Check him out

Joesar Alva

Click and subscribe to his YOUTUBE page

He’ll be subbing at Debbie Reynold’s Dance Studio in North Hollywood for a while.  If you get a chance to take from him, please do

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

I am so inspired, and it almost makes me want to cry that I didn’t appreciate stuff like this when I was younger.

Truthfully, no bs aside, I wonder if it’s too late.

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

Another collab at Debbie

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

I’ve been uploading hellamadd pics and vids on Facebook.  For those of you who aren’t my friend yet, add me:  http://www.facebook.com/apesxessence.

What’s been goin on lately

Taiwan Album #1

Taiwan Album #2

Taiwan Album #3

Hong Kong Album #1

Hong Kong Album#2

Shen Zhen (China) Album

Home Sweet Home

My trip was another dream come true and a definite spiritual awakening.  Being with Essence and being able to share our passion with others is always an amazing thing.  Thank you, ladies.  Thank you Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shen Zhen for sharing in our experience and for inspiring us by your drive.

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

Keri Hilson : Do It To Me
taught at Pineapple Studios in London.

Thank you to Anthony, Ellen, Kyle, and Chiba (Joey Cruz) for learning it. Thanks Erik for uploading

Erik’s Intro

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

… was quite nice.  Classes were bare massive

mine and kyle’s dip it low

peep album one

peep album two

It would take me forever to write about how much fun I had…

Some highlights/lowlights/memories:
- LA traffic is nothing compared to London traffic.
-Drivers in London don’t care about pedestrians…..
- Customer service is NOT crackin.
- Toilet flushes are weak.
- Asians with English accents = dope.
- All the dancers we met were hellamadd coo people  I miss them the most.
- Kyle, Ellen, Chiba, and I getting lost on the Underground railroad…
- XZEBRA!
- Best day = GET BUCKingham palace. aslan(s). bah rumba. big ben. london eye.  nando’s chicken. where’s waldo.
-   april fails throughout the whole trip.
- choreographing with kyle
- performing at IDC with Caramel, Xavi, and Carlos

- performing with the students.
- meeting everyone in London
- Bueno’s chocolates
- fried chicken EVERYWHERE!!!!
- italian hazelnut ice cream w/ alcohol.  MmmMMMmm.
- portions are hellamadd small in europe.
- SUCCULENT strawberry.
- getting to know kyle, ellen, joey, erik, and anthony
- not having your cellphone is refreshing and frustrating at the same time.

tis all for now.  thank you to TK and Spin for hosting us!  two weeks in London was really a dream come true!  yay for spontaneity.  yay for dance!

NEXT STOP:  leaving for Asia in two days w/ Essence.  Be back in September.

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

Me and Candz in JR’s class

Me and Asaki in Candz’s class

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

Tony Czar’s Epiphany

Mine & Joesar’s Walkin On The Moon taught @ Debbie

Kaba Modern Legacy’s Performance @ Body Rock

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

You can say Michael was like my first teacher… only, we never spoke.. I never met him… From the first moment I heard his voice and saw him perform, it was in that instant I knew that music would be my route–whether singing, dancing, performing, Michael started it all for me.  Throughout my life, his music career drastically inspired me to follow my dreams. 

Undoubtedly, I would not be the performer I am today without Michael Jackson’s influence.  No doubt, I would not love music as much as I do if I didn’t grow up being moved by him and wishing to have an ounce of the same talent that Michael had as a musician.  I remember when I could barely speak English, I would stand in front of the TV and imitate his music videos.  Loving Michael was one of the first things I learned to do.  Thank you Mom and Dad for bringing him into my life.

This man crowded football stadiums with oceans of people… fainting, screaming… Who can do that nowadays?  People cried desperately at his concerts.  Why?  Cuz his music was so beautiful?  Cuz he knew how to entertain a crowd?  Cuz his lyrics spoke to people?  Cuz he was HOT?!  Performers want to be able to do these types of things to people.  To establish some kind of connection that lures audiences and evokes passionate emotions.  Isn’t that what love is?  Michael Jackson knew how to spark something in his audiences…. and he made people fall in love with him for decades.

I feel blessed that I was able to live in this world with Michael Jackson.  It’s sad to know that he’ll only be a memory to the coming generations of performers.  The world will change.  The world of music, performing, and dance will change… I will do my part to keep Michael’s legacy alive, because I won’t settle for less.  Teachers’ lessons must be passed down right?

My prayers go out to the Jackson family.  Rest in peace, King of Pop.  We love you and I thank you for being the biggest inspiration to me.  

Favorite song:  
not one of the MAJOR hits, but very deep and moving lyrics on victimization in the current world
They Don’t Care About Us

As a hero passes on, God spoke to me and touched me.. told me to reflect on my own life and reevaluate certain things.  Choices.  Directions.  Actions.   Priorities.  Change happens now.  Praying.  Learning to trust again.  Your will be done.

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence

Advice For New Dancers

1) Love, Sex, and Magic

2) Fire

in God we trust
<33 apes x essence