What you should know right now

I am in a documentary that is being featured on Madonna's website:
Deeper Dance Documentary (2007). Drowned Madonna or Youtube

ALSO I will be PAINTING LIVE on the following dates:

• Thursday Sept 20 2007 @ South Street Seaport, NYC Spiegletent W/Rich Medina
• Saturday Sept 29 2007 @ The Five Spot, Brooklyn .................... Female Underground All-Stars
• Sunday October 7 th , 2007 @ Langston's, Brooklyn ................... Artistic Soul Event

Self Description

Artist. Daughter. Friend. Dancer. Lover. Fighter. Hustler. Shameless self-promoter. Painter. Tech-geek. Hard-worker. Knowledge-Seeker. Student. Teacher. Sister. Employee. Neat-Freak.

Proudest Accomplishment

Becoming a notable dancer in New York and getting my Visa. Big dreams that came true. Those things were exceptionally hard to accomplish, but I did it!

Cool career facts

When I went in for the Fall Out Boy video, I thought they were joking when they wanted me to freestyle to rock music. I felt completely out of my element. But I went for it, and the director loved what I did and used a lot of my stuff in the video. I am proud that the video won Viewer's Choice VMA last year because we at first thought nothing of the project, and it went on to win one of the biggest VMA's.

I had it pretty rough my first year in New York. I struggled, work a lot of odd jobs, took dance class where I was bottom rung, and it took a lot to get recognition. I used to take Darrin Henson's workshops in Toronto while he was shooting Soul Food out there. He remembered me when I came to New York to take his workshop, after I had gotten accepted at the Blocagency audition. I was working at a restaunt after that workshop, and who do I see come into the restaurant but Darrin Henson. It was there where he got my picture and phone number. Months later, I had complained about not getting anywhere in my dancing. Two minutes later, I get a phone call from Darrin, asking me if I was available to rehearse for his new Darrin's Dance Groove DVD. I missed Christmas with my Mom to shoot that DVD that year, but I guess it was worth it!

Hardest learned lesson

Nobody is responsible for the way I feel except for me. For a while, I blamed other people as the reason why I wasn't getting anywhere. I didn't realize that I had all the power to change things if they weren't going the right way.

Also, I really don't need anyone's approval about my work. If I am satisfied with my work, then that shall suffice. I often turned to a mentor-figure (usually male) for approval, but I realize now, I can be my own mentor. In the end, the work will speak for itself. A little guidance in the right direction is sometimes needed, but I've learned it doesn't have to be the backbone of one's success. One shouldn't rely on the guidance of a mentor as a crutch for their progress.

My Quotes

Each step takes you closer to where you want to go, but no matter how far you get, don't ever forget where you came from.

What inspires me

Pain can be a very beautiful thing, once it is tapped into and expressed in the right way. Pain inspires me a lot. Pain is a very full emotion, same as feeling overjoyed and in love. They are both extremes. I am thankful that I have outlets with which to express these things.

New York inspires me a lot. Everyone is out here trying to prove that they are the best at what they do. Everyone out here is an artist, or a hustler, or have made hustling their art. The fashion is risqué and very forward, there are so many different parts of the City to enjoy, so many experiences to be had here. It is full of every kind of indulgence. It is a very interesting place. I love it.

My friends inspire me, a lot of whom are dancers, artists or actors. They are all extremely bright and beautiful individuals in their own right, and I am blessed to have them in my life. They are all go-getters and stop at nothing to get what they want, which is a lot like me.

Who inspires me in my city

Sandra "Ms Amarie" .......... Owner and Co-Creator of Moja Tea Gallery in Toronto mojateagallery.com and also Movement Culture Parties. Personal Trainer. Vocalist.I am so proud of Sandra. I was first captivated by her beauty when I saw her sing back-up for Zaki Ibrahim. Then I painted a big fishbowl mural at her old dwelling where she threw the Movement Culture Parties. I love the fact that not only is she stunningly gorgeous, but she is highly ambitious (like most of us Capricorn women), and she stops at nothing until she sees the desired end result. She is resourceful, kind, well-rounded and down-to-earth as an individual. I love that she is doing a lot for the artists of Toronto , bringing us together, and allowing us to be one, instead of each other's competition. Myspace.com/maent,
Mojateagallery.com, Myspace.com/movementculture

Maya Washington ................. Actor. Photographer. Jewelry Designer. I have never known a more talented photographer than Maya Washington. She just has an eye and a knack for the lens. She is just amazing. As an actor, I just know that Hollywood has yet to see such beauty and grace from such a wonderful individual as Maya.

I have been friends with Maya for many years now. And since I met her in 2003, she has continued to inspire me with her artistic/business pursuits. I love the way she takes it upon herself to learn what she does not know, and then apply it right away. From a business/social perspective, she is always very on-point with her stuff. Mayawashington.com

Shannon Boodram ....................... Writer. Educator. TV Personality. Activist. I used to spend a lot of time with Shannon on movie sets where we worked as extras. We would often talk about our pursuits as artists, writers, and we are often fascinated with each other. For Shannon to do something like build this website is truly inspiring. It is much needed for the women of Toronto , and women of the world to get to know each other and be proud. I give it up to you, Shannon! Not only are you stunning, but you've got a strong head on your shoulders and you do me very proud as an ethnic female pursuing the arts like me. Many kudos.
shannonteresa.com/shannonboodram

Why Toronto inspires me

Toronto is an ever-growing city. It is struggling to find its own identity, yet is still full of culture and individuality. The diversity of Toronto is unmatched by any other North American city, and I love that I am a product of that. I love that I grew up around a lot of West-Indians, and now that I am in the States, whenever I hear a West-Indian accent I feel at home (but the roti is not as good out here!). I love that we have Reggae Dancehall on lock down – no one does it better than those from the Tdot! As a dancer that makes me proud. I am also inspired that some of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood are from here (Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, etc.).

Who else inspires me

Minda Reyes ......................................... My Mother. I know that sounds cliché, but it is very true. My Mom has been a leader in our community of Filipinos (in Markham, ON where I grew up), she has been PTA President in both my elementary and high schools, and she has been THE BEST dressmaker on the planet, and everyone knows that. She inspires me to do my best, I am really doing it out here for her, so that I can give her more than she ever gave me - which is plenty!

Tiffany Limos . ....................................... She is a Hollywood actress and writer. She knows everyone in show-business, and I like to consider her a friend. Not only has she supported me in my pursuits as an entertainer of colour, but she has mentored me and given me advice to pursue my dreams despite the odds for women who look like us