Waiting Rooms

The smell of sick;

Annoyed receptions;

Phone calls—that should be placed outside—happening in the chair next to you, describing in full detail the sex life of a random stranger;

Magazines askew on a coffee table—but not one worth reading;

A toddler shuffles along from chair to chair, equally distributing his slobber and germs;

The door opens, your name is called—time to go sit and wait some more. 

Automated Call Centers!!!

The rage I experience when dealing with automated call centers is un-chartable.
Testing the growth and knowledge from every inspirational book and zen–yoga–mind–body–soul practice I’ve ever encountered.
There is no breath deep enough to help me move past the faux-human MONSTER that refuses to have a conversation with me;
No, I don’t want to press one––and thank you for pressing every boundary I’ve attempted to create, so as to stay in a happy place.

Dance Life

Standing in a room full of talented artists who tell stories with their bodies;
Men and women who have inspired me on my journey as a dancer–turned–choreographer, I take a deep breath and smile––I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with my heroes and we’re connecting, laughing, and sharing our passion.
We’re gathered to celebrate movement on television––and without it, where would I have found my passion?
I grew up in front of a TV set; studying the moves of my favorite actors, singers, and dancers; now I’m collaborating with them.
#DreamComeTrue

Now and Zen.

My morning used to start with caffeine;
Now it starts with a deep breath in and an inspirational thought––and then a big cup of caffeine!
I think any Zen master would agree: Balance is everything.

Lap-Dogs Will Be Catty

I’m watching my dogs fight over the food bowl;
Neither one is very interested in eating––it’s just a competition to see who can out intimidate the other––so basically it’s like a catfight on America’s Next Top Model.

Creativity; You Have to Do The Work.

Sitting on the floor in my living room staring at a blank computer screen;
Sometimes I’d rather see that annoying Macintosh rainbow hamster wheel––because at least then I’d know someone (or thing) was thinking.
Creative writing is like throwing a dinner party; it all sounds fun until you actually start doing the work––once your guests show up you all get drunk and have a fabulous time, when it’s over you have to clean up the mess and you swear you’ll never do it again––and then a few weeks later you miss the idea of a dinner party.

Hotel Hideaway.

Not even the luxurious pool can entice me into the scorching heat of the desert;
I’m swimming in a sea of blankets and shaded by blackout curtains in my hotel room today; because sometimes vacation is a date with room services and HBO programming.

Palm Springs Mini Vaca

I walked outside and my flip-flops melted to the sidewalk;
My head beaded up with droplets of sweat and my pits are soaking wet.
It’s the perfect poolside retreat.
I’m off with a book in my hand, zinc on my face and a handful of drink tickets:
Bartender I’ll take the bottomless Pina Colada’s please!
I love a mini vacation.

Balance

Breath

Alignment 

Light

Awareness

Nonresistance 

Calm

Engaged 

Find Your Light

The light is easy to find when you’re standing in darkness;
Often we run towards it naturally, as a way out.
But when we’ve hit the height of the day––people are tempted to run from the illuminating energy and seek shadows; afraid of what might be uncovered.
Those who remain exposed shine brighter.

Sunday

Coffee time with my family;
Our puppies cuddled in our laps––as we sip our caffeine and catch up on the current state of our lives.
We sit and read the news (online, of course) and discuss the fate of the world––just like grandma and grandpa used to do.
Lazily, we make our way to the bathroom and start to groom ourselves for whatever the day holds in store:
I may go to yoga––if I can rally and remind myself how accomplished I’ll feel afterwards;
Or, I might skip yoga and go to brunch with a friend instead.
I’ll need to find time to be with God––in His house or mine––it makes no difference, I just need to connect; it’s always beneficial to remember that there is a power greater than I can imagine in control.
In the meantime, I sit quietly on our sofa taking stock in the blessings I have. There’s no pressure to overachieve or attend to anything other than the present.

Moms Are The Best!

My mom leaves town today;
I’ll do my best to focus on the adventures we shared while she was visiting––rather than being sad that she has to go.
Her love and support have helped me shine through every single journey I’ve walked.
But what I miss most when she’s not here, is her sense of humor––her contagious laugh is like an opera.
My heart is warm when her eyes sparkle with a wild thought or cleaver remark;
Every witty bone in my body was passed down from her.
We both like to shop, too.
And of course, I will miss our quality coffee talks!
I love you mom.

Mani Pedi With Mom

A trip to the spa with my mom;
Bonding over a manicure and pedicure with a champagne toast.
Because who doesn’t love being pampered?
My mom has always been a fabulous shopping buddy, I’m a lucky guy––and I have the soft hands and shiny toenails to prove it.

Day Off

Everyone needs a break;

The food and sleep was great.

Lights. Camera. Action!

The rehearsals are done;
Lines are learned,
Costumes have been fitted;
I look the part.
Working with a talented cast and crew;
Today is a dream that will live for eternity on film––well actually it’s digital––but still, you get the point.
Rolling!

Rehearsal

I love the dark cool vacuum of a soundstage;
Scattered pieces of scenery––half familiar sets from movies and television shows you love.
The smell of burning lights.
Avoiding craft services to and from the dressing rooms––do you want to be in shape on camera or not?
Performers gathered in a corner of the set reviewing the choreography;
Laughter ensues, while I try not to sweat through my costume.
And then, action!
I love being on a set––living my childhood dream.

Forget Your Troubles...

Come on get happy!

Happiness requires the difficult ability to let go—and move on.

Becoming aware of the underlying anger is the first step; releasing it is the hard part.

But once this happens, you are present again.

Feeling Blessed

Early morning drive through Los Angeles;

The city is calm—I inhale the landscape and survey my life:

Family and friends are healthy;

I continue to follow my dreams and receive opportunities to grow as an artist;

And I seek balance through faith and awareness in the present.

Life is great.

Truth on Tour: 2.7

Goodbye's are always rough;

Working with so many talented people in such a short amount of time—you develope a unique artistic bond.

Emotions are high; our paths have crossed for a special reason, and I'm sure we'll cross again.

Until then, I hold fond memories.

Now, back to my family!

Truth on Tour: 2.6

Today is the last day with my Dance United family;
There are some jobs that are work––and others that are a pure joy.
Whether teaching class, sharing late night conversation with likeminded choreographers, or experiencing an adventurous hayride; every moment is filled with inspiration, laughter, and light.
Whenever I’m surrounded by the collaborative energy of these artists, my spirit soars.
Life on tour is always brilliant when the people you’re working with are seeking the same creative journey.

Truth on Tour: 2.5

When more than three choreographers gather by a pool two things happen:
A dialogue about transitions, technique vs. performance, and a terminology exchange;
And a choreographed water show in the pool.
I thoroughly enjoyed another fabulous evening with artists from around the world.

Truth on Tour: 2.4

The days are filled with dance;
The nights are loaded with food, friends, and more dance...
In my mind I feel eighteen;
Physically I feel like a grandpa––but I push through.
My soul feels alive, grateful, and at peace.

Truth on Tour: 2.3

The only disadvantage to working with talented choreographers and dancers from around the world is that once you’ve gathered for creative conversation and laughter––with plenty of wine involved––no one wants to go to bed.
I may not be getting enough sleep, but I’m having a marvelous time bonding with talented, intelligent, thoughtful people; and with all of that creative energy, who needs sleep?

Truth on Tour: 2.2

Waking up in your friends house instead of a hotel room, is a much more peaceful way to start in a new city.
A home cooked meal,
Soak in the hot tub,
Wine and lively conversation,
And crash in a comfortable bed, while watching Netflix.
It’s going to be a brilliant week.

Truth on Tour: 2.0

Standing in front of the gate agent desk for United;

First in line—but aware of the shady businessmen who congregate in the vicinity waiting to pounce, "I just have a quick question" they say.

Patiently I wait as they beg for their First Class upgrade.

Shameless—it's what I loath about society; entitlement.

A Trip to the Beach: Check List

Sunscreen with Zinc;
Two luxury terrycloth oversized beach towels––one for sunbathing and one to dry off with;
Healthy (but still savory) snacks;
A large bottle of water to stay hydrated;
A stylish but functional hat––to guard against skin damage;
A juicy summer book;
Several trashy tabloid magazines to warm-up the conversation;
An external speaker with BlueTooth technology;
A light summer hoodie for the crisp ocean breeze;
A positive attitude.
Summertime is meant for sand, sea, sun, and seriously outrageous laughter with friends!

Boy Scout Motto

Be Positive?!
I was a Boy Scout––and prior to that a Cub Scout––for over ten years;
I learned a lot: how to hold a knife, pitch a tent, climb mountains, cook in high altitudes, flirt with boys, and Be Prepared.
I can’t remember if be “Be Positive” is one of the Scout motto’s or not––but it should be.
I spent the better part of my twenties over-planning, worrying too much, and trying to force “life” to happen.
I’m so grateful that as I continue my journey as an artists and human being, that I’m learning the true meaning of life: Be Present.
To remain aware in each moment––a skill that requires positivity.
Regardless of the set back or situation, a positive mind set enables me to focus on the moment at hand; this in turn provides me with the ability to achieve my goals and stay committed to my resolutions.
The Boy Scouts taught me to Be Prepared––Faith has taught me that no amount of preparation will serve me better than a positive approach to living in the present.

A Day of Rest

Even on my days off I end up working.
Today, I’m hiding from the world, which includes:
Turning of my iPhone,
Ignoring my emails,
Avoiding social medial,
Hiding from responsibility,
Dodging my agents request for self-submissions,
Skipping yoga (okay maybe I’ll go to yoga––but only because I find the meditative exercise relaxing),
And binge watching Sons of Anarchy on Netflix.
Life is short: Find balance.

Find the Light

No, I’m not quoting Tyra Banks––in order to capture that perfect moment on film, models and actors have to “find their light”.
Imagine if the human collective could find the light, too.
Darkness exists everywhere––if you don’t believe me just turn on Fox News or CNN––depending on the angle you learn towards, you will see a slanted representation of anger, fear-based analysis, exploited “victims”, and sensationalized drama.
Too many people live in fear because it’s what they’re told to believe; conditioned over time to hate and challenge anyone who looks or thinks differently from them.
Now imagine if we (society) started to shine a positive spin on the spin cycle.  What if we took positive action––however small––against every negative emotionally charged circumstance that we are witness to?
In total darkness, even the smallest crack of light is enough to lead us to a way out.

Back on the Mat

After traveling for five weeks straight––with very little time for meditation or exercise; I’m looking forward to getting back into yoga.
It’s time to get downward-dog and get upward with my spirits.
The calming, peaceful, grounded experience that transcends work, ambition, and stress;
When I’m back on the mat––my life makes sense.

That's A Wrap

I'm saying goodbye to my fifth city in four weeks;

I'm officially exhausted.

Grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with future performers—I've continued to remind myself that a positive attitude is the best defense against the pitfalls of life on the road.

Still, I'm grateful that I've successfully completed another leg of my tour;

Only one more city, and then I get to take a break!