&*%@!

Hey everyone- I have been going through it and have not at all been good about keeping you in the loop.
First of all, my computer broke down and I tried real hard to fix it. That did not end up being the best option so I upgraded to a new and better computer. --now ive been having issues with getting the new one synched up properly--

I also have been trying to figure out my final accounting for the 2010 SFHHDF. It was a VERY tight year due to less attendance than usual-- not sure why---
keeping fingers crossed still--

Songs I have been using in class--
last night in marin- turn around by flo-rida
last week in sf- whats my name by rhianna

much love and respect
micaya

sorry its been so long

hey everyone i know its been a minute but i got caught up with the production of the 12th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest.
There is so much to share with you and of course it will be in random order so here is the first part--

-I learned a lot last weekend about producing the show- i am going to need to make some changes with the way i have done some things for a while

-i am feeling very thankful towards all the performers- they came here and gave all their energy love and talent and it showed!

-the sf bay guardian has a review in this weeks issue- pick it up!

-i am looking forward to teaching tomorrow- its been too long!

-Im very thankful toward the volunteers and staff- they did a GREAT job!

-Im loving the photos that the dancers are posting of facebook- they are so cute!

-Im still writing checks and doing the final accounting- it is really going to be a tight one this year--keep your fingers crossed

- the performances last weekend were OUTSTANDING

more to say later

love and respect
micaya

So excited for the 12th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest!

Oh goodness in less than 2 weeks, the event that we work all year on will be happening!
Here is whats going on..
-Programs are being printed today
-I had to hire a new stage manager at the 11th hour. His name is Aaron Stevenson
-We still have a few slots left for volunteers backstage
-We still need airport pick ups of a few dancers coming in from out of town
-We will be selling t-shirts, zip hoodies, caps and girls tank tops in the lobby
-The online store will be up and running after the dancefest just in case you didnt get it at the show
-We have a DJ and alcohol provided and ready for the party Saturday night at D-Structure Its only $10 -come on by!
- There is a big article interview about the sfhhdf in the Nov In Dance magazine
-The sfhhdf will feature an article/interview soon in the 96 hours section of the paper
-master classed are going to be SO GREAT! please take advantage of these teachers while they are here! Sat Nov 20 12-3pm at City Dance Annex 1420 Harrison St, SF

For all info- go to www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

to volunteer- contact us at info@sfhiphopdancefest.com


music Ive been using in class---
SF - "maldito Alcohol" by Pitbull
Marin- "any Girl" by Lloyd Banks and Lloyd

I took some GREAT photos of my saturday class a few weeks ago and I promise I will get them up here on my blog asap!

Love and respect
Micaya

just a little sidetrack

music im using
Marin - Down on me by Jeremih
SF - Trick- E-40 and 50 Cent

Ok Im just going to post this even though I do not usually write about many other things that arent related to dance.. but here is an email i got today from Michael Moore urging people to vote today..
love and respect
Micaya



Today Is the Day ...from Michael Moore

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Friends,

This letter contains (almost) no criticisms of how the Democrats have brought this day of reckoning upon themselves. That -- and where to go from here -- will be the subject of tomorrow's letter.

Today, we have one job and one job only: Stop the return of the bigger criminal class, the Party of War, the people who (with a few Democratic enablers) manufactured the very mess we are in.

There is good news this morning: The final ABC/Washington Post poll shows that, among registered voters, people still say they prefer the Democrats over the Republicans by 5 percentage points. It's only when the pollsters ask "likely voters" who they want that the Republicans come out ahead by a few points.

So it's clear the majority of voters want the Dems, but the prediction is the Republicans will win because Dem voters are going to stay home.

So, our mission is simple: MAKE SURE NO ONE WE KNOW STAYS HOME TODAY. Here's what I am going to do right now and what I'm asking the millions of you reading this to join me in doing:

1. Email, call and/or text every non-Republican in your personal address book and remind them to vote Democratic today. If they (rightfully) complain that the Dems have been disappointing, tell them they're right, then ask them to watch this editorial by Rachel Maddow last night where she correctly lists the dozen or so things this Democratic congress did right -- the types of things we'll never see from the Republicans if they take over (equal pay for women act, taking student loans out of the greedy hands of the banks, funding for our first bullet trains, boosting veterans benefits after Bush refused to for 8 years, etc.).

2. Post a general reminder to vote (and who to vote for) on your facebook page and tweet it to your Twitter followers.

3. If you have the time, go down to a local candidate's HQ or the local Democratic Party office and offer to make calls or give people rides to the polls.

4. Think local. No matter where you are in America, there's someone on the ballot today in your town who deserves your vote. Guaranteed. If you're in Wisconsin and you're pissed at Harry Reid for letting Joe Lieberman derail the public option on health care, don't let that stop you from getting everyone you know to go vote for Russ Feingold. In Florida and furious at the way the Obama administration coddled Wall Street? All the more reason to call every single person you know in the Orlando area to go vote for Alan Grayson. In California and mad about the total Democratic failure on global warming? You can still change the world for the better by showing up with all your friends to vote for Prop 19 to legalize personal use of marijuana (and stop the record numbers of people we put in prison who don't belong there).

5. Explain to anyone who's given up and doesn't want to vote today that Obama was handed a terrible mess that he didn't create. He may now understand he's moved too slow and compromised too much on the big stuff that needed to get done (after all, Goldman Sachs was his #1 private contributor in the 2008 election). But in the last couple months he's made some good moves -- booting some generals, dumping economic advisor/wrecker Larry Summers, and hiring new people like consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren. Things are very bad right now. But they can get MUCH worse. War with Iran? A genuine worldwide Second Great Depression? A Republican Congress will spend every second trying to make it happen.

6. Finally, we must let the Democratic politicians know that our vote comes with one big condition: If they do not straighten up, get a spine and do what we expect of them, we will find alternate candidates to run against them in 2012. And we mean it. Go vote today, but also sign this petition that I'll deliver to every elected Democrat -- the "I'm Voting Democratic But I Will Work to Defeat You Next Time if You Don't Do Your Job" petition, aka "The Democrats on Probation" petition. Let's publicly put them on notice that we'll give them just two more years to start doing the things we elected them to do. If they move one more inch to the "center" or to the right, they will never get our vote again. And we mean business.

Bill Maher said, "We have a center-right party and a crazy party. Over the last 30 years, the Democrats have moved to the right, and the Republicans have moved into a mental hospital." That about sums it up. But he also said, "Sure, I'm mad at the Democrats. I'm also mad at my cell phone company. But I don't throw away my cell phone cause I'm mad and then rub dog shit on my teeth." We all know this isn't the best situation to be in. So consider this one last reason to get out and vote:

There are good people the country has never heard of who are running today all across America, most of them for the first time. Somewhere in this great land right now, the woman who will cast the deciding vote in the Senate for single payer in 2016 is running for mayor of your city in her first big race. Somewhere else, the person who will become the first female president of the United States in 2020 is running for the state house for the first time. Their careers will be over and that future will never be if you don't show up today. Go to theballot.org, find out who's great and running where you live, and then show up to vote for them. You may help light the spark that will save our sorry ass somewhere down the road. Don't just hold your nose today as you go in the booth -- go ignite a future revolution. The only thing that makes the corporate honchos happier than paying no taxes is making sure as few people vote as possible. They think they've bought this election.

Go prove them wrong.

Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com

J

Self proclaimed NOOB

Insider news!
as of today The SFHHDF has an online store! If you go to the web site , there is no tab set up for you to go there yet. However if you go to www.sfhiphopdanceest.com/store you will find it!
You are the very first to know..

Ill keep you posted. You can purchase gear online now!

Love and respect
Micaya
ps someone recently called me a noob and i had no idea what that meant. so i wasnt sure if i should be offended. Then a friend told me that it meant newbie to all things tech and computer related.
Im def not offended - now.

gotta keep moving

So as of a few days ago, Mr. Wiggles is no longer performing at the 12th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest. I am and I know you are disappointed, but it was an honest mistake. Mr Wiggles had the dates wrong and found himself double booked on the weekend on the SFHHDF. He was truly apologetic and felt very bad for the mix up.
But we must move on- B-Boy Ynot IS still performing . Instead of him paired up with Mr Wiggles, he will be performing with B-Boy Bailrock.(photo) I am certain that this will be phenomenal .
Next year perhaps Wiggles will perform at the 13th Annual...

Meanwhile here is the music I have been using
Marin- Swagger Right by Richgirl
SF - Any Girl by Lloyd Banks and LLoyd
SF starting tonight- Down on me - Jeremih with 50 cent

Love and Respect
Micaya

so cool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKmhsaoxbqI&feature=youtube_gdata
love and respect
Micaya

Volunteer?

For all who want to be part of the action that makes the SF Hip Hop DanceFest come together, sign up now to be a volunteer. Email volunteer on the subject line to info@sfhiphopdancefest.com
thank you!
Love and respect
Micaya

check it

Updated List

Here is the most updated list of performing companies for the 2010 San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest...


Program A
Mind Over Matter (San Francisco)
Pro-Phenomen (Paris, France)
One Step Ahead (Los Angeles)
SoulForce Dance Company (San Francisco)
Versa Style (Los Angeles)
Mr. Wiggles and B-Boy Y-Not (Las Vegas)
Raphael Xavier (Philadelphia)
DS Players (San Jose)
Jane Sekonya (South Africa)
RHAW --Rennie Harris Awe-inspiring Works (Philadelphia)
TBA



Program B
Funkanometry SF (San Francisco)
Kenichi Ebina (New York)
Spread Expression (London)
Loose Change (San Francisco)
Academy Of Villans (San Mateo)
Motion Underground (Colorado)
Bliss Dance Company (Vacaville)
The Jungle Jills (Los Angeles)
New Style Motherlode (Oakland)
GroovMekanex (San Jose)
TBA



ALSO
***SFHHDF Master Classes
Saturday Nov 20, 12-3pm , City Dance Annex ,San Francisco
12pm Pro-Phenomen
1:30pm Mr Wiggles and B-Boy Y-Not

*****SFHHDF VIP/Performer Party
Saturday Nov 20 10:30pm-1:30am
D-Structure , Haight Street, SF

For all info www.sfhiphopdancefest.com





Music Im using in my classes
San Francisco - Swagger Right by Richgirl
Marin- Outta Your Mind by Lil Jon

(Photo of Mr. Wiggles)

The "unofficial" official list of performers for 2010

To my blog readers... you shall get the VERY first list of 2010 performers for the SF Hip Hop DanceFest. Woo hoo!
Now please remember that this is subject to change AND their a few slots that are not booked as of yet. But I thought it would be nice to give my blog folks some insider scoop.. cool?
here goes--

Program A--- Friday Nov 19 8pm AND Sunday Nov 21 2pm--
ProPhenomen (France)
FBC (San Francisco)
B-Boy Y-Not and Mr. Wiggles (Las Vegas)
DS Players (San Jose)
SoulForce Dance Company (San Francisco)
One Step Ahead (Los Angeles)
Mind Over Matter (San Francisco)
Versa Style (Los Angeles)
3 more companies TBA very soon!

Program B---- Saturday Nov 20 8pm AND Sunday Nov 21 7pm---
Funkanometry SF (San Francisco)
Motion Underground (Colorado)
Loose Change (San Francisco)
Spread Expression (London)
New Style Motherlode (Oakland)
The Jungle Jills (Los Angeles)
GroovMekanex (San Jose)
Kenichi Ebina (New York)
Academy of Villans (San Mateo)
Bliss Dance Comapny (Vacaville)
1 more company TBA very soon


love and respect
Micaya

the present

Music Im using in class this week--
Marin ---- "Might Get Lucky" by Teiarra Marie
San Francisco---- "Outta Your Mind" by Lil Jon


Things are going well with the SF Hip Hop DanceFest. I should have a pretty accurate list of the companies performing in the next week. So stay tuned ok?

Otherwise Im inspired by my life and am feeling very grateful. I absolutely love so many things about my life and am constantly in gratitude for them.

Lately, I have been pondering about "the present" , "the here and now" -- the moment that people are always telling me to be in.. Sometimes I feel as if I am there and honestly, sometimes I dont. Maybe I am overanalyzing it too much, because sometimes I get confused if I am in the moment or not.. hee hee -- for real! Not sure if that makes any sense --
I know that was not directly dance related- but i felt the need..

I am judging a talent competition after class today at John O Connel High school - The All-Stars Talent Show Network creates opportunities for urban youth - aged 5 to 25 - to produce and perform in talent shows, as an alternative to violence and as a vehicle for ongoing emotional, personal and social growth. They began 30 years ago in New York, and started 9 years ago in the Bay Area. They have been working in the Mission, reaching out to youth and signing them up for the talent show.

Thanks for reading
love and respect
Micaya

The Auditions last Sunday

photo of Fae Salfiti , director of Bliss dance Company

Last Sundays event was a huge experiment for me. It was the first time I had ever opened up the auditions for the public to watch.
I made this decision because i thought it would benefit the companies who were auditioning , the panel and the public.


Last week, right before the auditions day, about 4 companies dropped out of the line up. In addition, there were 2 companies that were no shows on the day of the event itself.


As you can imagine , It was a expense to rent the Cowell Theatre. I felt as if it would have been worth it if: 1. There were more companies that auditioned and 2. that there were more audience members who came to the show. The SFHHDF is always struggling financially to keep afloat since we are arts and donor funded. In terms of funds alone, last Sunday was not a success.


However I must share this with you,
For the past 5 or 6 years , the youth group from Vacaville, Bliss Dance company has auditioned for the SF Hip hop DanceFest . Each year they have not received and invitation to be booked for the show. The closest they got was to be an alternate company one year just in case something happened to a company that was scheduled to perform. Each year the panel gives them constructive feedback and each year they audition , the panel sees and acknowledges their growth.
In addition, each year I invite them to perform at my other annual show, Mission in the Mix, as well as support them in any other way I possibly can. The kids are sweet humble adorable and talented.

Yesterday I had the emotional honor to call them to say that they will be invited to perform this year for the 12th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest. It was tearful and precious and it made Sunday worthwhile!




I am obviously going to make some huge changes to how I book local companies next year. I need to think on that for a while before I make my decisions.

Love and Respect
Micaya

things on my mind

Ill start today with Music Im using in class
SF "Outta your mind" by Lil Jon
Marin "Let me C it" by Petey Pablo

Allright-- Let me begin with the fact that tomorrow is the SFHHDF Auditions. I really dont know what to expect yet. It is one big experiment. Basically my idea was that I had several things I wanted to accomplish by trying it this way---

1. to have the panel and myself see the companies audition in a theatre setting
2. to allow local dance companies stage time and public recognition
3. to allow the bay area audiences get a sneak peek into the SFHHDF audition process as well as get acquainted with local companies.

I will certainly blog after tomorrow to give you my take on how it went. I also would love your feedback as well.

HOWEVER I DO NEED TO SAY THIS NOW--
there have been SEVERAL companies that have DROPPED OUT at the last minute !!! What does that say to you people? Ill tell you what it says to me....

Im investing in you and then you can not get you S*$^ together to put one piece together to audition?
I put the notice out about these auditions in MARCH!!!!!! What the hell? Am I crazy to try to give you a chance. I have always been about helping out the hip hop dance community- so i am super confused as to why they dont take me up on what I have to offer>


Thats all i got to say right now. more to come

love and respect
Micaya

check it

email i received today- contact her if interested...
Love and Respect
micaya

Hello Micaya,



I'm contacting you from "America's Got Talent" on NBC. We are coming to San Francisco on Saturday, September 18th and we are looking for talented performers for our appointment only audition (not advertised). We are looking for amazing dancers (groups mostly but also individuals)!



We aren't advertising this audition so I was hoping you can help point me in the right direction. Please give me a call to discuss or just submit info below.



Please send info to: Audra.AGTCasting@gmail.com



I need the following information for consideration:

· Name of Act and Contact name

· Video Link of performance (youtube or vimeo, etc)

· Contact number

· Interesting biographical info on act.

Preferred audition time (between 9am & 6pm) *We will do our best to give you the time you have requested.
In subject line of email please put: "San Francisco Audition".
Thank you so much!




--
Audra Bryant
Casting Producer
"America's Got Talent"

im back!

so i got bak and had to be off to a running start. just catching my breath today although ive been back almost a week. I had to choreograph a piece in 2 rehearsals for this event last night for Remy Martin.
They were introducing a new product for Remy and the party was to let the public know about it. It took place at Mezzanine in SF.

The idea was to have the dancers wear these highly conceptualized lit up costumes and dance in them . The idea was great... but the execution of the costumes did not end up working , consequently the dancers did not end up being able to utilize them. I was disappointed because I really would have loved to have seen it work . It was so cute when the lights were on, but as soon as the dancers started moving , the lights shorted out repeatedly .
They ended up dancing my choreography in the white unitards (yuk) without the lights. BUT they still pulled it off and looked super stunning!

I am back to teaching all my regular classes now and rehearsal for Soulforce start on Tuesday. In addition, the SFHHDF local auditions are coming up next weekend and we are still in the booking process for the out of state /country companies.. I have yet toi make 100% final decisions, but it is coming along quite well

Tickets are on sale for both the SFHHDF auditions event and for the 12th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest

Go to www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

song I used last tuesday in class " Dynamite"
wednsday in Marin "Let me C it"


Love and Respect
Micaya
PS I put this photo up as my profile picture on facebook and i got over 50 responses! hilarious! I guess I should be sexy more often! hee hee!

Going on vacation

OK I am going on a much needed vacation, but while Im gone please consider helping out with this very very worthy cause.

PS - song I used last night in class- "might get lucky" by Teairra Mari
Much Love and Respect
Micaya


Hello friends, family, and supporters...


As you may or may not know I will be volunteering my time as a mentor
via the non-profit SOULCIETY and their program called THE BRIDGE in
the Philippines January 2011. Sharing my passion and love for dance
with youth has always been the most rewarding empowering experience. I
LOVE being a mentor and inspiring the next generation to keep our
culture/community alive, fresh, and thriving! This trip is for the
YOUTH! Youth whom may not even be able to eat more than one meal an
entire day. Youth whom I can bring a smile upon their face via my
positive fun energy. I can communicate and connect with them simply
thru DANCE. WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! Please take the time to read
a bit more about this program(attached is a more detailed description
of the program), how you can help, and our main goals.. which include
some even bigger projects such as building a windmill in a village in
Iloilo that will continuously bring fresh and clean water directly
into the village. ALSO building a concrete wall in a village in
Pampanga that will allow the people to farm andsustain food without
the constant reliance of outside sources. This wall will prevent
animals and other people from stealing the food.


The Bridge is a program that enriches the lives of impoverished youth
overseas by providing education, resources, and inspiration. We will
be donating much needed materials and technology including computers,
books, and school supplies for a more effective education. We give
them medical and hygiene supplies for better health. We will also
provide free creative arts workshops including breakdancing, hip-hop
and poetry to help expand their appreciation and knowledge of the
arts, as well as sports workshops including baseball and basketball.
The mentors that join the trip are immersed in a different culture and
are given the opportunity to appreciate its traditions, people and
food.


We will be traveling to the Philippines January 2011! I am asking for
your help by sponsoring ME. I need to raise $1200.00 for the flight
alone by September, then an additional $1000.00 for travel
expense/food/lodging by December. I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS
HAPPEN FOR BOTH MYSELF AND THE YOUTH IN THE PI! Donations will be used
for travel expenses, program coordination, educational workshops and
other necessities.

Donations can be made at www.soulciety.org. Please specify that you
are sponsoring me (Jonathan Bayani) under “Notes”. Donations are
tax-deductible. ! there are also various other ways you can help such
as donating materials, clothing, books, computers, first aid,
etc**Please forward this ANYONE you may feel would be able to HELP!
It's for the YOUTH!




I AM EXCITED! This will be a life altering trip. The universe has been
bringing me back to my true purpose in this life... being a mentor for
youth.


THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Jonathan Bayani

www.Becomewhoyouare.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/bionicsupreme
www.youtube.com/bionicsupreme
@bionicsupreme
www.jonathanbayani.com

SFHHDF Audition deadline is up!

Well Yesterday was the official deadline for all out of town submissions for the SFHHDF. Even though I put the call for submissions out in early spring, most of the people waiting until this week to submit!

Thank you to everyone who sent a submission. This is a very hard job deciding who to book now because there was a lot of great stuff that was sent.

Here is a list of the companies who submitted to perform in the 2010 San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest

1.Versastyle from L.A.
2. Junko Sasaki from L.A.
3. Robonati from the Bay Area
4. Freestyle Phanatix from Sweden
5 Stylize from Switzerland
6. Kumari and the Waackers from LA
7. Groovemekanex fro the Bay Area
8. Phenomenal Kings from Oregon
9. West Bound from L.A.
10. RHAW fro Philly
11. DecaDance from New York ( 2 pieces)
12. Just 4 Funk from Devon UK
13. One Step Ahead from L.A.
14. Mona Sampath from Santa Clara
15. Parallel Duo from London
16. Antics from L.A. (3 pieces)
17. Live in Color form Miami
18. Just Sole form Philly
19. UP Street Dance Club from the Philippines
20. Setuna Buyo Dan from Japan
21. Wacsmash from L.A.
22. Impact from London
23. Compagnie Revolution from France
24. Raphael Xavier from Philly
25. Haus Fraus from Denmark
26. Kings Krew for Oregon
27. Devinio from San Francisco
28. Spread Expression from London (2 pieces)
29. Birdgang from London
30. Street Jam from Brazil
31. Motion Underground from Colorado
32. The Syrenz from L.A.
33. Les Flip Femmez from Montreal
34. Vibeaddix from Santa Cruz
35. Body Poet from japan
36. Maddy Owens from Orlando
37. The Crew from the Philippines
38. Couture Dance Alliance from San Francisco
39. Flexible Flave from Sacramento

Stay Tuned to Find out who will be booked for this years show!


AND REMEMBER LIVE LOCAL AUDITIONS ARE SEPT 19 AT THE COWELL THEATRE!! GET TICKETS TO WATCH-- www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

OR IF YOUR COMPANY WANTS TO AUDITION, THERE ARE A FEW SLOTS LEFT -
CONTACT AUDITIONS COORDINATOR AT auditions@sfhiphopdancefest.com


Love and respect
Micaya

PS Im using the same song that I have been using in class for the last few weeks. Let me C it by Petey Pablo

ANGELS!

I have always acknowledged that there are angels in my life that help me do the things that I can not do. I am so blessed! Thank you so much to the universe that has given me the most amazing people in my life!
So about a week or so ago, my dancer/friend Stephanie came over to my office and COMPLETELY ORGANIZED EVERYTHING! (photo of my desk area) . OMG what a difference that has made in my life since we did that! Unbelievable ! Really!

Also, in the last few months, I have had a student, John , who has been helping me with everything from organization to graphic design to online merchandising to consultations about marketing and online presence.! What the hell did I do in this lifetime to deserve such a beautiful blessing? I hope a lot of really good things!

Thanks to everyone ( YOU ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE!) who have been mentors and helpers with me with the production of the SF Hip Hop DanceFest. I couldnt have done it without you!

Love and Respect
Micaya

SONG ***OK Im using the same song AGAIN this week. sorry but i couldnt find anything else that moved me and i wanted to add the choreographies together. Song is call "Let me C it" by Petey Pablo

The movie

A group of us got together last Sunday to see Step Up 3D. It was organized by one of my students, Katherine Jung who works for "Things I Love,Inc".
It was the perfect event for me because I had to do nothing but show up! That was very nice , lemme tell ya.

We all met and sat in the back of the theatre and laughed occasionally at the inappropriate times. We rolled our eyes and moaned when the predictable and unrealistic stuff happened. All in good fun!

Afterward we hung out at a cafe for a while. It was a great time.

FOLKS--I am down anytime for fundraiser events that I do not have to do anything for- what a relief that was! thanks again Katherine!

******Music Ive been using in class for the past 2 weeks- ----Let me c it by Petey Pablo

Love and Respect
Micaya

Step Up 3D /SFHHDF fundraiser!

Hey folks check this out!
Things I Love, Inc. invites you to watch Step Up 3D this Sunday, 8/8/10 at Bloomingdale Mall in SF.

Portion of ticket sales benefits SF Hip Hop Fest: http://stepup3d.eventbrite.com/

Come on by and lets check out this movie and hang out afterwards!
Big thank you to Katherine Jung who put this together!


Much Love and respect
Micaya

How do you feel?

Last night in my class, I told my students that how you feel is more important than anything else. I said to be a great person is more important than to be a great dancer. .. That may sound simple but it rings deeply to be true..

People will not remember my dances when they get old, they will not remember the actual moves they did when they were young. They WILL however remember how they felt when they danced. DO NOT let anyone take that joy from you people!

How something or someone makes you feel is what you will remember through time- that is why i try to make sure that people in my class are not discouraged , made fun of , or threatened in any way.

That does not have to take ANYTHING away from being a great artist however! Please know this. I strive constantly to be the best I can be as a teacher and choreographer and that is the reason people keep coming back again and again.

But not the only reason...


Much Love and Respect

Micaya

Music using this week- "Let me c it" by Petey Pablo

Moving on>>>

Here is the flier for the SFHHDF audition show. All day there will different companies auditioning to be in the SF Hip Hop DanceFest this November. Come by and check out the auditions!


**I used the same song as the week before-- "I Like" by Jeremih I will use a new one starting Thursday

Love and Respect
Micaya

Ariston Ripoyla aka B-boy Remind is a THEIF

Hello Everyone-
I am writing this today out of respect for the SF Hip Hop DanceFest as well as the dance community at large. Do you know that feeling when you just have had enough of being kind and patient and understanding?

Well thats where I finally am today. It has taken about 5 YEARS for me to get there.. Many people would have gotten there MUCH sooner, but being the motherly "love all" type, I have been waiting with optimistic hopes that this person would do the right thing.

Heres the deal. I tried to book Ariston Ripoyla aka B-boy Remind about 5 years ago for the SF Hip Hop DanceFest. He accepted the offer to perform and received a check from us in the amount of $600 to purchase his own airfare from Montana to San Francisco.

Unfortunately, he later sent us an email stating that he no longer would be coming to SF to perform and .. well you might have guessed by now... he never returned the money!
At the time I new he was expecting a baby, so I did not press him. I have sent him reminders occasionally throughout the years and have NEVER gotten ANY response from him. I know he was living on a reservation somewhere in Montana which made communication with him somewhat difficult so I just remained patient.

When I first met him, he seemed to be a conscious individual who spoke about things of moral integrity and truth. I would have never guessed that he would take money that was so badly needed by the SF Hip Hop DanceFest. Many of you know, the SFHHDF is arts funded and donations and ticket sales is how we stay alive. There is no corporate funding involved. The SFHHDF pays for each and every dancers travel expenses to perform for Bay Area audiences.

So why now, you may ask?
I simply am done. I will lay this to rest after now.
However I did want the community to know.

Make your decisions yourselves when opting to hire this person ...

WITH LOVE and RESPECT
Micaya

Im Back!

Hey all
Please forgive me for not only taking a long break but not even telling you that I was going away!

After finishing a beautiful run of Mission in the Mix for 2 fabulous weekends, I went on vacation!
First I went to Atlanta to visit my family , then I went to Mexico with my 17 year old niece, Jordan! (photo of us)
I had a great great time and Im thrilled to be back!


Song I am using in class this week is "I like" by Jeremih

Love and Respect
Micaya

oh yes -more photos

Also Music I am using this week is called This Instant by Sophia Fresh

Love and Respect
Micaya

More Mission in the Mix Photos!

Enjoy!
Love and Respect-
Micaya

Photos from the first weekend

First weekend of Mission in the Mix exceeded my expectations !
Here are some pics - enjoy!

Love and Respect
Micaya

Opening Night!

Tonight is opening night for Mission in the Mix! Everyone is super excited! I am thrilled - I cant wait to see my students and my dance company perform .
This is what it is all for. .. Actually on second thought- I enjoy all of it-I really do! The rehearsals, the classes, the costumes, - the whole process is as much fun as the shows themselves sometimes.

Im going to enjoy myself this weekend baby!

Hope to see you all at the show!
Love and Respect
Micaya

The photo is of some of my students rehearsing in the park- cute!

mission in the mix opens this weekend!

ok if you havent got your tickets yet for mission in the mix, get em now! i promise it will be worth checking out!

and now... some random dance related things you might not have known about me--

*i have a pretty severe case of scoliosis; a condition where the spine is curved
*my first love was not dancing, it was the theatre. i wanted to be an actress
*the first job i got choreographing, i knew that was what i wanted to do more than perform
*i have trained in african , ballet, jazz, modern, brazilian, haitian and salsa as well as hip hop
*i used to be an exotic dancer in the 80's
*i really love teaching
* i really love my students
*i was never motivated by mean dance teachers
* i have always had issues with the appearance of my body
*i used to dance in samba shows at a brazilian club in san francisco
* i used to go go dance in many bars in sf as well
* i never thought i was the best dancer ever , but i have always known that i am the best teacher
* i have never entered any type of dance competition, ever
* to me dance is and always will be ART



Love and Respect
Micaya

music and stuff

Music I have been using in class.
Beginner classes last week- I get it in by Omarion and Gucci Mane
Intermediate classes- Outta Control by E-40

3 Brand New pieces will be performed by SoulForce dance Company at Mission in the Mix. I am done with the choreography, now its show time!
The names of our new pieces are "Day by Day", Two wolves: and "tra la la"

Mission in the Mix opens next weekend. Get your tickets at brownpapertickets.com

Fun Times!

By the ay- this photot is of some of my little students last weekend at their show. Way tooo cute huh?

Love and respect
Micaya

Im a model---

So I got this email a while ago from one of my students, Kristin.


Hi Micaya,

I miss you! Hope you’re fabulous. I have no idea if your schedule would even permit - but I wanted to see if you'd be interested in modeling in a fashion show.

I am helping my favorite non-profit, Dress for Success San Francisco, produce their annual gala at the City Club on June 10th. They’re an amazing organization that helps disadvantaged women get back on their feet with professional attire, career counseling, and long-term support.

The gala will feature local female chefs, DJ Jenny Shu, live and silent auctions, and a fashion show with Banana Republic, Christopher Collins, and Gymboree.
The models in the show are a combination of Dress for Success clients and inspiring professional women of the Bay Area – hence the reason for my e-mail. As a woman I admire both personally and professionally, I’m wondering if you’d like to model in the fashion show.

It’s not only for a great cause, but a lot of fun. Let me know what you think.

xoxo, Kristin


SOOO It looks like Im going to be a model in this fashion show this Thursday.

Love and Respect
Micaya

Tarik

Here is a letter I received recently from a very talented young dancer I have known for many years. He has been in many of my shows and is an exceptional dancer. I have literally seen him grow up from a very small boy to now a very charming young teen.
He is a member of FBC , and Imanis' dream. To see him dance is a joy. In addition, I truly adore him .

I am helping him out and Im asking if I can get some help from you as well so we can send this young man to Mexico to dance.
PS He did not specify in his letter where to send the donations, so for now, if you see me in class, you can give to me and Ill make sure I get it to him.
If you dont think you will see me, here is the email address for his mom, Caprice -- imanisdream@yahoo.com
Thanks-- here is his letter
Love and Respect
Micaya


To my Friends and Family:

I, Tarik Rollerson, was recently accepted to participate as a dancer in the International Hip Hop Competition this summer in Mexico. This week long exchange consists of intense training and techniques. The International Hip Hop dancers are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance into the program, and I am honored to have been selected. I am excited to share my experience with my peers, family, and friends when I return. This experience will increase my understanding of the world and give me the opportunity to learn firsthand about new places and cultures. Such knowledge will help me become the best I can be.


I am currently asking my family and friends for financial sponsorship to help me with tuition, and I hope I can count on your support. In case you haven’t heard of the International Hip- Hop Competition, it is created and operated by Hip Hop International that first occurred in 2002. Countries that have participated in the past are: Italy, Mexico, France, Japan, Switzerland, Morocco, Philippines, United Kingdom, China, Canada, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Colombia, South Africa, Nigeria, New Zealand, Denmark, Spain, Russia, Portugal, Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Poland and The United States of America.


The program tuition is $1000 which includes meals, transportation, accommodations, and recreational activities. I am asking 50 people to donate $20, or as much as you can spare to help me reach my goal. I have been back and forth from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for competitions but never have I been invited to such a great camp before! All your support has been greatly appreciated in the past and I thank you in advance for another great opportunity to travel.


My program tuition is due June 12, 2010, which does not give us much time. Please help me reach my goal sooner than later. Checks may be made payable to Melinda Armstrong. Your generous contribution would enable me to share in this wonderful opportunity. Thank you in advance for your gracious consideration and support.


Thankfully yours,


Tarik Rollerson

music .. and more

Music I have been using in my class-
Last Tuesday E-40 "Outta Control"
Last Wednesday (Marin class)- Omarion Code Red
Last week beginner class in SF - Get Low by Lil Jon
Last Thursday night 8pm class Omarion "I get it in"

ALSO LISTEN UP DANCERS--
I need to tell you something-
especially my students-
You need to hear this -

THE ONLY WAY TO BECOME AN INTERMEDIATE DANCER IS TO COME TO AN INTERMEDIATE CLASS!
IF YOU STAY IN BEGINNER CLASS FOREVER, THEN YOU WILL FOREVER BE A BEGINNER

love and respect
Micaya

Mission in the Mix !

Here is the performance schedule for Mission in the Mix- (subject to change)--


Friday June 18
SoulForce Dance Company
Micayas' Performance Workshop Classes
Motion Explosion Lindy Hop
Groove Monkeez
Kani Terry (singer)

Saturday June 19
SoulForce Dance Company
Micayas' Performance Workshop Classes
Alter Ego
Motion explosion Lindy Hop
Shereen prince Performance group


Sunday June 20
SoulForce Dance Company
Micayas' Performance Workshop Classes
Shereen Prince performance Group
Elemental remix
Team Rodchata Bachata Group

Friday June 25
SoulForce Dance Company
Micayas' Performance Workshop Classes
Kings Krew (from Oregon)
Groove Monkeez
DownEFX

Saturday June 26
SoulForce Dance Company
Micayas' Performance Workshop Classes
Kings Krew (from Oregon)
Team Rodchata Bachata Group
Nick Van Casino Salsa

Sunday June 27
SoulForce Dance Company
Micayas' Performance Workshop Classes
Alter Ego
Elemental Remix
Bliss dance company
Kani Terry (Singer)

why

For as long as I have been doing what I do, I have never used the term "dance crew".
For some reason, I just dont like it. I have used the the term dance company since the beginning and Im sticking to it. To me it gives it more artistic credibility to say "dance company".
Dance Crew reminds me of a team, a sport-- which is great ..but where is the art?
And if hip hop dance is fighting to get its well deserved respect and credibility as a legitimate art, then wouldnt it be good to support that with what you want to be called?

I realize always that these terms have their origins and roots and I do not want to take a way from/disrespect that. But I have witnessed an evolution of the artistry that in this dance form...

So-- if you have ever wondered why you have never heard me use the term dance team or dance crew.. now you know why..

much love and respect
Micaya

music

The Past week music used in class--
Tuesday SF- I get it In by Omarion
Wednesday in Marin - How Low by Ludacris
Thursday 6pm and Saturday (tomorrow) Noon SF Classes- How Low by Ludacris
Thursday 8pm SF Class- Code Red by Omarion

whats up

Here are things that are going on in my worlds

Mission in the Mix is getting booked with the invited guests- i will post them very soon on the blog so you can know who else is performing

I am working on donation brochures for the SFHHDF. Its time to get some funds together so i can afford to bring you all these amazing dance companies from all over the world! Please help out by going to the website www.sfhiphopdancefest.com and donate through paypal

I just finished choreographing the second piece for SoulForce Dance Company to perform at Mission in the Mix . They are called "Day by Day" and "Tra la la" I still want to do one more piece..

My youth students are performing on June 5 at the Marin Civic Center at the Roco Dance Show . 4:30 show is the younger ones and 7:30 show is the older ones. Super cute lions and clowns!!!

I am hiring a new lighting person for the SFHHDF this year. I am interviewing people. If you have anyone to recommend , let me know.

Well theres plenty more- BUT thats enough for now. I dont want to overwhelm you! what a life-- what a crazy beautiful life!

Love and respect
Micaya