Mission 2008: Dance Like Everyone's Watching

I spent the day at the Monsters of Hip Hop Dance Convention.

I arrived at the hotel this morning at 7:30 am. Hip-hop dance convention... here we go. In the short time I have been a dancer, I have never really participated in a dance convention. For those of you who aren't dance savvy, many dancers - especially if they've been dancing since their early toddler years, go to these dance conventions for years on end. Some of these dance conventions are lyrical (see: studio dance), some are jazz (see: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders) some are "professional" (see: Alvin Ailey) some are what I participated in today (see: You Got Served). As a late bloomer (in terms of my dancing; I started when I was 19) I was fully unprepared for being schooled by trained 12 year olds. I knew I was being trumped by Johnny-Goode PowerRanger when during one of the dance combinations this one little boy actually got all up in my space, stepped in front of me and got all Stomp-the-Yard and shit. Nothing prepares a person, even at young and strapping 24 years old, to be topped by someone in their chosen career that can't even drive yet. Fuckin' A.....

And let's talk about careers (well, at least mine). Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks, I have some really awesome things lined up. This week I'm doing the hip hop convention. Next week I finally will quit my run on the corporate hamster wheel. The week after that, I am auditioning for a prominent dance reality show (that will remain nameless). Two days after that I am going to Arkansas to study/perform with a ballet company based out of Little Rock - and that's where I'll be through the spring. In my opinion, I'm getting old enough to start making some things happen regarding my dance career. Yes, there is much to be said for dance and other art forms that express a person's ideas on society or relationships or the inner workings of us as human beings. But I have a lot to say about friggin paycheck. I just want to do what I love - and get paid for it. I want to do what I believe I should because I have a passion for it - and get paid for it. I am not above saying "Someone, anyone send me a fucking paycheck."

Someone.... anyone.... send me a fucking paycheck.

(Taps on the computer keyboard while waiting for the phone to ring with somebody offering $100,000 for performing for the masses)

Well, phone didn't ring. Which is reality, people don't just send paychecks. But I can go get one. And so can you. My challenge to anybody who knows me in 2008. Do what you love - and get paid for it. In my opinion, managing your income based on your passion is a vital key to balance and happiness. I spent enough time in 2007 sitting at home watching people do what I love (and get paid for it) on the television. Ain't no way I wanna relive that experience. That sucked.

Do not let someone else do what you can do better and you can do first. You owe it to yourself to do what you love and make bank doing it. (Steps off soapbox)