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Michelle Ma Belle: Dancer Extraordinaire

12/29/2014

Today I had the extraordinary pleasure of hooking up with Michelle Gibson, an uber-talented choreographer, dancer and teacher. My friend Michelle has always intrigued me because of her artistry in dance. Her expressive talent is just awe-inspiring when I watch her in action or take one of her high-energy, sweat induced classes. I even talked about it and showed a video of her in a previous blog.

There's definitely something about Michelle that brings a whole different flavor than the typical Dallas native- perhaps because she's not. She comes from New Orleans and with that brings a whole new dimension to this wonderful lady. Who is she really and how did she get here? I'm glad I finally had the chance to find out. As she weaved around the tables of the Spiral Diner our smiles reached way before our bear hug embrace that seemed to say, "finally girl, I miss you!" Or at least that's the way it felt because we've been trying to sync up for quite some time now. Neither of us claim vegetarian but we decided to meet at this local Oak Cliff vegan spot that nonetheless hits the spot with surprisingly-filling, non-meat products and healthy menu options.

A bowl of squash soup and a cup of coffee later we were discussing the purpose of our visit. She asked me to create a series of video presentations to accompany her dance performances. The video presentations were exciting to think of as it pertained to capturing her dance artistry, filming interviews with local dance-trained athletes and creating a compelling piece about her home, New Orleans and the mass exodus caused by Hurricane Katrina and broken levees that forced her and her family to move to Dallas. Powerful stuff so I considered the collaboration an honor as we brainstormed ideas of using audio/visual media to illustrate her experiences as a dancer, teacher and choreographer.

Michelle has worked extensively with the youth as a dance instructor with the Dallas Independent School District. She was also a resident choreographer at Ashe Cultural Arts Center and is currently the Artist in Residency at the South Dallas Cultural Arts Center and Adjunct Faculty at Brookhaven College. She told me one of the main challenges as a teacher was meeting the students' needs while adhering to the various requirements of the education system. "I have to find ways and means to assist the students, even coming out my own pocket to make sure they have what they need because they really want to dance. Dance is a therapy for them, it's their freedom so I'm not going to let anything stand in the way of not letting them have a therapeutic moment because that's what dance is. Therapy." Michelle strives to incorporate the arts into today's academic classroom and combining the two to provide an enhanced learning experience for the students.

I listened in awe and in horror as she recounted the moments of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans that led her to depression and fear which she eventually overcame by hope and the out pouring of love by complete strangers here in Dallas. Words can not express Michelle's journey so hear it for yourself as she recounts the events that has made her who she is today.

Click the youtube link below to listen to Michelle's story.

Michelle attributes her success in Dallas to her mentor Vicki Meek, Director of the South Dallas Cultural Center. She expresses sincerest gratitude for Vicki "being the 1st person here in Dallas who opened her arms out to me and helped me to create a foundation for myself after Katrina and still to this day. I love that women!" said Michelle.

Michelle is a conduit for the performing arts at its purest and rawest form so if you're looking for someone to tap into the essence of such, Michelle is the one to watch. Thanks to being awarded a 2013 National Performance Network Creation Fund Grant, Michelle has traveled the world from New Orleans, Dallas, New York to Germany, Japan, Haiti and back to bring the "realness" and share her experiences through movement and dance art. She is currently working on future performances that will incorporate the many places, history and influences of African diaspora, Contemporary/ Modern, Afro-funk, and New Orleans style dance.

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the following events that Michelle is either teaching, performing for or has choreographed. See you there!!

Zoot Suit Choreographed by Michelle Gibson
Dec 6-21, 2014
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/-12-Discount-Tix-for-ZOOT-SUIT-this-Thurs---PHOTOS-of-Lowrider-Cars-.html soid=1102568753118&aid=mIhW8rQVToQ

AFRO-FUNK, Community Class taught by Michelle Gibson
January 3, 2015
6:00pm - 7:30pm
$15 at the South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 S. Fitzhugh, Dallas 75210

The Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, Dance Performance by Michelle Gibson
January 10, 2015
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, Dallas
Free though advanced reservation required. For more info visit: www.ExtraYardSummit.com

NOLA SECOND LINE, Community Class taught by Michelle Gibson
January 10, 2015
6:00pm - 7:30pm
$15 at the South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 S. Fitzhugh, Dallas 75210

THE CITY OF DALLAS FESTIVAL, Dance Performance by Michelle Gibson
Jan 27-28, 2015
Dallas City Performance Hall
http://tdfoi.wpengine.com/performers/michelle-gibson/
click on link and "attend tab" for ticket info and "schedule".

AFRO-HAITIAN/ MODERN, Community class taught by Michelle Gibson
March 14, 2015
6:00 - 7:30pm
$15 at the South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 S. Fitzhugh, Dallas 75210

I'd love to hear from you about the wonder that is Michelle Gibson, the art of dance and the power it has in our everyday lives. LIKE and leave your comment below. Get connected with Michelle and LIKE her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/michelle.gibson.12979?fref=ts.

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Cooked My First Turkey for Christmas Dinner :)

12/26/2014

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Anyone of my family members can attest to the fact that I was not born in the kitchen. Perhaps, I was not the best cook. My childhood memories consisted of us kiddos being shooed out the kitchen by an all-star cast of grandmas and aunties who cook like heaven’s angel caterers. I was allowed to lick the bowls from baked cakes but never did I get the careful instruction on how to prepare an elaborate meal or given free reign over the kitchen as I allow my eldest daughter today -who just cooked a pizza by herself at age 9.

Looking back, I didn’t cook in college in the states nor did I cook much while living and studying abroad. It just wasn’t a huge part of my vocab. Now eating is another story. However, my husband didn’t marry me for my cooking back then when I was fresh out of college but over the years I’ve watched and picked up a thing or two about the art of cooking. What I lack in experience I make up in creativity so this year- this Christmas- was going to be different as I embarked on the advanced culinary task of cooking my first Christmas turkey. When I set my mind to doing something, apparently the stars align because it turned out to be one of the "best turkeys I’ve ever had,” said a Christmas dinner guest. I didn’t plan it that way, it just kinda happened.

Earlier last month my friend Jasmine in Florida shared photos of not one but three gorgeous turkeys she’d prepared for Thanksgiving and from that point I was like, "can I make just one?,” I thought. "Yea, I can make just one…OK I’m making one!" I do what any self respecting person would do and call grandma…one of heaven’s angel caterers. Her audible smile seemed to say, “ah you finally decided to grow a pair and cook something big. Good for you!” No but she really said, “its easy, mom will tell you how.” Finally. Anyone would agree on what a blessing it is to get a beloved elder on the phone to instruct you though a certain task. It’s like talking to God’s operator- a blessing indeed. Fast forward to the day before Christmas Eve. I go out and buy the Kroger All-Natural turkey no additives- yes, please and thank you. From there, it seemed like God said, “oh she’s serious” so he sent me some turkey angels to help me along the way. LaDo 1 - Turkey 0

Folks from around the nation- ok 4 people- gave me great advice for making this endeavor a success. “Go buy some Bell’s seasonings…” says my good friend Nusa in New York. Don’t you know I went to 3 different stores- Bell’s no where to be found. (Sigh) LaDo 1 - Turkey 1
My natural instinct says to use every herb I can find so no luck with Bell’s but I picked up fresh oregano, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, sage and edible flowers….I don’t know it just seemed right.

I ran into Dawn, my daughter’s friend's mom at the store and she gave the mother of all advice for turkey prep and I will swear by it from this day forward. "Brine it” she says. I’m sorry, “what it?” I clutch my imaginary pearls cause I never heard of such a thing. “But won’t it come out salty?” I asked after she explained the process of brining. I was skeptic but I knew that was the way to go. She even suggested I “spatchcock” the bird but I think I’ll save that one for another time.

Brining consisted of soaking the big bird in my daughter’s Girls Scout bucket over night in a solution of pure "I hope this works" love. LaDo 2 - Turkey 1

Christmas morning, the kids were excited to open gifts. I was excited to open my daughter’s bucket to a cooked turkey- no, not really but now it was show time. I opened the plastic bag to a fully "brined" turkey that didn’t look much different from when I put it in. Ok no prob. I seasoned the turkey with everything from butter to brown sugar. I massaged it like a 2 month old baby, covered it, prayed and I put it in the oven. With "God's operator" aka grandma on the phone I could’ve sworn she said set the oven to 250 degrees for three-hours. The house smelled glorious- like I knew what I was doing! Three-hours later, I removed the cover only to find a pale, uncooked looking turkey! LaDo 2 - Turkey 2.
I was shocked, disappointed but determined. It was time to deliver it to mom’s house for dinner but I wasn’t leaving that house with a pale turkey. “I told you to brown it first then put it to 275 not 250!,” grandma repre-minded me. I managed to not bother the “meat-king” aka my husband till now. He suggested I crank the temp to 450 degrees, turn and baste the turkey often for about another hour. So much for being at mom’s by 3pm.

Another hour passed. This delay kinda sniped my ego because I didn’t know what to expect but after a while the turkey sure looked pretty, a little “cajun” on top but pretty nonetheless. LaDo 3 - Turkey 2. I packed the car with the turkey, and home-made dressing, gravy and two pans of Over the Rainbow Mac-n-Cheese Casserole thanks to Patti LaBelle ;) Needless to say I came with it. Literally. Once I got to mom’s house I put the turk on the counter and decorated it with the remaining fresh herbs and edible flowers- one pretty turkey. My mom’s friend had the first bite and he swore by it. “This turkey is so moist, wow Donna.” “It’s one of the best turkeys that I’ve eaten,” said his son. “It’s man’s food,”…great reviews all around plus I got THE head-nod and wink from my husband sitting across the table. LaDo 4 - Turkey 2… ”and in this corner ‘LaDo,’ the turkey slayer!,” texted Nusa.

My first Christmas turkey cooking experience was super incredible, special and delicious. From it, I learned that it’s probably a good idea to let my kids learn to cook and actually enjoy it throughout their youth and beyond so that decades from now they won’t have to wonder, what the hell is a “spatchcock.”
Bon Appetite and Merry Christmas!

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Continental Societies Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive Partner up for Bright Smiles

12/5/2014

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Today commenced the first day of shooting a project for my new client, Continental Societies Inc., a non-profit charitable organization that through many initiatives- aims to improve the lives of youth within the community. One of CSI’s programs and national initiatives is to provide health and wellness services so they partnered with Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures campaign to provide dental services free of charge to area children.

My job was to go out, film the dental service activities, and interview the volunteers servicing children ages 1-12 at A.W. Brown Fellowship Leadership Academy in Dallas, Texas. Today’s shoot reminded me of my childhood, only during that time- not so long ago- we didn’t get what these students received which was a full dental examination free of charge thanks to Continental Societies Inc. Dallas Chapter and the Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures partnership.
Dallas Chapter president and volunteer, Judith T. Nix told me that the only thing the children had to do was to bring back their permission slip signed by their parents in order to get the exam and get a goodie bag full of healthy items to keep their teeth clean. “A lot of students do not return the forms with their parent’s signature so we offered a box of healthy cereal as an incentive to get families to participate,” explains Nix. Their plan worked! About 750 slips were returned in far comparison to the lower numbers received in the past. Additionally, parents came to school and provided consent forms.

I expected that the charitable activities would happen in A.W. Brown’s gym or the school nurse's office but I was pleasantly surprised to see the large, 18-wheeler-sized mobile dental facility parked in the school’s parking lot. As the children single-filed, marched towards the mobile, I could hear them saying, 'I’m scared of doctors' but all their fears dissipated once they entered the facility. “Wow, this is cool!” was the general response about the Colgate facility’s bright, clean, kid-friendly interior. It looks just like a real dentist office because it is! Dr. Jackson must have examined over 700+ smiles during the three-full day event. Dr. Jackson taught them the importance of how to care for their teeth, how to brush, what to avoid i.e. the candy Lucas because of its damaging effects on children’s teeth. The kids echoed the dentist’s advice to “drink water!” after every meal, treat and drink. Each examination concluded with a dental report that recorded the status of the child’s teeth. A lot of kids do not get regular health and dental exams in disadvantaged communities so Continental Societies Inc. seek to make these resources available through this valuable partnership with Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures.

I could tell you how Ms. Nix and I almost had an altercation with management at a local grocery story because we tried to buy all Cheerios in stock! I’ll just say that the manager didn’t seem too thrilled about the idea of having empty shelves but he finally came to his senses as it related to giving it to the children. The 2 for $1.29 per box sale helped to cut costs but I’m wondering what if General Mills knew about how Continental Societies Inc.’s plan to give these boxes to children as an incentive to receive quality oral care? Would they want to reach out and make a financial or product donation for this cause? Colgate dispatched the oral care van all the way from Houston to provide free services to children in Dallas and around the nation. It’s charitable organizations like Continental Societies Inc. that help organize it, find volunteers in areas where services are most needed and of course, make it happen. It would surely help President Nix and CSI who gladly paid the large bill for literally hundreds of General Mills Cheerios for those bright smiles.

Continental Societies Inc. was founded in 1956 by a group of women who wanted to create environments within the community that empower children; provide a quality of life and opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Next year marks the 35th Anniversary where they will celebrate the occasion with their Mardi Gras Gala annual fundraiser in March 2015. I’ve been commissioned with the opportunity to produce, shoot and edit a documentary presentation for CSI’s Mardi Gras gala audience. It’s sure to be extraordinary event with Zydeco music, masques, exclusive silent auction items and Mardi Gras King and Queen James & Pamela Thomas of Southern Dallas Magazine. And it’s all “pour les enfants” so “lassier les bon temps rouler!"

For more information about Continental Societies, Inc. and its initiatives, please contact Judith T. Nix, Chapter President at judithn.csi@gmail.com. For information about the Mardi Gras Gala contact: Crystal Newhouse at crystaln2011@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

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Michelle Ma Belle: Dancer Extraordinaire

Click the youtube link below to listen to Michelle's story.

Cooked My First Turkey for Christmas Dinner :)

Continental Societies Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive Partner up for Bright Smiles

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