Get Into The Groove

It has been a while since my last post but I promise that I was keeping myself busy working on upcoming projects that I know you will love. 

Today's post is quite fitting of where my attention has been for the last few weeks. I just completed teaching a dance fitness children's program with the Toronto Public Library in celebration of Black History Month. Additionally, while leading my weekly classes with private clients I also launched ten week Carnival Spice programs in Toronto and Mississauga. It has been amazing seeing so many new faces and watching each person grow week by week. I appreciate everyone that comes out and can confidently say that the energy in each session is so special and felt by all!  Below are a couple anonymous responses from participants when asked, "How did you feel?" after one of my classes!

(Love you guys ^^^^^^ #squad)

"Get into the groove" is more than just a phrase, it is a an action that everyone should be practicing. I encourage you all to embrace the power of movement and if you have not tried a dance fitness workshop or class, then you are definitely missing out! I do understand however if you are unable to participate because of physical injury or other health reasons but any other concerns shouldn't stop you -  instead they should motivate you!

Dance fitness is a type of group exercise that incorporates dance moves/technique. This full body workout is tons of fun and the overall intensity of a class varies depending on the style of dance you are doing.  I often hear folks call dance fitness “ Zumba". To clarify, "Zumba" is a TYPE of dance fitness workout and one of the more popular dance fitness brands. Their instructors go through a training process based on the Zumba style, class format, and program principles. So for example, when someone calls any of my classes "Zumba" , they are very incorrect and legally if I ever advertised my classes as "Zumba" I could be sued for trademark infringement. #foodforthought #fyi #pleasestop #knowledgeispower

One of the main differences between dance fitness classes is STYLE! There can be fifty different hip hop classes out there but I promise you they are not the same. I challenge you to try them all so you can experience the difference for yourself and feel which one you enjoy the most. 

Whether in class or online there are so many great dance fitness classes out there that provide amazing results. Benefits include building your stamina and energy levels, strengthening and toning your muscles, burning tons of calories etc. Dance fitness workouts can also help you avoid or overcome plateaus because they will challenge the body in a different way. Plus most classes are super fun so you do not realize how much work you are putting in. 

Listed were only a few benefits that affect your physical state but there are amazing social benefits as well such as boosting your confidence, building your performance ability, releasing stress and meeting amazing people who are active and may also be looking for support for their workout too.  Not everyone in the class will be at the same fitness or dance level, but that is the beauty of it, you have to start somewhere in order to grow or see results. As as I would say, you have to "pace", listen to the music, listen to your body and take everything in stride. 

What to bring to a dance fitness class:

- a water bottle

- comfortable fitness attire and shoes

- a yoga mat (if you have)

- and a change of clothes because you will get sweaty!

There are so many different classes to choose from out there. Ask yourself:  What music do you like? How long is the class? Check out different videos and see how you feel while watching. 

Below are a couple different classes that I personally enjoy/attend in the GTA:

Army Of Sass with Carla Catherwood

- they also offer the opportunity for you to perform in front of a live audience. 

- they also have locations across Canada. 

Hot In Heels Canada with Angela Mahoney

- I especially enjoyed their 6 hour dance intensive in January. 

- See video clip here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAYBz4LO7MC

Fusion Cardio Toronto with Sumera Q

- Get your Zumba on here!

Caribbean Movements with Kay Ann Ward

-signature classes include Wickedest Wine and Socalicious; great foundations are taught here. 

Carnival Spice with Simply Shakera

- fuses all the sounds of the Caribbean such as soca, dancehall, and chutney. 

- The Spring programs end May 9th in Downtown Toronto & Central Mississauga. See below for further program details!

If video does not load, please click here: (https://youtu.be/XUzbrAv1FTc)

Join Carnival Spice for Caribbean Dance Fitness. 
Click HERE to reserve your spot in Toronto or HERE to reserve your spot in Mississauga.

See you on the dance floor!

Stay Connected With Me Via:

Facebook: Simply Shakera

Twitter: @SimplyShakera

Instagram:  @SimplyShakera

YouTube: Simply Shakera

Email:  info@simplyshakera.com

Respect De Mas

Photo By: Sid Naidu Photography

 

 

I just want to touch base with everyone post Toronto Carnival 2014. How was your overall experience??? I did not participate in too much of the social stuff because Carnival Spice was pretty booked up (AMEN!). So please share; I would love your feedback. 

Which band did you play with? Did you have a great costume pick-up experience at your mas camp? Besides your costume what items were in your costume bag? 

What Fetes/Parties did you attend? Which were the most fun?

Did anyone check out Jab Jab Jouvert?

How was your road experience??? 

This question is a biggy! It is clear the road had several issues this year; mainly in the logistical and security department. Issues so serious that many folks are speaking up to ensure many of these mistakes are not made next year.

If I were to rate my experience on the road this year I would say 6/10. For factors out of my band’s control I didn’t get food or water, I lost a majority of my friends for two hours, and I didn’t make it to the end of the lakeshore. Womp Womp. I did however like the look and feel of the costume I put together, I got to see so many wonderful people, and I got see beautiful mas in the sun.

 

A primary issue this year was the HUGE presence of people not in costume on the Lakeshore!! Ughhh you people stress me out. I know the soca is contagious and I know the fences may be hard to see through, BUT if you are spectator then you need to spectate on the sidelines! You can hear the music from the sidelines as well! ...but when you decide to take it upon yourself to hop the fences & sneak through barricades to get to the Lakeshore, you are ruining the parade and identifying yourself as a STORMER! 2014 Toronto Carnival Stormers caused costumes (which are not cheap) to get ruined, a back log of the music trucks, music to stop being played on the road, interruptions on the stage where costume competitions take place (causing some bands not to be judged)... I could go on...

 

I truly hope that the Toronto’s Festival Management Committee sorts out and fixes many of the issues that continually occur in the parade. My tip to them is to speak with masqueraders to determine solutions – they are your best assets. PLUS masqueraders are the ones who carry out the parade so you have to ensure that they are happy. Caribbean Carnival in Toronto has the elements to be even bigger and better than it is. Before it can grow we as the Caribbean community need to educate masqueraders and attendees on the history of mas or the parade will dwindle into being JUST a street party with a couple people covered in feathers. WE CANNOT LET THIS HAPPEN.

Now Have A Great Day.

 

 

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Twitter: @SimplyShakera

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Email: info@simplyshakera.com

YYZ to MIA Fa Carnival!

South Florida is often recognized for its beautiful weather, sites, and people. However, when you add Caribbean Carnival energy to the mix, the atmosphere really intensifies! Several weeks have gone by since my visit to Miami, and I still catch my mind drifting back to moments from the trip. Sometimes I think I am walking along South Beach inhaling and exhaling the ocean breeze, but then I realize it is really just the Toronto smog. Other times I feel like I am palancing down the road in front of Miami’s Sun Life Stadium along with thousands of other masqueraders. The joke is, I am actually being shoved around in a crowd of people waiting for the Queen streetcar – Ha.. So now that I am home and all settled in, I would like to reminisce about my time during Miami Broward Carnival 2013.
 

First things first, I have to shout out the huge Toronto massive that was live in action during the Miami Carnival festivities. I distinctly remember DJs chanting “anybody from Toronto??” and the whole place turned upside down! I felt so proud. I even lost count of all the One Love T.O. t-shirts that I had spotted on the road. 

It had also helped that many of the bands that Toronto has such as Toronto Revellers and Tribal Carnival had sections participating in the parade. The last time I was in Miami for Carnival, I played mas with Toronto’s Carnival Nationz who usually launches brand new costumes in October. Sadly, they did not release a band for Miami this year. 







 
My friends and I opted to jump up with One Island Carnival who portrayed their theme “Carnival: The Greatest Show on Earth”. With the exception of a minor costume construction issue, my overall experience with them was great. They had provided efficient service during both costume pick up and on the road. I also played with One Island for Miami Jouvert (Shout out to Wyndll!). The name of my Carnival section was “Miami”; I wore a lovely aqua blue and gold costume that shimmered beautifully in the sun. My section leaders were representatives from Ramajay Mas, who had won “Band of the Year” at New York’s 2013 Labour Day Parade.  One Island also had live performances from Kevin Lyttle and Kes the Band – both added bonuses. Below I have a few photos of the different sections.

 

 One Island's "Trinidad" section

 

  
One Island's "Notting Hill" section below

 One Island's "Santa Cruz" section below, JA ALL DAY!

 No behaviour! LOL

Kees! <3

Watch di wine!

Lawd was outside hot though! I guess I should be thankful that it did not rain but I cannot help but laugh at all my face gems that sweat off within ten minutes of me getting to the venue. Yes, Miami Carnival was held at a venue this year. The organizing committee has been trying-out different routes over the years to see what would work best. This year, masqueraders paraded around the Sun Life stadium then were given the opportunity to cross the stage at the end of their route. The stage crossing is so hype in Miami! Because many bands do not cross till after sundown, they have huge stages lights set up - I honestly felt like I was about to perform in real stage production. When you arrive to the panel of judges, there stands a platform level that is raised above ground for masqueraders to present their costumes. I seen all sorts of madness on that stage! From HEAD TOP (see photo above), to choreographed routines, to some serious "floor work" - HA! Congratulations to “1 GYE NY AME” for winning this year’s “Band of the Year” title at Miami Broward Carnival 2013. 

That's Carolyn Gomez in the middle, a fitness/business woman from NY & Trinidad "Carnival Goddess"...loved seeing her and her friend on the road! Looking forward to see what she wears in Trinidad 2014.

 

 THE TOP PICKS!

My Favourite Miami Carnival Moment:

Hands Down – Miami JOUVERT!

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I bought a ticket for Miami Jouvert so thankfully the weather, vibe, food, and music were amazing. Jouvert here is in a parade form, so you could either buy a general ticket to enter the park or you could buy an event ticket to play with a band. Playing with a band gives you direct access to the paint, powder, mud, and with some bands chocolate! Plus food and drinks (including alcohol) are provided with the event ticket. I think I will be petitioning to get an event like this in Toronto – look out for that. In the mean time watch me reppin JA!

 

My Favourite Miami Carnival Section:

Sirens by Mascot International

Best Party:

There were so many events so it is hard to say. These three events had a lot of after – buzz: Scorch Part I AND Part II, Shine: All White Beach Party and The Frenzy Boat Ride.

 

 Skinny Fabulous, Dbandit! Whaddup! ..eh eh! Ah Machel dat a bubble inna di background?!

 My Favourite Miami Carnival Performers:

It’s a tie! I didn’t go to any big fetes so that artists came to me it seemed.

A pool party that I attended featured a surprise appearance from Mr. Machel Montano – Awesome! Then as I have already mentioned, Kes the Band performed all their hits on the road with my band.

Top Miami Carnival Song Choice:

“BUM BUM” by Timaya. This song is actually a Nigerian track that was released in 2012 but took the soca scene by storm in Miami this year. The azonto crew was in full effect on the road! My number one song choice is “MONSTER WINE” by Lil Rick & Kerwin DuBois; and my trip was complete when I crossed the stage to this song!

So friends, if you need to fix your Toronto Carnival Tabanca, Miami 2014 may be a good fit for you so save the date! 

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com