Showing posts with label youtube. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youtube. Show all posts

Monday, 28 March 2016

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. 

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

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

In Case You Missed It (I.C.Y.M.I)




The aim of Simply Shakera Inc. is to spread Dance, Fitness, and Culture throughout the community. These areas are very dear to me so I thank you all for embracing the work I put out from them. When you are moving around so much writing becomes challenging; hence the small gap since my last post but surge of videos on my YouTube channel. Nonetheless, with Toronto Carnival season in full swing and Pan Am Games on its way the GTA will be buzzing! There will be lots to see, lots of moments to capture, lots of people to meet, and even more things to write about – can’t wait!

Below are a few highlights from the past couple of weeks:

Dance


'SS Flash Mob' on the Marilyn Denis Show


Disguised as audience members, the SimplyShakera flash mob initiated a marriage proposal on the March 31st episode of the Marilyn Denis Show.


If the video is not visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/anfWAsk5zAQ




Thank you to the awesome dancers and volunteers who brought the mob to life:
For booking inquires please email info@simplyshakera.com.


Meet Me At The Diner with High Society Cabaret




A showcase taking you back to one of the most popular hang out spots in the 1950s. Thank you to all who were in attendance! The ladies and I had a blast in our crinoline poodle skirts. Here are a few great photos taken by Billy Archos. 

Fitness


Socialize, Energize, Exercise (S.E.E.)

I missed this so much last month! S.E.E. you Friday, May 29th for Socialize, Energize, Exercise! New location same vibes! Dress to sweat ladies! This event is dedicated to women connecting, women enjoying a night out and women getting physically active!
Looking forward to the latin fusion workout instructed by Carnival Spice.




Ticket info and further details available HERE.






SNAPD visited S.E.E. as well - check out their review!

Photo Courtesy of SNAPD Etobicoke


The Carnival Spice Workout Series


If you ever attended a Dance An Ting event or taken a Carnival Spice workout class then you KNOW the vibes are coming. Carnival Spice will be hosting TWO three-week workouts in the GTA just in time for Toronto Carnival & Cropover in Barbados. Classes are 70 minutes long and each will be a different adventure. Bring on the Caribbean vibes and save the dates!



Monday July 6th, 13th, & 20th.
Downtown Toronto – 7:30pm to 9pm

Thursday July 2nd, 9th, & 16th.
Downtown Brampton – 7:30pm to 9pm


Photo Courtesy of SNAPD Cabbagetown

Registration info and further details will be released via the Carnival Spice Facebook Page. Click HERE to join the page!



Culture

Toronto Caribbean Carnival is only a few weeks away!  The Carnival Spice model team hit the runway at costume launches for Saldenah Mas, Carnival Nationz, Toronto Revellers, and Fantazia International – pretty mas everywhere! I am curious to know what costume you have selected for the big day. Please share in the comments section below.
 
Photo Courtesy of The Caribbean Camera


Be sure to check out #Countdown2Carnival on YouTube. #Countdown2Carnival are video installment that will be shared with the public through my eye. Toronto Carnival Season is full of many highlights - all which lead up to the grand parade on Saturday, August 1st. Look out for costume tips, engage with other masqueraders, get behind the scene action from special events, and check out various performances by Carnival Spice entertainment. 

Episode One: The Saldenah Mas Costume Launch



If the video is not visible, click the link here: https://youtu.be/RYG9lQ__wx0

Episode Two: The Toronto Revellers Costume Launch



If the video is not visible, click the link here: https://youtu.be/nKrUG48OTAQ

That’s all folks! Till next time.

Xoxo,


Stay Connected With Me Via:


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

Friday, 3 January 2014

Ode To 2013








I have been reflecting a lot the last few days... I guess that happens when your birthday and New Years Day are back to back.

Let me share some of my 2013 highlights with you. In "SimplyShakera" fashion, I have grouped photos below into three categories. I’m sure the titles of the categories come as no surprise.


Health & Wellness



Includes:
- Snapshots from some of the classes I taught and attended.

- A photo with one of my favourite male dancers Nico Archambault  - The first person to win So You Think You Can Dance Canada



Dance




Includes:
- My feature on “The Dancers of Toronto” Blog 


- Scholarship Dance: Revealed


- Choreography I did for the Canadian Urban Music Conference


- High Society Cabaret

- 10th annual Choreographer’s Ball with Tazz


- Opening for Bunji Garlin at Irie Fest with Farahri


Carnival



Includes:
- Many Carnival Spice & Everything Nice sightings from commercials to weddings to band launches etc.  Like Our Facebook Page Here**

- CARIBANA: View my "Countdown 2 Carnival" VLOGS with Coco Mag Here**

             - Miami Broward Carnival: Read My MIA Carnival Review Here**

      


      Bonus: 

     - My Carnival spread in the Toronto Sun: View The Photo Gallery Here**

      - Interviewing the Queen of Baccahnal Destra Garcia






2013, you have allowed me to grow so much! Faith and Fearlessness work magically. Between starting a new business and building a personalized career, I am surprised my head hasn't fallen off yet. Despite the many opportunities that presented them self, I think the most impactful experience has been watching my baby nephew turn into a little man. If I ever need a reason to smile, I think about his first steps or the first time he said "Aunty"... It was his third word <3 He just turned one year old but you would think he's about 13.  Everyday he does something new and exciting which challenges me to do the same.



<3



I would like to thank everyone who has shown me so much love and support along this journey of mine. It will not be in vain – I PROMISE.
For now, let us cheers to the New Year! I wish you all nothing but prosperity and joy.


"Have faith in whatever you do and work hard towards your goal. Your faith plus your hard work will bring about great success in your life" – Unknown





Stay Connected With Me Via:


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