paris and I definitely fell in love with the city.... I can't wait to go back.

All classes are in full swing at Dynamic Dance and we've welcomed lots of new students this term already which is great. Prep is underway for our Feb '15 show and you can guess where some of my inspiration is coming from!

Wishing you all a great week

Emily X

Dynamic's Got the X factor!

I hope you're all well and ready for back to school!

I'm so excited that some of my pupils are featuring on the talk talk ad breaks during X factor! The clips used so far are brilliant and the children who are featuring are naturally excited to be on prime time TV! This is one of the many performance opportunities I work to create for my students. Look out for the girls Tarlee and Phoebe who will be 'flippingtastic' and our star boy Andrew with his amazing freestyling and cartwheeling during the rest of the series!

All of our classes are back from Wednesday with classes in Kingston, Cheam and Clapham. We'll begin work towards our next big show scheduled for Mid February. I'll also be returning to St Mary's University Twickenham as a  lecturer in dance which I'm really looking forward to. With nursery and school sessions plus Dynamic parties it's going to be a super busy term! We're offering FREE trial classes at all branches so contact me to book in  emily@dynamicdance.org.uk

The new school year is so important for me to set out goals and ideas for my business and I feel really positive about the coming year. At Dynamic Dance I'm able to create performance opportunities for young people and a platform for my own creativity. I've missed my students and can't wait to get back  in that studio!

Come and join us if you can, I promise it's way more than a dance class.....

Love and light

Emily X

Groove On Down!

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all having an amazing summer! Our summer here in London seems to have disappeared hopefully only temporarily...

If you're looking for things to do with your children you can bring them along to our Hip Hop dance camps this week at Eddie Catz Wimbledon and Putney. Suitable for ages 5-10 years they will be great fun and will keep your children active and entertained! book at www.eddiecatz.com

I went along to see 'Groove On Down The Road' at the Southbank Centre by Zoo Nation and it was awesome! Following the successful Some Like It Hip Hop and Into The Hoods this was just as good with an amazing cast of  talented young dancers and flawless choreography by Kate Prince. It featured amazing music including my favourite Justin track Let the Groove Get In. Based on The Wizard Of Oz it will entertain the whole family and have you dancing in your seat! I'd definitely recommend this and you can get great deals on tickets. There is so much going on at the Southbank this summer with lots of free live music, a food festival and fun fair.
www.soutbankcentre.co.uk/groove
.

I'm busy preparing for the new term and will be taking lots of classes over the next couple of weeks to give me inspiration for new choreography. We're offering Free trials at all of our branches so book in now as classes are filling up! We have classes in Clapham , Cheam and Kingston as well as offering programmes for schools, nurseries and dance parties. Contact me for more info
emily@dynamicdance.org.uk

Finaly I'm really excited that some of my Dynamic dancers will feature in the Talk Talk ad breaks during the X Factor live shows! Tarlee, Phoebe, Andrew, Maddie, Amber and Flynn all did amazingly during filming and made the cut. Watch out for them in October when the live shows kick off!

Have a great week.

Emily X

Body Matters

I recently got to thinking about body issues....

The singer Kesha wrote a very honest and and open article for Elle magazine about her own body battle and how it led to a two month stay in rehab. The press and publications such as the daily mail are very focused and critical about womans bodies and I can't imagine the pressure that must put woman in the spotlight under. The dancer and presenter Kimberly Wyatt also recently spoke out about her refusal to conform to 'skinny'   instead choosing the fit and healthy approach to her body. I think Kimberly is an excellent role model for dancers and she looks great.

As a dancer I've had my own body issues over the years, ever since I was a teenager and my body began to change. I've been curvy, skinny and in recent years worked on having a fit and athletic body. This is what works best for me. Exercise helps me to stay balanced and keeps me fit and able to meet the physical demands of my job. It's not always easy to fit exercise in when my schedule is hectic and I'm tired but I do my best to work out 3-5 times a week.

During my years as dancer we were often told to lose weight and I can tell you this shatters your self esteem. I saw one dancer suffer terribly from the disease anorexia and it was horrifying. Dancers who are fit, strong and healthy are more likely to be hired than those who are overweight and underweight. However there are ways to manage it and most choreographers are supportive and encouraging thankfully.

The instagram phenomenon of today and the selfie generation puts an awful lot of pressure on your girls. I see my students affected by this and when they lack confidence in how they look it really upsets me. I tell them they all look great and try my best to build the confidence in all of my pupils. It's vital as parents and teachers we instill a healthy body image in children from a young age.

I'd like to run a programme for girls aged 10-16 focusing on building confidence and self esteem through dance and performance. I'm currently writing a proposal for funding for this and hope the Art's council will consider it and see this as a great idea.

However you look we all know it's what's on the inside that counts.

Love yourself and be kind to yourself!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend

Emily X

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