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!

https://etobicoke.snapd.com/event/804992#/

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 6^th, 13^th, & 20^th.

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

Afraid of Color No More

Helllllloooooo To All Of You Wonderful People!

2015 has been quite adventurous, wouldn’t you agree? 
Thank you for all of the referrals, for the new follows/likes/subscribers, and to all those who attended my January classes. Trust me when I say the love is received and I aim to give the love right back to others through my work. Xo.

My first Simply Shakera blog post for the year could not have been any more special. It is dedicated to those of you who LOVE to wear black. I get it; black is slimming, easy to wear, corporat-esque, elegant, chic… the list goes on! For many of these reasons black is a common color found in my wardrobe too. I manage to squeeze color into my outfits using accessories, make up, or a pashmina. You will normally only see me dressed in color when I am on stage or “in meh costume on di road” (ha!).

Thankfully, the color angels came to my rescue! On Friday, February 6, 2015^th two lovely ladies and I were featured on a segment of the Marilyn Denis Show! Each of us received style advice by fashion expert Alexis Honce as well as a head to toe outfit that suited our body types and personalities.

Before: Typical Shakera outfit includes a knit top or sweater, yoga pants, and wedge heels or combat boots… and you can’t forget my glasses (not shown) and ballerina bun!

Photo Credit: www.marilyn.ca

After:  My new look definitely made me feel fabulous! The fit of everything was perfect and the pieces were so far from my comfort zone. I would never have thought to put these pieces together (shows you what I know). I guess I shall stick to dancing my butt off while I get better at incorporating color into my wardrobe. Wish me luck ya'll.

Photo Credit: www.marilyn.ca

Outfit Breakdown:
Necklace - H&M,$9.95
Top - H&M, $39.95

Skirt -Ted Baker, $220

Shoe - Nine West

Check out video from the segment below: 
...OMG Marilyn got me to dance! lol - goodtimes!

 Direct video link: http://www.marilyn.ca/Video?vid=546286

Thank you so much to the wonderful team at the Marilyn Denis Show for having us! The ladies and I had the best time and learned so much. Shakera, Michelle and Neelam are afraid of color no more!

For more style tips on how YOU can add more color to your wardrobe visit:
 http://www.marilyn.ca/Fashion/segment/Daily/February2015/2_6_2015/HelpAfraidColour

Stay Connected With Me Via:


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

And That Concludes One Of The Best Chapters

2014 was truly a wonderful year… in work and in life… and not just for me, but for many of my loved ones which makes me all the more happy. I watched many identify their mission and take huge leaps of faith. I look forward to seeing what everyone has in store. One of the biggest lessons I learned this year is to trust yourself, work hard and put all of your desires into the universe… God will do the rest!

Transitioning my passions into my “dream job” has been quite the experience. I am so thankful for the positive feedback and the support I have received thus far. Don’t worry ya’ll it’s not in vain! I did have so much fun determining my 10 top Dance, Carnival, and Health & Wellness moments for 2014. Check it out:

..but first, an honourable mention goes to the Carnival Spice workout I hosted at the 2014 DivaGirl Conference! I will be back Saturday, April 18th 2015 for round two! See you there!

10. West Coast Travels

I was thrilled to visit the West Coast for a business trip. It’s soooo beautiful over there and the fish & chips are the bomb!

9. Onset with Marshal Dane

The first music video I danced in was Canadian Girls by Dean Brody ... ever since then I occasionally dust off my cowgirl boots. Had a fun day on set for "Alcohol Abuse" by Marshal Dane.

8.  What Makes a Man feat. Terry Crews

It was a pleasure doing one final project with my brother from another mother Sid Naidu before he went on his year long travels. We collaborated on a introductory piece for THE Terry Crews during his Toronto appearance at the What Makes A Man Conference. Thank you to the dancers and dhol players who brought my vision to life.

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/Ur6mLx9SII4

7. Ladies on the Rise

I have 30 new little sisters. This summer I instructed the summer dance-fitness program for Ladies on the Rise. I am so proud of their hard work and commitment to the (fun )challenge!

6. Walk to End Cancer Fundraiser

Once again thank you to everyone who supported the Bosom Buddies during the Shoppers Drug Mart’s “Weekend to End Women’s Cancer”. With your tremendous support we raised over $8, 500 and each walked 32km!! I hosted a Carnival Spice workout to raise funds and man was it hype!!!

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/ImzDIWcka-E

5. Kes the Band Repost

Imagine you're just having a session during rehearsal ...post the footage on instagram and one of your favourite artists shares your work on all their social media pages. Shout out to Kes the Band for the awesome music and the love! It was a reminder that I should share my work more!

Click the link HERE to view the video clip!

4. The SS Flash mobs you never saw coming.

It’s been a weddingful year from proposals to receptions! Lol. It was so great to see the reactions from our audiences’ when we hit the stage. Below is a clip of one of the Wedding Proposals we lead.

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/S-ccgP7HpnU

3. Carnival Spice takes over the GTA

From Thornhill to Mississauga to Markham etc. Carnival Spice and Everything Nice definitely sprinkled Caribbean Carnival vibes all across the GTA. Check out our Facebook page for tons of photos and video... the team has lots in store.  

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

I decided to create an event where women in my community can be physically active while allowing them an opportunity to get to know one another at the same time. The night was so wonderful that I have been encouraged to host S.E.E on the last Friday of every month! Next date: Friday, January 30^th… Stay tuned for details!

1. Trinidad Carnival

My number one pick doesn’t even feel like it happened this year. My 10 days in Trinidad literally felt like a dream. Attending the mecca of Caribbean Carnival was such a great experience; I was reminded of why I love it so much. Trinidad I miss you and will continue to spread the Caribbean vibes to di world!! 

Cheers to 2014! <3

Stay Connected With Me Via:


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