Luckily we had a very patient master artist leading our class..he’s also a former Deco Producer..Eric! He asked if we had ever painted before, I thought about my childhood “paint by number” and water color sets….then I asked if murals/posters, etc.. for high school rallies count?? haha  I’m sure at some point I have painted even if it was an adolescent art class. Anyway, birthday girl Odette chose a moonlit ocean/palm tree scene, and step by step we each put paint on the canvass to make our own (re)creation!

This was really a fun way to hang out and feel artistic and use the other side of our brain…. We learned different brush strokes, how to make colors and I’m happy to say everyone was able to complete the task!!

SEEE! Yes…I PAINTED THAT!!! And — here’s a closer look…

I can’t wait to hang it up in the closet!! j/k So, if you’re looking for something else to do on a fun night out with a twist…give this a try, PAINTING WITH A TWIST!! You will be amazed at what you can do, all by yourself!

Another GREAT benefit of our workshops is that there are open to current dancers as well. Perhaps you are on a college dance team or semi-pro team that doesn’t have a big budget for choreography, however…by attending our events, you will learn 2 routines and 4 sidelines to take back and use for your own performances, so we encourage teams to send a couple if not all their dancers to be part of this exciting day! And — it’s always a wonderful refresher for alumni who’ve taken time off and want to get back in the groove before auditioning again.

All our events are staffed by former dancers, director and choreographers from Pro Sports Teams and we have the advice, tips and insider info you need to put your best foot forward! Of course we encourage you to always attend the “prep classes” for the specific team that you are interested in being part of, to be audition ready. Going Pro conventions offer that extra “edge” and additional help some of you may seek and it’s another opportunity to meet like-minded women who are also going through the process. Plus, since we are not the actual team reps for specific auditions, it’s no pressure, ask any questions and have fun!

West Coast (Bay Area) Pro Dance is Sunday, January 29 in San Jose!
For more info & sign up >> http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/

Miami (South Florida) Pro Dance is Sunday, February 19 in North Miami!
For info and to register >> http://miamiprodance2012-eorg.eventbrite.com/

All other Going Pro Conventions, including DC, Atlanta, Arizona…
For the complete list >> http://procheerallstars-eorg.eventbrite.com/

#10 – Host of the FIRST EVER Sustanatopia Honors 2011

SUSTAINATOPIA HONORS 2011, presented by PLUM TV is the world’s premier awards ceremony honoring those doing GOOD through impact investing, philanthropy, and sustainable business practice. Hundreds of global leaders in investment, social entrepreneurship and philanthropy will gather to celebrate those committed to doing GOOD and changing our world forever.

#9 – Back to my Pro Dance/Cheer Roots

I became a Regional Director/Consultant for Going Pro Entertainment. In my role with GPE, I coach women as they work toward their goals of auditioning and being selected as a Dancer and/or Cheerleader for a pro (sports) team! I coordinated and hosted 2 very successful all day dance conventions in Miami and the Bay Area, and I’m proud to say a handful of the women are now on pro and semi-pro teams living out their dreams…namely Rachel of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush! Another exciting event was the inaugural NFL Pro Cheer Alumni Reunion in Las Vegas. Watch this video for the highlights!

#8 – My first CRUISE on Royal Caribbean’s ALLURE where I met Taylor Swift

It was a quick flight to Cozumel to meet up and board the ship for a very special “at sea” performance by Taylor Swift! Not to mention I got to experience cruising on one of the biggest and newest vessels out there…very memorable!

#7 – ZUMBA with NBA Superstar LeBron James

One of my Miami gal pal’s heads up marketing for Equinox Gym’s in South Florida and she said there was an event going on with a celebrity that would be featured on The Ellen Show during a Zumba class, so could I attend!?!? I was like sure, no problem…well lo and behold…the celeb was none other than the Miami HEAT’s LeBron James!

#6 – On The Flipside’s 7 ALL NEW episodes in 2011

On The Flipside continued to take on a life of its own in 2011, bridging my passion for sports and my “career” as a host, reporter, broadcaster. It’s an online TV Show I produce, host and edit in my spare time and I’d say 7 episodes  is an accomplishment…we’re finishing the year with a 34 total episodes since its launch in 2009 and a handful of extra “specials” too. This year I had the opportunity to feature sports celebs like Santonio Holmes, Marshawn Lynch, Dwight Howard, Stephen Curry and Dwyane Wade, just to name a few.

#5 – MY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY

I celebrated my birthday on both coasts this year, felt like I was on “tour.” Tariq made sure it was extra special, completely spoiling me…that paired with being able to see and share the occasion with so many of my friends made it so memorable! From Miami to LA and finally back home in the Bay, my 2011 birthday was a reminder of how blessed I am!!

#4 – VACATION ADVENTURES: Volcano Biking in Maui & Horseback Riding in Jamaica

One of my favorite things to do is travel, and while I’m usually not too much of an adventurous type, in 2011 I dared to be different. During my visit to Maui with my sister and Dad, we decided to embark on a downhill bike ride on the Haleakala Volcano! It was a 22-mile ride, that in the end I am so glad to say I did, but really there were times I was like what did I get myself into!?!? haha

Then on my Ocho Rios, Jamaica excursion, I had the unique opportunity to go horseback riding in the ocean…which was fun, but seeing the horses relieve themselves in the water while we were riding around in it…not so much! LOL

#3 – GOING, GOING, BACK, BACK to CALI, CALI

Well, what can I say, in 2011 I left Miami and the East Coast in May to return to my beloved Bay Area. I took a job as a TV Reporter at KRON and decided it was time to take that leap of faith! Needless to say, it didn’t last long…the gloom & doom, murder & mayhem nature of the news just wasn’t for me! I’ve been back living the (freelance) Miami life and 2012 is promising to deliver lots of new beginnings! I can’t hardly wait.

#2 – Virgin Atlantic’s RED HOT REPORTER in LONDON

In October of 2011 I had the opportunity and trip of a lifetime courtesy of Virgin Atlantic, after I was chosen as their Red Hot Reporter for the NFL International Series between the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium! Tariq was able to come long for the “ride” and together we were privy to VIP access for all the events, parties and fun festivities!! The entire journey from start to finish was a top notch, 5-star, first class experience that I will never forget…I’ve got my fingers crossed they’ll want more of my Red Hot Reporting next fall 2012 too!!

#1 – TARIQ

Hands down THE highlight of my 2011 was finally finding my best friend and partner for life! The story of how Tariq and I came to be is something you could read in the pages of a romance novel, but certainly a long time coming…our paths have definitely crossed more than a few times over the years, but in 2011, they finally were in sync and the rest is history, with the BEST yet to come!

Please spread the word and post about this additional round of “CoCo Girls” Casting coming up FRIDAY, Jan 6 in Coral Springs. The “CoCo Girls” will be ambassadors for the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and will consist of a dance/show team (NFL/NBA style) and the CoCo Girls will also have the opportunity to work as Blackjack Dealers in the Casino in the “party pit” with a salary of $50k/yr. Casino will pay to have you trained/certified as a dealer. Must be 18+.

Any promo or appearances “CoCo Girls” do in addition to blackjack dealer will receive additional compensation, (i.e. practices, performances, etc…). We’re looking at a minimum of 8 appearances/performances per month…

I will be the director and I am definitely looking for classy, well-rounded dancers, like you see in the NFL or NBA. There will be a short choreographed number to learn and perform for the panel, so please come prepared to dance too!

**This is a great opportunity for dancers who are looking for steady work and a flexible schedule!**

Any questions, please feel free to contact me, otherwise see you there next Friday, January 6, 2012!

**AUDITION IS FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 2012, 9AM at the HERON BAY MARRIOTT IN CORAL SPRINGS!!**

Visit - http://www.facebook.com/seminolecasinocococreek and click on “CoCo Girls” tab on left for more details!

So, it was only fitting that we got together for a good ole So Flo send off at the Fontainebleau Hotel!

That’s me sandwiched between Rene (left) and Constance (right)

Lots of love from her Miami (TV) fam …and friends…I still get “honorary” Miami TV status from my Deco tenure! LOL

(l-r) Dara, Me, Rene and Amara …check the throwback from 2008 below!

SO MANY GOOD times with you Miss Marsh!! YOU WILL BE MISSED!! Best of luck!! xoxo

All that being said, anytime I can support and attend one of his events, I do my best to be there! Well, last night he definitely outdid himself. He hosted the most lavish, decadent, holiday party on Miami Beach at a private residence and he pulled out all the stops with theme, decor and entertainment..in true MIA fashion! From elf-fitted servers to nutcrackers, Santa and a crew of “Ho, Ho, Ho’s”…there was snow, elaborate lighting, exotic cars, Stoli drinks flowing and of course the music to put you in the Holiday spirit..or just party mode!

Check out more pics below…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Any promo or appearances “CoCo Girls” do in addition to blackjack dealer will receive additional compensation, (i.e. practices, performances, etc…). We’re looking at a minimum of 8 appearances/performances per month…

I will be directing the “CoCo Girls” and I am definitely looking for classy, well-rounded dancers, like you see in the NFL or NBA. There will be a short choreographed number to learn and perform for the panel, so please come prepared to dance too!

**This is a great opportunity for dancers who are looking for steady work and a flexible schedule!**

You can also find the info here by Clicking on ‘CoCo Girls’ tab on left column –> http://www.facebook.com/seminolecasinocococreek

Any questions, please ask me. Also if you can’t make this audition (short notice) but are interested, let me know because if I don’t find what I want this time, we will possibly hold another audition!

Basically he’s a character from a book and because he’s “flattened” he can be mailed, thus allowing for great adventures all over the globe as he gets passed from friend to friend. I did this for Mrs. Mac’s 1st grade class at Cottonwood Elementary in Hesperia, CA!

I received Stanley in my Oakland mailbox right after Thanksgiving and of course he got to ride on Southwest with me cross-country to Florida! See how he got the window seat and was watching the luggage get loaded!?!? ha

We had one layover and plane change in Las Vegas, so Stanley took that opportunity to sit in front of the slot machines! Unfortunately we didn’t hit the jackpot and proceeded to board for our Fort Lauderdale bound flight.

The highlight of Stanley’s South Florida visit was a day out at an NFL game to see the Miami Dolphins host the Oakland Raiders! Here he is getting ready to enter Sun Life Stadium amidst all the pre-game festivities….

We had great seats at the game, but sadly the Raiders lost…womp, womp, womp… However, it was fun and Stanley got to meet my road dawg Jeanette and she will now be hosting him for a week over at the Raiders facility…hopefully he brings them better luck for this Sunday!

Then get ready for the West Coast Pro Dance Convention in San Jose, CA on Sunday, January 29, 2012!
http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/

CHOREOGRAPHERS

Our choreographers are top alumni and directors of dance and cheer teams in the NFL, NBA, AFL, MLB and other sports leagues. They will teach 6 sidelines and 2 routines in length of 45-60 seconds.
**Aubrey Aquino, NBA Dancer – Sacramento, NFL Cheerleader – Oakland & Arizona
**Kristin Medwick, 7 year NFL Cheerleader – Oakland, “Dancer of the Year” 1998; “Raiderette of the Year” and Pro Bowl Cheerleader 2005
**Kristena Wright, NBA dancer – Washington, NFL Cheerleader – Miami
**Chris Rhyu, NFL Cheerleader – San Francisco

PRESENTERS

**Faithe David, former 49ers Cheerleader will be giving awesome dance technique class to help candidates put their best foot forward at auditions.
**Jada Law, former NBA dancer in Sacramento and LA and current TV personality & host for Lakers TV will give a fitness/health/nutrition presentation to get candidates ready for auditions.
**Audrey Asistio, an alum of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush and Gold Rush Ambassador now works for a news station as a reporter/fill-in anchor. Audrey will offer participants interview, attire, and overall presentation tips.
**Mindy Kreis, Director of Crunch Fitness will be knocking our socks off with a specialized bootcamp geared specifically to dancers.

LOCATION

San Jose Athletic Club
196 N. THIRD STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95112

For complete details – http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/