penny.

Talk about a throwback Thursday - it's been 10 years since Britney Spears and Madonna teamed up in the "Me Against the Music" video.

I was dancing competitively as a jazz and tap student at the time, and remember one of girls, Penny, had just left the studio to pursue a professional career in dance.

To me, she had made it. Penny landed a backup dancer position in the video, "Me Against The Music". You can see Penny at the 1 minute and 40 second mark, when Britney and Madonna are dancing opposite each other through a wall - Penny is just off of Britney's right shoulder.

For me, this was my first brush at the professional world of dance - when someone you know makes it, it completely changes your perspective. I remember thinking that maybe one day, I could dance for Britney Spears.

Now, I may not be dancing for Britney Spears (but would in a heartbeat if she decided to revisit The Oynx Hotel Tour circa 2003), but I'm still performing professionally at various events, shows and across the city.

As I've written before, I'm now finding a niche and passion for instruction and choreography. Seeing may students emerge as performers after 13 weeks of serious training has made me feel that maybe, just maybe, I might be making it in my own way. P

I never thought that "Me Against The Music" would be a milestone for me - but it has reminded me just how many things can change, how my movement has changed and ultimately how my perspective has changed. Sometimes fulfilling your passion does not always mean being in front of the camera. Sometimes it's building up those who will be.

And I'm more than okay with that.

top5.

This month's Top 5 is appropriately B.C.-themed. 

I feel like I split my life between this two provinces, and in a sense, have two lives. As I have jumped right back into my Toronto lifestyle, I still feel the aftershocks of my trip (notably, the time difference has been throwing me off a bit!) 

However, being back in the studio with my dancers, at the office with the DivaGirls and enjoying this touch of sunshine are all signs of some fantastic things coming around the corner. 

Without further ado, here's May's Top 5. 

Emceeing The Vibe Dance Competition. 

After four days, 700 performances and meeting 2,900 dancers (plus their teachers) you would think I would be all danced out. Rather, I'm thirsty for more! 

I saw some incredible performances and my choreography on stage for the first time - Brittney did her best solo performance of the season, I am so proud of her! 

This was truly an awesome experience, and I'm looking forward to emceeing again. 

Workshops. 

The day after The Vibe Dance Competition, I got to teach a fantastic workshop hosted by Luki Dance Productions in Kelowna, B.C. . 

Make sure to pick up the June issue of Snap Okanagan for some shots from inside the studio. 

I made the trek down to Vancouver and got to work with some of the fabulous dancers of the Army of Sass at Steve Nash Fitness World - a couple of my girlfriends, my cousin and fabulous boss from Toronto all came out to class. Thank you for the support ladies! 

Sightseeing. 

I love this shot of one of my favourite places in Vancouver. Sad the Canucks aren't in the playoffs anymore, but maybe next year...

My latest obsession - The Juice Truck in Gastown. This is a great (and healthy) food truck idea. 

Vancouver Art Gallery. 

Throughout university, I took as many art history classes as I could - what would the chances be that I would get to the Vancouver Art Gallery  to find that they had a whole exhibit about art, politics and comics I have actually studied? Maus is one of my favourite graphic novels, and it was so interesting to see the evolution of sketches in person. 

As well, The Grand Hotel exhibit is a must-see about the abodes which inspired music, writing, culture and more throughout the 20th century. 

Meeting up with Alicahaaay. 

It's hard to believe that had not seen each other in almost a year - miss living with you roomie. 

Hope to see you again soon B.C., it was lovely. 

vancity.

I'm back Toronto! 

I know people say that time flies when you're having fun, and that absolutely applies to the past 12 days. I had the time of my life emceeing, teaching and brainstorming some new projects in both Kelowna and Vancouver. 

I wholeheartedly believe in taking chances and jumping at opportunities when they present themselves, and this trip was no exception. 

More than ever, my training in time management, flexibility and improvisation kicked in to help me throughout various situations during this trip. This allowed me to plant some great project seeds, and I  can't wait to see what they grow into on the west coast. 

A couple huge shout outs the people who helped make some incredible things happen:

Reflections Dance Studio

The Vibe Dance Competition 

Jessica Hurd 

Vanessa Young and AOS Vancouver

Lucy Hazelwood and Luki Dance Productions

and of course...Mom & Dad 

Thank you for supporting me as I chase after my dreams, no matter where they take me or how wild they are. 

okanagan.

Whoa, it's been a wild week in the Okanagan!

I had an amazing time hosting The Vibe Dance Competition, which featured over 2,900 dancers and 750 performances throughout the weekend. A huge thank you to The Vibe team and the backstage crew - I couldn't have done my job without all your help and support.

However, there's no rest for the wicked - I had a fantastic opportunity to teach a masterclass yesterday in Kelowna, and am heading to Vancouver tomorrow to work with a couple dance companies and visit friends. But before I jet off again, I'm heading outside to soak in some of this Okanagan sunshine (it's 29C here today!)

All in all, not too bad of a week! I'm very lucky to have had the time to come back to my home province to work and visit my friends and family.

Again, I won't be posting regularly on the blogette until I'm back in Toronto next week. Stay updated by following me on Twitter and Instagram (@PortiaFavro).

Have a fabulous rest of the week!

interpreter.

"Still, there are times I am bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept. 

As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination."

— Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

Yep. 

I'm leaving on a jet plane for a whirlwind adeventure to teach, emcee, choreogarph and see my friends and family in B.C. I'm over the moon excited. 

Needless to say, I'll be a touch off the grid, but you can stay updated by following me on Twitter and Instagram (@PortiaFavro). Expect behind the scenes photos, tidbits from the studio and more! 

Also, Happy International Dance Day! How appropriate is it that my class falls on this evening? Looking forward to working it out with my dancers before I go!