Blaize Dance & Fitness April 2016

Dance & Fitness

April 2016 Nina Gleyzer’s Exclusive Interview Her New Collection at New York Fashion Week

The Business of Beauty Discovering Your Potential with CrossFit Potentia Greenville, SC

Tampa City Ballet II “Young Ambassadors of Dance”

Balancing Act “Living with Bipolar Disorder”

By Lawanda Ford-Johnson, PsyD

TAMPA CITY

Y BALLET II

Contents

Articles 34 Do You Flaminco?

74 LEGENDS Mikhail Baryshnikov

104 Fashion Addict With Carol Burgan

108 Nita’s Tips Candybox Colors, LLC

140 Choose Happiness By, Jovette Muniz

144 Simple Summer Salads!

Model Isla Marie

Model Isla Marie

Features 20

Discovering Your Potential with CrossFit Potentia

98

Exclusive: Nina Gleyzer “Fashion that Transcends Time” See her new collection!

Act “Living with 130 Balancing Bipolar Disorder”

38

114

Tampa City Ballet II

The Business of Beauty

Editors Notes The Power of Number 1 People’s dreams and ideas have now manifest into realty on our pages, as stories of entrepreneurship, charity, creativity, and hope has thankfully found its way into very unique articles.

So happy first anniversary to us and we sure look forward to many, many more publications. Having said that, readers we could not have kept going without you! So keep subscribing, sharing via Twitter, Facebook Tumbler and the other digital streams.

Know that your support has helped us reach this milestone.

I always look for symbolism in life as there is nothing that is happenstance. So I did a little research regarding the number 1 (one) and its symbolic meaning. As you would imagine, there were numerous definitions.

However, it was this one that caught my eye and it said; “Strong, determined, unwavering and with specific goals in mind, the 1 can turn dreams and ideas into reality.” This sums it up for our magazine as I reflect back on how our vision, (my husband and I) manifested into reality. Our desire was to create a magazine that talked about both dance and fitness while featuring other topics that would encourage and inspire the reader. To date, Blaize Dance & Fitness Magazine has done just that and we thank our contributors, writers and editors for bringing us to this point. Our articles are filled with strong determined individuals whose stories are about unwavering faith that lead them to accomplishing awesome goals!

This issue does not disappoint as we are thrilled to have Nina Gleyzer, Award-winning Couture Designer, sit down for an exclusive interview with us. Please read Nina Gleyzer, “Fashion That Transcends Time” .You will enjoy her words of wisdom and images of her new collection that was featured in New YorkStyle Fashion Week 2016. Our cover story is one that is dear to my heart as we are able to showcase up and coming dancers of Tampa City Ballet II, “Young Ambassadors of Dance”. If you want to be inspired by a new generation of talented artist, this is a must read. Do you or someone you love suffer from Bipolar Disorder? Clinical Phycologist, Dr. Lawanda Ford-Johnson tackles this often misunderstood and misdiagnosed illness in Balancing Act: “Living with Bipolar Disorder”. If you need suggestions regarding a different type of workout experience, read Discovering Your Potential with CrossFit. Just like our motto says; Dance, fitness and much, much more.

What’s the much more? Scroll through and see!

Cheers to your health, Constance Blaize-Shorter, EIC

http://www.acda.dance 2016 National College Dance Festival: June 8-11, 2016 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and The George Washington University Washington, DC

Gala performances at the Kennedy Center: June 9, 10 and 11 For more information, visit the 2016 National College Dance Festival website https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1798129

Complimentary Photo- Tony and Philiece Mills

Contributors EDITOR IN-CHIEF

Constance Blaize-Shorter

Special Thanks Lacey B. Smith www.thefashionmovement.com

FOUNDERS Constance Blaize-Shorter

Linda Miles Adams, Executive Director

Joseph W. Shorter III

www.tampacityballet.org

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Paula Nunez, Artistic Director

Joseph W. Shorter III

www.tampacityballet.org Krystal Lofton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Constance Blaize-Shorter Joseph W. Shorter III Dr. Lawanda Ford-Johnson Jovette Muniz Melina Pagoulatos Nita Mandal

www.mysafiyak.com Carol Burgan Fashion Addict www.realtechniquies.com Nita Mandal Candybox Colors, LLC

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Laura H. Shorter

Ashlee Small

Miquiel Banks

Lovelee Looks, LLC

Vanessa Shorter Launchland Samuel Sylvia Omard Esquire

Photo Acknowledgments

Ann Thomas

Jim McCulloch of www.JMac-Photography.com

Janet Samuel Photographer COVER PHOTO

Sergii Lakhno Photography, Clearwater, FL

Wardrobe: Some clothes and shoes/ON YOUR TOES Dancewear

Tyrone P. Tortusa

Bloch, Body Wrappers, Capezio, So Danca Hair and Makeup/ Dancers On location at Tampa City Ballet II (15365 Amberly Drive Tampa, FL 33647) Photography / Ssergii Lakhno, Clearwater, FL

tyronetortusaphotography.com

TBC II Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Thailand Puket - A nice place for vacation. Beautiful beach & delicious foods Andaman Embrace Resort & Spa Patong Beach Complimentary photo by: Jiajun Liu

Greenville, SC

Starbucks at Falls Park Greenville, SC

Quick facts Greenville is the county seat of Greenville County in the upstate region of the state of South Carolina, in the United States. The city’s mayor is Knox White, who has served as the mayor of Greenville since December 1995.Wikipedia Population: 61,397 (2013)

CrossFit Potentia Owners: Tee Lollis, Tyler Miller, Krista Mayberry

Welcome to Greenville, SC population ~62,000; a southern town with wonderfully polite people, delicious food and a revitalized downtown that almost seems displaced.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Greenville, SC then you are definitely missing a hidden gem. From college basketball, football, baseball to Salsa dancing and Karaoke you can find plenty to do in the way of entertainment. However, it doesn’t take a second look to also notice that the population definitely cares about keeping fit.

Whether it is running the Swamp Rabbit trail or joining a gym; fitness is on the regular schedule of many residents.

cfpotentia.com

As a 45 year old consultant who spends his time traveling around the country indulging in expensive dinners and deserts coupled with long hours, working with staff members dispersed around the globe; you can imagine keeping my health up is a bit difficult and haphazard. My weight has gone up and down over the past few years. I often try to settle into a routine if I happen to be at a given location long enough. So, I looked for a place to play basketball to help me start the uphill climb to getting in-shape again but for the most part, that particular passion seems to be enjoyed mostly on television instead of a regular part of

population’s physical fitness regimen. Of course, I high price but also because the exercises seemed more could be wrong but nevertheless, I had little success like punishment) and I ‘d rather do something more finding a place to play regularly. fun like play basketball given a choice. After much thought and reflection, I decided to at least try a class or two and see for myself what so many people were The first couple of months, I struggled to find a routine raving about. After the first class, I was hooked! Unthat worked well while also failing to NOT indulge in expectedly, I liked the fact that I didn’t need to think the local southern cuisine. Needless to say, my weight about what exercises I needed to complete and what was going up not down and as most of you probably muscle groups were next in line for working. In fact, know from experience, the less fit you get the harder with CrossFit, I don’t even know what the exercises it is to get moving and change the trend. So, when will be until 8:00 PM the day before. I do know it a colleague of mine enthusiastically suggested that I will suck; hence, the writing literally on the wall of the go to a local CrossFit gym, I was open to the idea. I gym, “Embrace the Suck”. had heard of CrossFit before of course but was never interested in actually joining (mostly because of the At first it was just the enthusiasm of my colleague,

Left to right: Owners, Tee Lollis, Krista Mayberry, member Peter Vuong and owner Tyler Miller Peter Vuong, who takes pride in getting someone to join a CrossFit gym at every project he joins; no matter where in the country he assigned. I got to admit that’s pretty impressive for someone who isn’t getting paid and puts an enormous stamp of approval on the entire system. Not to mention he is in pretty good shape himself which I guess is the best advertisement of all. Aside from getting stronger and working on muscle groups that haven’t seen action in decades; there are still other reasons that motivate me to go to this particular gym as much as possible. The Coaches and the members. These are hardworking, nice people at their collective cores with a desire to not only transform their own lives but that of anyone willing to walk through the doors. This atmosphere is of course set by the owners, each of which is unique but in their own ways but bring a blend of focus, teamwork, and personal connection that sets them apart from other gyms around the country.

CrossFit Potentia is the brainchild of three separate owners, Krista, Tyler, and Tee (see photo above). Like many

gyms, they all are focused on form and safety first; however, they make it clear that progress is is something each of us owns for ourselves (afterall, that is our biggest challenge) which allows them to foster a spirit of competition but also of teamwork and personal achievement with an incredible balance. I have never experienced coaches and members rooting for you while simultaneously telling you to dig deep.

They are committed to doing whatever they can to keep you from quitting and that is what you get at this CrossFit gym, coaches, members, teammates, and in the end – friends. No matter if you are a beginner, seasoned, fat, or skinny this place is worth visiting and joining. CrossFit Potentia has a lot to offer and in upcoming issues you will get to meet the coaches behind the best CrossFit gym in South Carolina.

By Joseph Shorter

Click the logo to see , “How to become a Crossfit Potentia Hero”

cfpotentia.com For more information on CROSSFIT POTENTIA, visit http://cfpotentia.com/ CrossFit Potentia 1011-A Lowndes Hill Road Greenville, SC 29607 U.S.864-475-7099 hello@cfpotentia.com.

ATLANTA MANIA速 July 29-31, 2016 July 28-30, 2017 Atlanta, GA www.scwfit.com/mania

FLORIDA MANIA速 May 20-22, 2016 May 5-7, 2017 Orlando, FL www.scwfit.com/mania

Fitness Pilates

The Benefits of Pilates Pilates can really make a difference in your health without taking a toll on your body.

• A refreshing mind-body workout • Develop a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back • Gain long, lean muscles and flexibility • Create an evenly conditioned body, improve sports performance, and prevent injuries • Learn how to move efficiently

See the full article here: http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/pilates/benefits-of-pilates.html

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Do You Flaminco?

Flamenco is a Spanish art form made up of three parts. Guitar playing (“guitarra”), song (“cante”) and dance (“baile”). Although Flamenco originated in the southern regions of Spain, it is also influenced by cultures such as Latin American, Cuban and Jewish traditions. Not set to music originally; only singing and clapping of hands called “toque de palmas.”

Although most who dance Flamenco follows ancient traditions, we find the use of guitars and other musical instruments are more popular in modern flamenco.

Formal dance training is not something received by traditional flamenco dancers. The art was passed down by relatives and friends. Most modern flamenco artists are professionally trained, while other dancers and musicians are selftaught. A very emotional style of dance, it can be romantic, intense, soothing, and extremely

entertaining. Emotions are expressed via body movements and facial expression while dancers simultaneously kick their feet, clap their hands and play castanets.

The traje de flamenca (“flamenco outfit�) is the dress traditionally worn by women at Ferias (festivals) in Andalusia, Spain. There are two forms: one worn by dancers and the other worn as a day dress. The day dress hugs the body and is midthigh, and then continues in multiple layers of ruffles to the ankle. Modern interpretations of the style are difficult to walk in, let alone dance. To allow free movement, the dancer’s version flares outward from higher on the hip. The similarities are evident with these versions as they both are trimmed with layers of ruffles on the skirt and sleeves.

Typically the colors are bright, usually black, red, plain or patterned- with the most famous being the polka dotted traje de lunare.

Famous Dancers • Carmen Amaya https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmen_Amaya • Sara Pereyra https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Baras • Juaquin Cortes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaqu%C3%ADn_ Cort%C3%A9s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D5xB7RThio (performance on Dancing with the Stars-2007) • Antonio Canales www.spainisculture.com/en/artistas_creadores/ antonio_canales.html Famous Musicians There are many great guitarists who have dedicated their professional expertise to the Flamenco scene, such as Paco Pena, Paco De Lucia, Ramon Montoya, Pepe Romero, Pepe Martinez and The Romeros to name a few. They are pioneers who helped to create the ambiance to the tradition of Spanish song and dance which is still treasured today.

By BlaizeDance, Inc. Sources: Wikipedia/Spainisculture/Lovetoknow Eenforex. Edits BlaizeDance, Inc.2016 Photo by ArtJazz

T

ampa City Ballet II is filled with dancers that are passionate about what they do. We had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview performance of The Nutcracker at the 2016 Bow Ties & Clutches “The International Style Night Party� (presented by Lacey B. Smith and the Fashion Movement). These young dancers performed on the floor in a modest space at the Vault. However, you felt as if you were sitting in the front row of the Tampa Bay Straz Center watching a live stage production. Transforming power they had, indeed! You felt every lift, twirl, jump and dramatic pose.

I would imagine that some of the guest in that room probably were witnessing their very first live ballet performance. The gasp, deafening silence, and applause was confirmation that something spectacular had manifested in that room. I must say, I felt it too. As a dancer, I know how it feels to give your all in a performance; and these teenage professionals did just that. Their teachers, mentors, and parents should be very proud as each dancer fulfilled their mission as Ambassadors of Dance.

S

o we decide to feature TCBII as our cover story. The afternoon that we spent with them behind the scenes at their studio was a joyous occasion. These young people were not lofty at all. They were extremely appreciative, cooperative and filled with excitement. As you read this article, you will be inspired by their words as they share what dance really means to them. If you know any young dancers, this article is a must read. The wisdom expressed by all is invaluable.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Dancer John Miecznikowski, 17 BDF: John How old were you when you started dancing?

John: I have been around dance since I was four and started hanging out with my sister at the dance studio. Eventually they wanted my help with props and I started helping out with things backstage and onstage. After experiencing the theater and how the combination of things fell together to create the show, I wanted to perform. I started in hip hop and tap and about a year later the teachers asked me to do ballet. I hated it! It was my least favorite class, but the best part of it was that I could hang out with my best friend Gabriel Mannheimer.

Once I reached 11, I started dancing at a performing arts school with Shana Perkins. I stopped dance at my old studio when she introduced me to a ballet studio called Patel Conservatory with Peter Stark. In the middle of 7th grade I met Mrs. Paula Nunez and Mr. Osmany Montano with ABS. They invited me to dance at their summer intensive, and I’ve been here ever since.

BDF: What dancers inspire you today and why?

John: My favorite dancer is Mikhail Baryshnikov because he is an amazing performer and always makes me feel emotions when I watch him.

BDF: Tell us what you like about dancing with TCB II. John: I like that Mr. Osmany pushes me to work harder every day.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno BDF: What are some of your passions outside of dancing?

John: I like to cook, exercise, and hang out with my friends.

BDF: What do you love about performing?

BDF: Which style of dance or music do you want to see incorporated into your choreography?

John: I would like neoclassical to be incorporated in dance.

BDF: John any aspirations to be a choreographer?

John: I aspire to be a dancer, and after I complete my dance career, I want to be a choreographer.

BDF: Who’s your favorite choreographer in the industry today?

John: I like the way William Forsythe creates shapes that the audience can see out of movement.

John: I love coming offstage sweating and breathing hard, hearing the audience clap and knowing that I performed to my full potential.

BDF: Being a male dancer, what can you share about the relation between technique and strength?

John: I love ballet technique and strength in general because without strength there is no technique and without technique you will look weak.

BDF: Is it hard being a male ballet dancer John?

John: Yes and no. Because there are a lot of stereotypes that go along with being a male ballet dancer. We have

to be strong and not give into what others say about us. On the other hand, there are a lot less male ballet dancers so it narrows down the competition to a select few. Unlike the girls when competing it is usually about 20 competing.

BDF: How has Ballet Master, Osmany Montano helped you embrace being a male dancer in the ballet world?

John: Mr. Osmany has taught the men to be strong and independent. He has taught us to focus and be on top of our game every day at the studio.

BDF: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on stage?

John: One time during a solo I completely blanked out and forgot half the dance. I improved and turned my back dancing and thinking about what to do. Eventually, I listened and caught up to my choreography with the help of the music, but it was pretty embarrassing!

BDF: How do you keep in shape?

John: I cross train. Every day after class I either do pushups, the Pilates machine, or I go to the gym and work out there. My gym routine consist of endurance on the treadmill, pull ups, abs, shoulder press, quads, calves, and chest press.

BDF: I am very impressed with the extra exercise you do on your own time! Specifically how do you train for strength and flexibility?

John: I like to use the Pilates machine for strength in my legs, and I use a ballet band for flexibility in my legs and hips.

BDF: What is your diet like?

John: I like to eat chicken, bacon, steak, salad, fish, rice and beans. The only drinks I ever have are water and milk. No soda, no junk food! Protein only! In dance, what you put in your body is what you get out of it, so a healthy diet is key.

FAMILY

BDF: What one word describes your experience with TCB? John: Family.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Dancer: Sukanya Mukherjee, 16 BDF: How old were you when you started dancing?

Sukanya: Three years old.

BDF: What dancers inspire you today and why?

EXCITING Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Sukanya: Maria Kochetkova because she dances very gracefully and makes everything look easy.

Sukanya: All of the different places and people we get to perform for.

for us not only to promote and bring the world of ballet to the general population; but also because it can really inspire or move someone in the smallest way. Whether in front of kindergarteners or seniors I know that when we perform we are making at least one person happy for that moment in time.

BDF: What are some of your passions outside of dancing?

BDF: Sukanya do you find it hard being a ballet dancer?

BDF: What do you like about dancing with TCB II?

Sukanya: Music and spending time with my friends.

BDF: Is there a type or style of dance or music that you would like to see incorporated into TCB’s choreography?

Sukanya: I really like what we do now. Especially with all of our contemporary work.

BDF: Do you want to be a choreographer?

Sukanya: I personally do not but I admire the hard work and dedication it takes.

BDF: Who are your favorite choreographers in the industry today?

Sukanya: William Foresythe.

BDF: What is the hardest ballet technique to do?

Sukanya: For me a difficult move has always been sissone jumps where the dancer jumps up from fifth position to a split and then back to fifth. It requires a lot of quad strength.

Despite my many years of training I still have some trouble fully extending my legs out into the spilt while maintaining the proper posture and arm position.

BDF: Since you’ve been at Tampa City Ballet, what’s your most favorite production you’ve done?

Sukanya: Alice in Wonderland is definitely my favorite production. The world of wonderland is so whimsical! There are plenty of opportunities to try and experiment with not only our dancing but all aspects of performance such as the costumes, props, and backgrounds. There’s so many different and crazy characters it makes the acting a lot of fun. Also and there is a lot of space for us to create and enjoy ourselves on stage and in rehearsal.

BDF: What are some of your favorite events in the community and why?

Sukanya: I love any event where we get to go out and perform in front of a crowd because I think it is really important

Sukanya: Being a ballerina is extremely difficult but the average person would not know.

BDF: Tell us why it's so difficult?

Sukanya: Dancers are athletes and each of us train six, sometimes seven days a week for at least two hours each day.

Attempting to achieve perfection requires a lot of hard work and effort. Dancers are primarily performers so it our responsibility to dance gracefully and to make it look easy- even if in reality our legs are burning and we can't breathe. We are telling a story so we have to hide our pain to ensure that the audience focuses on the message and the dancing.

BDF: How do you balance school, ballet practice and social life?

Sukanya: It's quite difficult to manage all of it all the time.

I've learned over the years to combine all three. Often on long rehearsal days I'll bring homework to the studio and work on it when I'm not practicing. Time management is a very important skill I have managed to pick up and it really helps me stay on top of my school work and still dance as much as we do. When it comes to my social life, I’ve found time to make one with the people I dance with. No one else works as hard as you, knows the struggle and dedication it takes than other dancers. So we understand and support one another. The other dancers and I are family and in rare instances when we don't have dance we often do things together during our free time. Again, having a group of people who knows how much hard work it takes to be a ballerina allows you to create strong bonds and find friends that you know you'll have forever.

BDF: We really enjoyed your performance at Clutches and Bow Ties. What did you like about that event?

Sukanya: It was an exciting event for us because typically we perform for younger audiences. Being able to dance for adults who can appreciate the art, motivates us to keep getting better and gives us an idea of what professionals do daily.

Also after our performance we were able to come out and dance with everybody and we all just had a really good time relaxing and having fun.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

BREATH

BDF: I find the dancing world extremely competitive, and dancers are always comparing themselves with their peers. What is your advice to dancers about embracing their uniqueness?

Sukanya: Being in competition is a lot of pressure and can really affect your self-perception. The best way to get past constantly criticizing yourself over small details is to really emerge yourself in the wide world of dance. Places such as Jacob's Pillow showcases many different styles of dance and helps expose the potential that lies in anything you do. No one is perfect, as I have learned, and using your flaws to your advantage not only makes a unique dancer who stands out in the crowd; it also can inspire other people who struggle with the idea of "perfection". Once you get out of your head and see the possibilities out there, you accept that it's okay not to be perfect.

BDF: Can you really work as a team with other dancers while there is a level of competition present?

Sukanya: There is always a sense of competition no matter where you are because that's the nature of the art. There is always a leading role and we have to strive to be our best. Since we have the honor of performing at that level, it’s important to make sure the competition isn’t unhealthy and to understand that it’s not personal. It's essential that we maintain our friendships as well as our competitiveness because it allows us to get better and push ourselves further than we could alone.

It can serve as a sense of motivation and inspiration.

BDF: What one word describes your experience with TCB? Sukanya: Exciting.

HTAKING

Name: Joshua Nohrer, 18 BDF: How old were you when you started dancing?

Joshua: I started when I was seven with jazz then on to hip hop and eventually going to ballet in a small studio in a California.

One day my mother enrolled my sister into ballet so I observed the class to be supportive and then it all of a sudden clicked for me to do ballet.

BDF: What dancers inspire you today and why?

Joshua: Jorge Barani, James Whiteside, Jeffrey Cirio, Daniel Ulbricht, Derek Dunn, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. They're all powerful dancers, natural clean pirouettes and jumping that makes them look phenomenal. All of a different race, they each portray something special and it's incredible to watch on stage. Mikhail was perfect. He was my inspiration since I first started in the Russian teaching. I always wanted to jump like him.

BDF: What do you like about dancing with TCB II? Joshua: We aren't just taking classes, doing shows, and competitions. We're branching out to the community showcasing our talent to others and those who want to have a passion for dance.

To show off our gifts, passions, our life's work, and to express our emotions-it's absolutely incredible fun and great hands on experience.

BDF: What are some of your passions outside of dancing?

Joshua: Well long days of class I'd say sleeping and eating is the top! But reading, working out to stay in shape, listening to music to keep my mind sharp, stretching to stay limber, and spending time with family to catch up the lost time.

BDF: Is there a genre of music or dance style you would like to see incorporated in your choreography?

Joshua: Well ballet of course is classical there's no changing that, but having upbeat rhythmic music with a little bit of some electronic in contemporary would be nice to keep the energy going.

BDF: Joshua would you like to choreographer in the future?

Joshua: After retiring, being a professional choreographer is a possibly. I'd like to give back to others what I was taught and make my students as strong as I am or even stronger.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

BDF: Who are your favorite choreographers in the industry today?

Joshua: Paul Taylor would be my number one by far.

Ever since I've had a class with his method I've fallen in love with the motion and range that you're supposed to execute and take on.

BDF: What do you love about performing?

Joshua: Well before I perform I get this sudden stomach drop and everything feels more under pressure and the exhilaration I get beforehand starts to kick in. Then every movement that I do starts to become weightless and it feels incredible.

BDF: What is your favorite ballet technique to execute and why?

BDF: Who is your favorite male dancer?

Joshua: My favorite male dancer would have to be Tetsuya Kumakawa. Born and raised in Japan, Tetsuya was Professional for the Royal Ballet School in England which also my dream ballet school to go to.

Joshua: Of course it is! Nothing is easy. If you put your mind on your goal and you want to become a professional, you have to push your body to its limits and always visualize it as a tool be taken care of. If you get lazy you won't succeed in life and achieve your goal.

BDF: How has Ballet Master, Osmany Montano helped you embrace being a male dancer in the ballet world?

Joshua: My favorite technique would have to be either doing pirouettes or double toures en lair. Pirouettes have to be clean and impeccable. The best kind of pirouettes is the ones you can finish by holding for more than five seconds. Double toures has to be precise with how you land in a perfect fifth position and staying completely straight in the air without moving your body.

Joshua: Well Osmany is an incredible teacher and in my opinion a legend when it comes to partnering and making everything strong. It's almost as if he's making us the next Carlos Acosta in a way but that's only a dream. Osmany makes us stronger every day. When given a combination, he’ll go through desperate measures and make all the moves related to that combination complicated for the guys.

BDF: Is it hard being a male dancer Joshua?

BDF: Okay Joshua what’s the most embarrassing thing

that has happened to you on stage?

Joshua: Well I'm sure everyone can say falling is a pretty embarrassing moment but mine would have to be my pants ripping near the end of the performance. Right before we finished the bow!

BDF: How do you keep in shape?

Joshua: I go to the gym frequently and at home I'll be doing pushups, crunches, sit ups, running, and cardio. This always keeps my physical figure in tact as well as eating a healthy diet.

BDF: What is your diet like?

Joshua: I've got a fast metabolism so from time to time junk food is an exception. I rarely eat out and find it's more nutritious eating homemade food. I'll eat 2 or 3 eggs in the morning along with meat, a glass of milk, and good carbs.

For lunch and dinner it'll be more protein calories, and fruit and vegetable for my day at dance.

BDF: What one word describes your experience with TCB? Joshua: Breathtaking or overachieving.

BDF: What exercise do you do specifically for strength and flexibility?

Joshua: To warm up the body, first I’ll do simple stretches such as grabbing my toes while sitting down, pigeon stretch, Pilates, and yoga stretches. I was given some exercises from physical therapy to push my flexibility.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Tampa City Ballet II Videos

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

INNOVATIV BDF: Is there a style of dance or music that you would like to see incorporated in your choreography?

Nathalie: I love our choreographies that incorporate neoclassical, classical ballet, and contemporary dance.

Dancer: Nathalie Adams - 15

BDF: Have any desire to be a choreographer?

BDF: Nathalie what age did you start dancing?

Nathalie: Following my time as a professional dancer, the choreography route is an option.

Nathalie: Started dancing at three years old.

BDF: Who are your favorite choreographers in the industry today?

BDF: What dancers inspire you?

Nathalie: My favorite choreographers now are Wayne McGregor and Christopher Wheeldon.

Nathalie: Marianela Núñez inspires me to continue upon this challenging yet rewarding journey towards becoming a professional ballerina. Her dazzling smile and personality that she uses to portray a character captures the audience. It’s indescribable. Her performance is definitely something you have to experience. I aspire to captivate the audience’s attention with my own unique personality, similar to how Marianela does.

BDF: With so many different styles of classical ballet such as French, Russian-which style is your favorite?

Nathalie: My favorite style of classical ballet is Vaganova Russian style. The Vaganova style incorporates strong technique in the legs with beautiful effortless arms.

BDF: Who’s your favorite prima ballerina?

BDF: What do you love about performing?

Nathalie: I would have to say my favorite prima ballerina is Marianela Nunez.

Nathalie: When performing I love the energy that exudes from the audience and the connection that is made between both you and the audience.

BDF: What do you like about dancing with TCB II? Nathalie: Performing with TCB II is a wonderful experience as my fellow company members and I are able to use our art form in order to inspire others. As part of our community outreach, we are able to touch people and offer an escape from reality through performing something we truly enjoy.

BDF: Other than dance what else are you passionate about?

Nathalie: Although dance is my true passion, I enjoy acting and performing in plays.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

BDF: What’s your favorite ballet technique and which one gives you issues?

Nathalie: I love doing fouettes and turns!

The hardest steps to perform in ballet are the turns as they require a lot of focus and precision.

BDF: Do you have favorite community or charity events that you have enjoyed dancing for?

Nathalie: One of my favorite events was the Bowties and Clutches event. The audience was so energetic which made it more fun to

VE perform!

BDF: Is it hard being a ballerina Nathalie?

Nathalie: The path towards becoming a professional ballet dancer is one of great hardship on both your body and your life. We are constantly pushing our bodies in order to improve and this can sometimes be quite painful. Socially, dance is very taxing as you are constantly faced with the dilemma of choosing between dance events or attending your best friend’s birthday party. As demanding as dance is, the rewards from hard work is well worth the challenges that come with this career.

BDF: Any advice for dancers your age about this craft?

Nathalie: I would tell dancers my age that passion and discipline are the keys to success in this career. Since dance can be difficult you must love it to the point where you couldn’t live without it. If you truly have this pas-

sion then continue to work hard and take each day as a new experience.

and exercise as these two are very important for a dancer. .

BDF: What is your favorite production you’ve done with TCB thus far?

Nathalie: I constantly work on my splits and do ab exercises in order to gain strength and flexibility. As for my diet, it’s based on a lot of protein, fruits, and vegetables.

Nathalie: Alice in Wonderland was one of my favorite performances as it required a lot of acting. I loved investigating my character and seeing how I could best portray my role.

BDF: What one word describes your experience with TCB? Nathalie: Innovative.

BDF: Any embarrassing stories that’s happened on stage?

Nathalie: One time when I was really little, I was the line leader and I lead my line off of the stage!

BDF: Ha! I love that story Nathalie.

Thanks for the laugh. Now on a more serious note, how do you keep in shape?

Nathalie: I keep in shape by attending ballet class regularly.

BDF: Tell us a little about your diet

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Dancer: Nina Nicotera, 18 BDF: How old were you when you started dancing Nina?

Nina: Four years old.

BDF: Is there a dancer that really inspires you?

Nina: Isabella Boylsron inspires me because there is no one else who captivates me the way she does.

BDF: What do you like about dancing and performing with TCB II? Nina: It's completely new so I feel as if we are prepared to break limits and try new things. Performing is the most existential experience. My favorite part about performing is that it enables you to escape to another world, be another person and exist completely in the moment.

BDF: So your favorite production with TCB since joining is?

Nina: My favorite production with Tampa City Ballet since I joined two years ago would be The Nutcracker.

BDF: What do you like most about working with Artistic Director, Paula Nunez?

Nina: Paula Nunez allows us to explore our artistry and pushes us to the limit with our training. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with and appreciate her influence in my work more than anything. She has taught me that above all we have to learn how to make the audience feel something and bring them into the story.

BDF: There are so many different technique for classical ballet like French and Russian. What is your favorite style?

Nina: I would say my favorite technique in classical ballet would be Russian because I've trained in it for most of my life and appreciate its specificity, elegance and emphasis on the use of the upper body.

BDF: Are you interested in becoming a choreographer?

Nina: Definitely.

BDF: Who are your favorite choreographers in the industry today?

Nina: Wayne McGregor.

BDF: Who is your all-time favorite Prima Ballerina?

Nina: My favorite ballerina would be Isabella Boylston because there is no one else who captivates me the way she does.

BDF: Nina are you seeking a career in dance?

Nina: I would definitely like to pursue a career in dance. My goal is to dance in a company straight out of college and gain experience in the professional world. Later on I would like to one day be a dance professor for a university.

BDF: Nina how do you balance dance classes, school and your social life?

Nina: Time management is extremely important when balancing all that’s going on in my life. I must know how to allocate my time for studying and homework so that I can relax afterwards.

BDF: Is it possible to work as a team with the other dancers knowing you’ll probably be competing for the lead?

Nina: It's definitely possible to work as a team in the studio because ensemble work is the most rewarding work when done well. All of us know that after we work as an ensemble on stage, we feel closer than ever.

BDF: What's your advice to dancers your age when it comes to competing and staying true to your personal style?

Nina: My advice for dancers my age is to have complete confidence in your abilities and strengths when going out into the professional world.

BDF: We loved watching you all dance at Bow Ties and Clutches. What did you like about dancing there?

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Nina: What I loved about performing at the Bow Ties and Clutches event would be seeing the audience so close and feeling their energy and excitement while I danced.

Dancer: Adia Hollist, 16

styles of classical ballet -French, Russian, and Italian. What's your favorite?

BDF: How old were you when you started dancing?

Adia: Contemporary Ballet is my favorite because it’s a blend of structure and movement.

Adia: I was nine years old when I started ballet.

BDF: What do you love about performing?

BDF: What dancers inspire you today and why?

Adia: Michaela Deprince. Her tenacity to keep working hard even though the odds were against her most of the time.

BDF: What do you enjoy about dancing with TCB II? Adia: We are a family where we can share so many life experiences with each other while doing what we love.

BDF: Is there a dance style or genre of music that you would like to see incorporated in TCB’s choreography?

Adia: It would be cool if we did more fusion of many styles of dance.

Adia: The adrenaline rush I get when dancing on stage.

BDF: What is your favorite fusion of ballet to perform and why?

Adia: I enjoy performing neoclassical because I enjoy moving and dancing to my fullest potential.

BDF: Is it hard being a ballet dancer?

Adia: Yes, ballet is a very hard style of dance that requires a lot of practice.

BDF: What advice do you have for dancers your age Adia?

Adia: To keep pushing yourself and you will see progress.

BDF: Adia what are some of your passions besides dancing?

Adia: I have a passion for public speaking.

BDF: Do you want to choreograph and who are your favorite choreographers?

Adia: I would love to choreograph!

That has been something I have always looked forward to doing. I really love Alonzo King's work because it is so interesting and detailed.

BDF: There are so many different

BDF: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on stage?

Adia: When I fell down while dancing in the front row of a line of dancers.

BDF: How do you keep in shape in terms of diet and exercise?

Adia: Dancing daily helps. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, but also have to eat protein and carbs for energy and to build muscle.

BDF: How do you balance your school, ballet practice and social life?

Adia: My closest friends are at dance so we make plans after class.

BDF: Do you have the desire to obtain the status of Misty Copeland or Natalia Osipova?

Adia: Of course. My number one goal is to be able to change someone’s life through dance.

BDF: What do you like about working with Director, Linda Miles Adams?

Adia: She is nice and understanding.

I really enjoy working with her. She has taught me that it’s important to reach out to your community.

BDF: Have you ever been featured in a magazine?

Adia: Yes. I was in World of Dance Magazine and it was an amazing experience.

BDF: That’s great! How do you feel about being in Blaize Dance & Fitness Magazine?

Adia: This is a new and amazing experience that I am happy to be a part of.

BDF: What one word describes your experience with TCB? Adia: Passionate.

PASSIONATE www.jmac-photography.com

Ballet Teacher, Barbara Wells TCBII Director, Linda Adams Editor-In-Chief of BDFM, Constance Blaize-Shorter Ballet Master, Osmany Montano

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Dancer: Anderson DaSilva, - 16 BDF: How old were you when you started dancing?

Anderson: Eleven years old.

so that's my main source of workout. Outside of ballet class I do extra exercises to strengthen the parts of my body that I may have not been able to target in ballet class.

BDF: What dancers inspire you today and why?

Anderson: A dancer that inspires me today is Leonid Sarafanov. He inspires me not just because of his amazing technique but because when you watch him perform he really plays the role that he's trying to portray.

BDF: What do you like about dancing with TCB II? Anderson: The variety of dancing that we do. We don't just stick to ballet or just stick to contemporary, we do a great balance of both which is much needed in the dance world today.

BDF: What are some of your passions outside of dancing?

Anderson: Well before I started dancing I was practicing soccer. So whenever I get a chance I still like to play soccer.

BDF: would you like to choreograph one day and what choreographers do you admire?

Anderson: Well becoming a choreographer I think is a very difficult job. You have to create choreography that not only looks good on your dancers but also interest the audience. As of right now I'm not thinking too much about choreography. Of course we never know what will happen in the future so we'll see. Choreographers I admire are Wayne McGregor, William Forsythe and Alonzo King.

BDF: Since you have been at Tampa City Ballet, what is your most favorite production that you’ve performed?

Anderson: I really enjoyed the production of Don Quixote that we performed. It's a very lively ballet that always kept me excited for the next step coming.

BDF: How do you keep in shape?

Anderson: Well daily ballet classes is a necessity for a dancer. In my case, we have ballet class six days a week,

JOUR

BDF: So what exercises do you do specifically for strength and flexibility?

Anderson: Well for strength, many leg exercise including your quads and calves is needed because for a male

dancer jumps are a big factor in our career. Also abdominals and arm exercises like pushups helps when partnering with the girls.

and a little bit of dairy. Just trying not eat out at all the fast food places and eating a healthy meal.

BDF: What do you like most about working Osmany Montano and Paula Nunez?

Anderson: Osmany Montano is a big part in my dance training because he is my ballet master. Without him I wouldn't be able to do the basics of what ballet requires or be at the high level of technique. Paula Nunez, well let's just say that nothing is ever good enough for Paula (smile).

However, that's the good thing about her, it makes you always want to give more and experiment with your body in ways you would have never thought you could. It's always a journey with Ms. Paula and you never know what you're about to experience when working with her. So that's why I like to work with Paula.

BDF: Having said all of that, what lessons has she taught you about dance and life in general?

Anderson: Ms. Paula has taught me many things according to dancing. She has helped me grow as a dancer and a person tremendously. Paula has also taught me to take all the experiences I go through in dance and to apply it my outside life.

BDF: What do you like about working with Director, Linda Adams?

Anderson: Mrs. Adams is a joy to work with and I really appreciate all the hard work she does for us to have opportunities outside of the studio to perform and reach out to the community.

BDF: What has Ms. Linda taught you about dance, charity and life in general?

Anderson: Ms. Linda has taught me that since we have this talent of dancing, to take that and share it with everyone. To reach out to community and show them what we're all about. Also she has taught me to always stay humble throughout my dance career.

RNEY BDF: Do you have a special diet?

BDF: Anderson, what one word describes your experience with TCBll?

Anderson: I think I have a normal diet. You know I have a good source of protein along with vegetables and fruits

Anderson: Journey.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Name: Gabriella Stilo, 16 BDF: How old were you when you started dancing?

Gabriella: I was two years old when I started dancing. A dance teacher used to come to the daycare I attended and gave a creative movement class every week.

BDF: Is dancing a legacy in your family?

Gabriella: No, just me!

BDF: Gabriella what dancers inspire you today?

Gabriella: Tamara Rojo inspires me because she was an amazing Principal dancer and now she is a director of the English National Ballet. It’s just so cool what she has accomplished!

BDF: What are some of your passions outside of dancing?

Gabriella: Creative writing.

BDF: Is there a type of music or dance style you would like added to choreography in class?

Gabriella: I think mixing classical ballet with contemporary dance is always interesting.

learn and grow as a dancer!

BDF: Who is your favorite female prima ballerina?

BDF: Do you want to choreograph and what choreographer do you admire?

Gabriella: Tamara Rojo.

Gabriella: One day I hope to work up to that and I like Wayne McGregor’s work.

BDF: Gabriella, do you like mixing different styles of dance into ballet?

BDF: French, Russian, and Italian are various styles of classical ballet. What is your favorite style of ballet?

Gabriella: I like mixing contemporary with ballet. It’s fun to do on pointe, it’s different.

Gabriella: My favorite styles of ballet are Russian Vaganova combined with the Cuban Method, because that is how I have been trained.

BDF: What do you love about performing?

BDF: What do you like about dancing with TCB II?

BDF: What is your favorite ballet technique to execute and why?

Gabriella: My favorite thing about dancing with TCB II is the opportunity to perform at many different venues, such as Tampa City Ballet/America’s Ballet School performances, dance festivals, celebrations and galas. Each of these different events are really fun and it’s a great opportunity to

Gabriella: What I love about performing is the feeling I get when I perform. It is unexplainable!

Gabriella: My favorite ballet technique to execute is the grand jete. I just enjoy doing it!

INSPIRING

BDF: What do you like most about working with Artistic Director, Paula Nunez?

Magazine. Each experience was very exciting and so much fun!

Gabriella:What I like most about working with our Artistic Director, Paula is that she is very creative and focuses on the artistry involved in the piece and not just the technique.

BDF: Wow! Congratulations on all the coverages in the media. So how do you feel about being in Blaize Dance & Fitness Magazine?

BDF: What has she taught you about dancing and life in general?

Gabriella: Thank you. I am very excited about being in the Blaize Dance & Fitness Magazine! I am looking forward to the experience.

Gabriella: Paula has taught me that in order to be able to put the most feeling into your dancing you have to experience life. Look at the beauty of the paintings or a sculpture in a museum, or travel to a place you have never been. Once you experience new and different things, you can use the memory of your experiences in order to express yourself in dance.

BDF: Has any of you been featured in a magazine?

Gabriella:Yes. I’ve been in Dance Spirit Magazine, Pointe Magazine and Florida World of Dance

What one word describes your experience with TCB? Gabriella: Inspiring.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

LEGENDS

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Early Beginnings, Political Asylum, Principal Dancer and Artistic Director Baryshnikov was born in Riga, Latvia, which was then the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic part of the Soviet Union. His parents were Russian, Alexandra (a dressmaker; nĂŠe Kiselyova) and Nikolay Baryshnikov (an engineer). Baryshnikov began his ballet studies in Riga in 1960, at the age of 11. In 1964, he entered the Vaganova School, in what was then in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).

Baryshnikov soon won the top prize in the junior division of the Varna International Ballet Competition. He joined the Kirov Ballet and Mariinsky Theater in 1967, dancing the "Peasant “as de deux in Giselle.

Recognizing Baryshnikov's talent, in particular the strength of his stage presence and purity of his classical technique, several Soviet choreographers, including Oleg Vinogradov, Konstantin Sergeyev, Igor Tchernichov, and Leonid Jakobson, choreographed ballets for him. Baryshnikov made signature roles of Jakobson's 1969 Virtuosic Vestris along with an intensely emotional Albrecht in Giselle. While still in the Soviet Union, he was called

by New York Times critic Clive Barnes "the most perfect dancer I have ever seen."

Clive Barnes "the most perfect dancer I have ever seen."

Left to right- Popular image by Mark Seliger-2013. Baryshnikov and Twyla Tharp and footage of the dancer acting.

O

n June 29, 1974, while on tour in Canada with the Kirov Ballet, Baryshnikov defected, requesting political asylum in Toronto, and joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He also announced to the dance world he would not go back to the USSR. He later stated that Christina Berlin, an American friend of his, helped engineer his defection during his 1970 tour of London. His first televised performance after coming out of temporary seclusion in Canada was with the National Ballet of Canada in La Sylphide. He then went on to the United States. In December 1975, he and his dance partner Natalia Makarova featured prominently in an episode of the BBC television series Arena.

From 1974 to 1978, he was a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), where he partnered with Gelsey Kirkland. He also worked with the New York City Ballet, with George Balanchine and as a regular guest artist with the Royal Ballet. He also toured with ballet and modern dance companies around the world for fifteen months.

Several roles were created for him, including roles Opus 19: The Dreamer (1979), by Jerome Robbins, Rhapsody (1980), by Frederick Ashton, and Other Dances with Natalia Makarova by Jerome Robbins.

Left to right- White Nights (1985) Baryshnikov, Hines and Rossellini and Baryshnikov and Judith Jamison, Alivin Ailey American Dance Theater.

He returned to ABT in 1980 as dancer and artistic director, a position he held for a decade. On July 3, 1986, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. From 1990 to 2002, Baryshnikov was artistic director of the White Oak Dance Project, a touring company he co-founded with Mark Morris. In 2003, he won the Prix Benois de la Danse for lifetime achievement. In 2005 he launched the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York. In 2012, Baryshnikov received the Vilcek Prize in Dance.

Working with Choreographers, Abandoned Freelance Career, Notable Awards Baryshnikov's talent was obvious from his youth, but the Soviet system in which he grew up was ill-suited for developing it. Shorter than most dancers, he could not tower over a ballerina en pointe and was therefore relegated to secondary parts. More frustrating to him, the Soviet dance world hewed closely to 19th-century traditions and deliberately shunned the creative choreographers of the West, whose work Baryshnikov glimpsed in occasional tours and films.

His main goal in leaving the Soviet Union was to work with these innovators; in the first two years after his defection, he danced for no fewer than 13

different choreographers, including Jerome Robbins, Glen Tetley, Alvin Ailey, and Twyla Tharp. "It doesn't matter if every ballet is a success or not," he told New York Times dance critic Anna Kisselgoff in 1976, "The new experience gives me a lot." He cited his fascination with the ways Ailey mixed classical and modern technique and his initial discomfort when Tharp insisted he incorporate eccentric personal gestures in the dance.

In 1978, he abandoned his freelance career to spend 18 months as a principal of the New York City Ballet, run by the legendary George Balanchine. "Mr. B," as he was known, rarely welcomed guest artists and had refused to work with both Nureyev and Makarova; Baryshnikov's decision to devote his full attentions to the New York Company stunned the dance world. Balanchine never created a new work for Baryshnikov, though he did coach the young dancer in his distinctive style, and Baryshnikov triumphed in such signature roles as Apollo, The Prodigal Son, and Rubies. Robbins did, however, create Opus 19/ The Dreamer for Baryshnikov and NYCB favorite Patricia McBride. In 1980, he became Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre and his role changed from performer to director. However, in 1989, he left when the company went behind his back and fired his second-in-command Charles France.

Nevertheless, his fascination with the new has stood him in good stead. As he observed, "It doesn't matter how high you lift your leg. The technique is about transparency, simplicity and making an earnest attempt. “The White Oak Project was formed to create original work for older dancers. In a run ending just short of his 60th birthday in 2007, he appeared in a production of four short plays by Samuel Beckett staged by avant-garde director JoAnne Akalaitis.

• Elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1999 • 2000- Awarded the National Medal of Arts.

• Honorary Degrees: • May 11, 2006- New York University • September 28, 2007-Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University • May 23, 2008-Montclair State University.

For the duration of the 2006 summer, he went on tour with Hell's Kitchen Dance, which was sponsored by the Baryshnikov Arts Center. Featuring works by Baryshnikov Arts Center residents Azsure Barton and Benjamin Millepied, the company toured the United States and Spain.

In late August 2007, Baryshnikov performed Mats Ek's Place (original Swedish title, Ställe) with Ana Laguna at Dansens Hus in Stockholm.

Baryshnikov has performed in Israel three times: in 1996, when he appeared with the White Oak Dance Project at the Roman amphitheater in Caesarea, in 2010, when he performed with Ana Laguna, and in 2011, when he starred in nine performances of "In Paris" at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv. In an interview to Haaretz newspaper in 2011, he expressed his opposition to artistic boycotts of Israel and described the enthusiasm of Israeli contemporary dance as astounding.

Film, Television and Stage • Dancing debut in 1976/PBS Performance Live from Wolf Trap • 1977, CBS (also shown on CBS and PBS) • Remastered DVD of The Nutcracker-Kultur Video in 2004 • DVD has now been released in the UK by Digital Classics.

• The Nut Cracker, Baryshnikov version (only one nominated for an Emmy Award)

Joan Adlen-shows Baryshnikov's strength, and Baryshnikov the actor.

• Other version nominated for Emmy AwardMark Morris' "The Hard Nut" (Morris's intentionally exaggerated and satirical version of the ballet.)

• Baryshnikov also performed in two Emmy-winning television specials on ABC and CBS (in which he danced to music from Broadway and Hollywood, respectively).

• 1970s and 1980s, he appeared many times with American Ballet Theatre on Live from Lincoln Center and Great Performances.

• Note Over the years, he has also appeared on several telecasts of the Kennedy Center Honors.

• First film role in New York- character Yuri Kopeikine • 1977 film The Turning Point, for which he received an Oscar nomination.

• 1985 film White Nights- co-starred with Gregory Hines and Isabella Rosselliniin, choreographed by Twyla Tharp • Featured in the 1987 film Dancers.

• Television final season of Sex and the City • He co-starred in Company Business (1991) with Gene Hackman.

• November 2, 2006, Baryshnikov and Chef Alice Waters were featured on an episode of the Sundance Channel's original series Iconoclasts.

• July 17, 2007, the PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer featured a profile of Baryshnikov and his Arts Center.

• Baryshnikov appears, uncredited, in the 2014 film Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit •

In a continuation of his interest in modern dance, Baryshnikov appeared in 2015 in a threeand-a-half minute commercial for the clothing designer Rag-and-Bones along with the street dance artist Lil Buck with both performing dance roles.

• April 11–21, 2012, Baryshnikov starred in a new play directed by Dmitry Krylova, titled In Paris. (Play was also presented in the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, at the Broad Stage.

Baryshnikov’s Lifelong Friendship and Family Life

er: Peter (born July 7, 1989), Anna (born May 22, 1992), and Sofia (born May 24, 1994). In an interview with Larry King, Baryshnikov said that he did not believe in marriage because the commitment that people make to each other did not have anything to do with a legal marriage. He stated On April 21, 2015, The New York Times reported that that he was not religious, so standing in front of an altar Baryshnikov was scheduled to perform a reading of the would not mean anything to him Nobel Laureate poet Joseph Brodsky in Baryshnikov's native Riga in 2015.The performance is to be called “Brodsky/ Baryshnikov,” and the piece will have its premiere in Riga Despite the above, in an article in The Wall Street Journal on October 15, 2015. The New York Times states in the for February 25, 2012 (page D3), based on an interview same article that: "A tour to the United States, as part of an conducted on his 64th birthday, Baryshnikov refers several international tour, is planned for 2016”. Mr. Baryshnikov times to his "wife". They were legally married in 2006. met Mr. Brodsky in 1974, soon after the poet had been forced by the Russian authorities to leave his home country and had moved to the United States, and remained close to Baryshnikov currently owns a home at the Punta Cana Resort and Club in the Dominican Republic. him until his death in 1996.

Baryshnikov has a daughter, Aleksandra Baryshnikova (born 1981), from his relationship with actress Jessica Lange. When Baryshnikov and Lange met, he spoke very little English. They communicated in French instead.

Baryshnikov is in a long-term relationship with former ballerina Lisa Rinehart. They have had three children togeth-

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Baryshnikov, Additional References – sited on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on bottom of link above. Edits by BlaizeDance, Inc. ©2016. Images from www.biography.com, http://www. artintercepts.org/2013/10/30/hsdc-to-honor-baryshnikovin-2014/, Google Images, and The School of American Ballet, 2013.

Top left, Heather Watts with Mikhail Baryshnikov and autographed image of Mikhail. Bottom right- Students of The School of American Ballet.

Broadway show The Man

Blaize Dance, Inc. Where Are They Now?

Kayla

Beard was one of Blaize Dance School’s first clients. I remember being so excited to teach this young lady dance. Her parents were a part of my church family and I watched her grow from a little girl to a beautiful young adult. Soft spoken with a strong presence, Kayla is full of surprises when it comes to her talents. Recently, I invited her to dance with our ensemble to honor Black History Month at Pricewaterhousecoopers in Tampa, FL. As usual, she brought her ‘A’ game and added so much to the performance. So what is Kayla up to?

CBS: Kayla what do you remember about your first class at Blaize Dance School?

Kayla: All I can remember is that it was a lot of fun.

CBS: What’s your favorite style of dance to do?

Kayla: I like contemporary.

Left to right, dancers, Samantha, Kayla, Olivia, Xanthe and Shameka rehearsing a Caribbean piece.

CBS: What has Blaize Dance School taught you about dance and life in general?

Kayla: That no matter what the show must go on.

CBS: For those who do not know, you and your mom took classes at Blaize. You two also danced together in the production “Dancing to the Scriptures.” What was it like working with your mom?

Kayla: I loved it. She’s a lot of fun to work with.

CBS: After Blaize closed its doors did you continue your dance lessons?

Kayla: No I did not.

CBS: Kayla tell us about college life and what you’re majoring in.

Kayla: College has been interesting to say the least.

Right now I’m getting my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College.

CBS: What do you want to do with your degree?

Kayla: I want to go to Florida State University and Major in Anthropology and minor in Music then eventually get my masters in Ethnomusicology.

CBS: Putting you on the spot now Kayla since this is a dance and fitness magazine (smile). How important is exercise and nutrition to you?

Kayla: They are very important to me.

CBS: What do you do for exercise and do you try to eat right?

Kayla: I do yoga in the morning and I try to eat as healthily as I can.

Complimentary images from Kayla Beard, Photos from BlaizeDance. Inc.2016 CBS: What motto do you live by?

Kayla: Always be undaunted by the fight.

CBS: It was so great talking to you!

CBS: I happen to think that you’re a young lady filled with surprises in regards to your gifts. I am glad that you’re se- Kayla: Thank you it was great talking to you as well. curing a degree in Liberal Arts, particularly the area of Ethnomusicology- as this is so needed today. Having said that, CBS: Will you let us know when you’ve graduated so that what’s your advice to your peers regarding following your we can do a follow up story on you? dreams and securing a college education?

Kayla: Yes I will!

Kayla: Never quit no matter what. Always try to get an education no matter the circumstances.

Kayla flashing her winning smile and on stage in the production, “Dancing to the Scriptures” -2006

Kayla Beard is one of Blaize Dance Schools, (Temple Terrace, FL) first dance students. She is currently enrolled at Hillsborough Community College studying Liberal Arts. Complimentary images from Kayla B and photos from BlaizeDance, Inc. ©2016.

“Where Are They Now” is looking to showcase previous students of Blaize Dance School (BDS). If you know of someone who attended BDS, send us an email titled: Where Are They Now blaizedance@gmail.com or cmsbdance@gmail.com.

Glenda Dexter, Sales Executive I am pleased to announce my affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group, formerly Prudential Tropical Realty. The company’s new name offers you the confidence you need when buying or selling a home.

As a Sales Executive with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group I can offer you the best of both worlds: the strength and name recognition of a powerful new network-recognized as the No. 1 company in Barron’s annual ranking of the world’s 100 most respected companies-along with the personal attention and expertise of a locally owned and operated company. We offer a full menu of services and take great pride in our ability to facilitate every aspect of your transaction. I look forward to finding solutions to all of your residential and/or commercial real estate needs.

www.berkshirehathawayhs.com

5 Star Dance Studios in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona & Arkansas When you’re in the area contact one of these schools that appeared on our top 10 list. Tell them Blaize Dance & Fitness Magazine sent you.

ALABAMA

Phone: 256-837-8033 www.northalabamadancecenter.com

The Dance Company, Inc. www.thedancecompanyinc.com

ALASKA

19 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758

Anchorage Classical Ballet Academy

Phone: 256-461-8759

501 W Intl Airport Rd Anchorage, AK 99518

Broadway South Dance

Phone: 907- 569-3267

7906 Westside Park Drive

www.anchorageballet.org

Mobile, Alabama 36695 Phone: 251-639-0660

Studio Pulse

www.broadwaysouthdance.com

2400 E. Tudor Road, #2422 Anchorage, AK 99503

Ebony Arrington Dance & Performance

Phone: 907- 677-8573

Roebuck Studio

www.studiopulseak.com

549 Huffman Road 205.833.7717

Alaska Dance Theater (ADT)

www.ebonyarrington.com

5530 E, 33rd Ave Anchorage, AK 99503

North Alabama Dance Center

Phone: 907-277-9591

5829 Oakwood Rd NW

www.alaskadancetheatre.org

Huntsville, AL 35806

ARIZONA

KevinSmithBallroom 110 W. Meadow

Conservatory of Dance

Fayetteville, AR 72701

13637 N Tatum Boulevard, Ste. 8

Phone: 405- 206-8702

Phoenix, AZ 85032

www.kevinsmithballroom.com

Phone: 602- 900-9564 www.cofdance.com Arthur Murray Dance Studio 1210 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85014 Phone: 602- 264-4612 www.arthurmurrayphoenix.com Pinnacle Dance North 20801 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite #201 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Phone: 480- 538-5355 www.pinnacledancenorth.com

ARKANSAS Irby Dance Studio (Little Rock is 1 of 4 locations: Conway, Morrilton, and Searcy) 2324 Durwood Rd Little Rock, AR 72324 Phone: 501-664-2800 www.irbydance.com Funk Fusion Academy P.O. Box 2698 Conway, AR 72033 Phone: 501- 366 1049 www.funkfusionacademy.com

Beauty

& Fashion

Keto Photography

Nina Gleyzer “Fashion That Transcends Time”

Born and highly educated in Europe, Nina is very outspoken in this interview regarding how women should feel about themselves internally and externally. Dressing up and enhancing ones look with makeup and fashion is a must in her book. If you love fashion or you’re an aspiring designer, you will want to read this article.

CBS: Nina, it is such a pleasure to interview you for our Anniversary Issue of the magazine. Since you were featured in our very first issue, it’s truly a full circle moment for us.

NG: Thank you dear Constance. I am honored that you had me back.

CBS: So let’s talk about the selling of your company, Nina’s Couture. Why the decision to let it go after all this time?

NG: Because I am retired and ran the business for 22 years, being an artist and running a business are two different things. I am an artist first and having to create, run a business, and deal with clients I found very exhausting. Now I have more time to do what I want and that is to create.

CBS: Tell us about your new line that was showcased in New York at Style Fashion Week in the sophisticated venue, Gotham Hall. We love that you titled your collection “Stylish Woman is an Enigma!”!

NG: Thank you very much! A lot of things were happening. I just sold my business in January of 2015. Shortly after that, I received a call from a producer who asked me to be in the IMG Fashion Week on 2/15/16 (formerly the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week). This was a really big deal as I was chosen out of 10,000 designers! So I worked hard and it took me 10 months to complete my 30 piece collection. Unfortunately, the producer called me back and told me that the sponsor was not able to give me the money for the show. After this, I became so depressed. For three weeks I had no life in me, did not get out of bed, and did not want to brush my teeth or anything. Then my husband said; “Nina, get up and

Anastasia Kobylyanska

Professional Hair Stylist Veronika Shurunova at U-MODE SALON, Brooklyn, NY Makeup by Voo Doo Makeup TEAM, New Orleans, LA

Tyrone Tortusa Photography-NYC www.tyronetortusaphotography.com.

do something to show your collection!” Hearing these words from my husband revived me. So I decided on very short notice to get involved in Style Fashion Week in New York on February 11th. I got my pieces together, bought plane tickets, and made hotel reservations all in one week! The show was beautiful, a success and I was grateful to be there and appreciate all of the kindness that was shown to me by the organizers of the show. Now my goal is to look for a sponsor for a bigger show in the near future for IMG.

CBS: Where can I order one?

NG: My perfume is special order only. When you want one I will ask my perfumer to make it.

CBS: Do you plan on making any more perfume?

NG: No just one. It’s unique and it reflects my personality. So it’s enough.

CBS: Nina since you know what women want in the high fashion world of clothes and accessories, what CBS: Nina what a lesson for designers out there who tips can you give to our readers regarding purchasing may hit a stumbling block or two. The only answer is clothing or specific pieces that transcends time? to just get back up again.

NG: I am a classic girl and tend to shy away from trends NG: Yes, we must finish the work to completion. (laugh). I am European. We have a saying in Europe that goes; “I am too poor to buy cheap!” Whether if it’s a man or woman with a disposable income, buy CBS: What was the inspiration for this new line? chic and up to date quality clothes. The more quality NG: Between me and you, when designing I always you buy the longer it will last and it will never be outfollow my heart. I see in my visions beautiful woman dated. Just accessorize what you already have. Buydresses, high heels, red nails, and lipstick. All my life ing a new trendy piece every week or month is just my goal is to make clothes for women who I describe a waste of money. Trust me add accessories! You will as classic beauties. In America, I would love women to love it, you’ll get compliments, and you will always be dress in fashion that is a little more sophisticated and the center of attention. not so trendy. I am not a trendy person.

CBS: I agree. Fashion has been a bit too trendy for quite some time now.

NG: So let me describe what a classic beauty is. This woman knows the secret on how to put herself together. She knows how to make herself look beautiful. Make up, hair, and clothes that creates a wonderful package and picturesque moment when she walks down the street. Designer Chanel always says; “If you don’t wear makeup you overestimate yourself.”

Makeup is a must for women.

CBS: What’s your favorite season that you like to design for and why?

NG: I love of course fall and winter because you can embellish more. As for materials, there are furs, wools and tweeds. When it comes to accessories, you can wear boots, gloves, hats and scarfs. The more you cover yourself the sexier you are. You don’t have to expose your body to be sexy.

CBS: The designers that I seem to gravitate to are Donna Karen- for her classic lines and clothing that seem to “move” and fall gently on the body. Who are your favorite designers?

CBS: We loved showcasing your perfume. For those who do not know, please tell us how you came up NG: The designers that I gravitate to the most are with the name Ninon?

Chanel, George Armani and Jean Paul Gaultier.

NG: Ninon is the name my mom called me as a child. Chanel’s look is classic, feminine and gorgeous. ArThis perfume is about my family and my childhood mani is very classical with clean lines. His designs are memories. The fragrance reminds me of the things masculine, but at the same time, feminine. John Paul’s that I associate with my mom. Memories of fields of creations are artistic, chic, and extremely brave. He is green grass and the smell of her making dough in the just wow! kitchen. This perfume came out beautiful and has a classic scent. You would love it!

CBS: Since you love to accessorize, any plans for a new accessory line?

NG: Uhm, I don’t know. It is possible. I cannot really make plans right now. Maybe in a year. My major concern is finding sponsors for my February 2017 show.

CBS: Nina you are one of the most gracious and down to earth designers out there. We have enjoyed featuring your images in our magazine. What is your advice for up and coming designers today about staying true to the craft and being unique?

NG: This question that you are asking me is my favorite question. First of all a lot of people think that they are qualified to be a designer because they love clothes and love being dressed. Wrong! I have to tell you what one needs to become a fashion designer.

Number 1, brains, number 2 eyes, number 3 heart, number 4 soul, and number 5 hands.

Number 6 is a lot of knowledge. They need to have a cultural background and know about art history because art and fashion has always collaborated with one another. Only by reading about this history will they have access to all the different artist and their influence on fashion. Then number 7 is God is supposed to kiss you on your forehead.

CBS: As in God is the only one who can really bless you with this talent right?

Model Caroline Puri

Model Isla Marie

NG: Yes, only God can give that special blessing to you.

Now for number 8, the last one, you must have money. If people don’t have this package, my advice to them is to forget about it. Fashion is the hardest, fastest business in the world. You have to be a hard worker and very talented to be successful. You must also have a lot of patience.

CBS: it is always a pleasure speaking with you and thanks for enlightening me and all of our readers on what fashion should really be about. Chic, sophisticated, timeless and one-of-a- kind designs.

NG: Absolutely. You are very welcome and it is my pleasure.

Now for your women readers, I want them to really enjoy every moment of being a woman. We have so many opportunities than men when it comes to embellishing and improving ourselves. I am talking about the outside. Love yourselves, dress beautiful. Look beautiful and wear high heels as long as you can. And wear jogging pants only at the gym!

By CBS Edits J. Samuel Nina is an award winning Couture Designer who is originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Currently, she resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband. For more information visit www.ninagleyzer.com. Take a look back at our very first issue with Nina Gleyzer

Tyrone Tortusa Photography-NYC www.tyronetortusaphotography.com.

Fashion Addict with Carol Burgan BDFM’s Fashion Addict Blogger, Carol Burgan is back!

Sharing her current make up toy.

She’s excited about her Real Techniques sculpting set. She looks like a professional in her video as she applies her makeup with the sculpting brush with a wide angled head to create defined contours by using cream or liquid makeup. Learn more about these brushes at https://realtechniques.com/.

Thanks Carol!

www.jmac-photography.com

Nita’s Tips

Candybox Colors, LLC A must do! Always apply primer such, as Mally’s Face Defender before your foundation for a smoother more even skin tone and texture. This allows a better application of foundation which helps it last all day.

Even our Editor, Constance has had a session with Nita. “Nita is very professional, engaging and funny. She applied makeup that highlighted my wardrobe perfectly. I’m not a fan of blue on my eyes, but she worked wonders.

Favorite product: Cover FX Mineral Foundation provides a beautiful natural application and is also has anti-inflammatory benefits. It also has shades for every skin type (oily, dry, and sensitive). Skin Care product: Vitamin C Serum by Obaji (tightens the skin, evens your tone and texture). Apply twice a day.

Quote to live by: Beauty shines within.

In order to look good on the outside, you must feel good on the inside.

The great thing about makeup is that it makes us feel good on the inside and look beautiful on the outside.

By Nita Mandal Nita Mandal is a Professional Makeup Artist at Candybox Colors LLC in Florida. Follow Nita on Facebook at www. facebook.com/candyboxcolors or contact her via phone (813) 420-8328.

Nita working back stage at the Runway Fever Fashion Show Eleganza. Making our model Jacqueline Ladytink Danielle look stunning before she hits the stage.

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Photography by Sergii Lakhno

Shades of Pink Runway

www.JMAC-Photography.com

The Business of Beauty

The beauty business is bigger than ever and celebrities are not the only persons securing the services of makeup artist, hair stylist and image consultants. Professional women around the globe have invested time and money creating their signature look. In business, one’s look is their calling card and a pristine image is one way of securing your brand.

To kick off our new and improved Beauty and Fashion section, we spoke with Ashlee Small, who is definitely in the business of making women look and feel great.

When was the first time that you discovered your passion for makeup?

Ashlee: I wish that I can say that my passion for makeup started when I was a young child, but it didn’t’. I actually discovered my passion for makeup the first time I saw my work on camera. I was asked to help out a local boutique with makeup for one of the models- just sitting back and seeing my work was an awesome feeling.

From there it took off.

Who was the first person you practiced putting makeup want to make something on the face the focal point of the on? look. For instance, I’ll create a natural appearance throughAshlee:The first person that I can remember putting make- out, then by adding a pop of color on the lips, a dramatic up on was my mom! She allowed me to make her up for her eye, or a little bit of extra highlighter- my signature “pop” 20 year class reunion. I did something very simple just to and “glam” is revealed. enhance her features.

What was your mom’s response when she saw her face?

Ashlee:She loved it! She loved that the makeup took off a few years and gave her face a lift.

How did it make you feel?

We all have people who have influenced us in our crafts.

What professional makeup artist do you admire?

Ashlee:One of my biggest inspirations is makeup artist, Lauren Nicely, also known as LoNicely on her social media accounts. I admire her most because her work is very precise and clean. Her makeup can be worn by the average girl who just wants to look fab.

Ashlee:I was excited. It was definitely a great feeling!

Please explain to us what “soft-glam” means?

Ashlee:Soft- glam is my technique and style of makeup. In every look I strive to create a flawless application that allows the client’s features to be enhanced. My style of makeup is not overbearing- it’s natural with a hint of glam. I always

Ashlee, what celebrity or famous persons face would you like to transform?

Ashlee: If I could transform any celebrity’s face it would be Gabrielle Union and K.Michelle. Both ladies are naturally beautiful and have great face structures that I would be able to do a lot with.

Keto Photography

“

It is always a must that I use Witch Hazel during both facial routines to help with reducing acne and puffiness (under the eyes).

“

Can you give us five items that a girl should always have in her beauty bag?

Ashlee:Every girl must have a little concealer, mascara, lip gloss and or lipstick, pressed powder and beauty blender/sponge. I recommend that ladies carry a nude lippie as well as a night time darker lip for a quick on-the-go change.

What are your favorite products for cleansing the face and keeping it healthy?

Ashlee: I have two different cleansing routines that include a few different products. In the morning, I like to do a light cleanse with a Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. In the evening, I use Clean & Clear facial cleanser for a much deeper cleanse that removes makeup and dirt. It is always a must that I use Witch Hazel during both facial routines to help with reducing acne and puffiness (under the eyes). I also love using natural Shea Butter every now and then to give my skin extra moisture.

How did you get into the hair game?

Ashlee: I always love when I get this question, because it allows me to share my first taste of success as an entrepreneur. As a freshman in college, in a new area and not knowing anyone, I could not find a stylist to do my hair to my liking. I tried one salon while I was in the South Florida area and felt that I paid too much for a look that I did not even like. I always had an idea of how to do

quick styles but never knew how to do a full sew in. So one day I took myself to task and after about 4 or 5 hours, I had successfully completed my first sew in on myself. My next attempt came when my best friend asked me to do her hair and it came out great! Honestly, the rest is history. I simply posted my services on our freshman Facebook group, and the business came -- it even continued and grew when I decided to relocate and finish college at the University of South Florida.

possible. Sometimes when you use too much products, it weighs the hair down leaving it motionless. However, one product that I have become very fond of is Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This helps with growth, thickness and it is great to use when pressing hair.

We chose you for our spotlight because we admire the fact that you are a young entrepreneur. When did you know you wanted to run your own business?

Ashlee:As far back as I can remember, I always felt that I wanted to be my own boss. I wasn’t quite sure of what type Ashlee:I love when I get the chance to create a sleek bob of business or how, but I knew that I would have to either style on a client, no two bobs will ever be the same and I work my way up to the top, corporately or create something of my own. I believe running my own business came kind of love having that creative freedom. more into fruition when I saw that people responded to the things I would produce. From there, I had something that I Tell us about some of your favorite hair products and why could be 100% successful in. you like them.

What is your favorite style to do on a client?

Ashlee:I’m very simple when it comes to hair products, because I like the hair to have as much body and bounce as The field of beauty is so saturated with hair and makeup art-

“

I recently came across an article in Fortune Magazine that declared young black women as the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in America.

“

ness woman I am still learning to bounce back from things Ashlee: I believe what differentiates Lovelee Looks from that don’t work and to focus more on what does work. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou, talks about celethe rest right now is customer service and “ my style of makeup. I come across clients who value the professionalism and brating the small victories. “Along the journey there will be quality service that Lovelee Looks provides. On the other ups and downs but there will be those small victories that hand, I think that just my overall style of makeup makes me will feel amazing and make you so confident, so celebrate different from the rest. Of course, everything is a trend -- those because they will lead to even bigger victories.” and right now I feel that the over exaggerated makeup look is in. Everyone wants to look like Kim Kardashian-but what By CBS about the emerging college student or professional business woman who just wants their makeup to feel and look like Edits by JS skin? I strive to keep my makeup as natural as possible, and I think a lot of people appreciate that I stay true to that.

Ashlee began her vision of Lovelee Looks her freshman ist. How is Lovelee Looks different from the rest?

What advice would you offer to women in their early 20’s regarding starting their own business?

Ashlee: For any young lady that is thinking about pursuing or is pursuing her own business, I say go for it- wholeheartedly. I recently came across an article in Fortune Magazine that declared young black women as the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in America. I thought this was amazing, empowering, uplifting and proves that we are creating our own lane! In addition, be ready for the hard work, rejection and nay-sayers because it’s all a part of the process.

Most importantly, always have a plan B, C and D because things never work the way that you expect! As a young busi-

year of college. She is a freelance, self-taught makeup artist who simply started with a vision and a plan. The Lovelee signature look can be described in two words - “soft glam!”

“I strive to execute clean, flawless makeup application while still including a touch of glam that makes the look suitable for any type of event”, says the Owner, Ashlee Small.

For more on Lovelee Looks, LLC visit www.ohsolovelee.com.

Courtesy photos by Lovelee Looks, LLC. Ashlee’s beauty products mentioned- www.dove.us/Products/Bar-Body-Wash/ Beauty-Bar/Dove-Sensitive-Skin-Unscented-Beauty-Bar. aspx, www.cleanandclear.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Shea_butter, Google Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

SafiyaK Natural Spa Peppermint and Sugar Cookie Organic Body Scrub 8oz $10 @ mysafiyak.com Made with certified organic and natural ingredients Rich in moisturizing oils which effectively nourish and hydrate thirsty skin In the mornings, invigorate, energize and reawake with peppermint in your shower. Unwind and relax wtih the joyful scent of sugar cookie in a warm bath at bedtime.

Facebook: Safiyak Twitter: @MySafiyaK

Hair Care

Products that are healthy for hair BASiC Hair Care System is packed with ingredients such as grain, fruit, and nut extracts of the highest quality formulations that you can find.

The BASiC difference.

Model, Joy is wearing BASiC’s new product, Herbaceous Moisturizing Relaxer. Stylist Nikki Hanner of Visions Hair Studio, Inc. Another client of Nikki’s straightens her natural curl with BASIC’s ONE-STEP TREATMENT.

Visit BASiC before and after gallery.

See if you can find your look!

Images by BlaizeDance, Inc., Visions Hair Studio, Inc., and BASIC website.

Cantu Shea Butter Products are so great

for all hair types. Love the fact that they have products for kids. Cantu Conditioning Detangling and Leave-In Conditioning. Images from Googleimages.com Shop for Cantu at cantubeauty.com/find-us

Mental Health

Balancing Act “Living with Bipolar Disorder�

By Lawanda Ford-Johnson, PsyD

A look into the life of a person diagnosed with a Bipolar Disorder could appear quite normal under the ideal circumstances. However, in most cases, individuals vacillate, like a pendulum, between emotional highs (manic/hypomanic episodes), lows (depressive episodes), or a mixture of both. People with bipolar disorder undergo a careful balancing act between periods of mania and depression that are extreme and oftentimes severe. Affecting more than 6 million American adults, this illness brings dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and ability to function, according to the Nation Mental Health Institute. Successful management requires careful consideration in the course of treatment in order to balance these extreme shifts in mood for optimal daily functioning.

FACT:

Symptoms Symptoms of bipolar disorder may vary per individual. When the emotional pendulum swings toward depression, a person may have overly long periods of feeling sad or hopeless coupled with a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex. During a depressive state, there may be excessive crying, a negative outlook on life, and poor eye contact with others. An individual may become tired or "slowed down," have problems concentrating, remembering, making decisions, and become easily restless or irritable. There are also changes in appetite, sleeping, and other habits. The risk of suicide among those diagnosed is at greater than 6% over 20 years; while self-harm occurs in 30-40%. When the emotional pendulum swings towards mania/ hypomania, an individual behaves or feels abnormally energetic, happy or irritable. Individuals diagnosed with the disorder may often talk very fast, jump from one idea to another, have racing thoughts, and be easily distracted. They are prone to make poorly thought out decisions with little regard to the consequences and have little need for sleep. These periods of “highs” can produce an unrealistic belief in one's abilities (i.e. “I am invisible”) with extreme impulsivity; often resulting in engagement in pleasurable, high-risk behaviors (i.e. risky sexual acts, expensive shopping sprees.

“The risk of suicide among those diagnosed is at greater than 6% over 20 years; while self-harm occurs in 30-40%.�

Etiology While the exact cause of this emotional pendulum called bipolar disorder is not known, there is strong evidence in support of a genetic predisposition to the illness. More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the disorder or with major depression disorder. The genetic link has been estimated at 70%. Evidence suggests that environmental factors also play a significant role in the development and course of bipolar disorder and those individual psychosocial variables may interact with genetic dispositions. There have been repeated findings that 30–50% of adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder report traumatic/ abusive experiences in childhood, which is associated on average with earlier onset, a higher rate of suicide attempts, and more co-occurring disorders such as PTSD. Likewise, most researchers report that bipolar illness is the result of a chemical imbalance in certain parts of the brain.

Several neurotransmitters have been implicated during either the manic or depressive phase of the illness in the prefrontal cortex and cerebral cortex areas of the brain.

Treatment Traditionally, successful bipolar disorder treatment requires a careful course of medication, psychotherapy, and discipline to stay on track and avoid an emotional crash. Research seems to point to the lack of ineffectiveness of medication for most people with a bipolar diagnosis. A recent review suggested that medication only helps a small proportion of those it is prescribed to. The “first-line, long-term pharmacological treatment” for bipolar disorder is a drug called lithium, which is extremely toxic and was found to benefit only about one in seven patients. Recent research has found that around one in three of those taking lithium over many years will go on to suffer from chronic renal failure. As a result, more than 60% of people with the diagnosis stop taking their medication at some point due to the severe and unpleasant side effects produced by drugs such as lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Some of the side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, slowed movement, and substantial weight gain. One individual described her experience with medication for bipolar illness as such, “But my illness is a huge part of my daily life. Just shopping for the perfect mix of medications is a full time job, with side effects from drugs tried and failed ranging from the merely awkward (flushed cheeks) to annoying (dry mouth) to incapacitating (flu-like symptoms that last for weeks). To keep my illness secret and managed, I go to therapy every week (for a while I did phone therapy at 6 a.m. so I could get to work on time), sneak to the kitchen or bathroom to take my morning and afternoon medications while at work, and make sure I go to my psychiatrist once a month during my lunch hour—often rescheduling and putting it off a week because a meeting or conference call comes up.” Likewise, Maurice Bernard, the Emmy Award-winning actor who has played General Hospital's character, Sonny Corinthos, admitted, “I did go off [Lithium] for one year and had a breakdown, and then I went off for two and a half years and I had a breakdown. The last time I stopped taking my medication; I threatened to kill my wife, Paula, and ended up in a psychiatric facility.”

Given that medication maintenance is such a challenge for people living with bipolar disorder, individuals employ a wide range of strategies to manage their moods. It has been widely established that regular exercise is a vital component in treating bipolar disorder. Given that weight gain is a side effect of many of the medications that treat bipolar illness, exercise can help a person living with bipolar maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can help improve a person's appearance, which in turn improves his or her self-esteem and mood, both of which suffer as part of bipolar disorder. Exercise has also been shown to increase the body's naturally produced mood elevators such as endorphins. It can help reduce anxiety and lift someone out of depression.

While no cure for bipolar disorder exists currently, individuals can learn how to live with this illness and balance their emotional pendulum. Though some struggle with finding the right medication to treat their bipolar illness, others are able to manage to have productive lives. The key to accomplishing the balance is not a one fix for all. It requires figuring out what work best for each individual. Maurice Bernard shared that support from his family has been crucial in his recovery.

"Since taking my medications and starting on General Hospital, I have accomplished a great deal in acting and in my life.

My life is as perfect as can be," he says. "I still go through moods and whatnot; but in general, if you get treatment for bipolar disorder, stay on your medications. You can live an incredible life. That's the bottom line."

Some helpful tips in improving/balancing a Bipolar Disorder include: 1.

Seek professional help

2.

Be an active participant in your course of treatment

3.

Take medication as prescribed.

4.

Monitor symptoms and moods swings

5.

Talk with others (i.e. family, friends) about triggers/symptoms

6.

Maintain a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and drugs

7.

Keep stress to a minimum

8.

Develop a daily routine, including a bedtime routine

Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) Bipolar I/II Diagnostic Criteria Mania The DSM defines mania as a “distinct period during which there is an abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.� The episode must last at least a week. The mood must have at least three of the following symptoms:

*Inflated self-esteem *Little need for sleep *Pressure of speech (talking constantly) *Flight of ideas *Easily distracted *Excess pursuit of goal-directed activities or psychomotor agitation (pacing, hand wringing, etc.) *Excess pursuit of pleasure with a high risk of danger

Depression The DSM states that a major depressive episode must have at least four of the following symptoms. They should be new or suddenly worse. They must last for at least two weeks. *Changes in appetite or weight, sleep, or psychomotor activity *Decreased energy *Feelings of worthlessness or guilt *Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions *Thoughts of death or suicidal plans or attempts

Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar I disorder involves one or more manic episodes or mixed (mania and depression) episodes. The episodes are not due to another medical condition or substance use.

Bipolar II Disorder Bipolar II disorder has one or more severe major depressive episodes with at least one hypomanic episode. There are no manic or mixed episodes.Hypomania is a milder form of mania that is never accompanied by delusions or hallucinations.

It doesn’t disrupt the patient’s ability to function as significantly as bipolar I disorder, but nevertheless the symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment at work, school, or with personal relationships. It’s common for those with bipolar II disorder to not recall their manic episodes.

Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) Bipolar I/II Diagnostic Criteria Mania The DSM defines mania as a “distinct period during which there is an abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.” The episode must last at least a week. The mood must have at least three of the following symptoms: • Inflated self-esteem • Little need for sleep • Pressure of speech (talking constantly) • Flight of ideas • Easily distracted • Excess pursuit of goal-directed activities or psychomotor agitation (pacing, hand wringing, etc.)

• Excess pursuit of pleasure with a high risk of danger Depression • The DSM states that a major depressive episode must have at least four of the following symptoms. They should be new or suddenly worse. They must last for at least two weeks.

• Changes in appetite or weight, sleep, or psychomotor activity • Decreased energy • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt • Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions • Thoughts of death or suicidal plans or attempts Bipolar I Disorder Bipolar I disorder involves one or more manic episodes or mixed (mania and depression) episodes. The episodes are not due to another medical condition or substance use.

Bipolar II Disorder Bipolar II disorder has one or more severe major depressive episodes with at least one hypomanic episode. There are no manic or mixed episodes. Hypomania is a milder form of mania that is never accompanied by delusions or hallucinations.

It doesn’t disrupt the patient’s ability to function as significantly as bipolar I disorder, but nevertheless the symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment at work, school, or with personal relationships. It’s common for those with bipolar II disorder to not recall their manic episodes.

DSM-5, 20132

Lawanda Ford-Johnson, PsyD Licensed Psychologist

References 1. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder 2. Anderson, IM; Haddad, PM; Scott, J (2012). “Bipolar disorder.”. BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 345: e8508. doi:10.1136/ bmj.e8508.PMID 23271744.

3. American Psychiatry Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 123–154.ISBN 0890425558.

4. Edvardsen J, Torgersen S, Røysamb E, Lygren S, Skre I, Onstad S, Oien PA (2008). “Heritability of bipolar spectrum disorders. Unity or heterogeneity?”. Journal of Affective Disorders 106 (3): 229–240. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2007.07.001.

PMID 17692389.

5. Serretti A, Mandelli L (2008). “The genetics of bipolar disorder: Genome ‘hot regions,’ genes, new potential candidates and future directions”. Molecular Psychiatry 13 (8): 742–771. doi:10.1038/mp.2008.29. PMID 18332878.

6. Brietzke E, Kauer Sant’anna M, Jackowski A, Grassi-Oliveira R, Bucker J, Zugman A, Mansur RB, Bressan RA (December 2012). “Impact of childhood stress on psychopathology” (PDF). Rev Bras Psiquiatr 34 (4): 480–8.doi:10.1016/j. rbp.2012.04.009. PMID 23429820.

7. Salvadore G, Quiroz JA, Machado-Vieira R, Henter ID, Manji HK, Zarate CA (2010). “The neurobiology of the switch process in bipolar disorder: a review”.J Clin Psychiatry 71 (11): 1488–1501. doi:10.4088/JCP.09r05259gre.

PMC 3000635.PMID 20492846.

8. Lahera G, Freund N, Sáiz-Ruiz J ( January–March 2013). “Salience and dysregulation of the dopaminergic system” (PDF). Rev Psquiatr Salud Ment 6 (1): 45–51.doi:10.1016/j.rpsm.2012.05.003. PMID 23084802.

9. Benes FM, Berretta S (2001). “GABAergic interneurons: implications for understanding schizophrenia and bipolar disorder”. Neuropsychopharmacology 25 (1): 1–27.doi:10.1016/S0893-133X(01)00225-1. PMID 11377916.

10. http://theconversation.com/managing-bipolar-disorder-without-medication-48640.

11. http://psychcentral.com/lib/10-small-steps-you-can-take-today-to-improve-bipolar-disorder/ 12. http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/features/bipolar-balance 13. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/08/why-i-keep-my-bipolar-disorder-secret-at-work/278931 14. http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/exercise 15. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-support-and-self-help.htm

Choose Happiness

FOL Series: Living Happy, Healthy and Debt Free

By Jovette Muniz

The last time we spoke I shared tips on how to become debt free. Ring a bell? If not, just refer to last month’s issue. So I have a question for you? Are you happy? ARE YOU REALLY TRULY HAPPY? We are living in a world where too many people have lost faith, hope and love. Unfortunately this depressing reality has caused many of us to be unhappy.

Why? As the President of the Happy Club, Fitness Club and Breaking the Chains Club (all self-appointed- if you want something done you send in the Marine), I’m on a mission to help and teach others to live a happy, healthy and debt free life. However, I am not a doctor but I do play one on TV (smile). Okay, let’s get serious.

By observing others and hearing their stories I have found a common denominator that effects happiness. And it’s called outside factors. Seems that people are under the impression that happiness comes from their spouse, children, family, jobs, money, and the list goes on. Happiness comes from within. I know some of you may disagree and that’s fine- but when people make up their mind to be happy despite the husband leaving for the third time, children departing the nest (which is what they’re supposed to do) or getting fired from a job- that is when their life will change forever. Please do not get it twisted! I’m not talking about people who suffer from mental issues. I am talking about the “average Joe-Smo” who has every day problems like the rest of the world and seems incapable of choosing happiness.

There is a cute cartoon of two men sitting on a bus with the caption that reads “Every single day you make a choice.” One man is facing the side with the view of the mountain blocking the sun and he is very sad because all he sees are rocks. He’s probably complaining that it’s his spouse, parents or the government’s fault as to why his life is all messed up.

“

“

Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.

Abraham Lincoln

However, the other man who also chose his seat, is facing a beautiful sunlit scenery and probably is taking control of his life. That cartoon truly depicts our decision to be happy. Where do you choose to sit on this bus called life?

How can one check to see if they are happy? By answering these questions…

1. If you never get anything else in your life would you be content? No new spouse (laughing). No more children. No new car. No new job. No new house. No new friends 2. Could you just be happy with who you are and what you have in your life right now? Tough question huh?

If I could bottle my happiness I would make millions, trillions, and gazillions, of dollars in an instant! Because…

•

Happiness is choosing to see the positive in something negative.

•

Happiness is choosing to live life on purpose.

•

Happiness is choosing to live life with a purpose.

•

Happiness is choosing to live life big.

Who are the happiest people?

The happiest people are not those who have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything. ~ Unknown I can share countless stories about people who have gone through hell and back but are choosing to be happy. But that would be another full page article. So make up your mind today to never allow anyone or anything to take away your happiness. I think this song is appropriate after reading this article. Don’t you?

Jovette Muniz is a CEO/Founder/Owner at Full of Life https://www.facebook.com/Full-Of-Life-JovetteMuniz-333619853345783/?fref=ts and an Independent Beachbody Coach www.beachbodycoach.com/ Jovette42. She is also a Contributing Writer for the Financial Fitness section for Blaize Dance and Fitness Magazine. Images, Google Images, BlaizeDance, Inc. © 2016

Good Eats

Simple Summer Salads!

S

R

ecipes below are simple salads that can be eaten alone or combined with lean meat, poultry or fish. When using recipes with seasonal ingredients look for the freshest foods as this is important to the overall taste of the meal.

Hope you enjoy these fun recipes with tantalizing juices that will tickle your taste buds.

Seasonal spring and summer fruit and veggies: •

Apricot

• Artichokes

• Avocado

• Asparagus

• Blueberry

• Broccoli

• Cantaloupe

• Butter Lettuce

• Cherries

• Chayote Squash

• Navel Orange

• Collard Greens

• Nectarine

• Corn

• Papaya

• Fava Beans

• Peach

• Fennel

• Plum

• Green Beans

• Pineapple

• Manoa Lettuce

• Raspberry

• Morel Mushrooms

• Strawberry

• Mustard Greens

• Honeydew Melon • Pea Pods • Huckleberry

• Peas

• Lime

• Jalapeno Peppers

• Fig

• Jerusalem Artichoke

• Grapes

• Sweet Potatoes

Asparagus with Citrus Dressing Purchasing Asparagus and Lemons:When you are shopping for your asparagus, look for tips that have closed petals, not a lot of budding and is firm. As for lemons, make sure that lemons have a good color (void of dry, dark spots), and soft to the touch. “Rule of thumb: the softer citrus fruits will have less pith, and therefore more juice, than their less-pliant companions.” - The Kitchen.

Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 5 min Yield: 6

INGREDIENTS: 1 pound asparagus 5 cups water

3. Combine orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, remaining salt and pepper in jar with tight fitting lid; shake well. Add oil; shake well again. Pour as much dressing as desired over warm asparagus. Serve at room temperature.

Tip: This salad can also be served chilled. Do not top spears with dressing until just prior to serving.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: Serving Size (1/6 of recipe), Calories 140 (Calories from Fat 110), Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 1.5g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 220mg, Total Carbohydrate 9g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 5g), Protein 2g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%, Vitamin C 20%, Calcium 2%, Iron 4%.

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided 3 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup Crisco® Light Tasting Olive Oil OR 1/3 cup Crisco® Canola Oil with Omega-3 DHA

PREPARATION DIRECTIONS: 1. Snap off tough asparagus ends; discard. Peel ends of spears with sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler, if desired.

2. Place 5 cups water and 1 teaspoon of the salt in large deep skillet; bring to a boil. Add asparagus spears. Boil, uncovered, 4 to 5 minutes for thin spears, or up to 8 to 10 minutes for thick spears, or until crisp-tender. Drain well. Transfer asparagus to serving plate.

CALORIES *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Sources: Recipe.com, Free Recipe Choice 2016, The Kitchen, BlaizeDanceFIt, BlaizeDance. Com. Image T. Dowe.

Simple Grape Salad Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 0 min Yield: 4 Purchasing Grapes and Romaine lettuce: Try to get grapes that are firm and medium size (preferably red grapes). Get romaine and Red leaf lettuce (for sweet taste) that has leaves that are bright in color, firm and not withered.

INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pound red seedless grapes, halved (about 3 cups) 5 ounces mixed salad (about 7 cups) 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese (optional) 3 ounces of chopped walnuts (optional)

PREPARATION DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add grapes, lettuce, feta and walnuts-toss well. For more crunch and color add, sliced baby tomatoes, sliced baby carrots.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: Per Serving: 170 calories (100 from fat), 11g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 16g carbohydrates, (1 g dietary fiber, 13g sugar), 5g protein.

Sources: Editors personal recipe blaizedance.com2016, yummily.com nutritional information. Image- Shebeko.

Watermelon and Arugula Salad Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 0 min Yield: 6-8 When purchasing watermelon, big or small, it should feel heavy, look for a creamy yellow splotch*, and tap the underbelly (if it’s ripe the sound will be hollow). Tip: Underripe or over-ripe melons will sound dull. Fresh arugula has long, firm, bright green leaves. Larger leaves are more peppery than small ones. Yellowing edges, holes and tears means these greens have past their prime. Tip: If you can, buy arugula in bunches with the roots intact; this helps retain freshness.

Did you know: *Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe.

INGREDIENTS: 6 cups diced seedless watermelon 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup feta cheese crumbles 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds 6 tablespoons prepared balsamic dressing 5 cups lightly packed baby arugula Cracked black pepper to taste

PREPARATION DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, onion, feta and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Add arugula and toss again. Sprinkle with pepper and serve. Tip: Add arugula just before serving for a better texture.

Without extra garnish simple combine watermelon, arugula and a drizzle of dressing and toss to coat Editor’s Tip: Make this more of a citrus summer treat! Add chopped mint leaves, freshly grated ginger and lemon zest combined with watermelon and then top off with arugula before serving. Image not shown.

Personally, I choose to cut my own fruit, however, you can save time by buying precut watermelon, you’ll need about 2 pounds of chunks to equal 6 cups diced.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: Per Serving: 180 calories (100 from fat), 12g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 20mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 13g carbohydrates, (1 g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 5g protein.

Sources: Realsimple.com, Thekitchen.Com, Free Recipe Choice 2016, Editor’s personal recipe using mint, ginger and lemon zest. blaizedance.com2016

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