Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Dance Recap: First two classes

So yesterday I started my dance classes at Broadway Dance Center (BDC). so far I've had positive feedback and I'm excited to see what the future brings. God willing, I'll be able to get workstudy by the end of next month to cut down on the cost of training or I'll have to cut back on the amount of classes I can take : (
Dollie Henry's jazz class was the perfect class for me to start off with. I enjoyed Dollie's energy and her philosophy on dance. She's from the UK and only here to teach five sessions. Her warmup was very thorough and interesting. I really liked the across the floor combination. The actual routine she taught us was my favorite part. I really felt liek I was at a party rather than just doing a combo. There were only six students since it was the forst class, but I liked the intimate feel of it. I'm pretty sure the class will grow from word of mouth as the sessions continue. I will deinitely attend when I don't have rehearsal.
Today I took hip hop with Valentine. Luam was supposed to teach but he subbed in. I was a little apprehensive because hip hop isn't what I would consider one of my strengths and the class was huge. There had to to be between 30-40 people taking the class. Some of them obviously were hip hop dancers and weren't afraid to let it be know by doing combos before class and during the stretch. I decided to just go for it and be myself. I really enjoyed the combination and the energy and personality Valentine had. I appreciated the time he took to correct a move I couldn't get. Suprisingly when it came time to chose the dancers that spoke to him and "got it", so that they could show the rest of the class, he choose me first! I was very humbled and flattered. Here I was thinking that I would look a mess and intimidated by the other dancers and I was chosen to show what I could do.
That led me to realize that I need to stop doubting my talent. Although New York is definitely a bigger market for dancers and actors, talent is talent. Now I know I need to keep training and improving , but I'm not at square one. I am having a great time exploring my talents and finding out my strengths and weaknesses in the dance world. I can't wait to meet more choreographers and continue training on a regular basis. Stay tuned for more dance recaps!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Actress Revelation: Working with Other Actors

Seems like a pretty basic concept? Well, in my case it wasn't. It's been awhile since I've acted professionally. So when I came back to the stage as an actress, it didn't dawn on me that I'd have to readjust. As a dancer, I learn steps and perform them to the best of my ability. Of course character and emotion are still apart of dance, but to a certain extent. I recently approached a show thinking that I'd be surrounded by actors who thought and processed information just like me. Who would interpret the script like me, learn lines like me and we'd all be one happy family with no problems. WRONG. After every rehearsal I would complain about how things weren't progressing at the pace I would like and how some people were making choices that just didn't make sense. Ridiculous right? That's when I started to realize a very important factor. From the cast members who can't seem to learn lines to the member whose EVERY acting choice seems to rub you the wrong way, we actors are unique and have many layers. I can not expect everyone to have the same thought processes as me, because they are not me. The truthfulness that comes about when different personalities come together to form an ensemble is one of the main things that make theatre a real experience. I will approach every rehearsal with this information and be more sensitive to an actor's right to explore THEIR OWN character. Nevertheless, in true "Ashley fashion", I believe it is also fair for me and any other actor to question and challenge a cast mate's choice, especially since they ultimately affect the heart of the ensemble. Hmm, what do the rest of you actors think?

New Experiences: Korean Fashion Show

Well yesterday I was contacted by my friend Nathan who had a friend that was in a bind. She had a scholarship fashion show the next day she was a contestant in and one of her models had dropped out that day. So right after rehearsal I stopped by Parsons Design School and met with her. The job wasn't paid but I wanted to help her. I remember those days in Directing I & II where you hoped and prayed your actors would show up and show out. The show was a success. I thought it was funny how all of the Korean designers loved my hair and said they wished their hair could be like mine.  Hyeyoung, my designer, had me comb my hair out as big as it could be. (How ironic; most black women run from their natural texture and here these women with long silk hair are coveting MY hair.) I had a great time and met some amazingly talented designers and other models. Plus, although the gig wasn't supposed to be paid, Hyeyoung gave each of us $50 giftcards! That was truly a blessing because I need all the help I can get. I had my first tastes of many Korean dishes and even saw a few women in traditional dress. It was a very interesting and fulfilling experience. It renewed my desire to know more about other cultures as well as my own. All in all, I'm glad I did the show and I hope to work with or at the very least hang out with my designer again.

P.S. - Hyeyoung, If you ever read this, I would LOVE to have the leggings you made for me and the jacket you made for Ashley. ; )

Me, Hyeyoung (designer), and the other model. Her name is Ashley too. We truly were Ashley²: Ebony and Ivory edition. lol

Friday, March 19, 2010

Where do I start? My new digs of course!

The most stressful part of relocating for ME, was the process of finding an apartment on a tight budget, in a decent area, close to a train and as close to Manhattan as I could afford. My head felt like it was about to explode searching endless ads on Craigslist and the rest of the internet. Thankfully I had a friend who put me in touch with a friend of his who had an extra room she wasn't using. It took awhile to get everything settled, but it was WELL worth the wait. The area is nice and has a huge shopping center up the street and a decent grocery store around the corner. I am close to a train and it takes me 20 MINUTES to get to Times Square! I am truly blessed to have found such a place. Although the room looked super small empty, I was able to fit a full bed and two dressers in the room. I took pictures to post on my blog. Hopefully it will help someone else who is in a small space with ideas. It's not much, but I'm happy with it...
Super comfortable! Great after a long day's hustle.

My 1st dresser/workspace. Very efficient.

My vanity and storage. 

A great way to free up closet space.

I can't believe it turned out like this!

These hangers had ALOT to do with it.

Well that's about it. Now that my room is situated, I can focus wholly on grindin' in these mean streets! 
*playing "Out Here Grindin'" by DJ Khaled*

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Why Did I Start This Blog?

That is a very good question. For the past few years I have scoured the internet looking for blogs to read that dal with the things I love to do and my hobbies. I've always been the sort of person interested in other peoples lives and points of view. I guess that's one of the reasons why being an actress suits me. Recently I have become addicted to reading blogs on other actor's journeys as I finally embark on my own. I have recently uprooted myself from my family and friends, quit a job I loved to pursue my passion; performing. I found solace in the reading the trials and tribulations of others like me, sort of like an online support group. I began to think that if they can do it, why can't I? Facebook and Twitter were no longer enough for me to explore and share what is going on if my life right now.
This blog will serve as public diary of my life, at least the parts I'm willing to share. It will document my progress as a black actress and dancer in New York. As I get the hang of this stuff I will expand into other interests of mine, such as entertainment, fashion, makeup and basically life in general.
If you are taking the time to read my blog, I thank you and hope that you will remain with me through my journey to become a successful, working actress and dancer. Than you for your support and God bless!