SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP DANCEFEST

&*%@!

2010-12-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-21T15:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

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

Volunteer?

2010-10-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-12T16:19:00.001-07:00

Updated List

2010-10-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-18T09:47:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-09-10T14:44:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-20T10:37:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-08-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-12T22:53:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

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>>>

2010-07-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

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

Love and Respect
Micaya

More Mission in the Mix Photos!

2010-06-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!
Love and Respect-
Micaya

Photos from the first weekend

2010-06-22T16:00:00.001-07:00

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

Love and Respect
Micaya

Opening Night!

2010-06-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-15T13:57:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-10T12:38:00.001-07:00

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---

2010-06-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

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 !

2010-05-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

great weekend!

2010-05-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend! Ok, it was all about "working", but it was so much fun. The workshops went very well and the pieces are actually starting to look like pieces now. Im very proud of my students. They are putting in the time and it is starting to show.
On Saturday after workshop, a huge group of us went to the taqueria around the corner and hang out and ate and drank. It was good to have folks get to know each other on a social level . I enjoyed getting to know some of my newer students that I had never met before.
The more I do this, the more inspired I become. It is my sole goal that every student feels fulfilled from this experience.

I am really looking forward to Mission in the Mix!

PHOTO- Danniel Derrick of SoulForce dance Company performing at the Dance Mission Benefit

Music I used in class the past week--
Beginner SF classes- How Low by Ludacris
Int/Adv Tuesday class- Makin Love by Neyo and Fabolous
Int/adv Thursday class- He aint wi tme now tho by richgirl
Marin class- He aint wit me now tho by Richgirl

LOVE AND RESPECT--
Micaya

Moving On

2010-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Allright already - Im moving on past the London trip and back to goings on right here in the Bay. Here is the flier for my show "Mission in the Mix" . You can get your tickets online at Brownpapertickets.com

SoulForce will be performing new pieces that I am in the middle of creating. My student in my performance workshops will also be performing along with special guest performances.
The show always sells out, so dont wait too long to get your tickets.

Love and Respect
Micaya

Continuing

2010-05-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Image - Pro Phenomen form France

I am continuing with my experiences at Breakin Convention last weekend.

Interlude from UK
Youth dance company - many young people on stage at once. There was a little girl that was workin it!
They did a MJ tribute (actually, several youth companies did a MJ tribute) which I think is weird . Only my opinion people so dont get your panties in a bunch. But I wouldnt have let my child anywhere near the man - so why would I want a child doing a tribute to him...

moving on --

A Diaspoa Collective from UK
I Loved this piece. It consisted of 5 very talented women expressing their frustrations of womanhood. There were very powerful moments of "internal dialogue" as I call it. The dancers in my company hear me say that phrase a lot. It's when you KNOW the dancers are doing more than just dancing. Know what i mean?
The dancing was super beautiful nonetheless. It was a mixture of contemporary, house, african styles that were earthy as well as intricate. One dancer has on a microphone somewhere n her body and she does spoken word and dances! Every moment is riveting and creative. The lines they create feel original and their sequences are captivating. The soloist was great.
They almost lost me at the end when they walked around for a bit. I wasnt sure of the significance of that. Otherwise this was a real TREAT to witness.

Pro-Phenomen from France
Awesome y'all. Im trying to book them now and bring them here to the SFHHDF this November. I cant wait to share them with the Bay. Beautiful musicality, very clever- f*&%in Beautiful!

More later
Love and Respect
Micaya

Music I used in class this week
Marin- Outta control by E-40
SF Beginner class- Drop it Low by Chris Brown
SF Intermediate class - Makin Love by Neyo and Fabolous

Going on---

2010-05-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here is some more performance info for the Breakin Convention-
Spread Expression From UK.
This was a very heavy, intense piece about slavery that still exists on this planet. i got very consumed with this piece. It took me there---
There was a platform onstage with ropes of some sort and the dancers would get entangled in this structure. The danced at first to a voice talking about facts of existing slavery . There were occasional explosions that were alarming.
The movement was strong - present - fierce-powerful- beautiful!
I must admit that the women in the piece were WAY more captivating than the men-
Toward the end of the piece, I wondered if the dancers would be "freed"- to give the audience some kinda of hope. I had a strong feeling that they wouldnt be and that was fine with me , but I sensed that the audience would have preferred a different ending.

Robert Hylton from UK
This is a piece that I have seen footage of before. They submitted this piece to me last year for the 11th annual SFHHDF but I did not book it. It is a 10 minute popping piece that explores the human body's physical reaction to movement. Even though the movement is captivating and the dancers are incredibly skilled, I cant listen to the sound of bones cracking for 10 minutes! Im not sure if everyone feels the same way as I do, but I find it personally irritating. 10 minutes of bones cracking and popping? I dont know know- I just dont prefer to hear that.

Jane Sekoyna John from South Africa
This was another very intense piece that consumed me as well. It was a solo piece that was heavy at times and light at times. The story is about an old woman that every time she puts on this hat, it transforms her to her younger self- taking her through her past experiences.
She is very lovable and relatable and does an excellent job of storytelling and dance. The piece is super fresh and cute with some heavy moments of the protests in South African history.
I absolutely LOVED this piece!!!!

More later

LOVE AND RESPECT
Micaya

and more---

2010-05-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

right now im on a plane on my last leg of my trip. im so ready to be back home- love my life!

Heres more on the Breakin Convention

I had the opportunity to see the group Big City Brains from Denmark twice. I enjoyed it even more the second time. It was a lighthearted clever lovable animation style piece. It started out with an awesome solo and then three dancers entered and performed the rest of the piece. The soloist from the beginning doesnt come out again until the very end , which is lightly weird,but at least he comes out again.
There were so many cute skits that were done so very well in this piece. The timing had to be impeccable for the sound effects and for the lighting effects to actually bring the whole thing together.
They did cute stuff with a virtual remote control, many different "doors" they kept going through only to find themselves in many different scenarios. The audience thought it was hilarious. It was so silly but so amazing at the same time.
There was one section where one guy was doing the effect of walking in heavy wind. Between the sound effect , light and his incredible skill of animation , I was Blown away! It was so cool!

Another performance was Renegade from Germany. This was an hour long piece that fused hip hop, performance art modern dance, b-boying and bike tricks ! There was a conjoining of dancers and choreographers from two worlds of dance that seemed to work- at least for me. The audience was NOT feeling the modern dance . Actually at times, it did seem long.

They danced to very loud heavy metal music, classic music, pop music, and some music that sounded like opera that had cat and horse sounds underneath ....(im serious!)
There were buckets, jackets, bikes, cigarettes lit and smoked on stage.
There was competition between the dancers, for jackets, the bike , the woman.

The b-boys did some pretty amazing stuff- some of it was just stellar jaw dropping and some was like you were watching them do power moves in slo mo!

There were times while I was watching this piece where I just wanted to take a photo or paint a portrait of what I saw. There were still images that lasted in the mind sometimes longer than the movement itself did.

More to come- stay tuned
Love and Respect
Micaya

PHOTOS
Poppin Pete and me
Jonzi D and Danny Francis
Plague (reppin the SFHHDF t-shirt!)

2nd day of Breakin Convention

2010-05-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

Well tonights performances blew me away- There have been so many moments in the past few days where I felt so blessed to be alive to witness such powerful art. Tonight could have killed me. There were a lot of very deep pieces tonight that I got caught up in emotionally. This coupled with the staggering level of skill that was displayed was nothing short of wonder-ous!

Here are some more random notes I took while watching the performances so far.

Status from UK
They did a Alice in Wonderland piece. Cute costumes and interesting use of stage. They were doing the slow/fast style and it was nice. They had tricks and nice choreography and great presence. They were not always together , their transitions were sometimes a bit weak and the piece itself did not feel complete.

Dance Offensive from UK
Young dancers making statements about their lives. "Each One Teach One" was the motto-Piece used spoken word as well as imagery on back screen .Most of the imagery was the words that were being heard - just to double enforce the message, i guess. One memorable moment was when one dancer stood still in the middle of many dancers moving wildly then they all run offstage and leave him on floor.
There were several soloists who were great. One guy did a crazy hollow-back kind of thing on his head. He had a very flexible back.The piece ended with a very young girl dancing at the end. The future --

Phase T from France
The first thing I thought when I saw these guys on stage is they are some big men honey!
They did a cool rewind theme thing in the beginning that was effective. There were a lot of gun shot sounds in their mix-
They did many beautiful tricks- incredible air moves and lifts.
They had a skit that the audience loved where they had a paper of instructions. The dancers then formed a machine of sorts and the person with the paper had to read the instructions to figure out how to either fix it or put it together.
Oh and check this out-One dude actually entered onstage sliding on his head!
And one guy literally "surfed" on top of another guy while he was sliding across the stage!
The tricks were definately the highlight of this piece!
Oh yeah I almost forgot to tell you- they took off their shirts at the end for their bow to show us how ripped their abs were. They were very proud of themselves.

Ok enough for now- more tomorrow-

Photos I took tonight- dancers from Plague, Nobulus and Bad Taste Crew (all of whom have previously performed at the SFHHDF!)

Love and Respect
Micaya

oh my

2010-05-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

i just woke up about an hour ago- i slept for 12 hours! i woke up at 12:30 in the afternoon-- my internal clock is off- very funny-
catching up on things here at the hotel and then heading to the theatre to check out day 2 of the Breakin Convention.

I have not had a chance until last night to really rest- its been hectic.

And no- Im still not over what happened to me from Continental Airlines. I think I have post traumatic stress !!!

More later

Love and Respect
Micaya

*photo of Hakeem Onibudo and I - Hakeem is the host of some of the shows. He came to SF last year to attend the SFHHDF !

Breakin Convention Day 1

2010-05-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ok I will try to tell you as much as I can but this will be an ongoing topic for a little while. I attended the first day of the Breakin Convention in London today and was impressed by what I saw so far.

I will be here for 2 more days. The festival runs three days and hosts many different companies from all over the world. Today I saw a lot of companies perform.

Jonzi D is the artistic director and I think that we both have very similar tastes in what talent we book for our festivals. I was greeted by the very awesome staff who hooked me up with the best seats ever , hotel reservations and such. If I had a staff like them, I would be able to rest a little. They got it under control honey!

I took photos of the theatre because it is enormous and beautiful. It has three floors of seating plus a floor on the ground level for people to stand and watch.

The two companies that really stood out to me tonight were Compagnie Mira from France and Renegade from Germany. Here are some notes I took while watching the shows tonight.

Compagnie Mira is a husband and wife duet company whose piece they performed tonight was very cohesive. It was a story of their love and relationship which at times was so intimate that you felt you knew them personally. However it had a huge relate-ability to it which made it so so sweet. I too have felt so many of the same things that felt on that stage and they took me on the journey very gracefully.

The piece runs about 30 minutes, in my opinion a bit too long. Thre is alot that goes on in the piece: they sometimes speak (in french but it doesnt matter- i understood anyway). They danced to french music , very fresh -

As in love and relationships, Of course encounter their combative moments. I felt at times I was watching a conversation they were having with their movement.At times it was funny and light and at other times it took on a heavy realness.They had a beautiful artistic sense and had interesting ways of using the stage.

So yeah I loved it. It was the first piece I saw tonight and was blown away by it for sure...

Ok I am tired -- more tomorrow

Love and respect
Micaya

on my way to london

2010-04-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

Hey so I am going to London in the morning for the Breakin Convention. Im looking forward to seeing all the companies performances. I will take notes so that I can remember to share it all with you.

Rome was lovely- weather was wonderful- sites were breathtaking- food was overwhelmingly delicious-
way too crowded though. lots and lots of tourists.

and by the way - im still not over what happened to me with continental airlines. i am still traumatized by the entire nightmare.

i did take some photos but i just need to download them, sorry for the stock photo of rome..

more later

love and respect
Micaya

there just arent enough bitches..

2010-04-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

i just made it to rome so i will make this short, but not sweet. I was supposed to leave sunday but continental airlines refused me to board my flight because my barcode on my passport wasnt scanning. its an older passport but it wasnt expired.
ive spent the last several days going crazy getting an emergency passport and changing all my travel plans.
I was planning on hangin out in rome for the week before i go to the breakin convention this weekend in london.
i am here in rome now so all is good.
it was just a freakin nightmare and perhaps i will write more about it later-
or maybe not - we will see

as my dear friend andrea said to me when i told her i finally got a boarding pass to travel "there arent enough bitches in this world to stop you "
thanks andrea
i will let you all know how breakin convention goes

love and respect
micaya

music

2010-04-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Music this week
Marin- Outta Control by E-40
SF Low by Flo-rida

Love and Respect
Micaya

PS WORKSHOP STARTS TOMORROW!
Want to perform in Mission in the Mix? This is your opportunity to do so! See You all tomorrow!!!

Breakin Convention 2010!

2010-04-22T12:34:00.001-07:00

So a few years ago I discovered another festival very similar to mine called the Breakin Convention. This event takes place in London every year in the beginning of May. This will be their 7th year and they really look for the same things in the companies they book as I do. I was fortunate enough to attend a few years back and really enjoyed it. I was able to make a lot of great connections and book some fabulous companies that I saw. The folks who put it together are very cool and gracious. The past few year, they have sent someone from their organization to attend the SFHHDF.

Well I am going again this year and will keep you updated with everything as it happens. I will try to blog, facebook and twitter (yes i have twitter people- my user name is micayasf) . so stay tuned ok?

Cute thing to share -- I went on the Breakin Convention site today to see the updates and such and noticed that they posted my upcoming workshop on their site! I was so surpised to to see it- cool huh?

www.breakinconvention.com

Love and respect
Micaya

Testimonials

2010-04-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a clip of some of my students who participated in the performance workshop a few years ago.. Just in case you havent decided yet.. WORKSHOP STARTS THIS SATURDAY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctpn4MOPDQs

Love and Respect
Micaya

better late than never

2010-04-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

I know I told you over a week ago that I was going to judge the competition for the collaboration show. I forgot to tell you all how it went. sorry.

Well the show was in San Ramon, which is far. Greg Chapkiss tends to present his shows all over the Bay rather than just in one place. I think that it was well located for most of the people however because they were coming from a lot of different places including Sacramento.

Greg always puts on these shows with MANY MANY dancers in them. Because he invites so many "crews" to perform or compete, there ends up to be a lot of people backstage. I am certain that there are more people in his shows than in the audience. Not that his audience is small, it is just that there are THAT many performers.
He also has his students and his own "crew" perform. Greg has always been an awesome dancer and he does amazing things in Vallejo with his studio Dance Unlimited. He has a lot of folks up in that big old studio!

Anyway the "crew" that won was called Step Brothers. They were quite good and one of the only groups that included a theatrical element to their piece. In second place was Academy of Villans which I think really was a tie with first place because it was stunning.

At the end of the show before they announced the winner, Greg surprised me by bringing me up on stage and presenting me with an award for my work in the hip hop dance community. That was very thoughtful of him. I accepted the award on behalf of the entire local hip hop dance community since they were my inspiration.

Love and respect
Micaya

song used in class this week
"Rude Boy" by Rhianna

Performance Workshop starts in 8 days!

2010-04-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

First of all these babies are too cute huh? This is Alia and Serafino. They are Andreas twins. Andrea was the SF Hip Hop DanceFest stage manager for many years as well as my student and friend. I just HAD to share this cuteness with you!

Ok so the Performance Workshop begins in a little over a week. I can NOT tell you how excited we all get for this. I truly love giving my students the opportunity to perform. The whole experience is so beneficial and then the outcome is so gratifying. I love sitting in the audience and watching all my students perform.

Listen-- if you havent signed up yet. Do not hesitate to do so.

Love and Respect
Micaya

love this day

2010-04-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

29 years ago i gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy ever. It will always be the the best thing that ever happened to me. Happy Birthday Yeshuah!

Love and Respect
Micaya

Bookkeeper

2010-04-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that I meet my new bookkeeper. Unlike me, she LOVES numbers and all the complexities that can come with it. The budget for the SF Hip Hop DanceFest perplexes me. Its not that I dont keep it all very separate and organized, which I really do. I am very tedious about the expenses for SFHHDF being paid from the SFHHDF account only . However, when it comes time to adding and balancing and such, I just get kinda lost sometimes.
This is going to be a huge relief for me not to pretend I am the bookkeeper anymore for the SFHHDF.
stay tuned..

Love and respect
Micaya

here it is!

2010-04-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

Today is the day

2010-04-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am getting my hair done today.........................................................................................................................................

love and respect
Micaya

IT's ON!

2010-04-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

So It is official. The San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest will be having an Audition Show.

For the first time ever, the SF Hip Hop DanceFest live auditions will NOT be closed to the public. The auditions will be a show that the public can purchase tickets to. Awesome huh?

SFHHDF Audition Show
Sunday September 19th, 2010
Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason, SF.
2 shows :
Program A 11am-2:30pm
Program B 3:30pm-7pm
We will post who is auditioning and when once it gets closer to the dates.

This audition will consist of all companies (local, usually) that wish to perform at the 12th annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest in November. The panel will be a list of local prominent figures in the hip hop dance community and myself.

This will be a lot of fun. I will let you know more details as they arise.

SONGS I USED IN CLASS
MARIN "My Chick Bad " By Ludacris
SF "Outta Control" by E-40

Love and Respect
Micaya

Worldwide Call for Submissions/SFHHDF 2010

2010-04-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP DANCEFEST

“The first festival dedicated to honoring the ARTISTRY of Hip Hop Dance”

Micaya Presents,
12th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest
November 19-21, 2010
Palace of Fine arts Theatre, San Francisco CA.

BOOKING NOW!

What We Look For:

*Professional Dance Companies from all over the Globe (Any size, from solo to group)
*All styles of Hip Hop and Hip Hop Fusion
*Use of Hip Hop styles in unique and interesting ways
*Use of Hip Hop Dance in a theatrical way
*Social Content/Commentary
*Artistic Quality
*Extraordinary Technical Skill and Ability

IF Hired:

SFHHDF PROVIDES-
*Travel expenses and/or performance fees
*Travel arrangements, ground transportation and some meals
*Sold Out shows at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
*Invitations to attend all VIP events hosted by the SFHHDF
*Network Opportunities
Media coverage

BOOKED COMPANIES MUST PROVIDE-
*Companies MUST provide a HIGH RES URL, BIO and PHOTO
*Companies must submit/audition THE SAME PIECE that they intend to perform
*Pieces must be between 6-9 MINUTES long
*Dancers must have visas/passports to travel to the U.S.

TO APPLY:

Companies Who Wish to Perform at the 2010 SFHHDF Have 2 Options:

1 Submit Footage

OR

2 Schedule a live audition/performance

OPTION 1. TO SUBMIT FOOTAGE-

*Upload HIGH QUALITY footage of the exact piece you intend to perform (6-9 minutes - full cast and costume) and send the link to info@sfhiphopdancefest.com
OR
*Mail HIGH QUALITY DVD or video footage of the exact piece you intend to perform (6-9 minutes - full cast and costume) to:
SF Hip Hop DanceFest
PO Box 411492
San Francisco, CA 94141-1492
DEADLINE: AUGUST 15, 2010* *
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to submit as soon as possible!
The show may be booked before deadline!

OPTION 2. TO SCHEDULE A LIVE AUDITION/PERFORMANCE-

*Live auditions will be an open to the public performance; “SFHHDF Audition Show”
*All companies auditioning will perform at “SFHHDF Audition Show”
*SFHHDF will charge admission to the public to attend the “SFHHDF Audition Show”
*Only the SFHHDF Panel will make decisions regarding the booking of companies
*Companies must audition the exact piece they intend to perform (6-9 minutes - full cast and costume).
*“SFHHDF Audition Show” is September 19, 2010, Cowell Theatre, San Francisco.
*All companies must schedule an audition/performance time
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION/PERFORMANCE TIME:
EMAIL AUDITIONS COORDINATOR auditions@sfhiphopdancefest.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For more information, email info@sfhiphopdancefest.com OR go to www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

ABOUT THE DANCEFEST:

Established in 1999, by Founder and Artistic Director Micaya, The SF Hip Hop DanceFest has grown to be THE event that has put San Francsico on the map for presenting hip hop dance. Acknowledged as the FIRST festival dedicated specifically to hip hop dance, the DanceFest is a groundbreaking event, hosting companies from all over the globe. The San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest remains unique for its dedication to presenting the highest quality professional Hip Hop dance companies and for its forward-thinking curatorial focus. This legendary event offers professional Hip Hop dance companies the level of production, exposure, and acknowledgement that they urgently deserve, nurturing emerging artists and consistently contributing to the evolution of both Hip Hop and dance. With a record of eleven years of sold-out performances, the DanceFest has developed a reputation for both quality and innovation.

***********THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION***********

2 more!

2010-04-05T13:29:00.001-07:00

which one?

2010-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

OK, I know im supposed to be doing a MILLION things today but i am stuck on a very superficial decision. I have decided to do a big hair change and have gone online to try different styles on my photo.any preferences?

Thanks
Love and Respect
Micaya

MUSIC IN CLASS
MARIN -"RIGHT HERE " BY ERK THE JERK
SF - "OUTTA CONTROL" BY E-40

Lets go-

2010-03-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

Allright here is whats up

I got an email from the MTV show "made" regarding hiring a made coach for one of their episodes. They specifically were looking for the coach to be 25-35 years old. ...Well!
I wrote them back saying that I could certainly hook them up with whatever they were looking for, but I havent heard from them. I guess they already got someone.

I am one of the judges this Saturday for the Collaboration show at the San Ramon Performing Arts Center. This show is presented by Dance Unlimited in Vallejo. I will let you know how it goes.

I have been VERY patiently waiting for both of my graphic designers to show me some things we are working on....as soon as i get something I am going to use, I will show it to you

Performance Workshop enrollment is going on- if you have not enrolled yet to be in my performance workshop, do so!

Love and Respect
Micaya

*******

2010-03-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

** things going on

Workshop enrollment is happening. If you are thinking of enrolling in the performance workshop, do it! You will NOT regret it.

SoulForce was hired to perform at a school next month and I got a voicemail the other day saying never mind. They said that they hired another company for cheaper! Oh well- you get what you pay for....

I am going to finally hire an bookkeeper! I give up officially! I can not do it ANYMORE. I tried so hard to balance my books but it is just too complicated for me. The SF Hip Hop DanceFest has a lot of things to keep track of.

I think Ill be getting a twitter account soon, whatever that means...

Im thinking of opening the live auditions for the SF Hip Hop DanceFest to the public. It would be a show that people can purchase tickets to and attend throughout the day. I am thinking of doing it at the Cowell Theatre. Any thoughts?

Ive been putting a new piece on SoulForce, exciting. They will premiere all the new works at Mission in the Mix in June.

SONGS I used in class
SF "My Chick Bad " By Ludacris
Marin "Right Here" by Erk the Jerk

Love and Respect
Micaya

HEY

2010-03-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

So I decided to try and volunteer again for the SPARK program. This is the program I wrote about last year that didnt end up happening. Basically, here is what it is. They go to middle school students and ask them what their ideal dream job would be and then match them with a mentor who does that job. The program lasts for about 6 weeks and you meet once a week.
What a great idea huh?

Well so far I have yet to participate. Last year the father of the boy I was paired with did not want the boy to dance so we never got to even meet. This year, there was some drama with the young man moving or something. Once again, I never even got to meet him either.

This is leading me to wonder if some people just can not handle something so awesome. know what i mean? It may sound strange, but if a person does not feel worthy, it will be hard for them to accept something.
Im not sure if this applies to my students because it sounds like they both were victim to their parental decisions.

But for some reason that concept is ringing heavily in my soul.

Love and Respect
Micaya

Song

2010-03-21T11:09:00.001-07:00

Song Im using in class this week
"My Chick Bad" by Ludacris

Love and Respect
Micaya

Dance Mission Fundraiser THIS Weekend!

2010-03-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Please come out and support Dance Mission
Love and Respect
Micaya

Join us for a 3 day extravaganza
featuring some of the
Bay Area's Hottest Dancers and Musicians
in Benefit for Dance Mission

We thought money fell from the sky, but now we know we have to beg, borrow and steal… Keep HOPE Alive!!!

3316 24th St @Mission (24th St. BART) • 415-826-4441
for tickets visit www. brownpapertickets .com
Friday March 19 8pm
Saturday March 20 8pm
Sunday March 21 4pm
Dance Brigade
Allan Frias
Maikaze Daiko
Sweet Can Circus
Joti Singh
Paco Gomes & Dancers
Grrrl Brigade
Fredrika Keefer &
Jill Hibbert
Tata Kaya Art (Kayos)
Sue Li Jue Facing East

Keith Hennessy
Anne Bluethental
Allan Frias
Kim Epifano w/
Stephen Kent
Sweet Can Circus
Ramón Ramos Alayo
Sean Dorsey
Sara Shelton Mann
SoulForce
Nol Simonse
Nicole Klaymoon /
Embodiment Project
Fredrika Keefer &
Jill Hibbert
Las Que Son Son
Royland Lobato
Jose "Cheo" Rojas
Raffaella Falchi
Salsa Vale Todo
Grrrl Brigade
Rueda Con Ritmo
w/ Sydney & Ryan
Eric Barberia
Dance Party with

Friday & Saturday $20
Sunday $12 - $25
no one turned away for lack of funds at the door

All proceeds Benefit Dance Mission Theater, Youth Program, Grrrl Brigade, Adult Classes, Studio Rentals, Showcases and Dance Series

donations accepted online at www.dancemission.com

Come Eat, Drink, Dance and Party!! SUPPORT programming at DANCE MISSION THEATER!!

doing lots of thangs

2010-03-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Ive been busy lately trying to update the SF Hip Hop DanceFest . We are already getting it together for November! I had my web designer Fumi come over to the office several times to help me with computer related issues.
We have a funny way of communicating. I am not well versed on proper tach language and I seem kinda slow to him I am sure. He is very good at explaining things to me and making things easier for me as well.
At one point when he was with me, I explained to him that I couldnt open a certain thing on my computer. At that point, he took a deep breath , exhaled and looked at me and asked "have you tried double clicking on it? "
We both died laughing!
No I am not that computer illiterate, but he had to ask right?

Thanks for everything Fumi- you are the best!
Love and Respect
Micaya

It comes back

2010-03-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

So I promised I'd write about the SoulForce auditions. Here goes....

I really feel the necessity to be very clear with people as much as possible. I dont like to lead them on or give them the a different impression of what to expect other than the truth. When people audition for SoulForce I talk to them at length about a various amount of topics. Two of these topics are,
1. If you are looking for a mainstream hip hop company to dance with, this is not the company you are looking for.
2. We rehearse until midnight! It may sound glamourous, but once you have done it , its a different story.

So needless to say, they have been droppin like flies honey. midnight is not as sexy as it sounds i guess. bless their hearts for trying!

One dancers still stands though and we all adore him. His name is Zak. When he was auditioning that night, I glanced down at the paper he filled out for us. Under experience, he wrote that his first dance class was with me at age 7! Oh wow! really!??
I do now who know he he is but would have never recognized him otherwise.

more to come

love and respect
Micaya

the scooby doo pictures

2010-03-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to share these photos with you all of my 5 year old students backstage in their scooby doo costumes! If that is not cute, then I do not know what is honey!

Songs I used this week.
SF "Right Here" by Erk the Jerk
Marin " I Get it In" by Omarion

Love and Respect
Micaya

Performance Workshop Flier is done!

2010-03-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Love and Respect
Micaya

and then there's more

2010-03-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

Song Im using this week in SF "Million Dollar Girl" by Trina

So I hung out with RuPaul last week when I was in LA. He wanted me to accompany him to the taping of the Bonnie Hunt Show where he was a special guest. A couple of things were funny to me. First of all, when I am with Ru in these type situations ( not when it is just him and I) , It is VERY clear who the diva is. It was interesting watching someone else be the diva for a change. Not a bitch - not difficult- JUST A Fabulous clear and purposeful DIVA!
So anyway, he goes onstage to have his interview with Bonnie and I am allowed to watch live from the side of the audience behind the cameras. Bonnie starts asking Ru about his past, in which Ru responds by talking about his youth including the performing arts high school we went to together. He then mentioned that he had a friend from high school with him along that day. At that moment Bonnie turned around and I waved at her and said hi.
Well of course next thing you know the cameras start turning toward me as to put me on camera. I reply by pleading to please not do that which they respected and turned the cameras back around to the front. I later told a few of my students the story and they were disappointed that I did not appear of the show. I think sometimes I am camera shy, but when I look back to the incident now, I know the biggest reason I did not want to be on. I didnt want to take away from his shine. He was on there to talk about his book and TV show and I didnt want to change the focus.
At one point however, he did let her know that he has always been eccentric. Which I wanted to agree with a definitive yes. I really am so grateful he was my friend in high school. God- I really dont know what I had done without him because I have always been a bit eccentric too, BUT i did not have the same self confidence that he had.

Stay tuned later this week, I will tell you about how SoulForce auditions went and more..

Love and Respect
Micaya

as promised-

2010-02-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

Alright so here are some tales of LA. Like I said before, Im still trippin off the fact that the hip hop classes that I saw (briefly) were FULL of very young people. I would say late teens and early twenties. Of course, it could have been circumstantial, and maybe I just didnt pop by the studio with the class full of students of all ages. It was funny because as I was watching a class, a lady came up to me to watch her daughter in the class. At one point, she turned to me and asked if I had a child in the class as well! Which of course could have been true; I do have a child older than most of the kids that were in that class. Nevertheless, I found it odd.

My i phone was stolen on sunset blvd. and it made me so happy that I had an i-phone. The most important thing when you lose your phone is ALWAYS the contacts that you dont want to lose. I did have to purchase a replacement phone for about 100 dollars , but when I plugged that baby into my computer, my contacts came right back ! oh yes!

So my oldest friend in life is RuPaul. When went to a performing arts high school together and we were in the drama department. His first role on stage was with me in a play where he had to dress in drag! Hilarious right? I remember putting make up on him backstage because he didnt know how to do it. Wow how times have changed!

I will tell you about accompanying Ru to the Bonnie Hunt show last week next time I blog ok?

Song I used in Marin class last night- I get it in by Omarion and Gucci Mane
Tonight new music- (havent decided) and of course new choreography

Love and respect
Micaya

More Tales from LA

2010-02-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well Im back now from Los Angeles . I have posted a photo of a few of my beautiful students because I adore them so much. YAY DIVERSITY!!

Anyway, if you ever go to LA or if you live there, you MUST check out massage and acupuncture from Dr. Hahm. Dr Hahms healing hands-- look him up ! He is awesome. He also happens to be blind which I believe is what gives him the special gift of healing and knowing what bodies need. Funny ,- when I told my dad that I was getting acupuncture from a blind guy, he had an entire half hour of jokes to go along with that one! But thats my dad. He is hilarious!

I have more stories of LA later this week, stay tuned for adventures with me and my friend RuPaul.

Last Saturday the song I used was "Whos Your Daddy " by Mook n Fair (remix) Tonight Im using "I Get in In" One last time and I will use a new song starting this Thursday

Love and Respect
Micaya

im in los angeles till tomorrow

2010-02-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

So I got away to LA for a few days this week. Im comin back tomorrow so I will be teaching my Saturday class.
purpose of trip--Little bit of business and a little bit of fun -

weather has been great. I went by a dance studio to see what is going on. Many many very young people! wow! class is full of kids! very different from my classes for sure-I get em at ALL ages- and if you have been to my class you know what i mean. I LOVE that! keep dancing- dont stop!

If you havent bought Rupauls book yet, check it out- Its called "Workin' It! Rupauls guide to life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style

much respect and love
micaya

photo shoot and more

2010-02-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

Last night was a mega photo shoot
we shot images for:
my workshop flier
Mission in the Mix
and SF Hip Hop DanceFest!

Shoot went really well. We used the new annex of City Dance on Harrison Street for the location. It isnt open yet but will soon. Jardy Santiago of Soul Sector was our wonderful and very nice to work with photographer.

A few select members of SoulForce were my models and they did exceptionally well. 12 years of the SFHHDF and I finally use members of my own company to represent! Gotta love it.

I was a guest judge this past Saturday for the Bollywood dance competition at Zellerbach Auditorium in Berkeley. It was a great show. Very different for me though. Very elaborate costumes and sets . Where do they get their funding?

Well thats it for now
Love and respect
Micaya

song

2010-02-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Song Im using this week in SF is I Get it in by Omarion with Gucci Mane

love and respect
Micaya

SoulForce Dance Company Auditions!

2010-02-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

SoulForce Dance Company holding auditions - check it out.

song I used in class last week- "Get low wit it" by Romeo

Love and Respect
Micaya

Performance Workshop 2010 INFO!!!

2010-01-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

Well as I have promised, here is the info for my performance workshop-
Love and respect
Micaya

Micayas’ Performance Workshop 2010!

All who enroll in this workshop WILL perform in “Mission in the Mix”
at Dance Mission Theatre the last 2 weekends of June!

THIS EXPERIENCE IS AMAZING! HERE’S WHY….
*All levels of dance experience are welcome- from absolute beginner to advanced.
*Students will perform not once or twice, but 6 times!
*Students performance skills will improve dramatically.
*Students level of dance skill will improve drastically.
*Micaya creates a very inviting environment that is supportive, respectful and non-intimidating.
*Micaya has a fabulous team of assistants to teach and support the students.
*It builds a social connection that continues after the workshops and shows end.
*The workshops are structured to be focused and intense while at the same time, super fun.
*Micaya is an expert teacher beyond compare
*Micaya has been offering performance workshops since 1991!

FEE (FOR ENTIRE PACKAGE) $210
(cash or money order please,/payment schedules can be arranged)

TO ENROLL:
1. Sign up with Micaya at one of her classes (for her complete class schedule go to www.micaya.com)
OR
2.Send Money Order payable to Micaya – Please include your name and email address
(specify beginner/Intermediate or intermediate/advanced level)
and mail to PO Box 411492 San Francisco CA 94141

LOCATIONS
WORKSHOPS
DANCE MISSION 3316 24th Street , San Francisco CA 94110
SF DANCE CENTER 26 7th Street, 5th Floor , San Francisco CA 94103
SHOWS
DANCE MISSION 3316 24th Street , San Francisco, CA 94110

If you need additional Info or have questions- Email Micaya at micaya@micaya.com

SCHEDULE -
(Choose One Series-= Beginner/Intermediate OR Intermediate/Advanced)

Beginner/Intermediate Series
*ATTENDANCE ON ALL WORKSHOP DATES AND TECH REHEARSALARE MANDATORY
WORKSHOP DATES
1. Saturday April 24 2:45-6pm Dance Mission
2. Sunday May 9 2:45-6pm Dance Mission *Mother’s Day
3. Sunday May 16 2:15-5:30pm SF Dance Center
4. Sunday May 23 7pm-10:15pm Dance Mission
5. Sunday June 6 1:45-5pm SF Dance Center
6. Sunday June 13 1:45-5pm Dance Mission

TECH REHEARSAL
Thursday June 17 6pm-9pm Dance Mission

SHOW DATES
Friday June 18 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Saturday June 19 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Sunday June 20 Call time-@5pm / Show-@7pm *Father’s Day
Friday June 25 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Saturday June 26 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Sunday June 27 Call time-@5pm/Show-@7pm

Intermediate/Advanced Series
*ATTENDANCE ON ALL WORKSHOP DATES AND TECH REHEARSALARE MANDATORY
WORKSHOP DATES
1. Saturday April 24 2:45-6pm Dance Mission
2. Saturday May 8 2:15-5:30pm SF Dance Center
3. Saturday May 15 2:45-6pm Dance Mission
4. Saturday May 22 2:15-5:30pm SF Dance Center
5. Sunday June 6 9:45am-1pm SF Dance Center
6. Sunday June 13 1:45-5pm Dance Mission

TECH REHEARSAL
Thursday June 17 6pm-9pm Dance Mission

SHOW DATES
Friday June 18 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Saturday June 19 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Sunday June 20 Call time-@5pm / Show-@7pm *Father’s Day
Friday June 25 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Saturday June 26 Call time-@6pm / Show-@8pm
Sunday June 27 Call time-@5pm/Show-@7pm

Cuteness

2010-01-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

I teach kids classes every Wednesday which is a nice change of pace in the middle of the week. They allow me the opportunity to really be in the moment- so to speak. It can be exhausting though. I really admire people who are with kids ALL day long. That takes stamina!
They ARE pretty cute though and that really helps when they get frustrating. Some of them look like little baby dolls- oh god!

Right now they are ecstatic because they are performing this Sunday. My 5 year olds are dancing to the Sccoby Doo song by Shaggy and wearing Scooby Doo costumes. Talk about freakin cute!

My 6-7 year olds are dancing to Lose Control by Missy and wearing hippie costumes and my 8-9 year olds are wearing gangster suits and dancing to Pump it Up by Joe Budden.

Come by if you can. It is at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael . Little kids show is 4:30 and older kids show is at 7:30

Love and Respect
Micaya

I Am Back!

2010-01-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your patience, I am now back to my regular blogging ritual. I had a "unplugged' phase during the holidays when I spent minimal time on my computer. Wonderful!
Batteries are now re-charged and I am now ready to keep you updated with SoulForce, classes, SF Hip Hop DanceFest and LIFE!

Lets begin with the music I have been using-- last week "How Low" by Ludacris and this week "Code Red" by Omarion

I am fervently working on getting the dates locked down for my performance workshop. As soon as I get them solid, I will post them here. The performances (Mission in the Mix) will be the last 2 weekends of June!

Stay Posted!
Love and respect
Micaya

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!
I will be teaching my classes this week with my last class of 2009 this Saturday. I will return on Tuesday January 5th.

Happy New Year!
Thank you to all of you who are in my life. I am so very blessed and am SO grateful for everything and everyone!
Love and Respect
Micaya

SF Hip Hop DanceFest Photos

2009-12-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well it as truly an awesome weekend! The SF Hip Hop DanceFest was fabulous ! The performances were excellent, the reviews were great, the production went off well! Yay!
The weekend right after the DanceFest, I moved upstairs in my apartment building. The SFHHDF now officially has an office! Wow! After 11 years ! Finally!

Im back to teaching again- at least until the holidays , then I will be on break until the new year.

Thank you to all who have supported the SFHHDF this year
Much Love and Respect
Micaya

Thank You

2009-11-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

Thank You To---
all who performed this past weekend
all who volunteered
my board of directors
donors
medical team
staff
crew
my son
Sponsors
Grants
and all who came out to enjoy the shows!

It was a magical weekend- I am forever grateful to you all!

Love and Respect
Micaya

Medical Services

2009-11-16T19:31:00.000-08:00

So I got this email a little while back and because of this lovely offer, I can now offer medical services backstage for the performers this weekend!
Awesome huh?

Love and respect-
Micaya

Avant health and Fitness
www.avantfit.com

Hi Micaya,
My name is Lily and I am contacting you on behalf of Dr. Sonia Bell, a sports medicine physician that would like to volunteer her medical services for the Hip Hop Dance Fest in November.

Dr. Bell has an extensive and diverse sports background including work as a physician for the USA Track and Field team. She is also a former dancer for the San Francisco Ballet. Dr. Bell has attended your performances before and you two had spoken about her assistance for a future performance.

Attached is Dr. Bell's resume so you can learn a little more about her.
Please contact me at avantilily@aol.com

Thank you,

Lily

what an experience

2009-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

SoulForce was booked to perform at some elementary schools recently as part of an arts integration program. The program seems to be great at teaching kids about dance choreography and the arts.
Beforehand, I showed a dvd of the exact pieces that SoulForce would perform , but as you can imagine, after seeing the pieces perform live, some of the teachers/parents had issues.
Many issues...
Some of them seemed understandable but most were ridiculous. Its been an interesting journey having this experience because we really have enjoyed performing for these kids.
Tomorrow is our last performance and it is bittersweet. We plan to enjoy ourselves with a final bang!

Then on to our next performance... SF Hip Hop DanceFest Baby! We are in program B!!

Love and Respect
Micaya

cute!

2009-11-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Here are the girl shirts that will be sold at the SFHHDF. Check them out! Super Cute!
Love and Respect-
Micaya
(Photo-Xanthia and Meegan)

some more advice to dancers...

2009-11-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I get passionate about the feeling of entitlement with young dancers. I have written about it in my blog before.
I see some dancers that are hungry and committed . They inspire me. Dance is important and it shows.

I need to let you know that the dancers that are coming here from Korea are doing so for the experience alone. (at least with the SFHHDF)They are flying here on Thursday and they have a tech rehearsal, run through and show on Friday. On Saturday, they fly to LA to perform. On Sunday morning they fly back to SF and perform again and fly home on Sunday evening! OMG!
The SFHHDF did not have any extra funds to be able to compensate them after flights and accommodations, yet they chose to come here anyway. They were booked to do the LA gig AFTER they were booked for the SFHHDF gig.
They are committed!

Dancers, a word of advice.. (whether you want it or not) .....
Please follow through with your prior commitments. Make sure people know that they can count on your word. If you come through on the "small stuff" then I know I can count on you for the "big stuff"

Love and Respect
Micaya

updates

2009-10-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

So heres a few things that are going on in my world

1. SFHHDF Vip party will be sponsored by Skyy Vodka , I dont drink vodka , but I know many folks who do. Dion Decibles will be the DJ at the party!

2. SoulForce performed last weekend at the One 4 Gee show. It was great

3 I will be moving to a bigger apartment in December. my office will no longer be in my living room!

4 SoulForce is performing at some elementary schools in early November. They will be doing their entire repertoire .

5. I am going to be interviewed tonight with Inside City Limits , they will also be shooting Funkanometry SF rehearsal.

6. We are printing up the final SFHHDF merchandise. Zip hoodies- t-shirts, hats and the CUTEST shirts for ladies!
cant wait-

7. Trying to not be as stressed this year. its hard but im trying.

Song Im using in class is called Regret by Latoya feat Ludacris

Love and Respect
Micaya

FOOD!

2009-10-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Allright
I am reaching out to see if anyone has connects with food. We like to feed the performers backstage and it looks like mostly we have gotten water . Getting food has been a little more challenging. I f you can hook us up with gift certificates to stores or restaurants , let me know at info@sfhiphopdancefest.com
thanks!

love and respect
Micaya

MASTER CLASSES AND VIP/PERFORMER PARTY INFO

2009-10-13T18:30:00.001-07:00

SFHHDF MASTER CLASSES
Sat Nov 21,2009
2-5pm (2 classes taught by visiting artists)
Dance Mission, SF
3316 24th Street @ Mission
$20 one class/$38 both classes- (mail check or pay at door)

SFHHDF VIP/PERFORMER PARTY (21 &up)
Sat Nov 21,2009
10:30pm-2am (Sponsored by Skyy Vodka)
D-Structure, SF
520 Haight Street
$10-pay at door

INFO-www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

LOVE AND RESPECT
MICAYA

Officially Booked!

2009-10-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

Alright We are now officially booked for the 11th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest and this year is going to be better than ever! I am feeling kinda hot right now, if I must say so myself. I am so excited to welcome so many dancers from all over this planet this November!

Just added to program A -Kenichi Ebina from New York( A Bay Area favorite) and Last For One for Korea (photo) . !!

Get your tickets now - THIS SHOW WILL SELL OUT!

Also there are a few spots left to volunteer backstage and such at the show.
And if you have a sizable car and want to pick up performers at the airport,
let us know at info@sfhiphopdancefest.com

PS song im using this week in class is called "Club Go Crazy? by Mya and Chamillionaire

Love and Respect
Micaya

11th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest

2009-10-01T13:15:00.001-07:00

Micaya presents,
11th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest
Nov 20-22, 2009
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, SF

11 Years of Honoring the Artistry of hip Hop Dance-
Presenting the Finest Hip Hop Dance Companies from all over the GLOBE!

**TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!!!
www.cityboxoffice.com
City Box Office Phone Sales (415) 392-4400
www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

2 Entirely Different Programs!
(SEE LINE UP BELOW)
Program A
Nov 20 8pm
Nov 22 2pm

Program B
Nov 21 8pm
Nov 22 7pm

OFFICIAL 2009 LINE UP
11th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest 2009
****subject to change- more to come***

Program A
Loose Change (San Francisco)
Ill-Abilities (Canada, L.A. and Bay Area)
Mind Over Matter (San Francisco)
Plague (London)
New Style Motherlode (Oakland)
Deep Down Dopeizm (Norway)
DS Players(San Jose, CA)
One Step Ahead (L.A.)
Future Shock (San Francisco)
TBA
TBA

Program B
SoulForce Dance Company (San Francisco)
Bad taste Cru (Ireland)
Funkanometry SF (San Francisco)
Versa Style (L.A.)
F.B.C. (San Francisco)
Mop Top Music and Movement (New York)
Soul Sector (San Francisco)
Smash Bro'z (London)
Shadow Optix (Santa Rosa, CA)
B-Boy Spagetti (Norway)
Academy of Villans (San Francisco)

SFHHDF MASTER CLASSES!
Saturday Nov 21
Dance Mission,SF
2-5pm
2pm Deep Down Dopeizm (Norway) King Tut
3:30pm Plague (London) Hip Hop
$20 for one class
$38 for both classes
TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES::
Send check to SF Hip Hop DanceFest (indicate which class you are taking or both)
and mail to PO Box 411492 San Francisco Ca 94141
Or
Sign up on the day of classes

ABOUT THE DANCEFEST:
Established in 1999, by Founder and Artistic Director Micaya, The SF Hip Hop DanceFest has grown to be THE event that has put San Francsico on the map for presenting hip hop dance . Acknowledged as the FIRST festival dedicated specifically to honoring the artistry of hip hop dance, the DanceFest is a groundbreaking event, hosting companies from all over the globe.

The San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest remains unique for its dedication to presenting the highest quality professional Hip Hop dance companies and for its forward-thinking curatorial focus. This legendary event offers professional Hip Hop dance companies the level of production, exposure, and acknowledgement that they urgently deserve, nurturing emerging artists and consistently contributing to the evolution of both Hip Hop and dance. With a record of ten years of sold-out performances, the DanceFest has developed a reputation for both quality and innovation.
FOR MORE INFO- SFHIPHOPDANCEFEST.COM

Love and Respect
Micaya

New Style Motherlode This Weekend!

2009-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Check this out everyone- i will be there on Sunday- see you there
Love and respect
Micya

World Of Dance Tour

2009-09-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

So the World of Dance Tour is next weekend in San Mateo. I have never been but will be attending this year. I will be judging the competition and receiving an award for my accomplishments in dance. I will let you know what it was like afterward ok?
I was planning to go to the JUICE hip hop festival in LA but realized that it is the same day! If you are in LA on Saturday, check it out and let me know how it was.

love and respect
Micaya

music

2009-09-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

The music I am using this week is "The One" by Mary J. Blige with Drake.--- good song---
However, I am very disappointed in the music that is out right now- its pretty yucky! Alot of hip hop songs have such a pop feel to them and they dont inspire me to choreograph at all. What's up with that?

Love and Respect
Micaya

SFHHDF Auditions

2009-09-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well, for two weeks we held SFHHDF live auditions for local companies (one company drove up here from LA however!). I have to tell you that the auditions this year were kinda disappointing. My panel and I saw a lot of the same stuff we have seen many times before. Many of the companies auditioning this year lacked originality and opted on looking dance "teamish" . The ones who did try to have a concept, message or artistic value either looked amateur or lacked enough hip hop style to be in the SF Hip Hop DanceFest.

***My definition of dance "team-ish" -

*formations as opposed to staging

*symmetrical staging and movements

*mainstream movements that are overused

*transitions that involve running to places with bodies bent over with arms strait down in fists (if i see that one more time *$#^....!)

*no concept- just a series of "routines"

*people trying to pick songs with words that express what they want to say instead of saying them with their bodies

*lip synching-- (oh god - please just dont!)

*bad use of props

*nothing new or original- cut and paste style

I say this as always out of love and respect. I hope that this feedback that both my panel and I had to share can be openly heard by some of these companies so we can see some differences next year.

In addition, my panel has agreed next year to personally go to companies who wish to audition and help them BEFORE their actual audition (If they want us to, of course). they will attend one or more rehearsals and give feedback in enough time for the company to make changes BEFORE their actual audition.
ISN'T THAT AMAZING???

love and respect
Micaya

PS song ive been using is so sexy by snoop dogg sorry - i forget sometimes to tell you

2009-09-15T16:35:00.001-07:00

So last Friday I was an honoree at the Independent Artist Week celebration. The celebration was held at the Fillmore Jazz Heritage Center Gallery,in the Yoshis building in SF
I was among a list of amazing Bay Area artists who received awards that night--:
Davey D, Keba Konte, Irene Hernandez-Feiks, Vicki Virk, Victor Reyers, DJ QBert, Gail Silva...

Melonie and Melorra Green are twin sisters who put on this event. Their company is called infin8sync , which strives to serve as a network for indie artists.
When at the reception , I happened to look up at the gallery of photos and paintings to find there was drawing of me on the wall. I was floored and delighted. Apparently, all the honorees of the evening had artists create a work on their behalf. The name of the artist who did my drawing is Bud Hauso. We had never met before and got a photo of me off the internet and then proceeded to do his own interpretation of it. what do you think?

Needless to say- I was super appreciative of the recognition and love ...

Love and respect-
Micaya

My letter to Bonner Odell at the SF Weekly

2009-09-09T11:47:00.001-07:00

Hi Bonner
I am writing in response to your SF Fall Arts Preview edition in the SF weekly recently. I was completely surprised that the 11th annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest was omitted completely from any of these lists.

The San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest honors the artistry of hip hop dance and is one of the only dance festivals in the Bay Area that brings dance companies here from all over the world. We will be celebrating our 11th year of successful sold out shows this November at the Palace of Fine Arts and the SF weekly Fall Arts preview would have been a great reminder to our audiences.

Tickets for the 11th annual SFHHDF are on sale now at cityboxoffice.com . We are in the process right now in booking companies from Ireland, Norway , London, Canada, LA and New York to name a few.

I am disappointed to think that the SF Weekly has somehow taken this Bay Area landmark event off their list of important and quality events happening here in the Bay.

Thank you for your time,
Micaya
Producer/Artistic Director
SF Hip Hop DanceFest
www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

check it out!!!!!

2009-09-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

love and respect-
micaya

SoulForce Dance Co. Auditions last night

2009-09-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

So last night was the auditions for my dance company, SoulForce Dance Company. It went very well. We had about 20 people audition and they were all very good dancers . We taught them some excerpts of pieces that were in our repertoire.

It was inspirational to see and feel the energy of these dancers.

I am in the process today of contacting the people who I am interested in, I will give you the final list at a later date.

So I had to drive back to Oakland last night from SF the LONG way over the San Mateo Bridge because of the Bay Bridge closure. I ended up giving a ride to Brandy, Jessie and Kennette.
We had girl talk the WHOLE way back , mainly talking about what famous people we thought were attractive (At midnight after dancing for hours, it is fun and doesnt take to much brain power..). There were many names thrown out, but I think there were a few that everyone likes. Andre 3000, Johnny Depp, Will Smith to name a few..

Love and respect-
Micaya