I must say that the older I get, the more I realize how much less control I have over life. I realize that life (in good and challenging ways)is rarely what you expect it to be and that it is a constant balance between "making things happen and letting things happen." I realize the importance of taking the initiative to boldly be open to life and taking risks for things that are important while also having enough faith to surrender myself at times to God's plan.LIFE has thrown me curve balls in life, but through those unexpected challenges as well as the successes, I continuously strive to learn, grow and try to be a better person.I feel that we should challenge ourselves to use our God-given talents and experiences to make a positive difference in this world vs. being selfish with our resources and abilities.HOWEVER, there is always a limit...one of my best friends Alan Velasco once told me..."You can try to be there for people some of the times, but you can't be everywhere for everyone all the time." HUMILITY is a tough lesson to learn even when you are trying to be generous, but it is an important lesson to grow from.FURTHERMORE, I'm learning that getting caught up in the busyness of everyday life can distract you from taking the time to be thankful for the everyday blessings.I also find myself learning to decipher between acquaintances you get along with and true genuine loved ones who inspire you to grow, are honest with you, and love you unconditionally - these are who I prioritize in life when push comes to shove.STILL while taking care of ourselves involves prioritizing your loved ones and surrounding yourself with people positive for your soul, I also know that we are called to strive to also make time to serve others and give without expected reciprocation...............................................
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.................................................SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:"We make a LIVING by what we get, but we make a LIFE by what we give.""Be the change you wish to see in this world." - Gandhi" All the darkness in the world can not extinguish the light of a single candle." - St. Francis of Assisi......................................................
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.................................................SOME OF MY GREATEST BLESSINGS:
- GOD's unconditional love and forgiveness
- My wonderful, loving family: MOM, DAD, Andy, Sheila and Eric (and Marge & Chris too)
- My closest friends - The A Team (you know who you are)
- LOVE MY CULTURE SHOCK/FUTURE SHOCK LA, LEGACY/KABA MODERN/ KREATIVE MOVEMENT FAMILIES, DVS and Chill Factor brothas!!!
- Amazing Experiences: Founding UCI's Kaba Modern and seeing this talented family of dancers grow and expand, the past 5 years of directing Culture Shock LA (using Hip-Hop dance to do community outreach with this family has been inspiring / life-changing), finishing my Doctorate degree despite personal obstacles, producing "Heaven Sent" and "The COLOR of WE" with my Culture Shock LA Dream Team (Allison, Dave, Dennis, Ira, & Tiff), speaking at the Kaiser conference, seeing some of my closest friends get married and have children of their own, learning from my patients, families and colleagues at Childrens Hospital of LA and the Long Beach Unified School district, going to the Philippines with my whole family 2005, and growing with my family and closest friends through the joys and challenges of life...Thank you God for all of these are blessings.I am proud and grateful to be sponsored by KALLUSIVE
SO PROUD of MY KABA MODERN FAMILY ON MTV'S AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW!!!!
Kaba Modern Trailer created by Andrew Simbol. Love my Kaba Modern Family!!!15 Year Anniversary Video created by Mikey Andaya
15 years of family, traditions, and artistry...DCypher the Silence Benefit Show Trailer made by Mikey Andaya - Proud of my Culture Shock LA family!!!Representin' our dance community with the JABBAWOCKEEZ and CEECH at the ONECYPHER.COM event up in the bay area!!! What an honor it was for me!!!..
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Love my Culture Shock LA Family!!!!
Imagine a world where someone’s inner expression has been suppressed and regulated like some drug waiting for FDA approval. Imagine a world where your voice is seen as weapon of mass destruction. Imagine a world where rhythms and beats have been buried, for the greater “goodâ€.
That is the world these four individuals live in... ___________________________________
Culture Shock and Future Shock Los Angeles
presentA BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE[A classic novel gets a Hip Hop spin]
“A Beautiful Struggle†tells the story of four individuals who dare to create in a time when artistic expression has been outlawed. Inspired by the real life experiences of those whose lives have been deeply touched by the arts and inexorably changed by a belief in themselves, this unique original work uses music, art, spoken word, and dance to bring their stories to the stage. This truly collaborative effort includes performances by Culture Shock San Diego, RhetOracle Dance Company, Creative Planet, KABA MODERN from America's Best Dance Crew and members of the Jabbawockeez!.
UPDATE:
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!Click on the flyer below to order your tickets online