Day 06 - A picture of a place you've been to

I feel so lucky that I have been able to go so many places in my 25 years. I have been to Europe, to the East Coast, to the South, I live in the West Coast, life is good. (of course there are always more and more places I would love to go). But, something that i feel really happy about is that I have been able to travel with my brother/ to see my brother and that has been something I couldn't be happier about. Here are just some of my favorite photos with him on our journeys (not even near as many as I would like to put but you'll get the idea!) These are in no particular order, just the order they downloaded in!

NYC 2010 Central Park

Durango, CO at Sean's Graduation (this trip will go in the history books for us, it involved early morning flight after no sleep, walking into graduation the moment he went to sit down, the start of an epic road trip, the end of an epic road trip due to a broken down car, a crazy plane ride and more)

We were on the Princess Cruise Ship, night one of our cruise, and lost!- 2008

NYC at the Symphony? 2010?

In London 2008 this picture makes me laugh cause it looks like his Starbucks straw is up his nose! haha! ALSO, this marks the start of his Starbucks addictions!

On the airplane back to the USA 2008

Imitating a sign in Paris- 2008

Cadiz, Spain- 2008

Morocco, Africa...not our favorite- 2008

Gibraltar- 2008- another funny sign!

Barcelona, Spain...not sure what the face was for, but pretty much defines how we act!

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

I have too many favorite memories. And not near enough pictures on my computer from them all (lucky kids these days have everything electronically!) So I picked since graduation from College (and even this doesn't do everything justice!)

Europe 2008- this was the summer before I graduated but was my graduation/Christmas gift and one of the best experiences of my life. I can't wait to go back. Europe (especially Italy) was a dream come true.

Disney Land in 2009- My co-wos and I went to LA to go to Disney Land for a long weekend in August of 2009. It was so much fun. We had free passes for 2 days for both parks and we had a blast. We stayed with Mo's mom and just spent all day long in the parks! To this day we still joke about things that happened on that long weekend vacation.

Aug 2009 I adopted Gerti and she is the love of my life [along with Paul :)]. Gerti couldn't have come at a better time and I will never forget the moment I saw her!
This is the first picture (self taken) of Paul and me. Not only is that part of the good memory but the story behind it makes it even better. Long story short, I just came from a pilates and yoga class and Paul was cleaning up a big spilled paint mess that had happened the night before. It was that moment that I knew our life would never be dull.

January 2010- Celebrating my 25th birthday with the 2 women I look up to the most: Mom and Grandma. Spending 5 days in the Midwest with Paul was amazing, celebrating my birthday with my Grandma (who shares the same bday as me) was long over due. I was thrilled to have my family meet Paul, have Paul see where I am from and to catch up to long time friends.

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

Okay I am back... I am not sure what in the world I was thinking starting a 30 day challenge when I was going into tour. Crazy.

Now there is a lot going on, so wish me luck to keep this up! As always, I can't wait for April to come and GO, it's never my month and already feeling the burden of it, oye.

But, now to it, a picture of my night (last night). I finally did it, I have been talking about wanting a bike since I moved into San Francisco from East Bay and now that I don't have the burden of my car, it seemed like the next step. I have been looking casually but Friday night Paul gave me the extra push. I went searching online big time and we were going to go out bike shopping on Saturday. Well Friday night I opened up a posting on Craigslist and feel in love. I mean I have been looking for almost a year (on and off) for a bike online, but never have I stopped and drooled like I did over this bike. It was perfect. I emailed the guy and he emailed the next day saying he would be happy to show it to me.

Now I will admit it was slightly more than I wanted to spend but I did some research on this bike, it is an '87 vintage Trek (amazing) and on ebay it was selling for $1500-1900! Believe me I spent FAR LESS than that! The guy who built it actually built Paul's bike too (we had no idea it was the same person until we got there). Paul has had his bike for 2 years and loves it so it was a good sign.

The bike builder custom adjusted it to me so it fits me like a glove. He watched me ride it and then would make adjustments to the sit, the handlebars the distance from the seat to the handle bars etc. The last adjustment was perfect and as soon as I took it for another stroll, I was in heaven.

As I type this now, the bike builder just texted me and told me to let him know if I need anything and he thinks I am going to love this bike (which I do).

Paul and I went for a bike ride last night after I got the bike (until it started raining) and my bike ride to work this morning took about 5 min- amazing!

So here she is, my new pride and joy! (the pictures were taken on my phone at work, so not great, but the bike is a BEAUTIFUL blue color!)

Pause in the challenge

I am on tour this weekend performing at San Jose State University for Holly Johnston/Ledges and Bones. I would love to say I will post pictures while there, but we have 3 shows and lots of rehearsals etc. Therefore I will try my best, but if you don't see a post from me till Sunday night or Monday, that is why!!

Wish me merde!

xo

Day 3: Picture of the cast from my favorite show

Like Sarah, I too have issues picking just one. I have a few that are no longer on the air and a few that I am hooked on. I love some reality shows like Project Runway, Top Chef, Man Vs Food (well any food show). But I have a list that I hate to miss...

First the ones that are no longer on the air, but I still watch all the time...

FRIENDS

Friends is my go to show. When I just want background noise, when I am going to bed, when I need a pick me up, I go to Friends!

SEX AND THE CITY

I didn't really start watching this show till it was off the air...but I LOVE it. Its witty, charming, and always makes me smile (and sometimes cry...yes)

MONK

This is a netflix one, I have watched every episode of every season, I am now going on to round two...might be one of my absolute favorite no longer on the air shows...SO GOOD! (looking for the series DVDs so if anyone sees them for a reasonable price...let me know!)

On the air shows...

MAD MEN

I think it was Paul's mom who got me hooked on this...so good... this show is beautiful, and so smart! I love the historical references and the characters are some of the best!

DEXTER

This is a random love. The first 2 seasons were on Netflix instant watch, so I watched them, and now I am utterly hooked. Might be my favorite right now.

MODERN FAMILY

This show is perfect. You don't have to think when you watch it but they always have something that I can connect to. My favorite characters are the gay couple with the baby...so perfect!

Day 2 (and already behind) A picture of you & the person you have been closest with the longest.

Since Sarah decided to go with the assumption that this isn't including family, so will I too! Yes I am a day behind, oye, I will try to be better about this I promise! Probably shouldn't have started a project when I am crazy busy/ swamped but oh well!

Now this is an older photo of A and me but I LOVE this picture of us, so I used it. I have known A since we started dance classes together when we were 2 years old. I wasn't potty trained and A wasn't speaking yet. We were a match made in heaven! I miss her every day!

Day 1: A picture of yourself with 18 facts

These images are from a previous photoshoot we did for Ledges and Bones in Feb. The photos are proof and are by our photographer Taso (who is AMAZING!)

1. I just finished a weekend of performances with David Herrera Performance Company. (the reason that I wasn't able to start this really until today)
2. I counted on Sat the bruises on my body, I counted 93.
3. I am tired of the rainy days we are having in SF
4. I am performing at San Jose State University next weekend with Ledges and Bones
5. I am trying to grow my hair out, but secretly want to buzz it off again!
6. I had my first El Salvadorian meal last night, it was amazing.
7. I hate daylight savings...a lot
8. I drink at least 4 litters of water a day
9. I have been working at Dancers' Group for over 2 years now...wow
10. I am looking to buy a road bike...soon I hope!
11. At this moment, I am super tired
12. Paul and I think we have been dating a year come May...we think :)
13. I miss my mom, a lot (well my whole family)
14. I am currently cold and wrapped in a pink blanket at work (and yes it is 63 degrees but I am still cold!)
15. I always consider my eyes to be green, but people mistaken them for blue all the time.
16. I really adore coffee beverages...I can't help it.
17. I talk to my Grandma every Tuesday on my way to rehearsal, I look forward to it every week.
18. I'm glad that this is 18 because I have run out of facts...umm... I am all caught up with Modern Family thanks to my dumb insomnia!

A new Challenge

Saw this on facebook, lets see if I can maintain. Life is crazy right now but I would like to find a moment or two a day to do this! Like all challenges, I may change things up a bit here and there, but thats what makes it individual right?

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with eighteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you & the person you have been closest with the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your night.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a place you've been to.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a impact on ur life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of someone you would trade places with for a day.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of where you were born.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

No Pain No Game

Is that the saying? "No Pain No Game." I guess as a dancer I have always lived by this, I mean come on, a year ago I was still dealing with my 2 broken ribs and 2 fractured ribs, but while working with Holly Johnston/ Ledges and Bones, there is always something in terms of pain, but boy is it worth it!

Recently Holly has really taken me under her wing, and its an honor. I am now her "Administrative Director/ Rehearsal Director/ teaching assistant/Dancer" For a small 6 person company, that can feel like a lot of hats, but I LOVE them all. I have been spending my weekends training under Holly as a dancer in her company and also as a teaching assistant in commissioned work at San Jose State University. She is preparing me for a future of work with her and I am honored and inspired daily by her.

Holly's new work, WANT takes ten dancers through a shifting visual landscape of expressive physicality interacting on a modular set and animating the space with Projection Mapping Technology. This work captures the active drive of pursuing desire, want and hope against the contrasting images of arrested intentionality and the suffocation of passive inactivity. We hope to learn more about what we want, what prevents us from satisfying these "wants" and how any individual's want impacts the larger culture. Holly feels many individuals are overburden by their desires, rather than satisfied by the pursuit of them. Life is not about denouncing desire; but perhaps it could be about encouraging one to vividly live as an uncensored passionate human being.

There is a preview clip that Holly put together from our last video shoot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBwXA4ydMiU

You can also see other work that the company has done in the past year (when I was injured, wah wah) http://www.youtube.com/user/ledgesandbonesdance#p/u/0/P4Q6_mZO_Ik

This work is powerful beyond words. We have had amazing photo shoots (2) for it so far, but we wont be performing this project until Feb 2012. It seems so far away but this work is going to be so lived in and I can't wait for it. We are using a set and so far we have been working on a homemade kitchen table that Holly's husband built (its beautiful). Anyway, recently, the table has decided to leave some marks on my pale skinned body which aren't too pretty.

Thought I would share a few of the bumps and bruises I have gained over the past few days, There are too many to show really and some are really not in "appropriate places" to put on the internet so I passed. But there is a pretty hand print bruise on my butt...thats a classic! Photos don't seem to really give the bruises justice, but I think you will get the idea.

My Right Knee

Top of my Thigh

Inner thigh (and I kid you not, its even more purple today!)

The right side of my stomach

My right arm

The underside of the right arm

We are performing excerpts from this work in a couple weeks at San Jose State University, and as I prep for it, I have body wounds to show, clearly. I am in love with this company though, so no matter how many bumps and bruises I have I will keep pushing forward! It is a dream come true to be working with such a high velocity athletic dance company!

A Long overdue update!

My poor blog has seen better days (not that this is new information) but it goes from not having enough to say that I don’t post to having SO much to say that I don’t know where to begin.

Basically 2011 began and I feel like I flew out of a canon into the new year. How can it already be close to March? Will time always go this fast?

January was amazing, fast and furious, but amazing. The most important thing to discuss about January is my birthday vacation with Paul to the Midwest.

This year I turned 25, and I can barley believe that. In fact someone the other day asked how old I am and I stuttered trying to figure it out! The thing that has always made my birthday so special is that I share it with my Grandma. It doesn’t get much better than sharing your special day with someone so special. But being that we live so far away from each other makes it more and more challenging to celebrate together. This year I decided that I didn’t want to not celebrate without her and my parents agreed. So Paul and I took a few days off of work and flew to Chicago! I was able to celebrate my bday with friends, family and Paul. Life was good! It was one of the best birthdays I can remember. Paul had never been to Chicago (or Iowa) so it was a packed full adventure. Maybe not the best time of year to have brought my Cali born and raised boyfriend, but he was a trooper, that is for sure! We bundled up and went out on the town.

One of the major highlights of the whole trip was on Saturday. Brad, mom, Paul and I got up early and piled into the car and we drove to Iowa. Now something to note: Paul and my first conversation on the phone included him singing songs from The Music Man when I told him I was from Iowa. Now if that doesn’t win your heart I don’t know what would! :) So needless to say, Paul was very excited to see this land called “Iowa.” I on the other had was excited to see all my friends and family from my time in Iowa since it had been YEARS since I had seen folks.

We drove around Eldridge, Park View, Davenport etc and showed him basically my whole life. He saw where I went to School, my homes, where I worked, where I hung out etc. It was a blast from the past for sure. I of course took him to Azteca and Whiteys and that night we had a big birthday party at Happy Joes and he had his first bite of Taco Pizza, amazing!

The birthday part was such a joy. People that have really shaped who I am today arrived and I was so happy to see everyone. I wish I could have dedicated hours to each person to catch up, but unfortunately that did not happen. Just getting hugs from these people though made my day and was the perfect start to my 25th year.

Paul and I had to take an earlier flight back to SF as the huge snow storm was about to hit. We were sad to leave, but also we were looking forward to being back to sunshine and warmth!

We had an amazing trip and it was the best way to start this year.

The week I got back from the Midwest was my first week in my promotion at Dancers’ Group. So many changes have happened here at Dancers’ Group and one them included saying good-bye to 2 staff members and me moving up to full time/ salary. It has been an amazing change and increase, but also has been a big change on my life/ schedule. It has changed things like my class schedule, my yoga schedule, Paul and my dinner times, social things, when I wake up etc. All things that are changeable and doable, but 3 weeks in, I am still trying to adjust. The amazing thing is though that I am so in love with the organization that I am totally fine devoting so much time to it.

I premiered a new duet called “A Conflict of Interest.” It explored the possible conflicts with comfort vs. independence. And how can we as humans can overcome an unhealthy, yet comfortable relationship, if that's all we know and trust? The piece went well and many complimented it. I loved the music we used (all French music) and it was the first time I have done a duet with my friend Taylor.

Recently my computer crashed, never good. Luckily I was on the last months of my warranty and so they fixed the $650 problem for free! Yay!

My apartments water heater broke, fingers crossed that it will be fixed by tonight. No shower for days is not my favorite, I am turning into Paul! Haha :)

Valentines day this year was really sweet and romantic. As many know, it is not usually my favorite holiday, but this year might have changed that. I hate that the holiday becomes that one day of the year that someone treats you like you are the most special person and they express their love for you on that day. I am a person that wants to feel special on that random day that no one else is getting attention. But after Monday night I started to rethink. The whole thing started mid morning/ early afternoon when I big package from my mom arrived at Dancers’ Group. It had little treats and goodies for Paul and me and the animals. It was like a fun care package. That afternoon Paul called and said we could go get nice take out and eat at home while watching a movie or we could go out for dinner. By the end of the conversation he concluded that we should go out to eat and I should just meet him at home when I got done with work. I arrived at his place, dropped stuff off and we got a cab. It was so cute, he decided to take me to the citrus club which is where he took me on our first date. AND by luck of the draw, we sat at the same table we sat at on our first date. He ordered for us and we had an amazing meal. It was really a wonderful dinner that we don’t usually treat ourselves to. It was raining when we left so we decided to get a cab back home as well. It was really a wonderful night. Nothing fancy but just right. And he made the point that while its not the greatest holiday around, it sure is nice to spend it with someone you love.

I am off to LA this weekend for another photoshoot and rehearsals. I am actually looking forward to the weekend in LA. I am not a big fan of LA but I do love the company and I am ready for the inspiration that they bring to me. It will also be a nice break from the reality of work life in SF.

I have many pictures to share as well so I will post them soon!

2010 in a Flash

Wow time sure does come and go quickly. I mean, first its been about a month since I have updated my blog (so sorry!) but looking at the larger picture, its been a year since I have started this blog, and a lot has happened this year. Therefore, it is that time again to reflect on my year. 2010 was a good year for me and it is going to be hard to just pick a few good highlights, so bare with me. Like last year, I can't really par down to top 10 moments, but I think I have a good top 15! These are in no particular order, Just as I think of them.

1. Paul: Now I have been talking about Paul on my blog since he entered into my life 9 months ago, but he has defiantly been a huge highlight to my life this year. I have always taken pride of my independence and also had a fear of commitment, but Paul has really changed that. He has been a great companion, better than I ever imagined. Meeting Paul at Starbucks is kinda of a dream come true. Sounds cheesy and lame, but since I have been drinking coffee, I always fantasized that I would meet my dream guy in a coffee shop. Paul is a great opposite to me, really, he is just that, my opposite. The two of us are proof that opposites really do attract and I am so grateful that I met him. He cooks for me, I clean, we really don't like the same kind of movies but tolerate them, we have a few TV shows in common, I am over organized and he tends to be (in my book) under organized, I plan, he doesn't, I stress, he is calm... I could go on and on, but all that matters is that we really do make each other happy, opposite and all! We brought in 2011 together and I can't wait to see how we grow and learn from each other in the year(s) to come.

May 2010

August 2010

December 2010

2. Dancers' Group promotion: In January 2010 I recieved a great promotion at Dancers' Group. They doubled my hours and that allowed me to quite my other part time job and fully focus on my work at Dancers' Group. Spending all 5 days of my week at Dancers' Group has been an amazing change on my daily life; less stress, growth in my knowledge, stronger friendships with my co-workers, and the excitement that I will be receiving another promotion in 2011. Dancers' Group is an ideal job for me and I am so privileged to be working with such an honorable non-profit organization.

My Office

My Desk

The Dancers' Group Christmas Family Picture (DG Staff)

3. Moved into new SF apartment: In May I found a great room in a 3 bedroom apartment in the heart of San Francisco. I live off the major street (Market) right on the edge of Castro (Harvey Milk). I LOVE it. My room actually use to be the dinning room, but I have a closet, two big windows and plenty of space for Gerti and me. I live with 2 men, Steve and Frank who are really great roommates and Millie the dog. Life here is simple and easy. No fights, no conflicts, just 2 men and a lady! Rent is high but location is great and we are a great apartment family!

Our house (2nd floor)

My room, I know I should have something hanging above my bed, but I am too afraid of earthquakes to put something above my head, so I deal with a bare wall!

My room

My room (Christmas)

4. First professional tour to Chicago: In May I went on my first out of state tour with a professional dance company. It was an experience to say the least, but I am so grateful for it. While I was still recovering from broken ribs it was a crazy journey to get back to performing, but the best part of the tour was that I was performing in Chicago. I was able to fly out and spend a week with my family and friends and perform in a city I know so well.

After opening night show with my Chicago Besties!!

DHPCo (the company I toured with)

5. NYC in March: It is becoming a wonderful tradition that I visit my big brother in NYC each year and this year was a great visit as I was able to see him perform an amazing concert! I met my mom and dad there which was so nice to have the whole family together. My brothers concert was unbelievable and they were even asked to tour to Italy after an amazing review in the NYTimes! We also got to see Next To Normal, Come Fly Away and Mamma Mia (which I didn't like at all!). My mom and I are hoping to keep this tradition going in the coming years, well as long as Sean is living there I suppose!

Sean and me in front of an off Broadway theater he plays at each week

Mom and I went on the Sex and the City tour, so much fun!! This is in front of one of our stops!

The stage of Sean's concert

6. Mom came to SF in August: Another tradition that is starting is mom coming to visit me in August. This was the 2nd year that she came and I am so lucky that she makes the trip. Having her see my daily life means the world to me, and having her in SF forces me to take a break from working! We went to Sonoma this year for wine tasting instead of Napa and it was beautiful. My Godmother also came and they stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast down the street from me as my apartment doesn't house many more people. Mom also was able to meet Paul for the first time which really was special. I couldn't imagine her not knowing him at all, even if it was only for a few days, them knowing each other means the world to me. Mom also was able to see me perform a new solo at The Garage and meet Paul's mom and sister too. It was another great visit and really means so much to me to have her come visit. Now maybe we can get Brad here in 2011!

At a winery in Sonoma

Me at a winery, looks like I might have had too much wine ;)

We took Paul out to dinner and to see Beach Blanket Babalone (the longest running show in SF)

7. Friends Reunite: This Christmas while I was in Chicago I had 2 very special guests.They day after I arrived my long time friend Sarah came to spend the night and the next afternoon with me. A week later A, my longest friend (I've known her since I was 2) came for a day/night. Seeing both of these girls was amazing as I hadn't seen them since the day I moved to California, 2 years ago! They both have changed/grown so much. Sarah is married to her long time boyfriend, A is working an amazing job at John Deere and still dancing as well. They both make me so happy and seeing them reminds me of how much I miss them. They both share such a passion for life and love and I am so grateful to have them even in my life. While I don't get to talk to them weekly or even monthly, I know they both support me and love me and I couldn't ask for better friends. Now, lets hope we don't have to go another 2 years before seeing each other again!

Sarah and me

Sarah and me

A and me

A enjoying our feast of a breakfast!

8. Home for Christmas: Being home for 2 weeks for Christmas was amazing. So many people work jobs that allow them MAYBE a week off. I couldn't feel more lucky to be able to fly to Chicago, with Gerti, and spend 2 amazing weeks without working. Seriously, no work! I was able to see snow, spend time with my parents, brother, grandparents and friends. It was a great two weeks of not doing much and loving every minute. I got an iPad and wii for Christmas and my mom also made everyone a book of our trip to Europe which is amazing. Being with my grandparents is so very special and while I wish I could see them more, I was so thankful for the time I had with them. My family is the greatest so I am so lucky to have shared the holiday with them.

Sean, mom and me

Gerti and Grandma become friends quickly!

Mom's amazing homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning

SNOW!!! Call me crazy, but I have missed it!

Gerti's favorite hiding place, under the tree with the presents

9. Thanksgiving with Paul's Family: This year was the first every Thanksgiving I spent without my family, and that wasn't easy. I was so lucky though to have been invited into Paul's family with open arms. I had two days of family and food with Paul's dad's side and mom's side and it was great. I met even more of Paul's family and really felt so loved by everyone. On Thanksgiving we hung out in Redwood city at his Dad's house baking, watching the dog show and hanging out with his sister before we went to his Dad's mom's house for a big feast. His aunts and cousins were there as well and it was the first time meeting everyone from the Salguero side. The next day we heading to his mom's parents house in Fremont with his aunts, uncles and cousins on the Nodal side and had another great day. The Nodal family is full of such spirit. They laugh, sing, dance, and really know how to eat (Cubans ya know!) :) I spent a majority of the evening sitting at the kitchen table with Erica (Paul's AMAZING sister who I adore), Eveyln (his fabulous mom who is such a light to a room) and his aunts (who really crack me up!) talking and sharing stores while Paul and his cousin played video games in the back. I didn't take any pictures either day, I should have, but it really was a great holiday. I missed my family in Chicago, but being so accepted into Paul's family was truly amazing. Another highlight to the day was that Paul and I started it by video chatting with my whole family in Chicago. It was the first time he met my brother, dad and grandparents, he was a trooper that's for sure!

10. Giants won the World Series: Yes, I became a baseball fan. It was because of Paul but I am so glad for it. The SF Giants had a great season and I was able to go to games and watch most of them! I am hooked. I didn't miss a game of the world series and I am already looking forward to next season to start! Go Giants!

At my first Giants game vs the Dodgers!

Giants Vs the Cubies (brr that game was FREEZING!)

Paul didn't shave his beard throughout the whole World Series in honor of our closing pitcher, Brian Wilson, "Fear the Beard." This picture is after we won, I was so ready for him to shave his beard!

As soon as they won, this is what the streets looked like!

11. Performed a brand new solo, "Love Thee...Not" I did a new solo in August that I really am happy with. I was also asked to possibly tour this solo in the Spring so I am really excited to continue it. I really am looking forward to the growth of my own solo and duet work for the upcoming year.


12. JoHo came to SF: Joho is one of my dearest and bestest friends and having her come visit me this fall was so wonderful. We make each other laugh over nothing and I always have a great time with her. We cook, we shop, we dance, we laugh, we are two peas in a pod. I see her almost monthly when I go to LA for rehearsals (I stay with her and her husband), but having her come up to see me when I was free and wasn't worn out from rehearsals was so nice. She is one of my best friends and I love her so much!

At the Farmers Market

Sharing a cafe Latte

It's now a tradition for us to go to La Boulange when she comes to visit, so good!

13. Love Everywhere: In Februrary, I took part in a wonderful piece called "Love Everywhere." This was co presented by Dancers' Group and Erika Chong Shuch Performance Project at SF City Hall on Valentines Day Weekend in honor of the anniversary for same sex marriages. The piece had a cast of 65 people (or so) and an orchestra with original music. I had a very small role in the piece, but it was a magical experience and an honor to be apart of. It also introduced me to a new choreographer who I am hoping to work with someday.

Rehearsal in city hall

Jesse and Alex

In rehearsal

14. Holly Johnson/ Ledges and Bones: 2010 was my first full year working with LAB and while I got injured right away in the process, I am so lucky to be apart of this company. Located half in LA and half in SF, we travel back and forth and train hard. The work is challenging, the company is tight. Holly is an amazing choreographer and her vision is unlike anyone I have ever worked with. This year marked a lot of firsts for me, but Ledges and Bones first tops the cake, I did a nude photoshoot, underwater! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and so fulfilling. It brought the company together closer than we were to begin with and the images I have seen thus far are beautiful. I never have had the confidence, nor interest, in dancing nude, but the photoshoot was one experience I will never forget and I am so thankful I was apart of. It was truly magical.

Pushing hour 10, the company on break!

On location, this is the pool area where we spent over 10 hours.

15. Training: 2010 marked a big year of training for me. Once I could start dancing again after my broken ribs, I became very passionate about yoga, pilates and GST. Dancing is still my passion, but yoga as become a high interest and love. Pilates has brought me close to one of my best friends in SF as she teaches me, and has really brought me so much strenth and structure. GST is the hardest training I have ever done in my whole life, but has lengthened me and made me stronger than I ever thought possible.

Along with physical training. I have started to learn how to play pool, which Paul is a master at. I am not practicing daily, but I do really love it and its training non the less! I have beat Paul a few times now (I think he lets me win) but I am excited to continue learning and growing in all I train in!

Paulie doing what he does best: kicking butt!

There you have it, 2010. It's been a really successful, fulfilling and passionate year for me. A lot of firsts for me, a ton of learning and growing into who I am and so much love. I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring! So here is to 2010 and looking onward to 2011, Cheers!