Friday, September 12, 2014

Welcome Team! You are expected each week to review the dance steps. Each week a new video will be added. I require that you spend one hour outside of class every week going over learned steps.

Rumba for men


Rumba for women
Partner view

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

"HAIR"

Six months ago I was only familiar with a few songs from the rock musical "Hair". I was not familiar with the story, the characters, or even the content of the show and if you had asked me what the show was about I probably would have given you my familiar deer in the headlights look.
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I received a call from David Evanoff, mid-February, asking me what my plans were for the summer. At the time I was fairly certain that by June-July I would be moved out of Utah and relocated to Las Vegas. He informed me of the upcoming auditions of "Hair" and that he and Jerry Rapier were wanting me to audition for the role of Claude. "This would be the chance of a lifetime for you!" he said, "your resume would be much more impressive with this show at the top!".

Over the next few weeks I debated back and forth whether or not to audition. I started my extensive research about the show and became very enthralled with the music and the history. Dave and I talked over the phone a number of times about the show, the content, music, and the all famous NUDE SCENE.

The beginning of March hit and auditions were less than a week away. I had become very nervous about auditioning for the show and my conservative background had me questioning whether or not this was for me. I would one moment be convinced this show was not for me and then the next have something tell me I needed this experience. One of the biggest influences was my grand musical partner Deena Marie Manzanares. She and I had done 2 shows previously and in both shows played opposite each other. How could I pass up another chance to do a show with her?

Audition day came and I missed it. I backed out. Never showed. Chickened out. Call it what you want, I just didn't go. I put the blame on how busy my schedule was already. "I had to work and I couldn't get away. Anywho my schedule is way too busy to take on anything else." Inside myself I knew I was blowing a huge opportunity. The same evening after I had missed auditions I called David and left him a voicemail. "Dave, is there any chance that I would be able to still audition or be able to make it to callbacks in the morning? I really want an opportunity to be in this show." The next day I was invited to attend callbacks.

From the second I entered into the room I could feel an incredible energy and power to the show that weeks ago I had known so little about. From that moment on I never looked back.

Fast forward to the present. I've been in rehearsals for "Hair" now nearly 6 weeks and this has single-handedly been the most difficult, emotional, and yet rewarding experience of my acting career. I have always had a love for the stage. I have not, however, been involved in a show where each person involved has such an overwhelming passion for the content of the show.

*the following bit of this blog is very personal to me*

In my journey as a performer I have always aimed to please those very close to me. I love being up on stage! It has been a passion of mine my whole life and I love the thrill and excitement of putting on an incredible show and being able to see peoples responses afterward. It gives my life meaning.
The role of Claude parallels my own personal life in so many ways. In the show Claude has to make a choice between being drafted into the military or following his heart. It tears him to have to choose between what is expected of him by his parents, the world, his friends, and his faith. The choice he is faced with, and the choices that he has to make eventually cost him his life.
I have had a few people close to me express a bit of disappointment in my choice to be artistically involved in "Hair". In their minds I have sold my soul and joined the forces of the underworld and the next stop in my career is gate keeper of hell. This is unfortunate. Not everyone who is a bit more reserved on their views has treated me like this but there have been a few. The weight Claude feels in the show is a weight I also have felt at times in my personal life in the last few months. My family, friends, and my faith, are all very important to me. Sometimes having to live what's expected of you can be very tiresome. The song "I Got Life" is Claude's way of expressing that he is a free spirit and that if he is JUST given the opportunity he could spread it around the world and "perform miracles". Claude lyrics speak perfectly in answer to the expectations others have weighed upon me. I feel sorry for those that judge my involvement as an artist in this production.
I have, on the other hand, been extremely surprised at how many of my close friends and family have been beyond supportive of my decision. Many are even excited to see the show! To each of you wonderful people I dedicate this upcoming performance. Thank you for your overwhelming, consistent, and unconditional support from day one! I also want to thank David Evanoff and Jerry Rapier for believing in me and putting the confidence in me for this show. Thank you!

I never would have guessed I would be so passionate about this show 5 and 1/2 months ago and I can honestly say that this show has been a life changing event. The rehearsals have been an amazing ride and, at times, more than I can handle (those involved know the emotional intensity we have felt especially in the last few weeks). I wouldn't change one thing. I love my cast, crew, and directors!

I would like to extend an invitation to ALL my family and friends to see the upcoming production of "Hair" at the Egyptian theater! The show is very heavy and deals with "grown up" themes and yes, there is even about 30 seconds of nudity. I promise you though, that if you come to the show with an OPEN MIND and look past the innocent layer of "adult content" in this show, that you will get something out of it. I have grown as an artist by being involved in this show. Like I mentioned before, I have never been involved in a show that has been so emotional rewarding (and at times draining). I hope that each person that sees the show can leave by having "Let the sunshine" in their lives just a little bit.
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ImageDon't forget to get your tickets soon!

http://www.egyptiantheatrecompany.org/

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

An ode to SEE3PO


My dear dear friend. You have been with me for 2 and 1/2 years. You have taken me to far away places and have provided me with comfort and safety. You have been with me through multiple girlfriends. The ups and downs that each have brought. I am sad that you will no longer meet the plethora of others that the future is sure to bring.
I can't believe that I told myself that I would never own a car like you. A 2 door GOLD car was never an option.....so I thought. When Mr. and Mrs. Huff traded you in and I was able to drive you for the first time you changed my mind entirely. :)

ImageThanks buddy!


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I pity those who don't get the name.


ImageThis was the amount of miles it took to go to Disneyland and back.....with a trip of Vegas on the way.
ImageThe exhausted and brave crew SEE3PO drove over 17000 miles
ImageBecky used SEE3PO as a bed most of the trip.
ImageHappy times.
ImageSEE3PO say many Rockstars and goodies.
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Pretty girl with her bra.



I am glad that you and I could be such good friends. Thank you and enjoy your new owner!


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

No out

I'm failing all my classes. Call it lack of motivation or whatever. I tend to get in ruts....I get 1 week behind in an assignment and then I just frustrate myself more with each passing week. I try to escape by going on vacations and hanging out with friends. It helps put me in a great mood but then reality soon sits in and I realize I am 5 weeks behind.....DOH!

Recently one of my nieces passed away. Sabrina Gabriella Bennett. She was barely 3 months when she passed away in the night. It has been very hard for my older sister Tammy and her husband Troy. I had the opportunity to spend some time with her before she left this earth. She was the cutest pinkest little baby you will ever meet. Here are some of my favorite pictures of her:




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Angry baby! :)
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Such a cute pink plump figure!

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First time mommy and daughter meet.

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baby with daddy.


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Sleeping with mommy
ImagePrecious baby Sabrina. You will stay in our hearts forever!

This precious little angel was taken in the night back to our Heavenly Father. Although it has been hard for my family I know that it has also unified us in great ways.

I was listening to my sister Tammy yesterday after the funeral service talk about how she has dealt with this whole situation. For her and her husband it has been extra hard because they had to deal with two funeral services and in a way two goodbyes. On Saturday the 7th they had the first funeral service in Seattle Washington. They then came to Utah and had the second funeral service and burial on Monday the 9thof November. Tammy said that so many people had come to her to say how impressed with how she had been able to handle everything. Making decisions on where to bury her and where to have the services etc. While we were sitting talking as a family she said: "It's not that I was so strong. It's that there was no other thing to do. There was no out. Of course I am going to do everything for my daughter." This struck me pretty hard. How many times do we not do 100% and instead find an out? STORY. OF. MY. LIFE. I am the KING of looking for outs. Especially lately with school.

Well, this is my new motivation! NO OUTS! Just get things done. Why look for an out when you know that the final accomplishment is BETTER than the out?! If you look for an out then down the road you are just going to be dodging the same thing and will try to find another out. Blah. That's not worth it.

So, I am going to pass my classes. If I get only C's then I will be content.

Ready? GO!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Disneyland!

I am bad at blogging. Enough said. I have NOT kept my New Years Resolution at all this year. That's okay though cause I just got back from DISNEYLAND!!!
The last time I went was back in summer of 1998. That's over 11 years people. That's awful! I can't believe ImageI have neglected the happiest place on earth for that long!
I went with a bunch of friends from my ward and 5 of us left on Wednesday night at 11pm and crammed into my 2 door car. I feel bad for those who had to ride in the back. I KNOW they weren't comfortable. After all night of driving we finally arrived. I drove the whole way and I did it with the help of dill pickle sunflower seeds and Rockstars. They are my friends.
The first day out there we caught up on sleep and then Imagehit downtown Disney. I stood outside the entrance of Disneyland and gazed at the booming fireworks from the park. Ghee! In the Disney stores I took a picture of me in a Mickey hat.
On Friday we hit the beach and met up with the rest of our arriving clan. ImageHuntington beach is beautiful and I could live on the beach for sure.
Saturday was the big day. DISNEYLAND!!! I played on my feet all day long. I soon realized that I was wearing the wrong shoes for Disneyland. I had converse on and I could tell I was getting blisters. I decided it would be better to sport crocs and have happy feet rather than try and go through the day with crunched achy feet.
I had never been to California Adventure and was very pleasantly surprised. Soarin' Over California is by FAR the best ride in that park. By far. Well, I guess Tower of Terror coImagemes in pretty close. I have to say though that as fun as California Adventure was it didn't give me near the joy I feel when I am in Disneyland. There is something about the magic in the air when you walk along main street. When you taste the Pineapple Dole Whips and watch the birdies sing in the Tiki Room. It really is the happiest place on earth.
After we finished our weekend at Disneyland we checked out and began our long journey home. We did stop in Vegas (the sinniest place on earth) for the night. We stayed at Circus Circus and hit the long awaited hot tub.
A night in Vegas is never complete if you don't see BellagiImageo's fountains.


I will see you again soon Disneyland! I promise!

Oh, and I wanted to post these two pictures. On the Indiana Jones ride I found some fun bamboo to play on as a monkey! This first picture is in 1998. Notice the scrunchie in my Imagehair. In 2009 I decided to re-create my monkeyness. The scrunchie was replaced by a fannie pack however. What do ya think? Have I changed at all? ;)



I made a quick little video of some fun moments in Disneyland. Enjoy!

Monday, February 16, 2009

51 Things

I jumped on the bandwagon of 51 Random things found in my house. :) I hope you like it!

I got a new editing software program and really fancy high definition camera. This is my first creation with my new equipment. I am not totally satisfied with the quality of it yet. I have to figure out how to get it to edit and save in a higher quality.

Enjoy!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Thank you for helping!!!

First off I want to thank everyone out for helping out by watching my video and commenting so much! Next I wanted to give you an update of the Netflix contest. We didn't make the final three chosen videos. Even though we were the number 3 viewed video overall and we had more comments left on our page than anyone else we still didn't get chosen. You can see the winners here: www.netflixgreatestkiss.com
We think it had to do with the Deena (the girl that I was in the video with) being hired by the sponsor to promote the contest. We think that, by being hired, she was automatically disqualified. They never said anything about that but there were others who were hired by the sponsors and none of them made it into the top 3 either.
No worries though. We had SO MUCH FUN! It was great to see everyone rally to our side and promote/watch/rate/comment on our video. I have also ventured into the world of youtube. I have decided to become a regular on youtube and create my own videos. Deena has been doing it for over a year now and she is now a youtube sponsor which means she gets paid for putting videos on! What a fun way to earn some extra dough! So that is what my goal is. You can check out my first video at the from the link at the end of this email.

I just uploaded my latest creation on youtube. It's a thank you video to everyone who helped out! Oh, and the sound is bad cause I am using a digital camera and not a professional one.

Our final stats:

11,872 views
543 5 Star rating
374 Comments

THANK YOU!