Hello all!
Rather than the usual workshop updates, this post is a call out to friends and family, to the local and international dance community, professional and amateur…To artists of all genres.

A close friend of mine has had major surgery and I would like us to help her cover her medical fees.

I know from experience: The Dance community is a strong one… ANY style: Tango, Belly Dance, Hip Hop et al. I have seen dancers all over the world come together to make incredible things happen. I would like to channel that energy towards this dancer. Even if you don’t know Stania personally I would love for you to do this for a fellow dancer.

You will know that being unable to dance for any reason is a nightmare scenario. As dancers we need to dance, it’s our passion, it’s our lifeline. I believe we can help her through this difficult time by alleviating some of her financial worries.

Stania has been through 3 years of great discomfort with utmost poise and grace.  The operation went well and she is now at home. She will not be able to get back to work for months… As a single, self employed dance teacher and seamstress this means no income until she has healed, as well as large fees owed for the surgery.

I am sure any self employed artists out there will understand how much of a struggle making ends meet can be, add to this the pressure of paying medical fees. She has no other means of financial support.

Please forward this on to other friends and family, the wider we can spread the word the better, via Facebook, Twitter, Email, Phone Calls, Word of Mouth, any way possible!

Perks:

I am offering my first Tribal Fusion Private on line classes, one to one via Skype!

No matter where you are in the world, thanks to technology, we can practice together

You will find Tango perks on offer with the wonderful Fernando Guidi

He is very kindly offering private lessons AND class cards for couples or singles (based in Devon). Perks for beginners and experienced Tango dancers alike.

As some of you know I make my own Raw Vegan Chocolates and will make up a few batches to send to UK backers should you choose that option (sorry I cannot ship my chocs overseas)

If you can only spare a quid, that’s GREAT as I know times are tight for many of us these days. If each friend/follower/fan across social media platforms gave a little something, we could cover her medical fees and maybe even a little more to help Stania through her recovery. This campaign is very close to my heart, any contribution is GREATLY appreciated.

CLICK HERE for more information and to make your contribution

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Thank you SO MUCH

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My focus is safety and longevity in my chosen profession, so I would like to share with you some books and articles you might find interesting, thought provoking and helpful to you: wherever you’re at with your health, fitness and diet right now.

As you may know from earlier posts I run, a little, only about 45 minutes a day, with the hound around the valley. I do not consider myself a runner but I do like to try! I also like to read about runners as I find their sheer will to run FAR extremely inspiring.

Eat and Run by Scott Jurek is an incredible read, in hearing what drives him to run insane distances and also in discovering what fuels his practice, as Scott is Vegan. The book includes plenty of recipes for energy and all round health. It also features tips on running technique that have totally eliminated my calf strain issues (had been happening ever since I switched to barefoot style shoes over a year ago). Thank you Scott Jurek!   Even if you have no intention to run or eat a vegan diet I highly recommend this book to inspire and motivate your dance practice.

Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn is another brilliant read. Devon based writer and runner Adharanand moved himself and his family to Kenya to discover the secrets of the fastest people on earth. He also runs a blog on the Guardian website full of great articles and videos. If you liked Born to Run you will LOVE this book.

On Diet and Health I am currently reading The China Study by T. Colin Campbell PhD Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, the study examines the links between the consumption of animal products and chronic illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancers of the breast, prostate and bowel. As there is rather a lot of cancer in my family on all sides, I am taking a keen interest in the power of diet for myself and my family members, looking at health and lifestyle choices and seeing a lot of room for improvement. Also as a dancer I am keen to research foods for energy rather than relying on the demon caffeine to keep me going. The China Study is a must read.

I also recommend  The 80/10/10 Diet by Dr Douglas N. Graham because it makes sense. It is so simple and feels so good when I am able to follow the suggested foods. You only need look up Dr Graham on You Tube to see what 80/10/10 is all about. That’s all I’m gonna say on this one, I think it best you discover for yourself.

Many of you have asked me about the Tabata workout we practice in class from time to time.
Here is an excellent article on that very subject via The Guardian

There are many videos on You Tube if you are looking for ideas on what to do for your own Tabata. Make sure you vary the movements to target different muscle groups. Think of your whole body as your Core (not just your Abdominal Core) in order to strengthen every corner of your body for your dance.

Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet/fitness regime. I am not a doctor!!! I’m just a fellow dancer sharing what I am researching and practicing day to day, in order to live healthier and dance LONGER.

Enjoy!!!

This is my JUICE. Kale Lemon and Apples. YUM!

xxx

for my first full length instructional DVD.

SOOOOOOO happy with the results, I do  hope you enjoy practicing with it as much we enjoyed creating it.

The venue is stunning, located on the edge of Dartmoor, giving you a taste of where I live and practice.

Rather than using a large production company, I chose to make it independently as I wanted to have control over aesthetics and time. I also plan to use local, independent companies to print the DVDs and packaging.

Directing, filming and producing is thoroughly nice chap Josh Gaunt: Community Workshop Artist, Media Tutor and Documentary Filmmaker. You can find out more about his work HERE

The DVD features wikid instrumentals by Dizraeli and beautiful new works by Dan Cantrell.

I am well chuffed with how it has all come together and so excited for the release. Watch this space!

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