Dance Culture at Ground Level...

My Traces contemporary dance show review was published in Guerilla Magazine's G-Gallery. Check it out if you want to learn more about The School of Dance's students, choreographers and the Ottawa scene in general. Better yet, try attending the next student performance. They are usually great shows - and by that I mean quality dances and performances - for a reasonable price.

ODD: The Dance Compulsion

If you thought contemporary and modern dance in Ottawa was dead, think again. Ottawa Dance Directive has stepped out of the ashes of Le Groupe Danse Lab as a beacon of hope. Portrait of a dancing phoenix.

Ottawa Dance Directive (ODD) is a company of four Ottawa based contemporary choreographers and performers. Sylvie Desrosiers, Natasha Bakht, Yvonne Coutts and Lana Morton have combined their efforts to keep the flame of modern and contemporary dance thriving in the capital.

What sparked this movement was the dilution of Le Groupe Danse Lab in 2009. What contributes to making ODD a fantastic initiative is a bouquet of passion, determination, pride, attachment and living memory.

When Le Groupe closed its doors, they left a significant hole in the professional dance scene. Suddenly, the city had no resident dance company anymore, and with it, died the hopes of finding relatively stable employment for our dance students. Dancers could no longer look forward to working with Peter Boneham in the wonderfully renovated studio at Arts Court. There wouldn’t be an opportunity to invite guest choreographers to share their experiences and there would be no more haven for contemporary dance. “I never would have come to Ottawa for my dance career if it hadn’t been for Le Groupe. I believe my colleagues feel the same way. This was our second home.” explains Lana Morton. These pioneer choreographers decided that something needed be done. “We weren’t going to let brilliant Ottawa dancers leave for lack of a better career option” says Yvonne Coutts, the conviction coming through. “In addition, we weren’t going to let this perfectly suited space go to another art form when it was specifically conceived for dancing” reasons Coutts.

Ottawa Dance Directive thus fulfils a need, but it’s more than that. It’s the evolving collaboration of four different dancers who have chosen to share a space, a passion, a goal and a sense of responsibility towards the community and the company that have given them so much already. Often times, they choose to work on each other’s projects but Coutts insists they remain independent artists. “We work together because we enjoy it  but there’s no hierarchy, we all foster creative ideas of our own” says Coutts.

Courtesy of The School of Dance (Ottawa)

ODD has created Series Dance 10, which is thematic and brings guest choreographers to present their work. The collective has also founded BODYSpeak, which is a festival that runs parallel to Canada Dance Festival. The four women hope to recreate a hub of dance at Arts Court. Moreover, they hope to inspire local dance students. In fact, part of their strength is the quality of their relationship with The School of Dance, Canterburry High school and École secondaire De La Salle. Coutts believes that the way to achieve a strong dance community is through sustaining the next generations. “We want to provide a general career mentoring for dance’s youth.”

While this initiative is a crucial one for the survival and continued blossoming of modern and contemporary scene in Ottawa, the road is a bumpy one. ODD faces financial hiccups, as would any not-for-profit organization. “What we’re lacking is operating funds. We are relying heavily on grants for our projects however; we need a certain amount of those under our belt before qualifying for operation funds. In the mean time, it’s a balancing act to keep the collective running smoothly” admits Coutts.

When there is a will, there is a way. “We’ve managed so far. Thankfully, we have had the support of Ontario Arts Council, the City of Ottawa and of Arts Court. Because we believed in this, so did they” says Morton.

Stay tuned for next season’s Series Dance 10 programming this winter at Arts Court.

Flashy Fun!

This girl just wants to have fun...flashy fun, that is!

I've been itching to use my new set of flash filters. My friend Isabelle (who's been learning about photography on her own, through books, the Internet, trial and error...and her film producer/photographer/all-around-artist significant other) had picked my name out of the Secret Santa hat.

Aside from being an amazing gift-giver and knowing exactly how to surprise me with just the right thing (an ovo-lacto vegetarian cookbook she put together!), she shares a passion for photography and therefore, an interest in equipment.

LEE Flash Filters Designer Edition

Isabelle is my environmentally conscious artsy friend and she's always aware of being green and frugal. Gotta love her for her brilliant project ideas. She knew I could use tools to continue learning...but what could she afford?

My friend surprised me with the Designer Edition of LEE Filters. Naturally, I need to use them on my pop-up flash but there are sure to be hours of fun. They'll change the hue of my photos, which will ad a dash of mystery and a small challenge. Once I've found the effect(s) I prefer, I can actually go and purchase a larger filter, as the Designer Edition has the Numeric listing. Truly, a brilliant gift idea for the amateur or beginner photographer. I'm only starting to use flash... available light, fill flash, flash with motion, only flash, flash as sole source of light... Harry Nowell has a great blog post about how to break down flash use.

I know, I'm really excited about trying them out.

And so, I lied a little bit about only spending mellow time at home over the holidays... Sure, there will be plenty of days on the couch, soaking up Ray Bradbury tales and reading theories of Simon Brault's No Culture, No Future. Sure, I'll cook a veggie frittata. But Caleb (my Nikon D3000) will be close by, just winking at me, waiting to get into mischief and snap a few moments in time.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

It's that time of year again!

Madness in shopping malls, chaos on the roads, uber slow people in parking lots eyes peeled for a spot... Have I mentioned I disliked Christmas shopping?

It's that time... when people impose holiday parties, potlucks and gift exchanges. Whether "White Elephant" or "Secret Santa" I have never been a big fan of gift exchanges. Scratch that. I think they're wonderful, when they save you from extra expenses and added stress. I love how eco-friendly and sustainable they can be... when they are not of a zillion obligated party gifts.

Yes, I get it, the joy of giving... What if there's nothing left to give? What if there's no joy when you tell me I must give? I don't want to rant, but the spirit of Christmas is not about gifts, I'm sorry, but it's about love for human kind. Where does it say: "Thou shall love thy neighbor and buy him gifts at every office party" ?

I would not brag or complain about some unfortunate events that occured in my life in 2010 but they have served many a purpose. A lot of what seemed like loss or bad luck has actually had the effect of pruning; I'm getting back to basics. I'm grateful for that, now more than then, but hey, better late than never!

I've discovered my artistic potential, I've reconnected with the child in me and I've rekindled my relationship with Mother Earth - or so, I try. Limitations force us to be creative, especially when they are financial ones while simplicity has a way of easing stress and bringing out childlike spontaneity. Frugality was always a value I was familiar with, but lately, it's helped me realize how we over-consume, over-spend and how ultimately, we're damaging our planet and our financial and psychological well-being.

I'd like to thank my great group of friends for making this year's gift exchange an eco-friendly/homemade affair. I was able to put my talents to good use and to benefit from one of my friend's thoughtfulness and creativity. I received a homemade vegetarian cookbook to suit my new dietery choice (going on 4 months!) and a set of flash filters to have some photo fun. I was very excited with both gifts, but I was specially touched by how she took time to piece together all her favourite recipes to ease my transition into this lifestyle.

Thank you to Swing Dynamite, for putting together a clothing exchange and allowing the rest of the donations to be brought to charity.

Lastly, thanks for my photo teachers for encouraging me in pursuing my new hobby which is quickly growing into a passion. Your passion is evident and I'm so happy that you are sharing it with me. Harry, your workshops and continued support have been immensely helpful and generated many "Ah-ha!" moments. Gilda, your eagerness to help, your unique style and your eye for aesthetics have been inspiring.

This Christmas, I'll be enjoying down time with family, friends, some R&R in pijamas with novels and some much needed grass roots time in the kitchen with my new cookbook!

Musical Crush: Greg Laswell

Greg Laswell singing "Comes & goes"

Even though I'd heard his songs quite a few times and my friends raved about him, I fell in love with Greg Laswell last Friday, at Zaphod's. He doesn't know it, of course, but that is beside the point.

Quietly sitting at a table, answering blackberry messages, he seemed pensive. In the background, a young woman's mermaid voice was already reaching the back of the bar, enticing the crowd. Was he preparing for the show, getting in the right mind set? Or was he wondering if he should have a pint? He doesn't look like the type who needs to loosen up. Calm and collected, he was understated. That is, until he took the stage. His poker face humor seemed to charm the crowd. 

Greg Laswell was opening for Jeremy Fisher, but frankly, I was there to see what his live performance was like. Usually, I'll fall for a band or artist when I feel their presence on stage. Greg's lyrics are profound and his melodies get under your skin and into your head, permanently. Yet, I needed some kind of confirmation that this indie artist was a cut above many I've heard and seen before. You know, back in the days I use to be an emerging artist columnist... in the good old days when I was paid to attend shows and chat it up with bands. But I digress! That said, his connection to the crowd was a natural one; like a friend meeting up with old time buddies.

Greg Laswell

His set was too short, it left most of us wanting more. Don't get me wrong, Jeremy Fisher was great and I'm quite pleased with this discovery as well. It was well worth the ticket. Greg played a few of his classics, such as Comes and goes. In the tradition of live shows, he graced us with covers: among these, his humorous indie cover of Lauper's Girls just wanna have fun. 

I had no choice but to give in to the impulse. Seduced by the artistry of his album, his relaxed unpretentious performance and his somewhat reserved demeanor, the mystery was consuming me: I had to buy  my own copy of Three flights from alto nido.

A wise choice of a stocking stuffer or gift exchange purchase.
Happy Listening to all!

The Flash Diffuser Saga Turned Sour

A piece of photo equipment valued at $40, ended up costing me $100.  My teacher did say photography tends to get expensive quickly… and in the oddest ways!

I was so excited about finally getting my flash diffuser and that joy was momentarily overshadowed.You see, when you go to Galaxy Photos on Bank Street, their parking is at the back of the building, not on the side. Having been bombarded by signs that all seem contradictory and being a customer of Galaxy, I figured, I’ll be here a minute and I’ll confirm whether or not this is the right spot for me to park. Having been told that the landlord was, (well, there are no flattering terms for him, so I’ll refrain)… I ran (yes, ran) out to move my car. Naturally, the person in question had already ticketed my car.

You read that right. Ticketed. Not “left a warning”, not “called the towing company”… Ticketed. Apparently, the City of Ottawa was so fed up dealing with this fella’s complaints, they awarded him his own ticketing book. I understand that it must be frustrating for downtown landlords to have to put signs up, give out warnings and call towing companies, but it’s important to remember that they are not city officials or officers of the law. Why are they allowed to take the law into their own hands? We don't even have that level of rights in civil disagreements... So who the heck gave this angry person the right to wear a vigilante badge and hand out tickets like they were candy canes? Merry Christmas to you too, Mr. Grinch!

To clarify: I saw signs that said “Private Property”, “Ticketed zone”, “For customers only”. My reasoning: I was a customer, I did my due diligence and went to confirm who’s customer I needed to be or if I needed to move… and bam, verifying just cost me $55 and an unpleasant encounter with an angry person.

For those of you considering shopping at Galaxy, and you should both their prices and their service are excellent, note that Galaxy parking is at the BACK of the building, via Catherine street, not next to them. There's a very unhappy Grinch operating to crush the holiday (and photog) spirit at 205 Catherine (it's a parking off Bank). BEWARE!

Valuable lessons of the day:

5-Photography is an expensive hobby… always over-budget, sometimes it may surprise you.

4-If you complain enough, the authorities will do what they can to get rid of you. Sad fact.

3-Being a car owner sucks. Gas, Traffic, Bad tunes, Parking downtown, Tickets. I want to ride the tube!

2-If the parking signs are confusing, pack it up and move…

1-The miserable people of this world are probably in worse shape than I am. Letting it go is my best bet. Namaste.

Tribute to a War Photographer

It's always a wonder to me why war photographers do what they do. I suppose someone has to document the atrocities and the violence that humans perpetrate. Someone has to tell the soldier's story, so he or she, is not alone on the battlefield. Someone needs to know what was put on the line for our mother lands and in the name of peace... 


I just don't think I could do it. 


My visit to the World Press Photo Exhibit this summer confirmed my hunch: I don't have the stomach for the gore, I don't have the nerves for the pressure and I don't have the strenght to stand by and watch because, deep inside, I would know that immediate interference would not make a difference, but the image circulating across the world might. Maybe, just maybe, we'll snap out of all this chaos... "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one" (Lennon)

Cyberpresse and The New York Times share this photographer's last war shots. From my understanding, he is injured but alive and recovering. However, the loss of a photographer's legs definitely changes the conditions under which he or she practices their profession. As a tribute to this brave man, Joao Silva, here is the link to his photos.

Retro Shutterbug

After scavenging the web for the industry of toy cameras' jewels such as the Holga or the Diana, I have finally found a loot of revamped lomography cams...at Urban Outfitters!

Diana Mini Half Frame

The variety was astounding... I couldn't believe they actually had the Fuji instant photo cam; you know, the one that replaced the Polaroid. The display was a splash of colour and a blast from the 1980's. I felt like a kid again. I managed to snap out of it long enough to channel my shutterbug mind in long enough to start thinking logically. I wasn't quite sure whether I wanted the 1980s Holga, the 1960s Diana or the Lomo Fisheye... I ended up with the Holga 135 (35 mm) and the Fisheye (35 mm). The Diana Mini Half-Frame (35 mm) will be on my holiday wishlist... ;)


You may have noticed that these "toy cameras", which are perfectly functional, are in fact film cameras. Why, would a digital photography student want an old school tool? Because it's retro, because it's a challenge and because it's fun! Also, I dig the degree of cool it provides. I figured that Urban Outfitters is carrying them because they cater to trends and hipsters.


Yeah... I know what you're thinking. I can no longer afford to be dressed to the latest fashions, I don't wear fluos or retro clothes and my teens were marked by the Skater trend. I have never ridden a banana-seat bike with front-side basket (for look and convenience), I haven't chewed genuine Bubblicious or been 15 since the beginning of the decade... So the "hipster" attraction? Really?


Maybe it's because I lived the 80s mostly through my brother and sister (who are in their 30s now) and part of my childhood memories were molded by their hobbies and interests and our humble family home. We always had enough but my greatest joys rose from the simplest pleasures. My mother seems to recall I had a thing for the theatrics. I loved dance, arts & crafts and photographs... Big surprise. Perhaps that dreamy, overly-colourful, grainy aesthetic appeals to the artist that was always inside me. Or maybe it just pulls on my heart strings.


I may not fool anyone as a hipster-poser, but I am most certainly optimistic about the funky shots I shall be taking shortly with my new toys, so to speak.


This shutterbug is conquering the image world, one clic at a time. I'll share my stunning successes and surprising mistakes...stay tuned!

From the Prince to Buddha

I've mentioned in previous blogs how much I value the luxury (yes, you read that right) of reading books for pleasure. Despite how busy life has been, I've allowed myself to get carried away by an interesting novel.


Deepak Chopra's Buddha sure caught my attention. I was in a speciality library a few weeks ago now - a thing I do whenever I need an escape from the mad rush of my not-so-easygoing routine - and along with a few references books, this image of a blue boy in orange monk robes bearing the title "Buddha" caught my eye. I picked it up thinking it was some book about his teachings. To my surprise, it was actually a novel... on Buddha's life?


Here I was thinking this spiritual master and prophet was, well, holy. In my mind, the enlightened are somewhat righteous and let's face it, uninteresting. That's a wrong assumption. One of the things you learn, when you start delving into spiritual teachings (note how I did not use the term "religious") and digging into these teachers' pasts, is that no one has a perfect life, no one has a spotless past and no one has it easy. Actually, one of Eckhart Tolle's teaching is that for many of us, it takes hardship (or a modern "way of the cross") to push us to seek enlightenment. Some of us have a natural tendency for spiritual quests, others need to be shaken out of our "comforts" (the French say "Confort et indifférence" or "comfort and indifference") to bother asking ourselves "why?" and wonder about the essence of life and being. In Buddha's case, it seems to have been an intuitive quest which ultimately, pushed him to assume a monk's life. None of it, however, is explained in a way that places Buddha on a "superior human" level. Siddartha Gautama was a man on a quest to find himself and the universal truth. When he understood the truth, the essence of life, he then saught to help others seek it also.


It is not the celestial element that kept my attention throughout this story, nor was it the battles of a bloody war, or drama at court or even the love stories... The page turner for me was the question: "How will he do it? How can Siddartha and Gautama shed their suffering and egos to become Buddha?" His path was not an easy one, but he did achieve this as a man, not as a God.


The beauty of this book is that by filling in the blanks of his legend with his humanity, we can see how to better our life situations ourselves.

Good Ol' Suave

Recently, a dance friend of mine posted this video of the Overtones on facebook. Since then, I've been playing this on loop and humming the song in the office, snapping my fingers like a jazz musician and adding a bounce to my "swagger". Basically, the dandy vibe is contagious. You'd think this would have more impact on men... but I think it's probably the dancer in me that can't resist the beat. My whole body moves to this song, it's beyond me!


Watching the video came after the melody crept into my veins. It certainly is easy on the eyes... It got me thinking about the musical industry, harmony bands and of course, men's image.


Disclosure: I am a hardcore fan of Michael Bublé and can certainly appreciate fellow contemporary crooners such as Matt Dusk. It's not that I swoon over these men, but their confidence, their charisma and presence have a way of getting me weak in the knees, getting me on a dance floor and singing along (witnesses of these symptoms are victims of my lack of singing ability). 


The good ol' suave style, smooth singing and dorky dancing convey's a gentleman-like aura that constitutes a dying breed nowadays. Not that I want to brag about swing dancers (because you know I can!), but these guys have more of a tendency to clean up their look when socializing with women. The same applies to crooners... Why are they so successful in their album sales? Because women want to be serenaded to, treated with care and respect, no matter how modern we are... and men, well, should take a hint from these smart marketers.


Equality between the sexes is great. Much work remains to be done there... But, in this process of redefining proper social etiquette to be fair to everyone, let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater... Good manners, proper presentation and charm don't go unnoticed. That, of course, goes for both parties.


Guys, there's no need to have a singing voice to be appreciated by women or your female friends. Dress up when it matters, remember your manners and learn a few cute-dorky steps: if they don't seduce the object of your affection, they will disarm her with the comic relief. Most of us don't want a prince; we just want guys we're happy to talk to over dinner, who'll believe we're interesting, and who won't mind making a fool of themselves at our cousin's wedding when the catchy tunes spin.


Now... If only I could figure out how to buy "Good Ol' Fashioned Love" on iTunes, I'd have my fix! 

Cute kitties still get me...

I'm not more of an animal person than the next gal, but this cat just made my day. I are cute kitten

The Moment of Truth

This Halloween week-end, Swing Dynamite was hosting its Trick or Treat party and Bootcamp performance. It was a night of fun, fright and fabulousness!

TNTeam 2010-2011

There was a costume contest, an abundance of dancing and of course... the moment of Truth for my equally insane fellow bootcampers! Yes, my friends, all the blood, bruises, sweat and tears have come to THIS epic night.


Swing Dynamite bombarded the crowd with the D-Boys, the Rhythm Blasters, the Westie Bombers, the Dynamite Girls, TNTeam (my possey) and the Jam Crew. Having trained intensively for 4 weeks, the bootcampers (of which I am a part) put it all on the line to wow the crowd. The performances were no less than explosive with crazy aerials and in sync musicality.


This was an opportunity for the dancers to show what they could do, but also, how they handled pressure. Geez, how else are you suppose to feel about costume fittings?!?


My Swing on the Bootcamp Performance


I had been nervous for most of the day leading up to this, wondering how I would do. I kept thinking, "after nearly 16 years of dance and performance, you should get over this!"


As usual, my pre-show jitters worked their magic: I danced and felt great about it! Thanks to my ama-swing partner, Bill Ewanick for his upscale leading. Couldn't have had more of a blast! The social dancing was so sweet afterwards, it was just like icing on the cake...


For the female & lindy readers: I wore a Sugarbum Design aubergine skirt and I performed a PANCAKE with height and might! Swing does sound yummy, doesn't it?


This week, the calls will be made to the bootcampers to determine who has made an impression, who will stay on board and who will keep dancing and show us all up next year!


Thanks again to Byron Alley and Natalia Rueda, our beloved coaches, for their support, encouragement and genuine butt-kicking. My abs thank you as well.


Twilight Zone


Aside from the freakishly creative costumes (I think here of the Bear-Mulled-Forest-Man and of the Baker and Bun-in-the-oven couple), there was as much social dancing as to be expected... and the floor was packed! Westies and Lindies put their stylish differences aside for this night only - where in the twilight zone, anything can happen - and shared the dance floor. I even flirted with the dark side: I was temporarily westified and liked it.  Oh, how my keds lindy shoes were hating me then... 

Ottawa Fashion Week: World Class Event

Strike a pose!

There were so many eye popping outfits and generally impressive lines that it is a little difficult to wrap my head around everything I witnessed in those two evenings of runway shows.


Last Friday (Oct. 29, 2010) my main preoccupation was to soak up the environment, people watch (& photog watching too!) and evaluate how the caliber of the event. Not that I'm any kind of expert in Fashion or runway shows, for that matter... this was my first live fashion week of any kind! 


Based on the amateur shows I've seen and on the many Fashion Weekly re-runs and Victoria Secret Christmas shows the tube has provided me, I would say that Ottawa Fashion Week has definitely delivered.


There were plenty of both accomplished and emerging canadian designers showcasing their spring collections. Adrian Wu's collection was a real crowd pleaser - except among the photographers. Wu's idea for ambiance meant terrible lighting conditions for the press. Fortunately, the media coordinator swept in and provided photo ops with Wu's models. Phew!


Naturally, I have my personal favourites. I especially enjoyed the Sugarbum Design, the Birds of North Amercia and Kania Couture collections. They were fun, they were fresh, they were colourful and elegant. Lastly, the show closed on Project Runway Canada winner Jessica Biffi. Her collection was delicious. Or were those the models? In any case, Ottawa showed Biffi lots of love.


The venue couldn't have been more suited for this event: The National Gallery of Canada is in fact, the host of Canada's most prestigious pieces and visual arts forms. Thus, it makes sense to host a fashion event (every day art) in this contemporary & artsy open space.


The logistics seemed to iron out nicely and many vendors were glad to be invited to such a high end shindig. On the final night, there was even a Kerastase sponsored red carpet studio for guests, designers, models and friends.


The floating hors-d'oeuvres and the flowing (but pricey) wine made the crowd friendly and gregarious. Hey, Gilda and I even made friends with other pro photogs!

Ottawa Fashion Week

All I have to do now is look at those shots and see Caleb and I's lovechild: are there some breath taking photos? To be continued... ! 

Ottawa Fashion Week: Here I come!

I've got butterflies. I don't know what to wear. Am I going on a date? I don't know what to pack. Will I bring enough or too much? Will I fit in? No, I'm not going to summer camp. Will I meet good contacts? This isn't a conference. Will I succeed in getting the right shots and tame this new flash (SB-600)?


If you care a little about what's in vogue or if you put effort into your personal style, you may have noticed that this, my friends, is the beginning of Ottawa Fashion Week.


Why do I care?


Only because yours truly has been lucky enough to be invited to join Gilda Furgiuele (Royale Boutique Photography) to shoot for the organizers of OFW.


*Cue freakout*


As a girl and amateur of fashion in my own right, I now find my closet unworthy. "Look the part but be comfortable"...Really? Wish I knew what the recipe for that was.


As a photography student, I'm feeling suddenly very intimidated by my flash and Caleb (my D3000) seems to have gotten cold feet.


Just when I get a golden opportunity, an urge to self-sabotage invades the pit of my stomach. Will I be good enough? Will I mingle? Will I put my foot in my mouth? Will I embarass my mentor? ...


Then, I remember to breathe. I suppose I should enjoy the ride: I am in fact, a very lucky girl to even be attending, so for I'll try to make the best of it!


Let's just hope I make it there, on time, looking half decent without forgetting something, like say, a spare battery or a memory card.


CATWALK! Clic clic clic!

Shadowing: Not a passive role

Over the week-end, I had my second shadowing experience in photography. My first was with Gilda Furgiuele (Royale Boutique Photography) in the studio a few weeks ago, and my second was with my teacher, Harry Nowell (Harry Nowell Photography). Even though I have another 30 hours of shadowing to do, I can already tell that shadowing is anything but a passive role.


I haven't shot any photos in either case yet. Partly, this is because I didn't have the models sign releases for me as well as the photographers hired (Gilda & Harry) but also because of lack of experience and of material. For instance, it's difficult to shoot in studio without a flash - enough said. Also, Harry wanted me to pay close attention to his interaction with his client, to his set-up and to results achieved. In both cases, I had to observe, take mental (or actual) notes and ask questions about how to run a smooth shoot.


Sure, there was a lot of standing around and a few rather long stretches but they were all part of a photographer's reality. There are a lot of elements involved in a shoot, whether it be studio or on location. There's planning: getting to know your client and their needs and figuring out how you're going to meet those needs and achieve great results that will get you a good reputation with this client, and perhaps even another gig. There's set-up: where are you shooting, what equipment do you need and how long will it take? There's the actual shoot, with all this entails: interacting with the client, directing and taking the photos and providing feedback, asking for it and making delivery arrangements. Then there's post-processing and delivery. I haven't assisted in these stages yet, but from my own experience, this tends to be a lenghty, tedious stage.


At any rate, I've managed to successfully build a few sets, lug equipment, interact with the clients and even - lucky me! - choreograph some action shots. I left both shoots wondering just how much I'd learned. I realized that shadowing isn't about theory and what you can recite or write down, it really is about experience and growing ease with the "doing" part of learning. Shadowing, even when you are not shooting, is about familiarizing yourself with the environment, the dynamics and going through the motions of a photographer's unconventional routine.

Heart of a bootcamper

I am two weeks into some of the most intense dance training I've ever known. I thought at first that I hadn't quite experienced anything like this before... But my muscles remember being taunted, being put to the test for art. I am bootcamping for Swing Dynamite's TNTeam. What this means, essentially, is that I'm currently training with some of the most advanced lindy hoppers in Ottawa. They are experienced, they are determined, they are fearless and their middle names are "Fun".

My heart says "Kaboom"

The last time I've pushed my body this hard, tested my memory for choreography or defied the laws of physics to achieve new movements, I believe it was when I was competing in jazz, ballet, tap and hip hop (circa 1997-1999). Obviously, I've danced since then, but I haven't quite challenged myself this seriously in a just over ten years - and I've been dancing for 16 already. This should attest to this milestone.


I am now dancing a minimum of twice a week for two, three or four hours at a time. Here I am trying to perfect my technique, to improve my style and to forget that if I loose focus, just one moment, I may injure myself. I also live with the stress of hurting my partner if I don't hold my own. I am tackling one of my greatest intrigues: aerials! I've never been light as a feather and even though aerials conjure awe, they also incite fear in me. Every bone aches, every muscle is tender and every day, I discover new bruises. My doctor asked me if I had gotten in a fight... Quite frankly, I think she should've been more concerned about my persistant cold. I digress.


Why, you might ask, would I want to put myself through all of this? Because I love swing! Because I can. But also because I was born in the 80's and not the 20's or 30's and I have to learn through training and not in a club. I am challenging myself because I learn about aspects of my personality that I've never known existed. As a little girl, I was always attracted to swing and hoped I would one day find a school to teach me. I am bootcamping because I have the heart of a swing dancer. Mine doesn't beat "boom boom" it sings, sings, sings to Benny Goodman.


Most of all, I'm trying so very hard to soak up as much information as I can and improve my dancing as far as this journey takes me. I'm bootcamping because it's an honor to even be considered as part of TNTeam - even temporarilly - and it's a pleasure to learn from all these fabulous dancers.


Stick around folks and drop by to see the bootcamp performance on Oct. 30, 2010 @ 151 Chapel Street in Ottawa. Be there or be square!

Swing Dynamite, 2010

To my fellow bootcampers, from Rhythm Blasters, to D-Boys and Dynamite Girls, and lastly, to TNTeam members who've so graciously welcomed me and encouraged me this far, thank you for sharing your passion. It's a blast!


Tic tic tic Swing DYNAMITE! Tic tic tic KABOOM!

Usher - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love ft. Pitbull

I don't know about you, but I've always had a special place in my heart for two male pop stars with mad dancing skills... Justin Timberlake and Usher. There's something about men dancing that I truly admire. I suppose one could say it's because dance is not a big part of our Western culture to dance socially. Maybe in part, but I think it has a lot more to do with the physicality and aesthetics of it that intrigues me. I enjoy watching male ballet dancers, lindy hoppers, latin ballroom dancers, hip hoppers and B-boys. I guess it must have something to do with the underlying idea that any dancer (man or woman) exudes a certain confidance; they must be comfortable with their body to use it as a means of expression and put it on display.


I thought of sharing this because this video - along with many I could post - reinforces my appreciation for male pop dancing. It also can't hurt that the tune is catchy, right?

Whirlwind

Hot Air Balloon Festival, 2010

Wow! Has it been 2 months since my last entry? In all fairness, I was out, living life...or trying not to let it slip by without my surfing a few of those waves that have crushed here and there.

Festival, 2010

I started working as Communications Coordinator at the AOE Arts Council in Orléans (Ottawa). I have been on possibly the steepest learning curve so far. Thus, it also makes it the most exciting! While juggling the challenges of a new job, I have also been reintroduced to the joys of being a student... except that this time, it's on my terms! My photography program is tailored and offered part-time for busy-young-professionals-trying-to-better-their-conditions, such as myself. I have also auditioned and been accepted into the TNTeam swing dance bootcamp. Have I mentioned yet that I'm busy? My friend Ian - currently studying in the US - asks me today: "Are you feeling any better?" He was referring to the "broken heart" condition. My answer was: "Well, I've never been better... I've managed to be so productive, that I've worked myself sick (with a damn persistant cold might I add)." And so, I'm blogging.

Selections 2010, Juried Arts Show

Quick review of August-September 2010. I was hired, to my bank account and creditors immense relief, in a delightful and dynamic community Arts Council. I've been learning truck loads about publications and website content management. I can also safely say that I've been schooled on many of my misconceptions about arts in Ottawa. Why, yes, we have many galleries and vernissages, and we are blessed with numerous dedicated artisans, film societies, choral societies, community theatres and contemporary dancers. Let that be known, I stand corrected: Ottawa is full of Art.

Speaking of which, I have been getting friendly with Caleb (my Nikon D3000). He and I and starting to develop some chemistry. My ratio of bad/decent photos has improved considerably; I even now have the occasional "breath-taking" shot. I've taken the Natural Light Portraits workshop with Harry Nowell and the Photojournalism and Social Documentary with David Trattles (Canadian Geographic). During this "break from blogging", I've also shot a baptism, Swing Explosion 5, a musician's portfolio and a vernissage. There may be a photographic style emerging there... Last week, I've secured myself an internship with Royale Photo Boutique - Vintage photography. Check it out: www.royalephotoboutique.com.

Theresa & Scott, Swing Explosion V

As for swing... Well, I'll be blogging about it on http://blog.swingdynamite.com shortly! I'll be posting news about the Ottawa scene, about Swing Dynamite and I'll share discussions with Lindy Hoppers as I'll share my own experience as a student and bootcamper! Performance is on Oct. 30! Don't miss it!

Did I forget something? I suppose that's what happens when you get caught in a whirlwind.

Pursuing Photography: Now or Never!

Christie, Fire Spinner at OIFF launch party

I have made a decision. A small one perhaps, but nevertheless, a decision to impact my learning and my career. Ironically, this seemingly passive accomplishment comforts me. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, taking decisions gives oneself the impression of control (or of steering) one's life. We often make the mistake and think that too much is out of our hands. Unfortunately, that is partly true. But for most of us, the problem lies in our inability to assume our own freedom. But I digress... And so, I was saying: this ship is mine, and I'm steering!

If this "experience" (e.g. career crisis) has taught me one thing, it must be that one can never be too prepared to face challenges and that the only limits you actually face are the ones your mind sets. I began to think of ways to kill time in a pleasant way until the faithful call back. What can I do? How can I help myself further and unwind? It hit me, like Al Pacino in Scarface: my Nikon D3000 was looking at me, shouting "Say hello to my little friend!"

I then thought: I've been rambling about photography, reading up on it, attending workshops, but why not actually study it? Afterall, if I can gather a few dollars this fall, I could spend this year of "financial rejuvination" in a constructive investment for my career - and hey, why not feed my soul while I'm at it?

I realized that if I ever wanted to get nourrishment out of my career, I had to feel challenged but equiped. I also need to express my creativity. Learning - and continuing education - are essential tools to any professional's survival. Furthermore, it is a key to self-fullfilment, Maslow's ultimate need.

Seeing as I had already taken a workshop with Harry Nowell Photography (Creative Fundamentals), I figured I'd have a second look at what he is offering... I was astonished to find two courses Harry himself had later recommended me to take: Natural Light Portraits and Photojournalism with David Trattles. If I add these classes to a personal session, I can get a form of certificate. Later on, if my situation allows it, I could add two more classes, some shadowing and a few more privates and I'd be a certified professional. Oh the possibilities...

I am definitely looking forward to learning more about portraiture and journalism, along with how to purchase the appropriate lens. What a maze to navigate the selection of brands, functions, capacity, aperture...oy! However, that will be for a future blog anecdote.

"I love my art!"

Zack & Maryse

Swing out!

Whenever people ask why artists (or athletes for that matter) dedicate themselves to extremes to their form of art, most of them just answer: "I love my art!" Simple. Obvious, even. It should answer the question. Yet, the outsider can't help but wonder what they truly get out of, say, falling off a snowboard on an icy slope or standing in front of a glass-blowing oven to mold a beautiful vase.

Earlier this week, I attended the monthly Swing night at Petit Chicago in Gatineau (QC). The Outaouais valley suffered a record breaking heatwave with a blazing 34 degrees plus humidex... which meant that the air was a wet blanket of 44 degrees. Temperature in the Petit Chicago? I'm not sure, but I'm guessing Hell must feel a little like this. This weather is also relatively dangerous for seniors, infants and well... asthmatics, such as myself. Nevertheless, without being reckless, I have never been one to play the victim or complain. I gathered my dance shoes, my water bottle and my pump. I put on some comfy shorts and - this is a first for my lindy dancing - a sporty cami. I sleeked back my untameable hair. I splashed deodorant and brushed my teeth. I even packed a towel. Think this heatwave was going to stop me? Guess again. And so, I was on my way.

When I arrived in Hell, gates wide open, I found there were a merry bunch of shiny newcomers and some laid-back oldtimers. I chatted a bit with some friends. No one seemed to mind that by merely standing there, sweat was trickling down our foreheads, our arms and our legs. Have you ever SEEN sweat from a knee cap before? I hadn't. The social dancing began and to my surprise, the folks that were present were actually dancing: maybe not busting out their fast lindy or their craziest charleston, but everyone danced, pressed to each other, no care in the world for the heat or its consequences... Everything from Lindy to Blues and WestCoast, the Ottawa-Gatineau Lindy hoppers and Westies totally blew up the joint. Who needs A/C? We're kicking it oldschool. Take that, Global Warming! See if we care what's cooking in your kitchen: we're cooking up dynamite!

The thing is, when you committ to the art - precisely for what it is - and you let it be, you forget about being self-conscious, uncomfortable, tired or sore. You just do it. Kahlil Gibran said that work was love made visible. When dancers work, they are showering the world with their love.

As a classical and modern dancer, I have experienced many injuries, aches, cuts and bruises. I have also been a victim of wardrobe malfunctions! Some nights, I barely felt like dressing down and leaving the house to attend my class. During these sessions, I often felt like I probably should have stayed home. But when my teacher wrapped up the class, I felt the warmth of my tired muscles weighing me down, my sweat pearling, rolling down every inch of me, I was beaming. I felt so satisfied: I had pushed my body and drew a live, ephemeral canvas. One, that would never be the same, but was unique and truly my own. When I dance, I am present, aware and alive. There is no greater joy than being in the now. Dance is the activity that achieves this for me.

In the end, the art doesn't matter so much as it changes from person to person, but finding that one thing that makes you say "I love my art!", that is the most precious gift I have found life has given me so far.

Driving Vision

It's funny how the power of visualization can almost instantly draw an opportunity. I have recently been looking for a new job. I was working as a Communications Officer for a not for profit organization. My being the last recruit and the economy being what it is, I was out of work at a really awkward time of year: May. It's too late to meet the hiring craze of early spring for contracts beginning in the summer and it's obviously too early for the hiring wave of the fall, when students return to class. What's a girl to do?!?

That said, I've been living in a state of latent panic. Although I am a highly emotional and expressive person, my career choices are 95% based on logic, careful analysis and planning (FYI: The other 5% is hazardous: impressions and luck). Of course, I had my initial breakdown of tears and existential crisis ("Why now? Why me? What's the point of all this?"). The very next day, I put together a plan. I was to divide and conquer, no less. Might I mention that my plan has since been evolving rather positively, even if not entirely to my satisfaction (i.e. remarkably quickly).

I'll spare you the details, but essentially, I am to look for a full-time job in my field of communications. If that is to fail, my plan B (which seems to be the one currently in motion), is to opt for part-time employment at a lovely communications firm I know very well and to pave the financial gap with freelance writing. I would be working either a few days a week or every morning with my afternoons off and spare time to enjoy the sunshine, write and - this is the innovative part - build a photography portfolio!!! The idea came to me like a flash one afternoon. "Why not make use of this inevitable "free-time" to perfect the skills and knowledge I have already acquired? The whole point of my taking workshops this year was to broaden my horizons, both professionally and artistically. I guess one can say, "Be careful what you wish for".

And so, I have been contemplating how I could possibly get myself more involved in photography, mostly on a volunteer basis, in order to put together an interesting portfolio. Flowers are great, and I find shooting them very relaxing, but they just won't cut it. That day, on facebook, a dance acquaintance of mine posted a very clear call: "Looking for photographers". I took it as a sign. The friend in question is a musician and is currently creating a personal website to promote his performing and his teaching.

We met yesterday to discuss what he was looking for in terms of style and deadlines. Relaxed and open minded, the artist is giving me the creative freedom I seek to explore my capabilities. The wheels, they turn...

When I got home, I immediately started thinking of ways to make the shoots happen and to really convey what this guitarist was all about. In an enthusiastic message, I explained how I viewed the project. I realized then that there's more to photography than theory and mastering the intricacies of your camera. More importantly, you need vision.

It is the only way to tackle a project intelligently and it is the only way to tell a story, which is what photography does, in a snapshot, so to speak.

You need to get familiar with your subject and the project at large. You need to organize a shoot logistically speaking. You must direct the shoot (and in my case, hope to hell I know what I am doing!) and lastly, treat the photos. I'm perfectly comfortable with steps 1 and 2, and relatively comfortable with steps 3 and 4. In any case, I've promised my "client" I would do everything I possibly knew how to do to produce good photographs for him to use.

When there's a will, there are many ways!

For all the doubting and the fear that this situation has caused, I am grateful to have found myself obligated to rethink my life. Often, we forget that we are free to choose, at any point, the direction we're taking. Maybe my path is winding, but it doesn't lack narrative twists my mother calls "life's surprises". And that's just what they are: reminders that I'm alive for the living!

Eating books for breakfast

In terms of what I feed my body, I would say I generally have a healthy diet. Admittedly, I have been a chocolate-monster for years now and my daily regime has long been to soak up as much dance related activities in my day. I watched youtube videos, I caught SYTYCD Canada, I went to my classes, I talked about it and now, I even blog about it. But, what do I feel my mind? And what do I feed the writer/blogger? That said, every blogger turned writer (or has-been journalist turned blogger if you insist on specifics) knows that the key to a strong vocabulary comes from... I'll let you guess this one.

Ok. It's obvious now.

READING!

In all honesty, my university experience was one that had me so wrapped up in career-planning, projects, networking and oh-so-dull theoretical essays, that I was utterly turned off from reading altogether. And that, my friends, was for a few years. I have been timidly reopening books, dusting off novels, shyly reintroducing them into my world (or maybe it's me, feeling sheepish, wondering if I'm worthy of them). Lately - and I am not proud to say this - I've read more in a few months (heck, in a few weeks!) than I have in the past 2 years. Ok, my job search may have a larger part to play in my having more time to spend on books, but I still say it's a matter of intellectual readiness or thirst. Books (practical or fictional) have a way of providing an opportunity for travel. This can be in the form of a journey in time, in a foreign country, in a fantastic universe, in a language or profession or inside onself.

A few of the books I've read recently are Fahrenheit 451 (Bradbury), The Prophet (Gibran), Si c'était vrai...(Levy), Novecento: pianist (Baricco), Silk (Baricco), Icons of Photography: The 20th Century and I've just started Gilbert's Committed.

I guess I had been craving words so much that I've been seeking them in all shapes and sizes: novels, short stories, news, blogs, French, English, yours, anyone's. I have no idea if my vocabulary has improved in any way, whether in French or English, but I can assure you that my mind is stimulated and my spirits are lifted, even from the sole imaginary travels...I suppose you could say that these days, books are what I consider my breakfast of champions.

Lindy Leader or simply obsessed?

Byron & Natalia, Swing Explosion V

I received a surprising facebook message from a very bright artsy-type in my friends list. She's one of my best friend's little sister.

"Mercedes, can you tell me where I could possibly learn how to swing dance here in Ottawa?"

This Concordia art student suddenly took an interest in swing dancing. I have yet to figure out how it is she has come to discover it, much less want to dance it. But, hey, I figured, why wouldn't anyone want to learn how to dance lindy hop? Doesn't it just seem like the coolest dance and the most fun someone can have for under $10? The bruises you acquire are a bonus.

The message prompted my instinctual eager-to-please and dance-fanatic response: "But of course! I'd be glad to help!" I was about the send her a detailed list of Ottawa schools, social nights and activities - my commentary included - until I paused to think... "Have I made it to Lindy Leader status? Or has Lindy Hop taken so much space in my life that it is burned into my skin?" Or was it both? The question was relevant and pushed me to put effort and care into my message back to her.

Promoting businesses and societies equally while still offering advice seemed like the professional attitude a Lindy Leader would choose by being a beneficial approach to the Ottawa scene; by presenting different dance options, we are opening the doors to the world of swing. A mere sample which may suit one individual may not fit another's personality of learning style. Drawing more people to swing dancing means an enriched community with a variety of dancers, sharing interests and talents to enable progress on the whole.

A few months ago, I took part in Swing Dynamite's Lindy Leaders workshop where we explored everything from teaching, to DJing and community building. It seemed to me that the information was a goldmine but all, well, rather above my head. I wasn't a teacher, I've never really DJed (that university morning radio show doesn't count!) and I wasn't part of any "community" per say. I was left wondering what I was doing there. Meanwhile, I've got what a lot of people call "contagious enthusiasm".

Exhibit A: I go dress shopping for CSC and explain the types of dresses I'm looking for to the sales lady.

"I'm a swing dancer you see, I need something breatheable that covers my back. A bright colour would be fantastic! Does the skirt twirl?
-You swing dance? That's the coolest thing I've heard! I had no idea there were places who taught swing here in the capital! Could I give it a shot? Do I need a partner? ..."

And so, everywhere I go, I tend to chat up random strangers and slip into conversation that I swing dance. One thing leads to another... and I've intrigued another person about Lindy Hop. My friends, on the other hand, are kind of tired of hearing about my lessons, those mythical swing friends they never see and they now dread my opening Youtube..."LOOK! That's a pancake!...Oh, oh, that's a knickerbocker! Now, that's mad charleston styling, right there."

Back to my initial question: I may not teach regularly, host community activities or turn swinging tunes to drive the crowd wild, but my near-obsession seems to earn me at least a "Lindy Keener" title. In my defense, I prefer to live with the Jitterbug fever rather than with an obsession-free life and an inability to "Shout and Feel it" to Count Basie.

My First CSC Experience: KABOOM!

Courtesy of Philippe Huot
CSC 2010

I anticipated as well as dreaded my first experience at the Canadian Swing Championships. Why did I have mixed feelings regarding such a highly regarded swing event? Simply put: I was excited to see what CSC was all about but I was also terrified to discover where I would situate myself in the dance pecking order.

Needless to say, the show was amazing. My tagline was: "Ok, I think my brain just exploded. NOW my mind was blown... no wait, NOW." Dancers from all walks of swing and from Canada, the U.S. and even France traveled to Lachute, QC to show what they were made of. What was that, you might ask? Dynamite, fireworks and a whole lot of yummy awesomeness. The best part is, most of these people are actually NICE. If they had egos, they were great at concealing them. The competition was fierce yet friendly. Competitors would only upstage each other for the benefit of the crowd and the love of dance.

I have to admit that the Ottawa crowd was very loud and proud. I suppose that some teams may have been irritated by our "dynamic" participation as spectators as well as competitors and performers. We kept yelling "KABOOM" - which is Swing Dynamite's slogan - "Ottawa in the house!", "YEAH! 300 BPMs... Is this BLUES or is this FAST LINDY?"... If it was not implode, we are definitely troopers. I suppose it is in corrolation with the fact that the Ottawa scene is smaller and offers less social dancing opportunities that we manifest an even greater appreciation for this sort of event.

Even though I only competed in the Lindy Newcomer Jack & Jill (and took 5th), I have to say the trip and exhaustion were justified by the spectacular dances and the high energy buzzing at all hour of the day. I must have been one of the biggest fans there; I cheered for my teams (Ottawa's very own Swing Dynamite) but also, bowed to the talent, spirit and dedication of Quebec, Montreal and Montpellier (France) lindy hoppers and westies. I am incredibly grateful for their generosity in sharing their passion and through their movement, a part of themselves. I have been flirting with Balboa, Jive and Boogie Woogie but now, I think I'm in love. My perspective on Lindy has also been broadened and I have a new appreciation for Blues and West Coast dancing. Why can't I do it all?!? I suppose I have to look at dance as relationships; I can be friends with many, but I can only be one style's lover at a time. What?!? That's only weird if you don't consider dance as a passion. And I do. So there! That said, I am still focusing on Lindy, but have definitely spotted future projects through this eye opening experience.

I am humbled and motivated by the wide variety of dancers, styles and personalities I have come into contact with through the CSC. Next year, I am coming back prepared!

One more time, for the heck of it... KABOOM!

I found a source of inspiration!

I've been dabbling in photography for a few months, barely. However, just as with any hobby, we develop particular abilities and discover preferences. I somehow always knew I wanted to try my hand at taking photos, and only hoped that a talent might someday blossom. I am a far distance from calling myself a photographer but what I can say, is that I've definitely gotten the bug.

In a very similar manner, I have fallen in love with swing dancing. It is social, it's fun, it's crazy and challenging, it's creative and keeps me on my toes (quite literally) and it just embodies the part of dance that had not yet been fulfilled for me. I had been dancing for years, but this new zest for life that I've been blessed with has only swept me off my feet since I've discovered the swing family of dances (and naturally, the community that sustains it, here in Ottawa). I have thought of taking up photography for a while, but never got around to it. Now that I have started immersing myself in it - and only those who've taken up an entirely foreign technical hobby can understand the learning curve - I have really started to feel the vast realm of creative possibilities and how I could possibly grow as a multi-layered artist. From now on, I benefit from three platforms of self-expression; written, danced and photographed.

I believe that photography gives me an opportunity to express my inner "artist", in a way that writing validates the existence of my inner "poet" if you will. Writing satisfies my need for the spectrum of introspection and communication, which is more of an intellectual exercise. Photography (or visual arts in general) satisfies my irrepressible thirst for aesthetic and art, whether it be in a traditional or unconventional form; I see the beauty in "imperfectness" of life. When reality meets ideas, I sense a creative urge is born somewhere. And I feel that words fall short. It's like being fed when all you want is a tall glass of water. That must be it; language is my bread and butter, and visual arts are my water.

So last night, I had the opportunity to start taking shots of my friends' swing dance practice. I was disappointed to find my regular 18 mm - 55 mm lens to be inadequate, but I got a rush from trying to get the movement just... right. You know? I caught a knickerbocker in mid-air, swivels at their hippiest, charleston kicks at their craziest and trucking at it's geekiest looking moment. I felt like I was catching glimpses of the dancers' vibe.

If you are still wondering... Dance is the air I breathe and the fire that consumes me.

Now you can imagine how excited I was when I found out about Lois Greenfield (http://www.loisgreenfield.com/index.html). This woman is an artist and she has perfected the art of studio dance photography. She portrays the body as a flexible sculpture of beauty and vulnerability. She creates lines, plays with light and color, bends time and captures motion thus painting a canvas of dance as an art form, but also of a tribute to the human body. My mind is blown. She would definitely be an inspiration to me in my future endeavors in this world of images.

This is what life is about... Learning, loving, believing and never ceasing to be amazed!