SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP DANCEFEST

bunch of stuff

2009-06-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well a lot to tell you all-here goes:

Mission in the Mix was a fabulous hit! Shows were great- My students were wonderful, SoulForce was incredible and the guest companies were fantastic!

Mission in the Mix after party was amazing! these are just a few of the pictures that were not too incriminating- hee hee (top photo- Briana, Danyol, Daniel D, Gina, Stephanie and Cristina// bottom photo-Daniel, Briana, Kani, Xenia, NNeka and Natalia)

SF Hip Hop DanceFest will be having a fundraiser show to hopefully compensate for the cuts in funding that we have been experiencing. Show will be August 21 & 22 at Dance Mission Theatre. - to purchase tickets- http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/72364
Performing at the fundraiser show -
Imani's Dream
Funkanometry SF
FBC
Neopolitan
SoulForce
Human Toy
Shadow Optix
Human Creature
Diamond
Soul Conspiracy
& More

I am going on vacation- my classes will be taught be the fabulous members of SoulForce Dance Company.Enjoy!!!
I will see you when I get back

Love and Respect
Micaya

Please support the SF Hip Hop DanceFest

2009-06-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Funding for the Arts has been cut!

Thankfully we have your support!

Donate!

For the past 10 years, the San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival has been a ground breaking event, presenting hip hop dance companies from all over the globe. It has blown away Bay Area audiences repeatedly with high energy performances and developed a reputation for the highest quality and innovation. Maintaining its standard of excellence involves annual expenses that exceed money earned from ticket sales. Donors bridge that gap.

YOUR DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO THE COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES
FOR THE ARTISTS PERFORMING AT
THE 2009 SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP DANCEFEST.

DONATE!

PLEASE DONATE TO THE 2009 SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP DANCEFEST SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO BRING THE FINEST HIP HOP DANCE COMPANIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

Donating to the SF Hip Hop DanceFest comes with benefits, choose a donor level below:

HOMIES: $1-$400
* Donor recognition in web site and program

FREESTYLERS: $401-$700
* All the above benefits, plus:
* Limited edition SFHHDF 2009 T-shirt
* Official SFHHDF 2009 DVD

B-BOYS & B-GIRLS: $701-$1000
* All the above benefits, plus:
* 2 tickets to a SFHHDF 2009 show

BLINGS: $1001 And Above
* All the above benefits, plus:
* 2 more tickets (4 Total) to a SFHHDF 2009 show

PAYMENT OPTIONS - Check, PayPal, or Credit Card

Check: Make checks payable to SF Hip Hop DanceFest
(For tax-deductible donations, make checks out to Dancer's Group)
and mail to:

SF Hip Hop DanceFest
P.O. Box 411492
San Francisco, CA 94141-1492

PayPal: Log on to sfhiphopdancefest.com and click on the PayPal icon.

Credit Card: Send the following Credit Card information via mail to the address listed above OR email to info@sfhiphopdancefest.com:
* Name on Card
* Credit Card Type
* Credit Card Number
* Expiration Date

Three ADDITIONAL ways to support the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM
Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation.

ANGEL PROGRAM
Support an at-risk or underprivileged youth group. The SFHHDF will match you with a youth organization that has requested donated or discounted tickets. TO BE AN ANGEL, contact us at info@sfhiphopdancefest.com

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Take the opportunity for your company to have presence at the 2009 SF hip Hop DanceFest! Contact us to discuss corporate sponsorship opportunities at info@sfhiphopdancefest.com

Thank you very much for your support!

For information please visit our website: www.sfhiphopdancefest.com
SAVE THE DATES!

11th ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP DANCEFEST
NOVEMBER 20-22, 2009
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
San Francisco, CA

TICKETS GO ON SALE AUGUST 21, 2009!

(2 entirely different programs)
PROGRAM A
Friday Nov. 20, 8pm
Sunday Nov. 22, 2pm

PROGRAM B
Saturday Nov. 21, 8pm
Sunday Nov. 27, 7pm

SFHHDF 2009 MASTER CLASSES
Saturday Nov. 21, 2-5pm
Dance Mission
3316 24th Street
San Francisco, CA

Love and respect-
Micaya

More Opening Weekend Mission in the Mix photos

2009-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Love and Respect-
Micaya

Photos top to bottom
1. Brent and Alana
2. Sarah and Sylvia
3. Marcus
4. Ameha and Arnold
5. Barbara Tracy and me

More Mission in the Mix Photos!

2009-06-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Love and Respect
Micaya

Photos top to bottom
1. My son Yeshuah and me
2. Catharina Amadeo and Gina
3. Nneka and Jake
4. Fae and her dance company Bliss
5.Fab dancer boy from Unique Diversity and DownEFX

Mission in the Mix Opening Night!

2009-06-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some great photos from opening night at Mission in the Mix!
Love and Respect-
Micaya

Photos from top to bottom-
1. Jamil, David and me
2.Joyce Daniel and me
3. Sima and me
4. Katrina , Brooke , Jenny and me
5. Kim, Kennette, Sarah, Abbey, Brittany, Yuka and me

??????

2009-06-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

So this is REALLY random, but its been bugging me for a while. I get a lot of emails from people saying that they want to be "apart" of my show. Im not trying to be a stickler or anything but, if someone says they want to be "apart" , that means they dont want to be a part of something.The definition of apart is
1. a. At a distance in place, position, or time: railings spaced two feet apart; born three years apart.
b. Away from another or others: grew apart over the years; decided to live apart.
2. In or into parts or pieces: split apart.
3. One from another: I can't tell the twins apart.
4. Aside or in reserve, as for a separate use or purpose: funds set apart for the project.
5. As a distinct item or entity: Quality sets it apart.
6. So as to except or exclude from consideration; aside: All joking apart, I think you're wrong.
adj. Set apart; isolated. Used after a noun or in the predicate: a people who have existed over the centuries as a world apart.

OK what they are TRYING to say is
"I want to be a part of your show"-
definition of part is-- something determined in relation to something that includes it

I wouldnt think of writing my blog about this topic if I didnt have COUNTLESS emails with this common error.

much love and respect-
Micaya

No more tix for Mission in the Mix

2009-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ok I have been trying to tell you guys that the tickets to this show are very popular. If you did not get a ticket, here is my suggestion.
Come to the show on the night of your choice and place your name on the waiting list. This has been extremely successful in the past. Of course, we cant promise anything but almost evryone who have done this before was able to get in the show.
Love and Respect-
Micaya

Grant DENIED!

2009-06-15T10:01:00.001-07:00

Well the grant that we have been holding our breath for has been officially denied. Earlier I wrote to you about the Wattis Grant which is a great arts funding foundation. We were hoping to get funding this year from this foundation to supplement another grant that we are not able to get this year.

I got the call Friday that the competition was just too tough and that the SF Hip Hop DanceFest was NOT one of the Wattis foundation grantees. OK--- Thats the way it goes right? However, we need to get some fundraising to go on if we want to see dance companies perform at the SFHHDF this year from other places besides the Bay.

SF Hip Hop DanceFest is now doing a major fundraising drive to hopefully help supplement the losses that we are experiencing in grant funding. If you go to the web site (www.sfhiphopdancefest.com) to the support page , you can learn about the ways to donate and the benefits you receive as a donor.

Also the SF Hip Hop DanceFest is doing a very special fundraiser show August 21 & 22, with an after party on Aug 22.
Stay posted on that for more details.

Love and Respect-
Micaya

Missin in the Mix opens Friday!

2009-06-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Mission in the Mix opens this Friday ! As of today, tickets are available for all dates except Saturday June 20, but that will surely change in the next few days. So if you have not purchased your tickets as of yet, get them very soon!

Music I used last week in class- "World Go Round" Busta Rhymes and Estelle
Music I am using this week in class- "Boom" The Grouch, Eligh and Slug

Love and Respect-
Micaya

WEB SITE

2009-06-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

The New SF Hip Hop DanceFest web site is up and it is stunning. Fumi and Andy did a great job with the designs .
check it out folks www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

love and respect-
Micaya

Mission in the Mix!

2009-06-06T09:03:00.001-07:00

Mission in the Mix is now less than 2 weeks away and we are really excited. Every show, there will be performances by SoulForce and my workshop students. However, every night will differ in the guest companies that are performing. Here is the schedule of the guest performers.

Fri June 19-
Downefx
Casino Salsa
Groove Monkees
Shabnams Rashika Ensemble

Sat June 20-
Unique Diversity
Bliss Dance Company
Downefx
Casino Salsa

Sun June 21-
Sangre Latina
Eight Count Dance Company
Shabnams Rashika Ensemble
Imanis Dream

Fri June 26 -
Michael & Avra
Kani Terry
Eight Count Dance Company
Elemental Remix
Bliss Dance Company

Sat June 27 -
Unique Diversity
Jr Genesis
Michael & Avra
Skamatix

Sun June 28 -
Sangre Latina
Jr Genisis
Elemental Remix
Skamatix
Catharina

Love and Respect-
Micaya

fyi

2009-06-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

check this out-
Love and respect-
Micaya

Dear Community,

Please use and/or pass this information accordingly. Thank you, LailaJP
Summer is rapidly approaching and we are excited to announce that our > 8th annual Oakland Peace Camp’ 09 (OPC) will beginJune 29th - July > 17thfor the7th - 12th grade youth, Ages 13 - 18 yrs. It will be held > atASCEND School3709 East 12th street, 1 block from Fruitvale > BART.Time: 9am -2:30

Please See Below next paragraph for detailed information!!!

Please see attached application, limited spaces available. Application > deadline is extended to Friday June 5th. Enclosed, please complete the > OPC application for returning youth and return either by fax: > 510.533.8825; mail or deliver by hand to: 1434 – 34thavenue, Oakland, > Ca 94601; also you can download this application from the Oakland Leaf > website:www.oaklandleaf.org. & return by email > to:lailajp.oaklandleaf@gmail.com.
As in previous years OPC gives our youth the opportunity to attend:

• Attenda free camp (safe space/gang neutral) with a focus on social > justice and peace while learning various skills from dynamic bay area > artists /instructors (check out the list below!) and Youth Roots/RAMAS > youth facilitators

• Eatdaily healthy and delicious lunches provided by well-respected a > community caterer

• Contribute in a daily advisory that gives the youth a voice to talk > about some of the problems they see in their community. They get the > opportunity to develop and implement community action projects where > they take charge and do something to enhance their community.

• Taketwo urban arts workshops daily for three weeks

• Participatein the annual OPC Hip-Hop Summit

• Enjoythe yearly day-long fieldtrip: Adventure Day

• Showcase their talent in the annual end-of-camp OPC Expo

• And much more....!

This year, OPC ’09 will feature seven different urban arts courses, > including:

· Boys’ Hip-hop Dancefacilitated by Rashidi Omariof Destiny Arts > & Company.of Prophets,
· Girls’ Hop-hop Dancefacilitated by Jacinta Vlach of Liberation > Dance Theater

· Graffiti & Mural Artsfacilitated by Refa 1 of TNS & TCB Crew,

· Basketball Leadershipfacilitated by Freddy Mesa of Urban Arts @ > Urban Promise Academy,

. Hip-Hop Lyrics & Spoken Wordfacilitated by Rico Pabónof Prophets > of Rage,

· Hip-Hop Theaterfacilitated by:Simón Hanukai of Destiny Arts,and

· DJ & Music Productionfacilitated by:DJ Twelvz of Hungry Town > Entertainment& Done Deal Entertainment.

- OPC Co-Directors: Laila Jenkins-Perez and Freddy Mesa

Oakland Peace Camp '09

Oakland Youth Apply Now!

Oakland, Ca- May 14Th, 2009 - Oakland artist and educators join forces
too provide a 3-week summer camp that interweaves social justice,
youth empowerment and the arts. The 3-week camp launches programming
June 29th, 2009. The program’s goal is to provide a hundred youth the
opportunity to gain skills in their artistic disciplines, learn
violence prevention skills, build community and solidarity amongst the
youth as well as give the youth a safe space to make friends and have
fun on their summer break. This camp aslo relieves some of the stress
from working parents providing their youth with something fun and
educational ‘cause we all know that Oakland streets can get extra hot
in the summer.

The camp includes a daily advisory that gives the youth a voice to
talk about some of the problems they see in their community, they get
to develop and implement community action projects where the youth
take charge and do something to enhance their community. There are six
different urban arts courses that will be provided at this year’s camp
including: Hip-hop Dance facilitated by Rashidi Byrd (Destiny Arts &
Company of prophets), Graffiti & Mural Arts facilitated by Refa 1 (TNS
& TCB crew), Basketball Leadership facilitated by Freddy Mesa (Urban
Arts Academy), Spoken Word facilitated by Rico Pabon (Prophets of
Rage), Hip-Hop theater facilitated by Simon Hanukai (Destiny Arts),
and DJ & Music Production facilitated by DJ Twelvz (Hungry Town
Entertainment, Done Deal Entertainment). The Camp will be taking place
@ Ascend School 3709 E 12Th St Oakland Ca, 94601. The camp runs from
June 29Th-July 17Th, Monday-Friday 9am to 2:30pm. It is FREE to all
youth meals included! All youth take two classes and 1 advisory. The
application Deadline is June 1st or until camp capacity (100) is
filled. For further information please go to:
https://www.oaklandleaf.org or call the Mother Garden at 510-533-5989.

tragic

2009-06-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

Last night was the performance for all my youth students. All went well except one really bad thing. One of my 9-10 year old students Eli was in two different classes that was performing last night. He was supposed to perform my dance first, then change costumes and perform the other dance after.
Well, I think you can guess what happened. It was the first half of the show. Eli had the other costume on first and was sitting with the other class watching the show, thinking that he was performing in the second half of the show. The music came on for my dance and the dancers started dancing and he freaked out! He didnt get to be in my piece!
We were all so sad because he had worked so hard in my piece. He was literally the front and center dancer in my piece with a small solo! YIKES! Poor guy. I felt SO bad. He is such a wonderful kid. I adore him!!!!
When I found out what happened, i had him come backstage so I could try to console him a little. It just so happened that I was with my 5 year old students at the time. They couldnt help to overhear the news and they saw Eli crying. They were SO sweet ! They were giving him so much love and they even offered for him to perform in their dance! I was so impressed with their generosity! Their dance was the robot dance and Elis dance was the superhero dance, but to them it didnt matter! Precious!

Love and Respect-
Micaya

oops

2009-05-28T11:02:00.001-07:00

So sorry- I havent been posting the songs I've been using lately because of the performance workshop . Ive been doing a lot of different choreographies and a lot of different songs in my classes.

Lat week
beginner class- Pop Champagne by Ron Browz and Jim Jones
advanced class- Calle Oche by Pitbull

This week
Beginner class -same song as last week
Advanced class- Feel it by T-Pain,Sean Paul, Pitbull and Flo-rida

Love and Respect-
Micaya

WTF?

2009-05-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am still appalled at the sad fact that same sex people in love are not allowed to marry. Here is the info about whats up here in California nd how you can help.
Love and respect-
Micaya

Court Upholds Prop 8; State Continues To Recognize 18,000 Marriages

Advocacy Groups Vow to Return to Polls to Restore Marriage for Same-sex Couples

SAN FRANCISCO—Today, in a 6 to 1 decision, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, the ballot measure that eliminated the right of same sex couples to marry. In the ruling authored by Chief Justice Ronald George, the Court stated “We emphasize only that among the various constitutional protections recognized in the Marriage Cases as available to same-sex couples, it is only the designation of marriage — albeit significant — that has been removed by this initiative measure.” At the same time, the court unanimously ruled that the more than 18,000 marriages that took place between June 16 and November 4, 2008 continue to be fully valid and recognized by the state of California. The decision reaffirmed the Court’s prior holding that sexual orientation is subject to the highest level of protection under the California Constitution.

In a strongly worded dissent, Justice Carlos Moreno stated, “The rule the majority crafts today not only allows same-sex couples to be stripped of the right to marry that this court recognized in the Marriage Cases, it places at risk the state constitutional rights of all disfavored minorities. It weakens the status of our state Constitution as a bulwark of fundamental rights for minorities protected from the will of the majority.”

“Today’s decision is a terrible blow to same-sex couples who share the same hopes and dreams for their families as other Californians,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who argued the case before the California Supreme Court in March. “But our path ahead is now clear. We will go back to the ballot box and we will win.”

The National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU represent Equality California, whose members include many same-sex couples who married between June 16 and November 4, 2008, and six same-sex couples. David C. Codell and Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP are also counsel on the case.

At a press conference this morning, all of the groups vowed to return to the polls to restore the right to marry for same-sex couples.

Elizabeth Gill, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California, said, “Same-sex couples yearn for the same dignity and respect that others enjoy. The current situation in California is fundamentally unfair, and it is deeply disappointing that the Court let this injustice stand. But we are committed to restoring equality at the ballot box.”

The National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU filed the legal challenge on November 5, after Proposition 8 was approved by just 52 percent of the voters on Election Day.

An unprecedented 43 friend-of-the-court briefs, representing hundreds of religious organizations, civil rights groups, and labor unions, and numerous California municipal governments, bar associations, and leading legal scholars, were filed in the case, urging the Court to strike down the initiative.

“Public opinion is moving in the direction of fairness and equality, and it is only a matter of time until the freedom to marry will again be secure for all Californians,” said Jennifer C. Pizer, Marriage Project Director for Lambda Legal. “Achieving equality always requires struggle, but over time people come to accept that equal treatment and equal protection of the laws is the best way to protect the rights of all.”

"By upholding Prop. 8, the Court has moved our state backward and has put all Californians at risk of losing fundamental rights at each and every election. Our Constitution must ensure that all Californians are treated equally by our government,” said Geoff Kors, Executive Director of Equality California. “Despite this injustice, we are prepared to return to the ballot box together with our allies to restore the freedom to marry. As more and more states across the nation allow same-sex couples to marry, and as we continue our efforts to win the hearts and minds of Californians through real conversations in homes, in neighborhoods, online and on the air, we are confident that same-sex couples will soon enjoy the honor, dignity and protections that only marriage provides.”

The case is Strauss et al. v. Horton et al. (#S168047). For more information, go to: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/prop8.htm

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.nclrights.org/overturn8

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. www.lambdalegal.org

The American Civil Liberties Union is America’s foremost advocate of individual rights. It fights discrimination and moves public opinion on LGBT rights through the courts, legislatures and public education. www.aclu.org

Equality California is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-based, statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve equality and civil rights for all

here you go

2009-05-25T14:13:00.001-07:00

Love and Respect-
Micaya

Health Insurance

2009-05-21T11:48:00.001-07:00

Well I currently am one of the many people in this country who have No health insurance. Due to some really fucked up circumstances, which are way too long to get into, I am now uninsured. I live in Oakland so I am unable to get the insurance available for people who live in SF.

if you pray- please do--

Love and respect-
Micaya

Queen and King of Carnival

2009-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

So last Friday I was one of the judges at the 2009 SF Carnival Queen and King competition! Wow- what a blast from the past. Ok so most of you may not know that I used to be a samba dancer back in the day. This was back in the late 80's and very early 90's.
As I was watching all the very adorable people up on stage shaking as hard as they could to be crowned queen or king, I couldnt help thinking how I EVER could have done that back then??? I mean first of all, its so hard physically to do all that type of footwork and hip rolls and squats on HEELS! But I just not that uninhibited like that anymore. I have respect for all those dancers and think they are truly lovely and joyous to watch, but those days for me are so over.

Anyway- this was a very fun event and a very fun experience. A gorgeous Brazilian guy and a gorgeous Brazilian girl ended up being the winners (these are not their photos).

Love and Respect
Micaya

a whole lotta cuteness

2009-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

These are my students at Roco Dance studio. They are performing at the end of this month so they are super excited. Some of them will be wearing superhero costumes for their performance!
Too freakin cute huh?

The Roco show is at the Marin Civic Center on May 31 at 6:30pm

Love and Respect
Micaya

SFHHDF Updates

2009-05-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some updates for the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest 2009

*We are working on a donation brochure to mail and email to folks in hopes of raising funds for this years show.
*So far, funding has been very scary ..
*We are working on an overhaul of the web site , stay tuned...
*I have a new graphic designer for the SFHHDF, his name is Andy - I call him AndyPlanz
*Submissions have been coming in slowly but surely, if you havent sent in your submission, DO IT!
*The board of directors and I are meeting later this month regarding a SFHHDF 2009 fundraiser, stay tuned...

Love and Respect-
Micaya

Mission in the Mix 2009!

2009-05-11T11:57:00.001-07:00

Love and Respect-
Micaya

Music and Workshop

2009-05-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

My performance workshop started last Sunday and went extremely well. Everyone is super excited about the upcoming weeks in the creation of their performance piece. I am really looking forward to the process.
Mission in the Mix will be the last 2 weekends of June. tickets will be on sale by next week. stay tuned..

Music used in my classes this week-
Beginner SF Class- :Champagne Red Lights: by O'neal Mcknight
Advanced SF Class- Tuesday "Turn Heads" by LLoyd AND Thursday "Get Your Money up" by Keri Hilson
Marin Class- "Get Your Money up" by Keri Hilson

Love and respect-
Micaya

Last Saturday

2009-05-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

SoulForce performed our new piece "The Original Breath" for the very first time last Saturday at Counterpulse. Thanks to all of you who came to see us. We were honored to perform on the same program as many very wonderful dance companies. We were however, the only hip hop dance company which was kind of a refreshing close to an evening of modern dance.
We got lots of great feedback and I enjoyed seeing the piece being performed for the first time. We had to change the piece completely 2 days before this show because one of my dancers, Clyde, hurt his ankle and was unable to perform. He came to see the show hobbling on his crutches, poor thing. Dont worry though, he will be up and dancing again in no time.
Anyway the funniest part of the evening was the dance party after the show. Somehow the group of modern dancing, counterpulse tech people decided that their main objective of the party was to battle SoulForce! It was delightfu! They were so creative and funny .. SoulForce was laughing and enjoying watching them so much I think they got spanked!
good time was had by all.

love and respect-
Micaya

HERE IT IS -THANKS FOR WAITING!!!!!!!!

2009-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

OK finally, the main image for the 2009 San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. These are the females from the popular Bay Area dance company, Funkanometry SF. How hot is this ?????
Love and respect-
Micaya

Music this week

2009-05-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Heres what I am using in class this week--

SF Classes
Feel it by DJ Felli Fel (with T-Pain, Sean Paul and Flo Rida)

Marin Class
40 Water by E-40

Love and Respect-
Micaya