I'm surrounded by such talented people!

Hi everyone

I know I haven't been able to post event coverage in quite some time, but don't worry, it's just the start of the year and I'm sure there will be lots to come! But in the meantime, I thought I'd show some appreciation for the talented people that surround me all the time - whether it's a new YouTube video or news coverage or a simple Facebook status update, it's so awesome to see the amazing things these people are doing. So here's to 2012 - another year of growing, learning, and dreaming! So proud!

Express Not To Impress (E.N.T.I)

I've watched these guys grow into such incredible and passionate dancers and I am SO proud of how far they've come - and they're only still in high school! I was lucky enough to coach them back at Sullivan Heights Secondary and I love visiting them whenever I'm back in town. Just yesterday, they competed at Breakout, a high school dance competition, and they came 2nd in the small team division. Check them out!

Laura Roy

I met this talented singer/songwriter at Encounters With Canada, a trip to Ottawa that brought Canadian students together for a week of various activities/events. Laura is from Canning, Nova Scotia and she is currently in a Music Arts program at the Nova Scotia Community College. This past summer, she even visited Ghana, where she collaborated with Ghanaian rapper Guru and produced two hip hop/r&b tracks. She also has a video entry right now on YouTube to be a contestant on Canada's Got Talent (see below) - good luck Laura!

I interviewed her a couple years ago for a previous blog post - check it out HERE

Navid Charkhi

Wow, this guy is seriously so crazy - and humble - in the dance world. I've known him since our high school dance competition days and it's so great to see he's still as awesome as ever. His choreography is so sick...AND he's in baking & pastry arts, so he's sick in the kitchen too! Check out this video (props to the other dancers in the video too!):

BRAV3 Productions

This is the company that produced Navid's video above, and I think these guys are super talented - they do photography, video, and other awesome multi-media projects. They even helped me out with a photo shoot for my clothing line (all.dun.up) and I love their work! Want to get in contact with them? Shoot an email to: brav3productions@gmail.com

RAW Dance Crew (RiseAsWe)

I met these guys at an event in Vancouver but they're actually from Toronto! So I've gotten to hang out with them and see them at TO events as well, which is awesome. The group is made of Mikey Le, Gregory Villarico, David Forteau, and Jimmy Lin and they are based out of Rightfoot Dance Studio. Keep it up guys, can't wait to see more!

Follow them on Twitter: @RawDanceCrew & on Facebook

Jayson Araja

A fellow dancer from Vancity, and Ryerson student, Jayson is one of the most fashionable people I know. Currently a third-year Fashion Design student, he is always incredibly busy and I don't know how he does it sometimes. I've posted previous blog posts about him as well, featuring his contest entries in different competitions: TRIUMPH & Danier. I can't wait to see his designs on a runway in the future!

Scott Forsyth

Vancity is full of so many incredibly talented dancers, so I will probably continue posting videos from all of them eventually, but this guy in particular...he's so dope. I've been able to dance with him in the past, with SickStylz Symphony, and always used to see him at high school dance competitions, so I love seeing his amazing choreography on his YouTube channel - here's his most recent:

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Okay, that's enough for now, but I could honestly go on and on for a while - I can't help it, I admire so many people and what they've accomplished! So this will probably become a series of posts, perhaps weekly or biweekly. So let me know if you know any talented folks who I should feature!

Thanks,

Christina

Follow on Twitter: @christinaaa28

I like CDs in the mail :)

Hey everyone!

Just a quick update...I received my CD from the lovely Laura Roy last week and it has been in my CD player ever since. I'm glad I got one now (with autograph haha) because she'll be big in the future! You can contact her for a copy of your own at www.lauraroy.ca ! :)



Thanks Laura!

-Christinaaa

Interview with newcomer Laura Roy!

In March 2009, I was able to go on a trip with Encounters with Canada; which brings students from all across Canada together at Canada's capital, in Ottawa. I was able to participate in the "Journalism&Communications" week (there are different themes each week), along with 100 other students. During the trip, I discovered that one of my amazing friends was super talented and musically gifted. Laura Roy, from Nova Scotia, recently released an EP and is working hard on her music career. Here is a quick bio from her website!

Born on October 8th, 1991 in the small village of Canning, NS, seventeen-year old Laura Roy sparked an interest in music and performance at the age of 5. She started to make her way on to the music scene at age 13 after showcasing her singing talents at local community contests and shows. At age 14, Laura picked up a guitar and began to compose her own music and lyrics. Not long after learning guitar Laura wrote her first song titled “Free” at age 14. Over the last three years her musical abilities have grown immensely. Laura continues to write song lyrics and performs wherever she can. After working with Bruce Guthro and opening for Juno Award Winner Jenny Whiteley, Laura was convinced that music would continue to be her lifelong passion. Her captivating stage presence, songwriting abilities beyond her years and an incredible voice has made other artists described her as someone to watch. (www.lauraroy.ca)

So recently, I was able to ask her some questions about her music career and take a look inside the life of a teenage singer/song writer from Nova Scotia :)

Q:When did you first know that you wanted to be in the music industry?.
A:From a very young age I showed a love for music, but it wasn't until this past year that I seriously considered having a career in the music industry.

Q: Did you start singing before playing guitar? Or the other way around?
A: I started singing long before I picked up a guitar! I always tell people that I am a singer first and a guitar player second because I still have a lot more to learn on the guitar. Singing is definitely where I started first.


Q: What/who inspires you when writing songs?
A: I get inspired by a lot of different things. Other musicians inspire me, the relationships I have with people, experiences that I have been through and basically the feeling I get when I have created my own unique song.

Q: Who is your favourite singer?
A: Some of my favorite singers include: Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson.. just to name a few :)

Q: What is your favourite music genre and why?
A: Honestly, I enjoy a variety of different music genres. The genres I listen to the must are Soul, Blues, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, Indie, Acoustic and Folk.

Q: If you could do a duet with anyone in the music industry, who would it be and why?
A: John Mayer. He is so talented and I would love to work with him.

Q: So do you find it hard to balance school with your music career?
A: It can be very challenging to balance school and music. I have a very busy schedule! But I look forward to having more time to dedicate to my music after graduating this year.


Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5-10 years?
A: In 5-10 years I hope to be a very successful musician/business woman. I hope to be making a lot of great music, collaborating with other great musicians and touring around the world. But most important, I plan to be happy and healthy.

Q: How would you describe your live performance?
A: My live performance usually will consist of an intimate venue where I openly talk about my songs and where the inspiration came for each one. I love performing to a crowd that is really engaged and is enjoying my music!

Q: What has been your favourite place to perform at?
A: My favorite place that I have performed at is a small theatre in Wolfville, NS called The Al Whittle Theatre. I love it because it's very intimate and the sound is great!


Q: How would you describe your music style overall?
A: My music style right now I would say is a blend Pop-Folk, Acoustic, Country and Soul

Q: What advice do you have for other teens who want to get into the music industry?
A: My advice is to work hard at it, always be willing to learn and grab on to any opportunity you get!

Q: So, are you excited about your new EP that just came out?!
A: I am very excited about my EP release! The response has been great! It's very cool to finally be able to give people a piece of my music. It’s been a learning experience and a great start to my music career.



Q: Do you find that being from Nova Scotia has helped/influenced you as a musician?
A: Nova Scotia is so rich in music and I am very blessed to have grown up in such an amazing part of Canada. NS, has so many talented musicians and great music festivals, it's hard not to be influenced!

Q: So what’s coming up next for you?
A: I plan to continue writing music, recording, performing and getting my name out there as much as possible. After I graduate in June 2010, I plan to study music arts at NSCC in Dartmouth, NS.

[all photos from www.lauraroy.ca]
Thanks Laura!

Everyone please check out her website! http://www.lauraroy.ca
Support her by buying her new EP! She's an up and comer with a great future ahead of her! :)



-Christinaaa