Her interest in theatre began after watching a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at age 10. “I bought the soundtrack and listened to it until my mother’s ears bled,” she says. “I became obsessed with musicals and the stage. We didn’t have money for acting classes, so my only exposure to theatre growing up was through public school programs. Luckily I was accepted into the UTM/Sheridan College Theatre and Drama Studies program by the skin of my teeth, and that’s where I ‘fell down the rabbit hole.’ I was hooked and knew that there was nothing that would make me happier than being in theatre.“

SDTC: Did your love of theatre draw you to writing?

AJ: I’ve been a writer my entire life. As the quiet, youngest child growing up with a single mom who suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder, I quickly learned that the only way for me to express my feelings and emotions was through writing. To this day I still have a hard time communicating orally, but writing was my world. When I told people I had written a play, everyone was impressed: ‘Wow, that’s a real accomplishment!’ was the response I got. I was surprised; I always thought that everyone was secretly writing in their spare time.  

SDTC: What was the writing and editing process like for you as an individual on Empty Boxes?

AJ: Writing is the really intense part of the process for me. It takes a long time for an idea to fully develop in my brain, but once it does, I lock myself to my computer for a day or two and just let all the words pour out. After that, I need to walk away for a couple months; let some time come between me and what I’ve written, so I can look at it with a fresh perspective.

Editing is the fun part. I usually get a group of people together to do table readings so they can give me feedback. I love seeing what I’ve written grow into what it is meant to be. Even during the initial writing part I often know when something is bad, but I can’t think of anything better at the time because my main focus is getting the overall story complete: it’s like putting in a place holder. During the editing process, I can take all the stuff that isn’t working, which I call “vomit,” and rewrite. After I’ve written something, I have the shape; but it is in editing that the real artistry emerges.

SDTC: What inspired you to write Empty Boxes? It’s based on the end of a relationship—does it have any auto-biographical content?

AJ: I feel like everything I write has some aspect of auto-biographical content. Working in an industry like theatre, often I don’t get a say about when I work and when I don’t, and it will frequently take me to foreign destinations for long periods of time. It makes it really hard to maintain a relationship, even when it is going really well.  

When I wrote Empty Boxes, I was just out of school and entering this scary world of unknown. I spent a lot of time reflecting on the choices that I was going to be presented with and how I would deal with them, and this show is the result of that: What do you do when your dream man and your dream job are down two separate roads? Which do you choose?Over the course of my life, I’ve been presented with these options on a variety of scales, and I still don’t have the answer. It’s hard to find a balance between career and love. I chose love for a long time and now I’m picking career; in the end, I think you just need to pick yourself and do what makes you happy. It’s been serving me well for the past few years.

SDTC: You are a co-founder of the Homestead Theatre Project—what’s it like to have your own theatre company?

AJ: Having my own theatre company has been my dream for the past 10 years.  I spent a lot of my life waiting for things to happen, until I realized that the only way they are going to happen is if I do it myself.  I had been talking about the idea for a company for as long as I can remember, so when Cory Doran sent me a text saying, “Let’s do this,” I jumped at the opportunity.

SDTC: What can we expect from your show?

AJ: “If you love something, let it go; if it doesn’t come back, then it wasn’t really yours to begin with” is a line that Sarah says in Empty Boxes. We’ve all heard it, but does that apply to a relationship? What about fighting for what you want in life? Empty Boxes takes an unapologetic look at what happens when a relationship goes wrong and there is no one to blame but yourself. I think anyone can find a reflection of themselves in the show. Have you ever kicked yourself for not saying something when you should have? For saying the absolute wrong thing? For waiting for a person to change and realizing it was you who was afraid of changing all along?

I hate saying this play is about a “relationship.” All plays are about relationships.  It is a play about life. When you pack up your life and put it into boxes, what are the things you choose to take with you and what do you throw away? How do you know you might not need those things later? How do you know you are making the right decision? These are all risks we each take every day. It is a shared human experience.

Empty Boxes runs May 30 through June 9 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre (922 Queen St. E.). For ticket information go to homesteadtheatre.ca. For more about AJ and her writing, go to: artbytheft.com.

The post An interview with playwright AJ Laflamme appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

After spotting Cuchara in some of our favourite local stores (like Bridge & Bardot, JacFlash, and more) we needed to know more about the ultimate Toronto cool-girl accessory line. So we asked, and Edi came up with some sharp answers to which we only had one reply: fierce.

SheDoesTheCity: When did you start your jewelry collection and why did you pick jewellery?

Edilou Canedo: I started CUCHARA when I was still living in Victoria, BC, but I would say I really started giving it all my attention two years ago, when I finished the design program at George Brown. Jewellery is something I’ve always been obsessed with. I love how it can completely change an outfit.

SDTC: How would you describe Cuchara in three words?

EC: Witty, bipolar, sensual.

Kingdom-Iridescent Necklace, $248

SDTC: What items are your biggest sellers right now?

EC: Our Kingdom Necklace, Sick Necklace, and Lady B.

SDTC: If you could have one celebrity wear Cuchara, who would you want it to be? Why?

EC: Aaliyah, because she’s a personal icon and you know the girl knew how to get down.

Venus Bracelet, $94

SDTC: What do you think distinguishes Cuchara from other jewellery collections?

EC: It’s just hot. Wear it, love it, and feel confident, baby.

SDTC: What inspires you to create?

EC: Sunshine, dolphins, rap music, and my love for shiny things. 

Quicksand Necklace, $168

SDTC: What are some of your favourite places to go in Toronto? Parks, coffee, boutiques, spas, bars, restaurants? Where are we likely to find you?

EC: Well to be honest I’m making jewelry 99 percent of the time, BUT if I’m not you can find me at Sunnyside pool, dancing at Bambi’s, or eating pho at Golden Turtle.

SDTC: Has the combination of growing up in BC and living in Ontario influenced your design?

EC: The combination of the bohemian chic of Victoria and grimy-city vibes of Toronto is always applied to my work.

For more Cuchara, click here.

The post Local designers we love: CUCHARA appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

WEDNESDAY 

7:30 pm Arrested Development Trivia Night @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. Now some trivia about a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s Arrested Development.  Just in time for the long awaited fourth season on Netflix, a night to celebrate the original three seasons with questions, episodes, and amazing prizes from Netflix Canada. And watch out for hop-ons. You’re gonna get some hop-ons. 

9 pm Fear Street @ Sex Laser, 1369 Dundas St W. Horror/sci-fi movie scores/songs from soundtracks, or spooky/cool stuff every Wednesday. Maybe you’ll talk about movies. Maybe you’ll dance with some zombies. Maybe you’ll fall into the Hell Mouth. $3 PBR before 11 pm. 

10 pm Sha Na Na @ The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W. DJ Brittney (one half of the Bangs & Blush duo) plays jukebox hits and makeout songs all night long. 

10 pm Bowie Bar Wednesdays @ Andy Poolhall, 489 College St. DJs Avery, Doc Benway, and guests play music by David Bowie and Bowie-esque tunes. Drink specials until midnight. 

10 pm Common People @ The Midpoint, 1180 Queen St. W. DJ Tigermilk plays a mix of post-punk, alternative, Brit-pop, seminal to current indie rock, and whatever else. $4 mixed drinks before 11 pm, $4 tequila, $5 Jameson, $5 pints of PBR, and $7 mug + shot. 

10 pm Liquid Karaoke @ Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas St. W. Colin Bergh, James McDonough, Nadia Belerique, and Jeff Hayward are your hosts. $4 Jameson and $5.50 pints before midnight. 

THURSDAY 

7 pm “Windows & Doorways” Opening Reception @ Brockton Collective, 422 Dufferin St. “This group exhibition explores the many pathways in the mind, or waves of consciousness that are a constant state of being and fundamental to memory experience. From a single moment in space and time to the depths of our subconscious, whether it be a person or in a place, all are passages to a time past but not lost. Just as Bergson believed memory to be of a deeply spiritual nature, so too are the artworks in this exhibit.” 

8 pm “Arts & Crafts X Norman Wong” Opening Reception @ 1093 Queen St. W., Unit 2. Canadian indie record label Arts & Crafts present a new exhibit by Toronto-based fashion and music photographer Norman Wong as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations. Featuring never-before-seen, personal images from Norman’s private collection taken of various artists over the years including Leslie Feist, Kevin Drew, Emily Haines, Amy Millan, Torquil Campbell, and many more. Prints and a book of Norman’s photography will be available for sale, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Testicular Cancer Canada and Musicounts. 

9:30 pm Soul Machine @ Czehoski, 678 Queen St W. DJ Caff (Motown Party) plays funk and soul while you drink and dance. 

10 pm Heart & Strokes @ Souz Dal, 612 College St. Indie rock socializing! Come for the Heart, stay for The Strokes. 

10 pm Stop Crying @ Crawford, 718 College St. The Bass6 crew plays all the bangers you want to hear! 

10 pm High Wasted @ Unlovable, 1415-B Dundas St. W. Drinkin’. Smokin’. Scopin’ hotties. Y’know. DJ search+destroy plays the hits: dub-soul-funk-ska-post-punk-and-more-and-more. 

10 pm Switched On @ Camp 4, 1173 Dundas St. W. DJs Pammm and David Alain Binette play indie rock and campus radio jams. 

11 pm Is It All Over My Face @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. DJ Laura plays rockin’ garage tunes! 

FRIDAY 

5 pm CraveTO @ Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Ave. Discover Toronto’s premier street food and craft beer offerings, all to the soundtrack of Toronto’s finest DJs! Food by Rome’n Chariot, Buster’s Sea Cove, The Feisty Jack, Food Dudes, Fidel Gastro, Seven Lives Tacos, Pancho’s Bakery, Jumbo Empanadas, This is How I Roll, For the Love of Cake, and Come and Get It. Beer by Spearhead, Mill Street, Great Lakes, Amsterdam Brewery, Nickel Brook Brewery, Wellington, Hogtown Brewers, Cameron’s Brewing, Black Oak Brewing, and Kensington. Food offerings are $5 or less directly from vendors for cash. Beer offerings are all $5 and require a beer ticket available onsite. Complimentary shuttle buses between Evergreen and Broadview station. $16.75 advance tickets available online. 

7:30 pm Toronto Loves Bluth: An Arrested Development Party @ The Office Pub, 117 John St. Mount Up Pard’ners! Season 4 is approaching and it’s time to celebrate all things Bluth! This very special evening will feature a trivia competition (prove your AD knowledge is solid as a rock), a costume contest (treats for best and most obscure), and classic episodes (vote for your favourites and they’ll screen the top three picks at the party). $5. 

8 pm MIDNGHT MRKT @ 2nd Floor, 461 King St. W. A market event series pairing music, drinks, and street style food while showcasing outstanding artists, designers, and collectors in a stunning curated space. Featuring music from the Love Handle DJs (Catalist and Famous Lee), Lucie Tic, and Johnny Hockin + vendors Shoppalu, Manifesto, Vitaly Design, AKS Artworks + Saloon, Spontaneous Reality, CMP Originals, BE Chic Jewelry, Diptych, Alex Davey Illustrations, Bird at the Window, WORN Journal, Hilary&Denise, Novology, Shop Third Party, NAVA, Walk-in Closet, The Anchored Social, and many more. Dance party until 2 am. $5. 

8 pm Steam Whistle Unsigned #25 @ Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Ave. Performances by Beliefs, The C’mons, and Hussy. $5 at the door, with all proceeds from ticket sales going back to the community through the Artists’ Health Alliance.

10 pm Fuck It: Ugly Cry Edition @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. We all love to bust out an ugly cry once and a while, so throw on those BSB ballads and layer on the waterproof mascara!The ladies of Bangs & Blush bring you an evening full of the best (worst?) tunes from the 80′s, 90′s, and 2000′s so don’t pretend that you don’t like it, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT YOU DO! $5.

10 pm Sound & Vision: Peaches After Party @ Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W. Party with Peaches and friends after the Peaches Does Herself screening! Peaches herself will be hitting the decks along with Katie Stelmanis of Austra. $8 with Peaches Does Herself ticket stub, $14 otherwise.

10 pm Magnificent 7s @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. DJs General Eclectic, Son of S.O.U.L., and Serious play soul, funk, disco, reggae, and rock – all on 7” vinyl. $5.

10 pm All That @ The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. A 90′s night like no other! DJs Streets and LK play mostly hip-hop, dirty R&B, and club kid jams. $5.

10 pm Shitty Dance Party @ Happy Child, 1168 Queen St. W. DJs Al P and Diego Bros play dance and disco hits.

10 pm No Pants No Problem @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. Dance in your underwear and have a looksy at the cutest bums that Toronto has to offer! DJs Momma Knows and Like the Wolf play the best mix tapes one could throw down to keep your bodies nice and sweaty on the dance floor. Also featuring a kissing booth, spin the bottle, and other makeout games! $10 without pants, $5 with (or $5 if you come before 11 pm). To celebrate activism in the AIDS movement, NPNP will be raising funds for AIDS Action Now, Poster Virus, and PASAN. Pantcheck on site.

10 pm Soul Block Party / Ladies & The Trap @ Crawford, 718 College St. Upstairs, DJs Fase rocks that sweet soul, funk, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae that you know and love! Downstairs, the Fire 4 Hire Soundsystem Crew plays trap, bass, and reggae for the ladies. Expect to hear everything you love with a lot of remixes. $5 before 11:30 pm, more after.

10 pm Massive Gritty @ Margret, 2952 Dundas St. W. DJ Jahtari plays all styles of reggae: new and old dub, roots, ska, dancehall, and more. 

10 pm Spinning Spinning Spinning Towards Freedom @ Handlebar, 159 Augusta Ave. We should have music – loud not quiet, funky not boring, and always spinning, spinning, spinning towards freedom! DJ Public Relations plays nu funk, nu disco, tech funk, breaks, hip-hop, downtempo, and lots more.

10 pm Retro Road Show @ The Courthouse, 57 Adelaide St. Retro Road Show teams up with Liberty Entertainment Group to bring you Toronto’s best 70′s/80′s/90′s video dance party! With DJ Thomas Hall (Boom 97.3) plays all your retro favourite videos! Dress code in effect (no runners). $10. 

10:30 pm Fuck U Fridays @ Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St. This month, FUF presents a a preview of the Judy & Igby Trash Cabaret (which will take place on the outdoor Alterna-Queer stage at Pride Toronto). Hosted by Judy Virago and Igby Lizzard, and featuring a cast of ill repute – including the dazzling Nancy Bocock, the zany Cerise Noir, and first-timers Electra Cute, Irma Gerd, and Sapphire Tithi-Reign. DJ Mikaela spins a mix of 80′s, synthpop, electronic, old school industrial, and death/punk before the performance while  DJ Ghislain Aucoin spins dark and dirty synthesized dance floor beats after. $5. 

11 pm Skratch Bastid @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. The Bastid has become one of Canada’s most in-demand DJs and respected producers. But it didn’t happen overnight. After pumping out mixtapes and earning a loyal following in his hometown of Halifax, Skratch began making an international name for himself through DJ competitions like the DMC, ITF and Cincinnati’s Scribble Jam, which he won three times. From there, the redhead went viral. Seriously, Youtube that shit. $10. 

SATURDAY 

12 pm Great Lakes Brewery 10th Annual BBQ @ Great Lakes Brewery, 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd., Etobicoke. Live entertainment, music, free food, games, and beer! All proceeds raised throughout the day will be donated to the Franklin Horner Community Centre in Etobicoke, which helps fund programs and services to individuals in South Etobicoke 

10 am Yard Sale For The Cure @ Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen St. W. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? hosts one of the two largest yard sales of the year in Toronto as part of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Yard Sale For The Cure! Featuring large ticket items like furniture for the home plus unique finds. Until 7 pm. 

10 pm Love Handle @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. DJs Catalist and Famous Lee throw an all-vinyl boogie funk dance party. This month, they welcome special guest DJ Gazza – an avid collector/deejay of boogie funk and disco records who knows the deal when it comes to the synth basslines and the Activator™ induced hairstyle. 

10 pm All My Friends @ The Shop under Parts & Labour, 1566 Queen St. W. Born To Run DMC presents an all-new dance party! DJs Mizz Brown and Paul G play PARTY MUSIC: NYC underground disco, hip-hop, rock, R&B, LCD, everything. Free before 11 pm, $5 after. 

10 pm F’unreal 5 Year Anniversary @ The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. Whatup 5 years of F’unreal! Music for your dancing pleasure with pals Well Said, Slater, L-Sos, Kek, and Ty. $5. 

10 pm Ice Cold Dranks / Back In The Day @ Crawford, 718 College St. Upstairs, it’s an evening of rap bangers and old school classics with DJs FBomb and Ry-Fi. What’s cooler than being cool? ICE COLD. Downstairs, DJ Law spins the best of all the classics. Music videos GALORE! $5 before 11 pm, $10 after. 

10 pm Slowed @ Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W. Slo-mo tunes (115 BPM or less) with the Smalltown DJs, 3AM, Snails, and resident Lucie Tic. May’s edition welcomes some of Canada’s strongest emerging club music producers. $15 advance tickets available online. 

10 pm Shake, Rattle & Roll @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Spend the night together with the Bangs & Blush ladies! 60′s pop, soul and rock ‘n’ roll to drink, dance, and get messy to. $5. 

10 pm Fast Times @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. 80′s night with DJs Brendan Canning and Tweed!

10 pm Turning Point @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. Resident selector A Man Called Warwick shares a top notch selection of vintage tropical dance floor shakers from all over the map. Dress to move and sweat!

10 pm Panic @ Velvet Underground, 510 Queen St. W. The ultimate retro party with DJ Lazarus spinning the kind of retro that changed your life! 80′s, 90′s, new wave, classic alternatives, ska, Brit-pop, dance, shoegaze, post-punk and more. This month’s spotlight is Siouxsie & The Banshees ($100 prize for best Siouxsie look-a-like/outfit). $5 before 11 pm, $10 after.

10 pm Gay Nite @ Margret, 2952 Dundas St. W. Dancing and drinking in a non-breeding friendly environment! With DJs Boots Boogie, Betti Forde, The Husbears, Cozmic Cat, Dislexia, Fawn BC, and Shanelle Williams.

10 pm CrushTO: 1st Annual Crushiversary Circus Spectacular @ Club 120, 120 Church St. Come one, come all: welcome to the sexiest show on earth! Step right up to the first annual Crushiversary Circus Spectacular! Un-tame-able beasts, dirty daredevils, and an all-night freak show celebrate the first anniversary of CrushTO. Dress Code: formal finery (coattails, monacles, bustled dresses), sexy steampunk, or any form of circus freak all welcome. Featuring DJ Midnight Society (a.k.a. Paul Aguirre-Livingston), Ringmaster Johnny B Goode hosting the ultimate circus freakshow, wandering sages/minstrels/sideshows, classic circus treats, and private consent-monitored kissing booths. (#CrushTO is a flirty event series for hot, nerdy people who want to make sex-positive like-minded friends. An invitation for any and all: hetero, homo, queer, trans, kinky, lesbian, gay, vanilla, bi, flexible, poly, and open minded young people (or young at heart.) The event is for everyone, regardless of gender, race, relationship status or sexual preferences.)$10.

11 pm Racks & Bands @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Racks & Bands is a monthly party focused on one thing and one thing only: bringing booty back to the Underground. Turn up with resident DJs Johnny Hockin and Vanity Muscles as they motivate the winin’ and grindin’, playing only the hottest in current rap and RnB. $10.

11 pm Shake A Tail @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St. 60′s pop, rock, soul, funk, garage, ska, ANYTHING! Always humid. $5.

SUNDAY 

3 pm Sunday Bingo @ 2nd Floor Events, 461 King St. W. Eat food. Drink drinks. Play bingo. Share a lazy Sunday afternoon with new friends, the thrill of the bingo board filling up, cool prizes, DJs spinning, cocktails, and more! $5 per card. 

7:30 pm Poetry Slam @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Local wordsmiths and performers provide an evening of spoken word, lyrical mastery and friendly competition before an always packed house. $80 goes to the best performance of the night – sign-up starts at 7:30 pm. $5. 

10 pm Mad Men Screening @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Watch Mad Men’s 6th season on the big screen every Sunday while sipping on $10 2oz throwback cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Gin Fizz, and Bloody Mary. 

~ For event submissions, email Caitlyn Holroyd at caitlyn_holroyd@hotmail.com

The post Toronto Hit List: CraveTO, Fuck It: Ugly Cry Edition, Love Handle, Sunday Bingo & more! appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

I also wrote about a rather intriguing event at the AGO as well as free President’s Choice food samples. Yum.

A lot of stuff gets sent to the Shedoesthecity office every day, and I’ve had the opportunity to try out some of it. Last week we were sent a new flavour of vodka from Absolut, so for my birthday I tested out Cherrykran: a mixture of cherries, cranberries, and plums. And man, it was tasty! I poured it over some ice with a little ginger ale, and it was a hit! Everyone—both men and women—said it would be a great new summer cocktail. I recommend trying it out.

I’d have to say the coolest part of the week was when I told Jen about a particular book I was interested in. We ended up talking to the publishing company and now the book is on its way to my place for me to check out. This is my first experience with something like that, and it’s pretty wicked.

And once Jen found out about my love of reading, she actually sent me a list of newly released books she has access to. I scrolled through the list and told her which ones sparked my interest—so you can expect some book posts from me in the future!

Oh, and one of the best perks of this internship is my new furry friend Rocky. He likes to keep us alert when we’re writing away.

I was a little under the weather last week, so I didn’t do as much work as was intended. But stay tuned for my next post that I promise will be packed full of anecdotes and shenanigans.

The post Life of an intern: Week 2 appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Shedoesthecity: When did you know that dance was more than just a hobby for you—that it was something you wanted to pursue professionally?

Stephanie Sy: I trained at a competitive dance studio; we trained upward of 35 hours a week and participated in annual competitions, so it felt like a profession by the age of 10!

SDTC: When did you open PUR?

SS: I opened PUR last year, and we officially began classes in January, 2013. It took me a few months to get it up and running all on my own.

SDTC: What made you want to open your own studio?

SS: I wanted to find a place where I could do all of my work under one roof, and at the same time provide a beautiful space for other like-minded individuals to work out. I wanted a holistic studio where we could do dance, fitness, training, and treatments for the mind and body—something that was out of the ordinary, eco-friendly, modern, and comfortable.

I also opened PUR because I felt that there wasn’t a studio out there that offered dance and fitness at the high calibre of instruction that my team gives. There are very few studios in BC that offer this. I was tired of driving to clients and needed a place I could call home.  

SDTC: What do you offer at PUR?

SS: We offer drop-in dance, fitness, and Power Plate® Training. We have specialized programs that are cutting edge and used by professional athletes and celebrities. We do functional training because we believe in ultimate health and wellness. I want clients to age gracefully and be active for their entire lives. We also offer Registered massage therapy treatments.

SDTC: What has the reception been like so far?

SS: It’s been interesting because I had this idea that it would be easy to set up a new business in the city I grew up and live in, but the truth is that because I had spent time in LA and working downtown, I knew those markets far better than my own city’s. So networking and learning about the people that live in Richmond was really important. I’m still learning every day. We talk to our clients to see what they’re looking for and need. We try to give people the best service we can; I hire the best in BC. We are growing and I hope we keep growing.

SDTC: How hard is it to make it as a professional dancer?

SS: You definitely have to network and get to know your niche and market. I’ve learned to have a thick skin and to not take things to heart. Auditioning every day and getting denied hurts, so I count my blessings when I book work. I have to keep pushing myself as a person, a dancer, an instructor, and a choreographer, and I am better and more well rounded because of it.  

With the commercial dance world, there are so many factors that you can’t really control. It’s not just about your talent and skill, its about your look, height, ethnicity, etc. Are you what the casting directors are looking for?

SDTC: How would you define success for yourself?

SS: I think about this all the time. I define my success as being content and happy with what I’ve accomplished. Opening PUR and leaving what was so comfortable was a major gamble, but I just had to do it because I was curious. I didn’t want to live my entire life and not take the leap.

I view my career as successful thus far; I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of major motion films, television shows, commercials, print ads, and live shows. And I’m now doing more creative behind-the-scenes work like choreography, judging, and staging. It’s really gratifying being able to get work, but to also give work to other professional dancers. That’s the beauty of owning PUR: I’m now able to offer other professionals work, and to take their classes and learn from them in a beautiful studio setting. It’s so gratifying because I built the studio from ground up! And hopefully it stays up. Ha.

SDTC: Any advice for other women looking to open their own businesses?

SS: My grandmother owned her own business and so did my mom, so I’ve always been surrounded by beautiful, strong, and admirable women. I like the challenge and don’t have a problem doing the hard work (but don’t get me wrong, opening PUR has been the most stressful thing in my life so far). It’s been hard and still is hard, but it’s extremely gratifying to have clients that appreciate what you built for them.

My advice is to take the leap, but be as calculated and prepared as you can. Be open to learning a lot of new things (for me that meant everything from installing a sink to figuring out how to operate a computer software system).

SDTC: What do you love about dance?

SS: I love that dance is universal. It tells a story without words. It’s beautiful to me that you can convey an emotion, message, or story through movement. I love that it makes people happy and helps them forget about their problems in life. It’s an escape for me and I know it’s an escape for others, too. When I dance, it puts me in a place of peace.

The post We talk to PUR Movement director Stephanie Sy about what it was like to build a fitness studio from the ground up appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Women all across Canada are eating Philly Chocolate in their bed! Some guys too! Join the movement! Share it with the world! We officially challenge you. See how others are doing the Philly Chocolate breakfast bed party here.

So incredibly delicious. So easy. So..so…so..so…sOMG!!!! Don’t just try NEW Chocolate Philly; try it in your bed! 

**BONUS**

SPECIAL OFFER HAPPENING ON FB RIGHT NOW!

The post Omg Omg Omg Omg Omg ZZZZomg… have you tried Philly Chocolate? SO GOOD. appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

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On Saturday, June 8, the indie fashion magazine is throwing SECONDHAND PROM, a party that celebrates the launch of their 16th issue while going back in time and giving us the proms we wish we had experienced (oh, and we’re stoked to be a media sponsor). Prom attire isn’t required, but it is encouraged. We’re picturing updos, metallic lipsticks, and strappy heels. Maybe a few clip-on sparkles in your hair? Perhaps a tassly shawl draped across your elbows? You can also spruce up your outfits with WORN corsages and boutonnieres!

There will be Steam Whistle beer ($4) and spiked punch ($5), plus a handcrafted cake by Corey Moranis and music from This Broken Mixtape. Basically, it’s going to be the best prom ever.

Everything kicks off at 9:30pm — ending at  2am — at Church of the Holy Trinity (10 Trinity Square). Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased here or at Type Books (883 Queen St. W.). You can also get ‘em at the door for $15. Admission includes a copy of the new issue! We promise you will have a better time than she did (but what a dress!).

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Thrown by the Bangs & Blush ladies, Fuck It features the best (worst?) tunes from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s (think Britney Spears, Blink-182, The Village People, Will Smith, Spice Girls, Hall & Oates, S Club 7, and Disney songs). Don’t pretend that you don’t like it.

Doors at 10pm. $5.

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The Life and Death of Marina Ambramovic

Telling her life story under the direction of acclaimed director Robert Wilson, international art star Marina Ambramovic plays dual roles on stage: those of both herself and her mother. Following her personal narrative from her troubled childhood in Serbia to her current status as an artistic icon, the show is sure to stir up some pretty intense emotion. After all, that’s what Ambramovic does best. The show is making its North American debut at Luminato. $55-$125.

Happening at the Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front St. E.) on:
Friday, June 14 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 15 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 16 at 2:00pm
Monday, June 18 at 7:30pm

Danse Lhasa Danse

After being born in New York, Lhasa de Sela settled in Montreal. The singer-songwriter released three albums, the last of which was released in 2009—the same time she was diagnosed with cancer. She died less than two years later. To celebrate her life and artistry, choreographer Pierre-Paul Savoie created this tribute of music, dance, and film—presented outside Quebec for the first time. Free.

Happening at David Pecaut Square (55 John St.) on:
Wednesday, June 19 at 9:00pm

A Literary Picnic

Surrounding a theme of beginnings, over 60 authors including Jowita Bydlowska, Stacey May Fowles, and Edward Keenan (hi, Ed!) will take to three stages to share selections from their work. They will also be discussing how they start the process of writing, and how a story begins; as well, many authors will be setting up picnic blankets backstage for special one-on-one chats with the public. Book nerds are encouraged to bring gently used books to trade for others at a special table; the Toronto Public Library Bookmobile (um, COOL) will also be there. Pack a picnic or munch snacks from one of the many food trucks that will be on site! Free.

Happening at Trinity Bellwoods Park (155 Crawford St.) on:
Saturday, June 22 at 12:00pm

The City as a Stage

This talk centres around how we live together in cities and how public space defines our day-to-day human interaction. How do we collaborate and live harmoniously in our city? How can we better our city, creating more inspiring and exciting experiences for all of its citizens? The talk will be led by Toronto’s Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat, Vancouver “condo king” Bob Rennie, and Centennial Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics Richard Sennett. $20.

Happening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W.) on:
Friday, June 14 at 6:00pm

Joni: A Portrait in Song

Iconic singer and artist Joni Mitchell is turning 70. 70! To celebrate, Luminato — working directly with Mitchell — is putting on a massive tribute to her and her music. Featuring an all-star lineup of artists, including Chaka Khan, Glen Hansard, and Rufus Wainwright, the evening will demonstrate the power and longevity of Mitchell’s work. $35-175.

Happening at Massey Hall (178 Victoria St.) on:
Tuesday, June 18 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, June 19 at 7:30pm

For a full list of Luminato Festival happenings, click here.

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