Snap, Pop n' Lock OR Snap, Pop n' Rock

The name of our signature hip hop dance fitness class is created to honor one of our favorite childhood cereals 'Rice Crispy's tagline 'Snap, Crackle, Pop'.

The name was created before the structure of the class was formed.  The fact that the name 'Snap' coincides with my dance name SnapShot and 'Pop' with WandeePop is all divine rhythms.  So people can stop asking who is 'Lock'   LOL

Using 'Lock' was the perfect style to include in the name because it is the Funk Styles we teach in conjunction with our Freestyle Party Dancing and Rocking.  But we are NOT masters of Locking.  We learned Locking Basics from the Original Lockers and creator Don Campbellock and Don Campbellock Jr., as well as Skeeter Rabbit (RIP), Jazzy Jay and Sugar Pop.  

Our initial Locking influences are Mr. Wiggles and PopMaster Fable before we had the women's influences in Breakin 1 & 2 with Anna 'LoliPop' Sanchez and Toni Basil.  So for those who want to learn the Funk Style of Locking that was born in California please follow one of these instructors, as well as Shabba Doo, Original Lockers.

Locking is not a major part of our class structure, but we do perform Locking drills to help with Points, Wrist Rolls, Angles, Locks and Scoops.  It's a dope funky style, like popping, that paved the way for the Funk Styles explosion out of Cali that influenced the Hip Hop Culture on the East Coast.

WandeePop and I teach what we learned growing up in the Bronx too keep the authenticity of who we are, which is why we are officially changing the name to Snap, Pop n' Rock.  We are pioneer BGirls from the 80's representing Hip Hop Party Dancing Style with a taste of Rocking and Popping (Boogaloo and Electric Boogie).

Rocking is the official original Hip Hop style from the Bronx that we rocked in the jams.  We loved to get down.  It derives from Latin Inspired Dances such as: Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Boogaloo and Mambo.

PAZ AMOR LUZ

Hip Hop Dance Related Injuries: Back Strength

Mind, Body, Heart, Soul, Spirit

In our November 2010 Newsletter I wrote about my experiences with knee injuries. What not to do and how to strengthen your knee joints and muscles as well as knee injury prevention. If you missed it.. check it out Knee Injuries

Now I will share my experiences with lower back pain and muscle spasms.
I am no stranger to injuries related to dance or everyday stress. I learned through experience what NOT to do. Starting with:

Again the all faithful Improper Warm-Up and Stretching
I can not stress this enough how important it is to properly warm-up and stretch for ultimate flexibility and overall wellness.

But this time I was in the middle of teaching our Snap, Pop n' Rock Bootcamp Challenge Fitness Warm-up and possibly attempted a stretch my body was not thoroughly warmed up for and I over did it. But of course other factors in conjunction made for a not so great experience. I was coming out of a strength move into a stretching move and extended my back too far too fast and I felt my back right away, but I assumed holding the position would alleviate whatever pain or burning session I felt. When I stood up i knew something was not right, but I kept teaching a class full of students that I did not want to disappoint. By the end of class when all the students left the room I hit the floor to lay flat thinking I can stretch out the burning and cramping I felt. As I waited for my Boyfriend, Stan to pick me up that day WandeePop waited with me more concerned than I was. i did not know how sever the injury was. By the time I got home to lay on my bed is when I had the first spam and was bed ridden for a week. The spasms were the worse pain I ever felt. I could barely move.

Talk about humbling, but it gave me time to re-evaluate situations in my life i was dealing with at the time.

As a private trainer I use my experiences to help my clients and students. A thorough total body warm up is necessary starting with low impact to medium then to high with a moderate paced stretching routine. Of course that is wellness 101 but there is nothing like going through the experience of what NOT to do.

Always listen to your body it will NOT lie to you.

Lack of Strength Training
Before my injury I remember thinking I had to get back to the gym. It had been at least a month that I did not strength train thinking the calisthenics i perform in class would be enough to maintain my body strength. As we get older we need to protect our bodies from bone loss.. what protects our bones?...Muscle, what protects muscle?... Plenty of Protein Intake, Strength and Flexibility Training. In my opinion, Calisthenics and/or cardio only workouts alone will not do it. Everyone needs to strength train for overall well-being.

Lack of Sleep and Proper Nutrition
Needless to say I did not eat well that day and did not have restful REM sleep the night before, plus lack of proper hydration. Meaning.. if you are drinking water because you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. Proper hydration and nutrition starts from the night before your activities for the next day and it should be properly filtered, alkaline water with electrolytes. Nutrition does not mean fatty fried foods, processed meats or 'so-called enriched foods you get at your local market. Just because the FDA gives it the sign of approval does not mean it's good for you. Educate yourself.

Plus the day of my injury, I was rushing into the city Not to be late for class, which added extra stress...

Stress
The number one killer! Mental, Emotional, Physical, Financial, my overall spirit was stressed out. I was laid off from my job, father passed away, trying to figure out my life, arguing with my BF.. you name it.. it was going on for months prior to my injury.. My body was speaking to me as the last straw. I needed to wake up quick because it was making me physically ill.

Vices (A Bad Habit)
We all have them from; eating too much.. not eating enough.. addictions, fatty foods, drinking alcohol, smoking.. etc. Take all of these things into account as well.

I believe in a life of balance. If something is not working for you get rid of it or if you are a person that enjoys a glass of wine/alcohol with dinner every night.. balance it out with a glass of water so you are releasing those toxins and cut it down to 1-2 glasses of alcohol. I do not judge anyone's vices, but if it is interfering with your growth, focus or harming others.. Get Rid of it! Too much of something is NOT good, balance it out to moderation.

My Healing
My healing process was challenging, but rewarding.. and it is daily work. Not only physical work, but mental and spiritual. Injury prevention is an everyday process. When you are injured it's your wake up call to implement a daily regime that will cater to your well-being. Believe me it has taken me many years to get it together and realize you can not nurse it when you have it then forget about it afterwards. Wellness is a life choice, a lifestyle not a phase. You have to conscientiously make the decision to want more, be better, stronger and consistent.

At this point we can all agree that injury prevention method has the same ingredients. All natural-pathetic elements from Mother Earth that our higher source gave us when this planet was created. How did our ancestors survive?

Conventional Medicine is not the first place i run to unless absolutely necessary, like an emergency.

So here is my Top 6 list on what helped me Heal. These essentials are what I use today to heal my knee and back injuries. I will NOT recommend anything I do not use and anything that does not work for me and my clients.

Baby Step it. Some things may or may not be available to you right now. Start with what works for you and move forward from there.

My Top 6 Hip Hop Dance Injury Prevention Methods

1. Thoughts ~ Words ~ Actions:  After much Reflection, Observation, Stillness, Steadfast and Perseverance through my journey.  This was and is the number one cause of All injuries, illnesses, anxieties etc..  This is my recent update to this article and I added this as the number 1 because it is through my personal experience.  My Heart Angel Journey has led me to this ultimate conclusion.  Testimony of my painful injuries is how i help teach, educate and train my clients and students to self: 

Reflect:  What are you thinking, saying and doing that is interfering with your progress and creating energy blockages within your body, mind, heart, soul and spirit.

Obeserve:  How your thoughts, words and actions affect others around you.

Stillness: of the mind and focus on your breath and connection to high self to absorb the wisdom.

Steadfast: in making the necessary changes to release the blocked energy.

Perseverance: within your life as the Universe Opens Up to your every desire and manifestations.

2. Nutrition and Hydration: The most important element for injury prevention. Eating for pleasure is fun for sure, but at some point you have to add eating for fuel and energy into your nutritional plan of life and NOT a diet plan. Diet plans do not work! Remember it's a lifestyle change not a phase or fad or temporary fix. In conjunction with your nutrition are the Herbs, Spices and Essential Oils that you cook with, use as ointments and therapies for the body.

WandeePop created her Herb Ready Tea Packs; immune booster and bone repair teas for me during the healing process. They helped me tremendously and I learned more about what my body requires for proper function. For more details on Herb Ready Tea PAcks please contact WandeePOP for info and rates.

Hydration should be one ounce of water for half your body weight: ex: a 130lbs woman should consume 65 ounces of water per day on average. Meaning if you are an active person you should consume your body weight. Water is a natural diuretic and releases harmful free radical toxins from your body.

3. Rest: There are 5 stages of sleep the 5th being your REM, dream state. We cycle stages 2, 3, 4 & 5 at least 4 times a night. Sleep is also when our cells are repaired. So a minimum of 6 hours per evening is required. Preferably in one nights sleep. We get the most cell, mind and body repair during meditation. Which will be another topic i cover in the next newsletter.

4. Strength Training/Cardio/Flexibility: Back strengthening workouts, Stability of your core; Abdominals and Lower Back is crucial for functional living. Everything you do in life and the gym requires core strength.

Back Strengthening Workout Recommendations:

With isolation and compound movements like back extensions, deadlifts, SuperMans, Planks, Good mornings you are off to a great start. For more details and if you are interested in a personal workout plan please contact SnapShot for info and rates.

Another great tool for me during my recovery is the Foam Roller: It can be used to enhance balance, body awareness, muscle re-education, flexibility, myofacial release and dynamic strength. Dense foam construction of rolls provides firm support for all body types. Foam rollers are an essential tool for core abdominal, back stabilization and strengthening. Foam rollers are used as a balance training tool to improve balance for sports and everyday exercises. They are also an excellent aid for self massage of the upper and lower back, calf, hamstring, glutes and quads.

Cardiovascular Exercise is important, especially before you begin any strength training workouts. A proper cardio warmup should last a minimum of 10 minutes to properly elevated your heart rate and prepare your body for more intense exercises.

Basic Stretching and Yoga everyday, sometimes twice a day is recommended if you are already injured. When i wake up i perform my basic stretches for at least 10mins to prepare my body for the days activities. Then later during my workout I do a more in depth stretch because my body is already warmed up. If i am teaching that day I am stretching three times a day. By the time i get home I listen to my body and if i need another dose i will do my at home yoga DVD for 30mins.

Steam Room: Helped me big time with my healing. During my process the cardio alone was not enough to warm up my body for an adequate stretch because i did not have my complete range of motion yet. So I would stretch in the steam room.

5. Magnetics: One of Mother Earth important elements to our survival. Magnetic energy is part of the natural environment for all living things. Earth's magnetic field is also recognized as a protective barrier against dangerous radiation from space.

All life, be it plant life, animal life or human life, exists in and responds to the magnetic field of the Earth. It should be made clear that using magnets themselves do not heal or cure, rather using magnetic energy provides the body with the necessary ingredients it needs to repair itself. We live on a big magnet called the earth and every individual on the earth has been exposed to and has benefited from the earth's natural magnetic energy fields. It's healthy and necessary to sustain life on earth.

Clinical studies have indicated that magnets hold promise in the development of new, scientific approaches to many of the challenges of modern life. Some people using these self care health magnets are getting results and relief within minutes, hours, or in just a few days, from head, neck, shoulders, back, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle and foot problems. Many people with more serious health problems are having their discomfort eased.

Another benefit many people receive from these health magnets is an increase in energy though out the day.

For a moment think about your family or friends, a health problem they may have, whether it is minor or severe. There have been years and years of research to prove that people benefit from this technology. Today, millions of people around the world are feeling better because of health magnets.

A week after my injury i discovered magnetics through a highly recommended company. i participated in a webinar they were conducting and i was convinced. It was not the first time i heard about magnetism. i read a book a year before called 'Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About' and he mentioned the amazing benefits.

I was in pain and would have done anything to help my situation so I ordered their magnetic insoles for my knee therapy/feet pain and magnetic back pad to start. i was soo anxious to see if this would work for me. i was going to acupuncture but I needed more for the in between visits that were getting costly and i had no insurance. I also had a very important dance performance coming up within weeks and i needed to heal.

Needless to say i was amazed. Within days of receiving the magnetics and wearing them everyday my pain was gone and I was on stage performing as if I was not ever injured.
PLEASE NOTE: Duration of healing when wearing magnetics varies depending on how hydrated your body is. Water is the conduit that attracts magnetism so if you are using them and they are not working well for you, you may want to increase your water intake. They work better in conjunction with all the other steps i mention in this article.

6. More Natural Pathic Techniques
Deep Muscle/Thai Massage: Painful, but gets into the muscle tissue to alleviate energy, inflammation, soreness, toxins and knots we develop that cause tension and stress.

Acupuncture: A technique of oriental medicine performed only by licensed health care providers. Fine needles are inserted into the body at specific points to induce anesthesia, relieve pain, or to treat other various disorders. Is based on Chinese traditional medicine for the purpose of stimulating healing. This practice is believed to promote the healthy flow of "Qi" or life force, through the body.

Simplicity and Honesty

'Transparency is the Mother of Integrity'

I firmly believe that it is the only approach that makes any sense, it's simplicity and its honesty. It maintains your integrity, you are always giving what you are promising - which is you. It makes you happy, as there is nothing more fulfilling than having those around us acknowledge our own special-ness. Rewarding when you inspire people to live their passion. Finally, it is the only approach to branding actually sustainable in the long run.

As self evident as this may sound, trying to be something else, or someone else, is absolutely crazy. It is stressful. It is tiring. It is not fulfilling. It is impossible to keep up. Yet for so many people, when they go about trying to make themselves presentable and marketable, that is precisely what they do. That was the initial mistake I made when building our Signature Brand Hip Hop Dance Fitness Workshop Snap, Pop n' Rock

The beauty of this simple approach is that those customers who buy your offering are buying something that you, and only you, can deliver. This means that you are competing in a micro-market where yours is the sole offering. So long as you continue to place your passion, energy and patience into what you are doing, your brand can only strengthen over time.

What are your thoughts?

Hip Hop Be True To Yourself by TEC

The Journey

On our journey since the early 1980's, WandeePop and I had a vision. We always built different crews through the years to be part of so we can create the vision.

We played behind the scenes for many years and in many cases let opportunities pass us by. Even with many lectures (good ones) from Steffan (Mr. Wiggles) Clemente trying to persuade us to step up and stop the bulls** ;-) He, as well as many other family/friends, saw something we did not see at the time.

Somewhere along the line we lost the motivation. But we would get charged again when Steffan (Mr. Wiggles) came into town to teach. Or PopMaster Fable called us of a gig. Or if the Electric Boogaloos were on the East Coast we would travel to take their classes. Since Wiggles and Fable have been our teachers since our dance birth, they motivate us to want more in this culture. We just did not know where to start or where to rediscover our drive/motivation.

Why did we lose the motivation?

Childhood

When I think back to my childhood I was fearless. So I was in search for that same fearless experience when you really connect with who you are, what you want and the music that drives you. When everything makes sense. I was lacking that emotion of connecting on a spiritual level. Where the music takes over. I did not know it at the time. It took many years of soul searching and rediscovery due to tragic losses in my family plagued me with a deep depression and I lost my expression. Losing my sister and brother through illness had me at a stand still.  There were also very huge influences in my life personally.  Always taught me to go after my dreams with no limits

The Auditions

Along the line we became discouraged. Going to auditions and watching dancers wearing nothing or being labeled 'Old School' for our original overall Organic NYC Hip Hop Style. We did not do the booty shaking, stripper moves so we lost many jobs. I remember we walked off a video set when they bought booty shorts for us to wear for a dance combination.

There is nothing wrong with street jazz or in the choice of clothing dancers wear. It was a choice we made not to represent the Hip Hop Culture or BGirls in that light. We were not comfortable. We knew from that point we needed to create our own opportunities and make our own moves if we wanted to express ourselves artistically.

The Classes

Taking dance classes were another disappointment to some respects. Most of what is taught is choreography No real education on the Culture of Hip Hop. Teachers label themselves as teaching hip hop, but it's street jazz or street funk. We enjoy street jazz and street funk.  If you watch 'West Side Story' you will see Street Jazz, it's the Bob Fosse style of raw expression.  
Hip Hop is an experience. Freestyle Party Dancing, Rocking, Popping, Locking, Waccking, Voguing, Breaking is what you Do, Hip Hop is who you are and how you live. Students want to learn more about living the Hip Hop Culture, learning about the elements, dance movements/styles and how it was created, not just random movements to counts. The element of freestyle (on the spot creativity) completely taken out of the equation.

But a higher power kept calling us to really get something dope together, but we still were not sure what we wanted to do with dancing or hip hop. But we knew we were tired of letting it go. There was a void and we wanted to fill it.

The Birth of TEC

So then came the birth of Tru Essencia Crew with Miss Twist, Pauline and HoneyRockwell originally and Seoulsonyk joined us not too long after. We were already hanging out, practicing and had the passion to dance. So Twist created our official Tagline 'TEC 2003' for the year we formed.

We did some performances, some auditions and landed dope gigs. But after sometime the practicing slowed down, occasional hang outs and gigs. Motivation lost, we continued our lives with the occasional workshop here and there. But nothing that sparked the fire that we will come to know if a few years.

The amazing thing is we kept getting opportunities come our way, even if it was a few gigs per year. The gigs were great to fuel us, make contacts, have fun performing and practice. But, then there is the added pressure of the negative self talk

'OK, you have not danced in how long, and you have not taken any classes in how long and you have not freestyled in how long.' Then there goes the confidence level...

Do you notice a pattern here... The vicious circle we torture ourselves with when you don't take a stand, look fear in the eye and go for it..

'Do What You Fear.. and the Death of Fear Is Certain'

No one should allow themselves to be paralyzed by fear of the unknown or of what people will think and say about you.

The Legends

So when PopMaster Fable called in 2006 with an offer from Rennie Harris to perform a popping piece in his next 'Legends' show we could not pass it up. Again, we were faced with another grand opportunity to get focused. Talk about the pressure when we heard about the lineup of dancers in the show. Great talent and we are honored to have been part of it.

So all through the negative self talk, late rehearsal nights, pressure to live up to being Mr. Wiggles sister, pressure to perform well, nail my solo, focus, get creative, flow free, connect and face my fear.. we are grateful we were given the opportunity to perform the show 'The Legends of Hip Hop' at the Victory Theater in 2006. It was not long after we knew what we wanted to do.

Snap, Pop n' Rock

In 2007, Snap, Pop & Lock was brought to life. The name was always there, created in 2001 when I was working at Equinox as a certified personal trainer. A very reputable group fitness instructor that taught for the company gave me advise about creating a class that only I can teach.. brand it and make it yours. So there went the brainstorming and who would guess one of my favorite cereals would pave the way.

Crazy thing is I wanted to teach, but I did not enjoy teaching at that time. It took me awhile to figure that one out, but I did eventually. Everything in your life is given a divine time to present itself. Patiencia Y Fe (Patience and Faith) will guide you.

So teaching bootcamps, sculpting classes, hip hop fundamentals etc.. was not fun, it was a choir something I did because I needed the money, which is a really WACK way to live.

So when I created the name it was for the right reasons, but I knew the timing was not right to develop the structure. I was NOT ready.

So WandeePop and I wanted to create something that reminded us of our days on Fox street in the South Bronx; dancing in the streets, parks jams, house parties, playing beats that rocked your soul, not feeling intimidated to dance because everyone was there to have fun. No pressure.. except for when the battle erupted. You had to school whoever entered the battle cipher with intentions to burn you.. School Em' It was Sooo much Fun. That's was our goal.. create an experience, a fun atmosphere where you learn about the Hip Hop Culture and all it's elements and get a kick ass workout in the process;-)

The Rewards

Our students learning, appreciating, building and coming to class every week because they are dedicated. We want to teach anyone who wants to learn or drill what they already know from the absolute novice to the ultimate professional.

The Conclusion

I write this to say.. Be True to Yourself' If you know what it is you want start building on it now. It will lead you to your goals one step at a time. Do not just think about what you want.. Act on it. Invest 20% of everyday to your dreams and it will lead to 80% of your success.

Along the way we received advice from a few people we looked up to. Some advice we took and some we did not.. You have to go with your heart. And thank god we did..

We were told.. The name 'Tru Essencia' should be re-considered.;-/ because of the spanglish. It was labeled confusing.. Not clear on who we are.

But we felt the name represented us perfectly.. The True Essence of women. The spanglish represented the Nuyoricans in us. That fine line between Puerto Rico and New York City.

We were told the name Snap, Pop & Lock would confuse people and we should change it to Hip Hop Basics.;-( to get students in the door and change the name later.

But we wanted to build something of our own. Anyone could teach 'hip hop basics or fundamentals'. So what we did instead is create the tagline 'Organic NYC Style Hip Hop for Health' so there were no questions about what we were about.

We were told teaching True School Hip Hop party dancing/Latin rocking combined with health and wellness wouldn't work;-( because people don't want to work out they want to dance. What do you think moving your body on the dance floor is to begin with... I hate to tell you but you are already working out. Elevating the heart rate, contouring your body in moves that require strength, maintaining balance using your core muscles. But what we give you in conjunction is injury prevention. Strength training, endurance and flexibility. Is it challenging.. sure, but NOT unattainable.

We were told we should follow the trends of the more popular classes by teaching some street jazz to get students in the door then add our hip hop party dancing later because our style was considered 'Old School' and no one was really interested or knew what it was.

Would you go into a beginner's ballet class and ask for 'Old School' ballet? Hip Hop is Hip Hop and it has basics and techniques you should know because nothing today is NEW it's all recycled or fused together. SPnR is a workshop needed and it is not a problem for us to build it from the ground up weather we had 50 students or one.

It's a challenge you consider when it comes to paying dues. We paid our dues on the streets of the south Bronx from early 80's until today. Now we have the pleasure of teaching our students what the Hip Hop Culture means to us.. it's not a gimmick.. it's who we are.

Patience is a virtue. Nothing worth while and brings happiness is overnight. Don't Give Up and Always Listen to Your Heart. There is nothing better then Being True To YOU!!

We Don't Regret it!

Hip HOp Arts in Schools

Do we as a society truly understand the importance of the arts in our schools?

Really take sometime to sit & think about the cause and effect it has on our children... especially the children in the urban communities (The Hood).

Which is the only community really effected by the budget cuts in the schools.

Arts help to promote self-esteem, self pride, confidence it also gives the children a sense of being; the ability to use their mind while creating a wonderful and positive thought process, which will allow them to evolve into mature young adults (and responsible adults) with a zest for life!

The more we teach SNAP POP n' ROCK workshops in schools in the NY/NJ areas we're finding that these kids have low self-esteem issues, don't believe in themselves with No real dreams and aspirations.

Some of them even question whether they have a right to have any wants or needs. They are angry, sad, depressed and many complain about the absence of their parents in some form.

This is heart breaking, how can such young kids feel like this at such an early age.

How can we make a difference to change this, and why do we as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc continue to allow this to happen in our communities?

It's simple because the parents are younger and younger every year. Growing up with the kids they bare... not knowing or understanding what it takes to be parents let alone a productive member of society.

The concept of self-respect for themselves and others has gone right out the window.

Why is it that we are so complacent as a society? Everyone is busy pointing the finger and no one is taking any responsibility.

Well here's a thought... spread the word to your family and friends!

Write our local congressman (or woman) go to any district meeting...

ask anyone that is a parent to make sure to attend any and all parent teacher conferences in the schools there kids attend and actively participate on behalf of your child/ren.

I'm true believer in (the old school thought) it takes a village to rise a child (within certain limitations).

Lets start caring about our kids again; Let us support, encourage, and applaud our kids for there successes, and not beat away at their spirits for any mistakes or mishap.

In these challenging economic times some parents are forced to work two sometimes three jobs to provide for their families and can be challenging to keep track of what your child/ren is doing and how he/she is doing in school. You must re-assess this and ask yourself is it working. Are you spending the quality time with your child/ren asking the right questions about his/her future and what they want?

Giving them the outlet with arts is the perfect way they will get to challenge themselves, feel good about something within them, have some sense of accomplishment, pride in there work... and this in-turn will give them the power to overcome, with-stand any kind of negative peer pressure.

The key is to give the kids of today, who are the future of tomorrow structure, foundation, a reason for being and a sense of belonging, to someone, something.

The Arts are a gift that should not be taken for granted these abilities are a magnificent form of self-expression.

Let us take on the task to spread the word. We have power in numbers the more we show interest in our community and our kids... they will have no alternative but to review what is happening with the funding, government grants to help support the arts in the public school system.

Our government is slowly but surely pulling a blanket over our eyes. Even some of the principals in the schools are aiding them! They setup programs in the school systems with one thing in mind (Program Failure).

It's a shame but we have been in meetings with the so-called powers that be in many schools only to be disappointed by their lack of enthusiasm in getting the dance programs off the ground. Without the proper support in these schools it is a dead end. As long as they are collecting the government money to run these programs they can care less who or how many students show up.

How do we stop things like this from happening? Simply get involved. Understand this is not going to get better unless, we take matters into our own hands. Show our government that we will no longer sit by and take all that they say without questioning the cause and effect it will have on our community.

Even take it a step further if your child ask you to sign him or her up for any after school programs, please take sometime to mention to your child, or children it is a privilege to be able to take part in any of the arts programs and take the time to go to the school and introduce yourself to the teacher involved in teaching your child art, dance or music just as you would with the academic teachers.

I ask you now to help save the arts in our community!!!

If it were not for the PAL Center in the South Bronx we would have never met our dance teacher Re-Run, who then formed our dance crew 'Unique Force'.

At this time I would like to thank my teachers from St. Anthanasius who taught dances from their country that I remember till this day because of the impact it had on my life in the third grade:

Ms. O'Neal who taught me the Jig from her native country of Ireland.

Ms. Aquino who taught me her native dances from the Philippines.

And the countless other teachers that always let us express ourselves with art, music, dance and sports.

PAZ

Tru Essencia Represents Women in Hip Hop, October 2009

Checkout our October 2009 Newsletter

http://tinyurl.com/yjpnosg