Pick Up. A Film by Joshua Alan Rogers

Not all million dollar films turn out to be blockbusters. Some of the most memorable and thought provoking movies are independent films on a shoestring budget , yet pack a punch. "Pick Up" is a short film, written and directed by Joshua Alan Rogers, yet long on emotion. "Pick Up " tells the story of young Jesse, a driver for a car service. A multi-faceted film of coming out, coming of age and acceptance. Romantic and realistic,yet; at times funny,hopeful and heartbreaking. Much like real life . Shot with one camera, Pick Up makes you feel as though you are in the car with Jesse and Guy, witnessing the events, just as the characters do. I was fortunate enough to ask Joshua a few questions . Why do you think the pickup is an important film ? "I think Pick Up is an important film because it has an HIV-positive main character who's portrayed in a realistic, modern, and thoughtful way. He's relatable and likable. He's healthy and looking for love and acceptance just like everyone else. " What is the main point you wish to convey with this film ? "The main point I want to convey with this film is that the stigma towards HIV-positive people today is different from what it was 15 years ago, but is still very prevalent. " Do you believe the stigma associated with HIV has a negative impact on a persons physical well being ? "I believe that the stigma associated with HIV has a negative impact on a person's physical well being. In order for people to stay physically healthy, they must also be mentally healthy, which becomes difficult when living in fear or stress. " What do you hope that the audience takes away from this? "I want the audience to feel empathy and relate to both the HIV-positive character as well as the HIV-negative character. To put themselves in their shoes and feel empathy. To ask themselves how they would tell a partner their status or how they would react if a partner was HIV-positive. This isn't a situation everyone's been in or even seen before. " Is the message the same for gay and straight audience members ? "I think the message for gay and straight audience members is the same. The message of acceptance is universal. " Please share this post as it is a project I truly believe in . Thank you https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/20733870/pick-up-a-short-film

Everett Smith . King of Tap

Dapper dancer Everett Smith could barely sit still at a recent community event . If there was even a slight volume of music, Everett would be tapping his feet or silently snapping his fingers . It was obvious from those moments that Everett was born to dance. From national touring shows; Tap Dogs to stage performances in Grease and Footloose and dancing alongside musical heavy hitters such as Tom Cochrane , Katy Perry and others Everett doesn't seem to miss a step. Often remembered from " So You Think You Can Dance Canada " in 2009 , Everett was the only tap dancer to make the finals . Everett shared the stage with country superstar Terri Clark raising funds for cancer research . I was so lucky to have gotten to interview him just recently.... 1. what styles of dance do you excel at other than tap ? I pride myself in being a very diverse dancer and I credit my broad range of ability to the amazing mentors that I’ve had throughout my upbringing and throughout my years of training. They didn’t train me in just a single genre, they trained me to be an entertainer across all forms of dance. Our dance studio, Bringing Tap Back, is actually expanding starting September 2014! We will be offering ballet, jazz, hip hop, movement and partnering as well as our extensive tap programming. I believe that every tap dancer should be well-rounded and fully-backed and supported with technical training in all genres. 2) at what age did you begin to dance and was it love at first step or did you grow to love it ? I started at the age of 3. My parents threw me into it because I had an abundance of energy! Apparently I wasn’t very keen on dancing for the first couple of weeks as my mother recalls, but ever since I got the hang of it I’ve never looked back! 3) as the uncle of a 13 year old boy who takes jazz,ballet and tap I ask , were you teased or tormented being a boy who danced ? How did you overcome this ? Yes I was teased and tormented, I overcame it by learning to run faster!! With all seriousness, I had great parents who were really supportive and told me to keep my chin up, to always believe in my dreams, to stay positive and that things will always work out in the end, and here we are! 4) Dancing alongside country superstar terri clark must have been thrilling. Which other entertainer would you love to get on stage with and kick up your heels ? I would like to get on stage with an artist like Justin Timberlake. Someone who again, isn’t just a single-genre artist; who can pick up any instrument and play it with ease! 5) speaking of Terri clark..you danced alongside her in "tapville" and raised funds for cancer research. What are some of your favorite charitable causes ? Have you done other charity events ? I co-founded a charitable cause called “two tappers, one cause” with all proceeds going to our local community’s food bank. We’ve had two very successful events with that! As well, I was part of “tapping for toonies”, where we helped Tim Horton’s raise money for Camp Day. I am often a guest speaker at elementary and high schools in the area as a motivational speaker where I talk about bullying and other issues related to my profession as a male dancer. 6) if not dancing , what do you think you would be doing for a living ? It’s a hard question to answer because I’m quite the hobbiest! I’m not really sure to be completely honest, but everything that I seem to be interested in is somewhat related to the arts whether it be painting, drawing, architecture, prop set builds etc. 7) tap seems to be everywhere now. What do you think attributes to its huge poplularity. I think that a new young and aggressive approach of the dance has definitely sparked some interest within our younger community. As a tap community, we continue to pull from and learn from the teachings of our mentors while continuing to form and develop our own voices. As a tap dancer, we’re finding more opportunities through social media and televised programming to share what we love! 8) if given the opportunity to be in any past or present broadway show, which would it be ? I would have loved to be in a broadway show called “Black and Blue” which opened on broadway in 1989 and closed in 1991. The show was choreographed by immaculate tap dancers such as Henry LeTang, Fayard Nicholas and included dancers such as Savion Glover, Jimmy Slide, Lon Chaney, Bunny Briggs and Diane Walker. Many of which I still continue to look up to today. 9) serious final question. Could you teach someone like me , with two left feet to dance ? Anyone can learn how to tap dance. It’s a funny saying “having 2 left feet”. I personally am only equipped with one left foot and still I’m able to create just as much beautiful music as that of my right. Looking forward to working with your two left feet! ........... With every step to the dance floor Everett makes ; comes forth his passion for dance and inspiration for others to do the same. While some think entertainment artists are stars for winning awards and standing ovations ; I believe Everett is a star because he gives back. I had admired Everett as a dancer prior to the interview but after learning more about the man in the tap shoes , I respect him as the giving person I had learned about . For more about Everett .check out http://www.bringingtapback.com Photos Copyright @2014 Laura Domnar

journal workshop feedback form

Name:
Email Address:
Did you find the class to be enjoyable ?	Yes No Prefer not to nswer
Would you recommend others of this workshop ?	Yes No Maybe
On a level of 1 to 10 , with 10 being extremely enjoyable and 1 not enjoyable, how did you find the workshop ?	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
How relaxed did you find the atmosphere ?	Very relaxed Somewhat relaxed Just about right To strict
If a smaller length follow up workshop were offered, would you be interested ?	Yes No Maybe
What was your overall feel for the workshop ? Did you get anything from it ?
Will you continue on with your journal ?
In your opinion:; how could I improve on these workshops.? Are they too lengthy ? Too short ? Anything else you would feel to inprove them .
thank you for taking the time to complete this feedback form.

Get your own free form like this one.