BDX Tap Dance Warmup

BDX Toronto Tap Dance Warmup

I call this tap dance exercise “Can You Dig It!” It focuses on dig heels, weight transfer, pattern recognition, syncopation, and variations in the pattern when switching to other sides.

Slow the tap exercise down if you’re a beginner tap dancer or speed up the exercise to challenge your advanced skills. Perfect for all tap dance levels.

We’ll be using this tap warm up at my Toronto dance studio Byfield Dance Experience (BDX) regularly in class.

Learn it, comment and enjoy!

- Shawn B

Why You Should Support Hip Hop For Haiti

Toronto! Here’s some more info on Hip Hop For Haiti. Drop in to Byfield Dance Experience this Friday and show your support!

- Shawn B

Hip Hop For Haiti in Toronto

We’ve all heard about the terrible destruction in Haiti.  I was on vacation in Turks and Caicos, which is a hop skip and a jump away from Haiti. The whole time there I knew I had to do something when I got back.

So I’m putting together a fundraising event this Friday at BDX, with 4 hip hop dance classes in Toronto. The poster says it all. Visit the link below or click the poster to get more info.

Let’s use our love for dance to help raise funds and save lives. It’s the very least we can do! Our brothers and sisters need OUR help. And they need it asap.

Please SHARE this, and visit Hip Hop For Haiti to show your support.

- Shawn B

How To Run Away With The Circus

How To Run Away With The Circus

Video footage from my Turks and Caicos vacation. Club Med baby!

Ha, when everyone else is wasting time “relaxing on the beach” I’m living dangerously in the air doing knee hangs, back tucks and tosses… new career perhaps?

- Shawn B

www.ShawnByfield.com

BDX Dance Studio Toronto Photos

Who doesn’t love slide shows? Here’s some basic photos of my Toronto dance studio Byfield Dance Experience, also known as BDX.

Always fun times over here, with even more fun people. Press the play button to see a few pics.

That’s it! Drop by for some hip hop dance classes, or brush up on your hoofin in a tap dance class. Share the love,

- Shawn B

Do You Need Permission To Achieve Greatness?

Happy 2010 friends! Even though 2009 presented wonderful opportunities, I’m totally fired up about this year. I really am. My engines are revved like an Indy racecar zooming down the track.

I want you to get excited about the vast, endless possibilities that will come through, because I KNOW you have passions other than what you’re currently doing.

We all do. It’s human nature. We all want to achieve great things, do fun activities, love passionately, live inspiring lives and embrace people that enrich our day.

But sometimes, life gives us obstacles. Like frustrations, challenges and other bull sh#t. Would you agree?

Life’s obstacles can’t be avoided. That’s part of the deal we get. And sometimes, we feel it’s too much to handle. Or too scary. Or we need approval from someone else. Or, or, or…

But the good news is, you CAN take a detour. You can climb over. Or go around. Sure, it may take a bit longer. But what’s the rush?

OK, listen up. I want you to embrace this next message. This may be the most important thing you’ll read all year:

“Don’t Wait For Permission”

There’s ALWAYS going to be a thousand reasons why you shouldn’t. Hey, I’m first to admit I come up with excuses sometimes also…

…but I eventually remind myself that I’m capable of growing bigger. Like baby tulips growing in a garden, reaching for the sun. Nature has tons of examples like this.

Of all the learning you’ll do this year, of all the experiences you’ll encounter, I want you to apply this one thing to start your year off.

“Don’t Wait For Permission”

You know how many times I’ve heard other people’s doubts, concerns and hesitations toward what I want and love to do? Know how many

“I don’t think so’s” or “that’s a bad idea’s” or “maybe you shouldn’t’s” I’ve had come though my life? (If you haven’t noticed, I’m a guy that dances. I’ve been hearing doubts and rejections from other people since an early age.)

Yes, opinions and advice should always be listened to when they come from qualified, experienced, reliable sources. I personally love getting constructive advice, and I’ve learned to ask whenever I need it.

But we Canadians have a reputation for being a safe, reserved society that people are afraid of taking risks. Because we sometimes listen to the WRONG opinions. And that’s whats holding so many people back.

In nature, Tulips continue to reach for the sun whether they see the light or not. Nature doesn’t wait for permission.

And neither should you. So why not choose to reach for the sun?

“Don’t Wait For Permission”

I suggest you write that quote out somewhere you can see it daily.  Make it your screen saver. Update your profile status. Get those fridge magnet-thingys and spell it out.

If you NEED permission, here it is! I’m giving it to you right now, today! Go ahead. Start. Try. Achieve. Love. Be great. Do greater.

You now have “permission” to make your year incredible. But truthfully- you had it all along.

See you in the garden,

- Shawn B
www.Twitter.com/ShawnByfield

Don’t Wait. Click Here And Learn How You Can Be A Better, Stronger, More Passionate Dancer This Year!

What Would Your Super Dance Power Be?

OK, this is good.

So if lightning struck you & you got super dance powers, what would be your best skill? Crazy flexibility? Sexy hairography? Crazy headspins? The ability to pick up fast choreography without panicking?

I’d be able to instantly assimilate new styles, like Neo in The Matrix.

I would watch a dance genre, then immediately be able to perform all the steps, gestures and style. I’d just watch the dance once, absorb the technique… and ta-da! Now watch me.

What would your secret super weapon be?

- Shawn B

PS: To work on new dance styles, come visit me here.

Dance Highlights From 2009

Just a few photos from a stellar year of dance, arts, and inspiring people.

My new career

The lounge area, in construction

Extreme Dance 2009 Juniors

What memories will you create in 2010? Keep your lens open and you’ll for sure capture some amazing moments.

- Shawn B

www.ShawnByfield.com

Last Minute Gift Shopping Stress?

The Perfect Holiday Gift

Toronto last minute gift shoppers. I just want to say…

It’s not too late to have a stress-free holiday!

For some reason, during the season where we should have the LEAST amount of stress, our society takes on extra burdens with deadlines, shopping and events.

I know the Christmas season is NOT about shopping, but we’ve grown to enjoy the traditional gift giving aspect. Booo to stress.

But I agree, surprises are nice! Of course, gifts shouldn’t be given just because it’s Christmas. Every day is worth celebrating.

Luckily for me, I have a small family here. So I don’t have too many people to shop for. I don’t really want gifts personally- I’m more interested in the quality time of the holidays. And the relaxation.

And the food. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I love eating…

Back to my point: If you’re flustered, and don’t know what to get that special someone, visit the link and look what I got for you.

It’ll help you relieve stress. It will help BDX. And it will put a smile on a special someone’s face.

Get The Perfect Holiday Dance Gift Here

I love a win-win-win situation, don’t you?

Happy Holidays, and I hope this helps.

- Shawn B