Perfect Bound Magazine by A Walcott

2011 Issue 3

Perfect Bound

A Dance Movement • Exercise Moves • Smart Shopping • Dining Across the Globe

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the third issue of Perfect Bound Magazine -- highlighting the accomplishments of the Ryerson University community and the community at-large. This issue delves into balanced living. We take a look at the world of dance with vastly opposing styles -- ballet/ contmeporary/jazz versus house where balance of mind and body are essential to proper execution of movement within these artforms. The highlight of putting this issue together was directing and coordinating the dance shoot with two wonderful dancers—Ofilio Portillo and Mitch Sauder. Photographer Clifton Li captured all of the breathtaking stunts and fluidity of motion beautifully with the help of photographic assistant Lubin Tasevski. Gorgeous designs from Chelsea Claridge, Hilary Sampliner, Juliana Carlucci and Ginger Martini grace our first-ever fashion spread. These talented, young designers are all graduates of the Fashion Design program here at Ryerson who are making their mark in the fashion world. Read how Jessica Finch travels to England and uncovers some hidden restaurant delights at three local eateries while Richa Gomes investigates the art of shopping on a tight budget. Once again, our creative space features wonderful photography, poetry and now for the first time, artwork by talented artist Kevin Dean. Thanks to the Continuing Education Student’s Association of Ryerson (CESAR) for their continued support and to the writers, photographers and graphic designer for their contributions. This experience has been a blast!

Angela

Photo by Lubin Tasevski

MASTHEAD Editor-in-chief: Angela Walcott Writers: Jessica Finch, Richa Gomes, Kathy Lawley, Shirley Moore, Christine Peets, Stacey Marie Robinson, Angela Walcott Photographers: Jordan Eady, Jessica Finch, Ziv Kenet, Kelly Kruschel, Andy Lee, Cindy Lai , Clifton Li, Bryce Martine, Jim Peets, Renee Lo, Christopher Muir, Lynsie Roberts, Paul Stark, Lubin Tasevski, Angela Walcott Photos on opposite page clockwise from top left: Graphic Artists: Jonathan Wong, Angela Walcott Mitch Sauder by Clifton Li, New York Skyline by Illustrator: Kevin Dean Jim Peets, Bea’s of Bloomsbury by Cindy Lai, Ofilio Visit us at http://perfectboundfolio.wordpress.com http://perfectboundmag.blogspot.com http://perfectboundmag.webs.com Front and back cover images by Clifton Li

Portillo by Clifton Li

FITNESS

CONTENTS Opinion .....................................................4 Travel ........................................................6 Shopping on a Budget .............................. 10 For the Love of Dance .............................. 12 Fitness .................................................... 14 Fashion & Grad Proﬁle .............................. 18 Creative Space ........................................ 22 Contributor’s Page ................................... 27

TRAVEL

FEATURE

OPINION

Ready, Set,

GROW! T

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANGELA WALCOTT

he city is teaming with sartorial quality – A-lined buildings here, super neat cafes there and one hundred and one tightlypacked condos like a New York City clone. Potholes the size of countries pop up across town and major fault lines appear over night. Welcome to the season of construction – the solution to damaged vehicles and designer boot heels that has the public crying for relief. In years to come, our construction prayers will be answered two-fold not just to keep taxpayers happy, but to improve the city’s overall appearance in preparation for the 2015 Pan American Games. Four years from now, Canadians will not only be competing in the 100 meter dash to the finish line, the city will be sprinting for a chance to shine in the spotlight. The games will see a total of 42 countries from the Caribbean, Central America, South America and North America compete for 16 days. While Toronto lost its bid to host the summer Olympic Games of 2012 to London, England, it managed to snag the Pan Am Games instead. Declared a victory back in November 2009, Toronto won over bidding countries: Colombia and Peru. Not bad for the little city that no one said could. But along with that victory comes the reality that Toronto needs fixing in the form of a facelift. I’ve noticed evidence of little nips and tucks across the city already. Harbourfront is one place that doesn’t need much in the way of revitalization yet there is another condo under construction. But what will people

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really think of this fresh aesthetic? For sure they will see a progressive city -- a modern, upbeat metropolis. And surely they will see that Toronto is a great place to vacation and invest.

Market building which will be undergoing renovations. While some people are balking about the proposed change, others are embracing it. This represents a perfect chance to combine the old architecture with the new.

And so the pressure is on to build the best of everything including sports facilities and state-of-the art venues. Every inch of the city in the next few years will see some form of change. Overall, these renovations of sorts, is a daunting, expensive task which harkens memories of the 1976 spending spree that hampered the Montreal Summer Olympic Games. It was, to say the least, a disaster to the tune of $6 billion. It wasn’t until 2006 that the debt for the Olympic Stadium was finally paid off in full.

After the Pan Am party is over and done with, what next? Will the games generate money to help cover the cost of renovating parts of the city that were not touched and then some? Of course. It will help to boost the tourism economy. Multi-million dollar venues or not, Toronto is still a great place to visit with wonderful attractions and for all that isn’t wrong with the city, there is a heck of a lot that is right. The CN tower had to relinquish its “tallest free-standing structure” crown of glory to Dubai, but it is still a wonder in my eyes. The annual Doors Open event showcases some of Toronto’s finest spots as well.

Included in the arsenal of facelifts and additions, is the long-awaited York University subway line which could see travel time for many students cut in half. What about the existing problem areas of this city, that have been left to fester? Will the unsightly Gardiner Expressway--the albatross--ever see the light of day? What about the pregnant pause that was the Allen’s Expressway? Even mayoral hopeful Rocco Rossi addressed this mega problem during the 2010 election. For years, people have been complaining about the wrinkles that need smoothing. Other property has sat idle for years and neglected structures abound. It is good to know that hosting an athletic event can do wonders for a city’s image. Included in the long list of makeovers is the St. Lawrence

On the list of things that aren’t broke and don’t need to be fixed are Air Canada Centre and the Rogers Centre. What gets people talking about the city is that amazing twodimensional Flatiron building (formerly known as the Gooderham Building) that sits on Front is an absolute draw. St. Lawrence Market, Fort York, the futuristic ROM building, St. Lawrence market, Kensington market, and the financial district on King Street are great places to hang out. Toronto has its pockets of glory, from kitschy Queen Street to the majestic castle on the hill – Casa Loma. These are the things that add character to the city and these are the things that will help to put Toronto in the spotlight -- wrinkles or not. ೂ

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

CHANGES

RYERSON

COMMITMENT

DISCIPLINE

CHANG SCHOOL

As I come down to my last three courses as a student in the Chang School, I realize that I lack nothing. I will still proudly walk away from this experience with a Ryerson diploma, I will be pleased with my increased knowledge in the field of Publishing, and most importantly, I will have been a prime example of just how comprehensive the continuing education program is. Distance education may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a great option for people like me who want the best of both worlds: the knowledge, and the convenience. §

CONTINUING EDUCATION

I initially expected that the work would mainly be independent in nature, but quickly found that class discussion via BlackBoard and teamwork were a necessity. Access to the instructors—even for the smallest and seemingly irrelevant questions—is just a click away, and the materials are always right there to reference and re-reference if necessary. The sharing of external links and websites is also easily accessible amongst the group, which is wonderful.

E D U C A T I O N

I’m satisfied with my academic performance, and haven’t seen any dramatic changes in my personal progress due to the way the materials are delivered. Interaction with my course-mates has been great and perhaps even more personal and convenient with the ease of email and instant messaging…and not having to worry about interrupting the class or going off topic.

While I don’t need to ever physically be at Ryerson, at least once or twice a year I find an excuse to visit the campus. I browse the Publishing and Communications sections of the bookstore—even though I can usually find what I need online—or I go and stand in line to register, even though I can do that with a credit card and a mouse click from home. Last summer I even went to get a student photo ID card … just because. I like to look at the faces of Ryerson students and feel the tangible sense of belonging to the student body. I like to inhale the atmosphere of advancement and social successes, as each student moves through the halls on an academic mission. Even knowing that I’ve been-there-done-that (like ten years ago), I still appreciate the life and energy that exists on the university campus.

CAMPUS JOB

D I P L O M A

Yes, occasionally a deadline or task will pass me by without that human reminder or in-class reference, particularly if I don’t remember to open my Ryerson notebook, or log into the system. There are definitely a few adjustments that need to be made for this style of learning, but it mainly comes down to personal discipline and self-motivation --changing old habits.

So as I continue to pursue my Certificate, I love knowing that I can contribute to a conversation in my current “Business of Book Publishing” course at 2:00am, and still not miss a beat.

P U B L I S H I N G C E R T I F I C A T E

D I S T A N C E

However, eight courses and four years later…I realize that I also enjoy Distance Education, and that I have lacked nothing by taking my classes exclusively online.

After six years of undergraduate and graduate in-class instruction, taking distance education was a natural progression for me. I can continue to explore topics in detail and learn from industry experts, yet I don’t have to commit to a rigid schedule. Like many other distance ed students, physical proximity to the campus and scheduling concerns were my main obstacles: restrictions of a full-time job, a parttime business, and countless other obligations would make the travel, and commitment more difficult than I’d prefer.

UNDERGRAD

I am three courses away from completing my Publishing Certificate, and often wonder: what would it be like to attend classes and be active on campus again? With great fondness, I enjoyed listening to my professors speak because I inevitably gained another layer of understanding through their live presentations. A part of me misses the lecturehall camaraderie of interacting with my classmates. I would like to witness the changing face of Ryerson and be there to feel the ongoing development and growth.

UNIVERSITY

And even the best lecturers, the most exciting content, advanced visual aids, and plush comfortable seating, can’t take away from the fact that sometimes there is just simply not enough time or energy to learn in the traditional classroom environment.

The freedom to learn independently and at my own pace is a highlight. While interaction is encouraged, and deadlines are strictly enforced…there is still a comfortable way to read, contribute, complete assignments, and research within the confines of the broader class schedule. With the outline for each module given at the beginning of the semester, it is easy to plan in advance how many hours will be required to finish each component, log in to the system to connect with the group, and how this can all fit into the bigger picture: my life.

FREEDOM

ack in undergrad, I remember there were days when the physical act of going to class would seem ridiculously daunting. Getting up. Getting dressed. Sitting in a hard seat, balancing a notebook on a miniscule sliver of fold-away desk, and hoping to stay alert for the duration of the lesson.

KNOWLEDGE

BY STACEY MARIE ROBINSON

S T U D E N T PHOTO ID

C O N N E C T

DISTANCE

B L AC K B O A R D

EXPERIENCE

GOING THE

OPINION

PERFECT BOUND | 5

TRAVEL

STORY AND PHOTO BY JESSICA FINCH

Photo by Renee Lo

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isiting London for a short or even extended holiday can be an expensive venture, but living in the city is a whole different story. Students in London can expect to pay anywhere from £300 to 400 a month, not including rent, making prices for Ryerson Exchange students, like myself, astronomical. Life in London is costly, but enjoyable as there is never a dull moment in the city centre. One way to experience London properly is through food, and despite what may be suggested about the quality of UK cuisine, the British still have a lot to offer. Whether sampling traditional Brit fare or indulging in something a little different, food is a large part of the exchange experience, and London has plenty of food. To begin, breakfasts in London can range from greasy sausage and egg dishes to experimental fusion cuisine. Depending on what you fancy, there’s literally a place and meal for everyone. For big breakfasts or small, one of the best places to start your day is Modern Pantry. Located in St. John’s Square in Clerkenwell, Modern Pantry is exactly what its name suggests, a café/restaurant with modern dishes and a cozy, at-home feel. The restaurant is owned and run by exCanadian and award winning chef Anna Hansen, who has put her love of international cuisine into every exquisite dish. As Modern Pantry Duty Manager, John Hurley, explains, chef Hansen’s culinary choices are inspired by her travels; “The poached tamarillo with Greek yogurt is inspired by [Anna’s time in] New Zealand while her signature dish the sugar cured prawn omelette with smoked chilli sambal [comes from] her travels in South East Asia.” Aside from the more exotic menu choices there are also traditional breakfast items, including tea, toast and oatmeal. Actually, the Pantry’s oatmeal is an experience in itself, which may sound odd considering the blandness of this dish, but the creamy oats with muscavado sugar transform the formerly dull into filling and sensational. For those on a tight budget, Modern Pantry may not be the best choice as a main meal with a drink can range between £12 to 20, depending on the order. Smaller treats, like an almond croissant with cappuccino won’t break the bank, but for the truly extraordinary patrons will have to dig a little deeper. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and chef Hansen offers cooking lessons for those interested in adding a kick to their homemade meals. No trip to London would be complete without

BREAKFAST @

modern PANTRY •

Grated apple, honey, roasted nuts and yoghurt (Above), Smoked Salmon on an English muffin with Hollandaise Sauce(Below).

•

PHOTOS BY RENEE LO

afternoon tea, and at Bea’s of Bloomsbury the Darjeeling is exceptionally fine. Bea’s is a quaint London café near St. Paul’s Cathedral (another is located in Bloomsbury near Russell Square) that specializes in 10 types of JING tea and delicious pastries. The full afternoon tea offers a twist on the traditional and includes a tiered tray of mini sandwiches, blondies — that’s white chocolate brownies —meringues, a single pot of tea, and a Bea’s signature cupcake. Loaded with creamy icing and colorful toppings, Bea’s cupcakes famously bring afternoon tea to new heights. “Bea’s […] cupcakes are bestsellers [with the] Red Velvets—cocoa and vanilla sponge with cream cheese topping—sell[ing] out on a daily basis,” says Marketing and Events Manager, Elizabeth Davies. Mix the cupcakes with Jasmine tea, a personal favorite, and the afternoon is made.

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At £15, the full tea may seem a tad extravagant, but the treats can be easily shared by two, making it an ideal choice for couples. Bea’s cafe near Russell Square is considerably smaller and fills up fast. Be prepared at either location as afternoon tea is popular on weekends. If you can’t reserve seats in advance, weekdays are a safer bet. at the St. Paul’s location A day in London is best capped off by a visit to the pub. A fine British staple, the pub is a bar/restaurant serving beers and hearty meals, often with chips— that’s fries. For a great night out try The Lexington, an alternative pub in King’s Cross with live music events, DJ nights and themed paries. while The Lexington may be better known for its music, the pub on the main floors shouldn’t be overlooked. With juicy burgers, fajitas, popular beers like Kronenbourg, and traditional fish and chips, The Lexington offers great pub taste for those on a budget. Weekday meals including delicious chargrilled chicken burgers, soups, salads and even squid for the slightly more adventurous range between £3 to 10. Food aside, Lexington’s décor is worth a visit as the combination of British and American themes gives the space and eclectic time-warped fee. Walls adorned by dark, old English floral patterns are contrasted by cowskulls and heavy chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. Meanwhile, the furniture is equally unique, as an assortment of tables and too comfy plush chairs clutter the pub. The Lexington has hosted performances by up-and-coming indie bands as well as big acts like Natalie Imbruglia, and continues to book bands from Britain and abroad. Fridays are Whit Light nights featuring a set of bands playing rock, pop and anything they fancy for £6.50 (in advance). While Sunday is the day of rest, heavy partiers get a chance to relax in the Hangover Lounge where groovy mixes set the scene for an idle lunch and cocktail; chilling is free and lunch is always under £12. No matter what, a trip to London will end up stretching your pocket book, so why not save up and visit one or maybe even all three of these great venues on your next visit to the city! But check out menus and booking info first.

Modern Pantry:

http://www.themodernpantry.co.uk/

Bea’s of Bloomsbury:

http://www.beasofbloomsbury.com/ONC/

The Lexington

http://www.thelexington.co.uk/ Cheers! Cupcakes at Beas of Bloomsbury, Photo by Renee Lo

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the PERFECT place to stay PHOTOS BY JIM PEETS

STORY BY CHRISTINE PEETS

taying in a boutique hotel in New York City may seem extravagant but when you include the complimentary amenities at the HKHotels it’s a bargain. From Central Park to the Empire State building, Times Square to Rockefeller Center, the hotels belonging to this group have midtown Manhattan covered. These intimate surroundings will leave you feeling like royalty, and you’ll be treated that way too. Each staff member in the hotel has been carefully selected and trained to be a professional hotelier. Their friendly camaraderie is infectious. Each hotel is unique in its décor and ambiance. The Library Hotel, with its collection of more than 6,000 books, is a must for bibliophiles. The Reading Room, Poetry Garden and Writer’s Den are perfect for relaxing when you need a break from sight-seeing and shopping. The main branch of the New York City Public Library is minutes away on Library Way (41st Street) and Bryant Park is close by. The Hotel Elysée is perfect for longer stays. It used to be an apartment-hotel for the rich and famous with the Monkey Bar restaurant having welcomed many actors and writers. Its old-world style blends well with today’s world. Central Park, shopping, dining, the wondrous Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are just minutes away.

Empire State Building, or Macy’s Herald Square.

The luxury amenities at all hotels include: • • • • • •

European-style buffet breakfasts Tea, international coffees, fruit, and cookies available all day Evening wine and cheese receptions New York Sports Club passes High-speed internet access In-room complimentary bottled water, safes, and radios with iPod docks.

The Casablanca is a quiet oasis close to Times Square, that transports you back to Morocco; at Rick’s Café you’ll almost feel those desert breezes.

You almost won’t want to leave your hotel—but of course you will --it’s New York City!

The Hotel Giraffe is the place to be seen with its open-concept lobby/lounge. When you’re ready to go out, hop on the subway or in a cab to SoHo or Greenwich Village. A short walk gets you to the

Christine Peets is a freelance writer who loves to travel—and write about her travels. Visit her website, www.CaptionsCommunications.ca and her blog, “With Humour and Hope—The Only Way to Live.” http://christinepeets.wordpress.com PERFECT BOUND | 9

NUTRITION

DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR

SMART SHOPPING MEASURES

By Richa Gomes Photos by Angela Walcott

If there is one thing the recession has taught each of us, it’s how to be a smart shopper. With the rising cost of living coupled with hiring and salary freezes, purchasing essentials, such as food, is becoming a luxury. And the increased pressure to eating healthy only deepens the burden of grocery shopping in an unstable economic climate. To investigate the complexities of buying groceries in tough times, Richa Gomes decided to visit two main supermarkets—Longo’s and Metro because of their proximity to heavily populated parts of the city of Toronto. She compared costs, value for money and the feasibility of making healthy choices with a single week’s budget of $40. To test the challenge even further, Gomes applied this experiment to three different scenarios: a single person, a couple and a family of four. She was curious to see how far she could stretch a dollar in order to purchase a week’s worth of groceries for three meals a day. Here are her findings.

RICHA’S EXPERIMENT: Before visiting the supermarkets, I created a list for each major meal—breakfast, lunch and dinner. I wanted to see where items might overlap, so buying larger quantities (i.e. eggs and rice) would be more beneficial and budget-friendly. I also kept in mind Health Canada’s recommended daily food servings. For a single person, the budget worked fairly well. This scenario included the healthiest options for each meal. A single person can afford to buy foods from each category of recommended servings. The trick to make the small budget work is to keep each meal generally the same every day. This can ensure, at the very least, one healthy option each meal, regardless of quantity, and allows you to stretch your dollar by making full use of those dozen eggs.

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With the couple scenario, my findings show their results fall somewhere in between a single person’s and a family of four’s in terms of the ability to make healthy choices while still being able to purchase sufficient food for both individuals for an entire week. Once again, a couple could purchase recommended foods, but a little more sparingly than a single person might. Adding another person’s needs to the grocery list means cutting back on healthier options because the quantity becomes insufficient. This means you might have to opt for a store brand whole wheat loaf as opposed to the brand name whole grain loaf to balance the cost, while not completely sacrificing the benefits of grains. Of the three scenarios, the family of four proved most challenging. The $40 budget was sufficient for two adults and two children; however, the meals don’t offer the best health benefits (I had to include mac and cheese). Nevertheless, a family of four can purchase a week’s worth of groceries and have their basic three meals, if they shop smart and spend time comparing costs and value. For example, I found opting for canned fruit and vegetable items over fresh ones still allows individuals to get their recommended daily servings for a lower monetary cost (while still maintaining high level taste). It was challenging to make sure each scenario met the recommended daily food servings. Financial situations and the rising cost of food prevent consumers from making healthy food choices. Therefore, the bottom line of grocery shopping on a budget, is to make sure that you have three meals everyday—especially meals that are nutritious. *

SINGLE PERSON ($40)

Forty Dollar Finds

(Below) Longoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supermarket | (Right) Metro

SINGLE PERSON ($40)

Country Harvest Whole Grain Bread

$3.39

Burnbrae Farms Large White Eggs (Dozen)

$2.29

Selection Brown Rice (907g)

$1.99 x 3

$5.97

Selection Grain Bars (8 bars)

$2.79

5 Chicken Drumsticks

$4.35

Country Harvest Whole Grain Bread

$2.99

Bananas (5)

Gray Ridge Large White Eggs (Dozen)

$2.19

Cucumber (2)

$3.00

$5.97

Irresistibles Six-bean Mix

$0.99

Western Family Long Grain Brown Rice (907g)

$1.99 x 3

$0.79/lb

Nutri Grain (8 bars)

$3.49

Selection Tuna

Avocados (4)

$5.00

Selection Raw Almonds (350g)

$4.99

$1.98

Fresh Spinach

$1.79

$3.56

Astro 12-pack Yogurt (reg. $6.49)

$4.29

Western Family Six-bean Mix

$0.89

Selection Mixed Veggies 284mL (reg. $0.89)

$0.69

5 Chicken Breasts

$12.94

Western Family Skipjack Flaked Light Tuna

$0.99

Kiwis (3-pack) Western Family Mixed Veggies (398mL)

$0.99 x 2 $0.89 x 4

$40.00

COUPLE ($40)

COUPLE ($40) Equality Whole Wheat Bread

$2.19

Burnbrae Farms Large White Eggs (dozen) $1.99

Selection Brown Rice (907g)

Gray Ridge Large White Eggs (dozen)

$2.19

Selection Grain Bars (8 bars)

$5.97

$1.99 x 3

$3.96

$39.72

Wonder Bread (on sale, reg. $2.79)

Western Family Long Grain Brown Rice (907g)

$0.99 x 4

$1.22

$2.29 $1.99 x 3

$5.97

10 Chicken Drumsticks

$4.35 x 2

$8.70

$0.79/lb

$2.44

Nutri Grain (8 bars)

$3.49

Bananas (10)

Avocados (4)

$5.00

Cucumber (2)

$2.79

$3.00

Kiwis (3-pack)

$0.99 x 2

$1.98

Irresistibles Six-bean Mix

$0.99 x 2

$1.98

Western Family Mixed Veggies (398mL)

$0.89 x 5

$4.45

Selection Tuna

$0.99 x 2

$1.98

Western Family Skipjack Flaked Light Tuna

$0.99

Astro 12-pack Yogurt (reg. $6.49)

Western Family Soda Crackers (450g)

$1.99

Habitant Soup (MSG) (796mL)

$1.99 x 2

12 Chicken Drumsticks

$3.98 $7.46 $39.49

FAMILY OF FOUR ($40) Wonder Bread (on sale)

$1.99 x 2

$3.98

Gray Ridge Large White Eggs (dozen)

$2.19 x 2

$4.38

Western Family Corn Flakes (750g)

$2.49

Nutri Grain (8 bars)

$3.49

Dare Real Fruit Minis (6-pack, reg. $2.99)

$2.49

Beatric 1% Milk (4 pouches)

$4.19

Pack of Oranges Western Family Mixed Veggies (398mL)

$0.89 x 6

12 Chicken Drumsticks Western Family Mac & Cheese (4 servings)

$0.69 x 3

Selection Mixed Veggies (284mL, reg.$0.89)

$4.29 $0.69 x 3

Popi Packaged Spinach (171g)

$2.07 $1.69 $39.39

FAMILY OF FOUR ($40) Equality White Bread

$1.99 x 2

$3.98

$2.29 x 2

$4.58

$4.35 x 2

$8.70

Selection Corn Flakes (750g) Burnbrae Farms Large White Eggs (dozen)

$3.29

Selection Grain Bars (8 bars) 10 Chicken Drumsticks

$2.79

Selection Mac & Cheese

$0.79 x 3

$1.58

Selection White Pasta

$1.49 x 2

$2.98

$3.99

Selection Mixed Veggies (284mL, reg.$0.89)

$0.69 x 3

$2.07

$5.34

Bananas (20)

$0.79/lb

$4.88

$7.46

Selection Tuna

$0.99 x 2

$1.98

$2.07

Cucumber (2)

$39.88

$3.00 $39.83

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FOR

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the

LOVE of

Dance

FEATURE

Former ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada’ contestant, talks about his passion for dancing. BY ANGELA WALCOTT

ip-hop dancer Ofilio Portillo is participating in a dance-off experiment. His opponent is classically trained ballet, jazz and contemporary dancer Mitch Sauder. Some skeptics might say that it is impossible to have two dancers with completely different dance styles and techniques, share the same space. But is it? Apparently not. The two assess the situation, each other and get a general feel for the music -- the rest is pure magic. Sauder and Portillo are each in their own worlds yet sharing each movement equally. These are two opposites who have managed to form a dialogue of movement brought together by two simple elements--the shared tunes of urban artist Empire ISIS and a love for dance. There is an elegance to his street dancing. Portillo has honed his skills by attending various dance workshops and master classes with well-known dancers like Luther Brown. Born in El Salvador and raised in Montreal, Portillo started street dancing when he was 18 years old. He jumps; bops; twists and turns with exacting power, while Mitch Sauder illustrates his movements with careful precision. Arm extensions; body contortions and tip-toe balances are Mitch Sauder’s contemporary dance offerings. Whether you dance with attitude like Portillo or glide with elegance like first year Ryerson dance student Mitch Sauder, this is what it is all about – expression. Portillo loves house dancing but when he moved from Montreal to Toronto, there was very little in the way of street dancing classes that were being

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLIFTON LI

offered. He saw the existing gap in the market and he leapt at the chance with dance partner Apolonia Velasquez. Sharing a common dance background, the two started Gadfly, with a desire to promote street dancing as an art form. Portillo wasn’t the least bit nervous about starting his own company because it was part of a natural progression for him. “Everyone wanted to build something and bring street dancing to the same level as ballet,” he says. “People think that street dancing is only about breakdancing and spinning on their heads,” says Portillo who used to take weekend bus trips to New York where he would attend mini conferences known as dance battles. He trained and was exposed to some of the best that the dance world had to offer. Portillo also learned the proper foundations of dance and today he specializes in hip-hop and break dancing. Portillo has appeared in Sean Desmond’s video Shiver and even worked with Tre Anthony on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, as an assistant dance choreographer. He believes the popularity of dance reality shows isn’t a new thing. “Dance has always been big; things go in cycles.” He cites Fred Astaire and the Nicholas Brothers as examples. “Street dancing is big now because it is appealing to see what can be done with the human body.” Two people that served as his biggest inspirations are Brian Green (who has trained in tap and ballet) and Shannon Mambra. Recently Ofilio Portillo has been focusing on business classes at Ryerson. It helped him when he wanted to run his own company, by understanding how to

make sound business decisions. On that note, Portillo continues to reinvent himself. “As soon as you stop learning, you stop growing,” he admits. Courses in film, photography and the culinary arts have continued his growth process. “I’m a better cook now than I used to be,” he says jokingly. For those who have never taken a dance class and want to start, Portillo says it really depends on your personality. “Hip hop is about selfexpression and being creative. It isn’t about the number of dance classes you take before you catch on, it depends on the individual. Street dancing is about the music; understanding the music while crumping represents a different energy. Generally, street dancing is about the feel. “It requires personality; the need to be graceful and elegant,” says Portillo. “Like African dancing you have to feel the music.” Portillo believes that dance can improve relationships, something he saw firsthand while in Japan when 15-50 year olds; people of all ages, were sharing through dance. “People became more confident and energetic because of dance” Despite an injury, Portillo pushes on with gusto. He strikes a pose and spins effortlessly. For him, training is rewarding even if a 10-30 hour a week training spurt while preparing for a show can be gruelling on the body. Portillo is the perfect example of what it takes to be a good dancer. He’s dedicated, hard-working and most of all he does it because he loves to dance. ∞∞

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FITNESS

House 101 -- With Oﬁlio

Photos by Clifton Li

House dancing incorporates moves from jazz, salsa and beebop with skating, stomping and shuffling substyles. House dancers often compete in “dance battles” to exchange dance moves and refelect on the dance form. House has progressed from the streets, to clubs into dance studios and on popular dance shows like So You Think Can Dance Canada where it has taken centre stage. Here are some simple house moves that will have you moving to the beat in no time.

Step 1 Lift the heel of your left foot off the ground. Bend elbow of opposite arm across body.

Shift weight to opposite leg (lift right heel). Place right toes on floor and cross your left arm in front of your body).

Place right foot behind.

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House 101 --

with OďŹ lio

Step 2

Stand with your feet apart; cross left foot behind right. Push onto your left leg with arms at your sides and knees bent.

Push left leg behind right again. Remember to keep knees slighly bent.

Shift weight to left leg. and raise your heel off of the ground

Kick right foot behind and into the air. Lean forward slightly.

Extend arms out to the side.

Place right foot on the floor and cross the opposite arm in front. Repeat from the beginning

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FITNESS

Step by Step Dance

by Angela Walcott Photos by Clifton Li

Dancing since he was 11, Mitch Sauder is a graduate of George Brown Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance program. He is currently studying dance at Ryerson. He is a Sapphire Dance Productions Company member who specializes in Contemporary, ballet, jazz and modern dance. His credits include DJD Calgary and Microsoft to name a few. Apart from dancing, Mitch has also modeled during the LG Fashion Week. This experienced dancer has spent the past 5 years teaching everywhere from Calgary to Toronto and many places in between. Here, Mitch shows Perfect Bound readers some basic ballet moves. â&#x2030;&#x2C6;

Tendu - Front, Side and Back This warm up exercise is great for strengthening the thighs, and feet. It tones and limbers the legs too, giving more definition.

Slide foot along floor out to side. Keep leg straight and point toes Shift weight to other leg

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Stand with one foot in front (5th position). Turn feet out; open arm out to the side.

Slide foot along the floor and point toes while lifting heel.

Pull foot along floor towards back leg; returning to starting position.

Place foot behind leg and lower arm.

Raise arm in front and point leg behind you, lifting heel off the ground.

Return to starting position and lower arm.

PliĂŠ

This is an excellent warm up exercise and a great upper body workout, that engages the core muscles.

With heels touching and toes pointing outward, hold onto the wall; place arm out to your sides.

Grand PliĂŠ

Bend knees and lower arm. Keep back as straight as possible

Place arm in front and lower head slightly.

Straighten legs, lift arm in front of body. Repeat 10 times.

This exercise is great for toning muscles, improving posture, balance, coordination and control.

Start with arm raised out to the side.

Lift arm and bend knees. Flex your wrist. Follow your hand movementswith your eyes.

Place heels on the ground and arms in front.

Return to starting position. Repeat 15 times.

Bend knees until heels come off the ground. Lower arm even more.

Bend down all the way, keeping back straight.

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GRAD PROFILE/FASHION

Ruth Weil Photos by Lynsie Roberts

Hilary Sampliner named the Ruth Weil collection after her late grandmother who passed away before Hilary was born. She discovered her grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs in an old sewing basket and identified with her sketches. The brand is dedicated to innovative, well-tailored designs. â&#x2C6;&#x17E; 18 | PERFECT BOUND

C h e l s e a

Photos by Jordan Eady

C l a r i d g e Canadian-born Chelsea Claridge grew up on the west coast where she found her love for all things fashion at a very young age. She mastered her design skills while studying in Toronto and since then has been working in the industry as a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear designer. â&#x2C6;&#x201A;

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GRAD PROFILE/FASHION

Juliana Carlucci

Photo by Ziv Kenet

Canadian-born designer, Juliana Carlucci, is a graduate of Ryerson’s Fashion Design program. Her collections are practical, elegant and sophisticated. Juliana’s interest in fashion began at an early age and her love of dressing up in party dresses coupled with her creativity in styling led to designing eveningwear. Her garments have a very romantic feel with tiers, rufﬂes and soft draping. CARLUCCI’s design inspiration comes from old Hollywood. As a new designer, her wish includes branching out with CARLUCCI boutiques on an international scale. ╗

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Photos by Bryce Martine

photos by Bryce Martine

Vancouver Fashion Week 2010 Ragdoll Collection

ginger martini

Photos by Kelly Kruschel

esigner Ginger Martini is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Fashion Design Program. Ideas are everywhere. A ragdoll collection as a kid and a song popularized by rock group Aerosmith, served as a source of inspiration for one of her collections. For her, “The idea evolves along the way and the process leads to a design that leads to draping and sewing which eventually ends up being part of a fashion show.” Martini started in make-up design after graduating from George Brown College in 2007. “It’s a completely different world.” When working on movies, costume design involves talking with the director and actors to get a sense of what/who the character is—a collaborative effort. She started out as a technical designer first and subsequently thought of how she could branch out. (saw postings on Craigslist) worked out in movies. She has participated in Vancouver Fashion Week and worked on the Ryerson fashion design event, Mass Exodus, as a competitor and now as a judge. Ginger Martini doesn’t believe in doing trend forecasting. She says that it is good to follow trends but she believes more in following what is fun and exciting. She doesn’t wear jeans but she likes color and different textures. Over time, she began to move away from faux furs. Martini has another line of clothing where each outfit represents the key to something--the key to hear happiness, mind, and health. Jewellery, such as a necklace, is an emblematic key too. Sometimes inspiration comes from fabric or a song or even a photo shoot where she will be busily jotting down ideas. “Poodle skirts for the next collection are cute and fun,” she says. Three things which Martini believes in are:

Inset: Ginger Martini

Right: One of Ginger Martini’s costume design.

Photo by Christopher Muir

Fashion is your own--it’s what you make of it; style is not something you can dictate to people; and clothing represents you. But most importantly she says: “People are hung up on fashion; throw something good together – don’t be a slave to fashion.” ∞

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CREATIVE SPACE

“Bridge” by Paul Stark

“After the Rain - part 1” by Paul Stark

“Slivnica Monastery” by Chris Atanasovski

`The Light`

by Angela Walcott

“Stand Alone” by Chris Atanasovski “Jewelled Web”

by Angela Walcott

“Rooftops” by Chris Atanasovski

“After the Rain-part 2 “ by Paul Stark

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`The Old City`

by Angela Walcott

CREATIVE SPACE

`The Need to Speed”

by Angela Walcott

Artwork by Kevin Dean

“The Last Stand”

by Kevin Dean

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CREATIVE SPACE All Photos by Andy Lee

“Flying Home”

“Millenium Fountain”

“Reptile”

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“Navy Pier”

Connection rejection A side-long glance A wasted look A flip of hair Flash of leg A harder look Longer stare One leg up A click and tsk A second stare Hand on hip Tongue on lip An eye not caught Another quarry A flip Glance Look Leg Stare Lick Repeat A lesser quarry Drunker Drunken Drunk Stir and repeat Another order maybe Leg Flip Lick Stare Stare Smile A cock of a brow A half smile Toss of hair -Shirley Moore

New Sounds

CREATIVE SPACE

By: Karen Lawley The shuffling of feet unsteady as they pass. The sliding of slippers as feet peddle wheelchairs The babbling of those who keep themselves company The loud voices of staff as they instruct the near deaf. The noise of wheeled carts in the halls. The busy staff rushing to complete their chores. The devastating blow when they respond, no time to talk. The squeak of the door and unfamiliar footsteps in the night The distant coughs of the ill The noise of the stillness when you feel alone Yes, this is my new home. The nursing home.

Beauty with a Purpose by Shirley Moore This is what I’ve won. Beauty with a Purpose. Sly silver full-length number (it’s really a gown, not a number) Chalk skin and dewed lips A stride worthy of self-conﬁdence I believe my strength is the ability to pursue my dreams to encourage people to be friendly to one another. I wish for poverty to end. I wish for peace. I look okay in a bathing suit, but Not perfect. I have a few dark moles. The judges see me as a person though Appreciate what I have to offer. (My spine is a pole, a pole, a straight pole. My smile hurts. I persevere.) My talent: baton twirling while singing the national anthem and raising money for the food bank. For what good is there beauty with no purpose? PERFECT BOUND | 25

FILM

Lights, Camera, Action. Looking through the Lens

Paul Stark in striped shirt picutured with the cast and crew of Gas Station.

BY ANGELA WALCOTT Photos by paul stark

aul Stark figured it out in high school. He wanted to make films. After graduating from Wilfred Laurier University with a B.A. in Business, he decided to take that leap. With a few film courses from Ryerson University’s Chang School under his belt, he made the short film called Gas Station. It is a story of mishaps that ensue after a man fills his tank at the gas station only to discover that he has forgotten his wallet at home. Stark draws a lot from real-life experiences and admits he almost had a “Gas Station” moment himself. Stark followed that up with another short called Time Management. Both films have won awards and he says the key to filmmaking is preparation. The creative process is so vast. “Two people can have a different way of shooting the same scene.” The secret to filmmaking is that, “You want to have a vision of how a scene should unfold,” says Stark, president of Stark Productions. When Stark is writing a script, he has an idea of what he wants and how he wants to shoot it mapped out in his mind. Stark’s other passion is photography and apart from a few basic photography courses in university, he is self-taught. He combines his photographic skills with film-making and believes that the still shot has an ability to tell a story that is just as compelling as a moving image. Photography and shooting a film are deeply related. “Composing still shots involves composition and the same lighting that applies to photography also applies to film,” says Stark. “In film, there is a new dimension of the subject as it moves out of the light and into the light.” As for his next project, Paul Stark has just finished filming two shorts. One is the documentary called the Pope’s Plea, which is based on a true WWI event (using archival footage). The second drama, The Other Girl, is about a couple on a date. Problems arise when the date sees a few text messages, becomes suspicious and starts snooping. And from there, the story unfolds.

Top Left: Paul Stark directing on the set of Gas Station. Middle:and Bottom::Some Photos taken by Paul Stark.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Jonathan Wong has just completed his

second year as a full-time undergraduate student in Ryerson University’s Graphic Communications Management program and hopes to graduate with a Bachelor of Technology in two years. He is also currently pursuing a Certificate in Magazine and Web Publishing, on top of his regular course load.

Jessica Finch is currently studying Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University. Prior to Ryerson, she studied at Vancouver Film School where she graduated with honours in 2008. In Toronto, she has worked as a set designer on a number of short films and music videos and she has produced several student projects. Jessica is a recurrent writer for Perfect Bound Magazine and also contributes to Ryerson Free Press and SignalTV. net.

Evolution; Transcending thought and mind. This is a question Kevin Dean ponders, a matter he is eager to figure out. Kevin Anthony Dean, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba was always fascinated with telling stories. From a young age he knew how to captivate an audience with his words, often spinning tales at the playground for hours on end. Later in life his passion evolved into a love of the fine arts. He attended George Brown College Graphic Design Program, while painting and selling his works in his spare time. Kevin’s thoughts on creativity: “Things have been interesting as of late, there is an atmosphere of enlightenment. I understand natural progression but this time it’s different. There is a lot we can take from our past to secure a promising future. I just want to be around to paint it”.

**Cindy Lai is a fashion retail student at Hong Kong Polytechnique University and she enjoys photography as a passtime.

Coming from an engineering background with no art experience, Clifton Li is an emerging award-winning photographer. Currently studying at Ryerson University’s School of Image Arts in its Photography option, in his third year, Clifton has been photographing both inside and outside the classroom for over three years. Recently, Clifton has been a semi-finalist in the Hasselblad Masters, and has received the Applied Arts Magazine’s Student Award, gaining recognition for the quality and wide exposure of his work. Clifton has also been a CAPIC Rodeo Award winner for two years running.

Stacey Marie Robinson is enrolled in Ryerson’s Publishing Program; teaches piano through her business Robinson Music & Urban Books, co-produces a monthly urban artist showcase FYI (Follow Your Instinct), with her team Linkage Movement, Inc and owns Kya Publishing. Her novel collection, the Urban Toronto Tales, has allowed her to carve out a unique position as the literary voice of urban Canadians. Her stories represent universal tales of relationships and the individual journey towards self-understanding. Stacey hopes her novels will help to facilitate discussion and critical thinking amongst Canadian youth about the choices they make every day. Stacey’s love for Canadian urban arts and culture keeps her on the pulse of Toronto: striving to maintain balance by focusing on her ongoing goal to document and celebrate the contemporary urban culture. “Eventually even the smallest actions and efforts eventually contribute to the bigger vision.”

Christine Peets is a freelance writer and writing instructor. Her work has been published in consumer and trade publications, academic journals and on websites; like hers www.CaptionsCommunications.ca. She and husband Jim love to travel, and his photos make their trips that much more memorable. Jim’s photos can be seen on Christine’s blog, “With Humour and Hope: The Only Way to Live” (http://christinepeets.wordpress.com)

Lubin Tasevski is a talented photographer based in Toronto. His interest in photography grew from his time at Canon. Canada and he has worked with many talented creative people over the years. Visit http://www.lubintasevski.com to see some of his work. After retiring, Karen Lawley moved to Napanee, Ontario. She spendss her time painting, writing, gardening and enjoying life.Expressing me on paper, canvas or landscape is my passion. I concentrate most of my spare time with my aging mom in a nursing home who inspires my writing.

Shirley Moore lives in Toronto with **Renee Lo is an exchange student from Hong Kong studying for one semester at the University of Westminster in London. Majoring in fashion marchandising at Hong Kong Polytechnique University, she hopes to work in fashion retail. Photography is a dedicated hobby of hers.

her husband and their young twins. She says it’s tough to find balance in her life with all the running around, but she strives to treat those things that mean most to her - liker her family, friends and writing - as the priorities. Those things that aren’t as important, take a back seat. **contributors not pictured

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