With the Rocha Wedding just under four months away, time to remember the special night my brother got engaged to La Stephanie. The date was 11.15.11 and both his and her families were gathered to celebrate Mauricio's 21st birthday. As all parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends sat and enjoyed dinner, Mauricio stood up and said a few words to his guests. Immediately after Jr got up and to everyone's surprise stated, "I'd like to say a few words to... this lovely woman sitting right next to me." I think everyone knew what was going to happen, even though they had no clue.
My brothers and I had kept this a secret for a good two months before Jr popped the question and put a ring on it. After meeting in 2003, as co-workers, I don't think either Jr or Steph could have ever thought this day would come. It was only after Steph no longer was a co-worker that a mutual friend passed along her phone number to him. Since having first met her and feeling an immediate connection, my brother called Steph the next day and the rest is as they say history. Having known each other for almost 10 years, I am excited for Steph to become Mrs. Baltazar Rocha Jr. The Rocha Wedding will go down in Los Cabos, Mexico April 7th 2013. In the next four months we will be finalizing all travel arrangements along with the tuxes and gowns for the wedding party.
Both the Rocha and Martinez families will all gather in Los Cabos to witness this magical moment next year. It has been a long time in the making and I honestly knew from the moment I met Steph roughly 8 years ago that she was my brothers future wife. I could not imagine another woman giving him so much joy, love and happiness as she does. That is why I always have called her La Stephanie which means The Stephanie. The ONE. Stay tuned for all details and some Q & A from the engaged couple. Congrats on your first year of being engaged! Peep the video of us going into Shane CO. to purchase her bling bling. http://youtu.be/pyPxLr5FQXQ
Many things to look forward to in 2013, most importantly the Rocha Wedding!!!
As I wait for the snow to fall just in time for Halloween, I reflect on the Summer. Seems like yesterday it was Memorial Day and all were frolicking in the record breaking heat that took over Denver. This Summer was spent dancing, dancing, dancing. With rehearsals in full swing, we prepare for the upcoming Drag Nation Black Widow show this Friday. Just in time for the show, I look back on the productive and challenging dancing that I, along with Denver Dance Performing Troupe have done since Pridefest 2012 when we graced the stage with Fab Morvan from Milli Vanilli.
Last month I had the honor and privilege of performing a routine one of my idols. I grew up watching Michael Jackson and for the Idols Edition of Drag Nation, Denver Dance opened the show with an incredible MJ tribute that included Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Bad, and Scream.Watch the performance here: http://youtu.be/owXa4joCMes Straight from Las Vegas, we were excited to have CoCo Montrese join us for Scream and for the Janet song, If. Video after the jump. I was elated to be performing If once again as that routine is one I vividly recall performing in my beginning days of dance. Pridefest 1998, I along with a handful of friends performed If and other JJ songs. I have some photos somewhere, time to find them. I feel fortunate to be living my dream almost 15 years later.
In August for the annual Madonarama show I was challenged to do something I have never done before. As you can see from the photo above, we took on the Girls Gone Wild routine, heels and all. Man oh man was that a challenge. I have to say I have a new found respect for all the countless performers who work a stage in heels, all day, everyday! I took the challenge on for my love of dance. I will admit, although not my best performance, I did make myself proud by not face planting on stage for all to witness. I'll speak for myself and say I certainly know how it feels to take a tumble in front of club goers. Last Summer I stepped just a little too far off a GoGo box and landed right arm first on my side, left leg was the last to fall as it remained on the box while the rest of my body fell to the concrete. Luckily, I did not hurt myself, got up, laughed it off, hopped back on the box and continued to finish my set. For GGW, I did manage to remain on both feet, dance, and keep the heels intact. Peep it here: http://youtu.be/Pm79xFZSfSo
In July for Drag Nation Trailer Park Edition Denver Dance performed along side Janessa BeFierce and Victoria Sexton, with some great props. We had bedazzled beer, wine and liquor bottles along with some white powder, as seen above for our rendition of Rehab by Amy Winehouse. For our take on Piece of Me, dancers had flashing cameras and some smoked cigarettes even though they had revealing baby bumps. Victoria had a baby on her leg and also rocked the bald look on stage. Check the videos here: http://youtu.be/NUvX1Dt0gCwhttp://youtu.be/_4g48r1wlrM
In June just one day before performing with Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, we hit the stage for Drag Nation Pridefest 2012. Candy Land was the theme and all were dressed from head to toe in creations of sweet and sugary treats. I took the stage with Victoria Sexton and Scarlett Red, seen above in our peppermint candy attire. Opening the show after featured guest Sharon Needles, dancers were lifted to the stage dressed in top hats for our rendition of Candy Shop. This is a moment that I will never forget. As myself and fellow dancer G were lifted we encountered Sharon Needles waiting to be lowered. She joined us on the lift and as it lowered, it momentarily gets stuck and Sharon immediately starts to scream and panic. Luckily Sharon managed to get down and we once again were lifted just in time to hit the stage. Talk about behind the scenes footage. The event brought a crowd of close to 3,000 people. Definitely a rush to be performing in front of a crowd that size. I will post a video I have from the stage after the show. Watch both performances here: http://youtu.be/qy0kv-3toHMhttp://youtu.be/YpT0I3VpCLY
And we are here. October 2012. Another year almost gone, with a new one just around the corner. This year has been everything I wanted it to be, given my once again single status that came in January. Rather than sit and dwell on what was or what could have been, I remain an optimist about love and know it will happen for me when it is supposed to. I am enjoying this far too familiar status and pursuing all things dance as well as research on the scene to better understand what is out there and how to go about pursuing it, when the time comes. I am finding I need to take a whole new approach on this so called "dating" thing. Love? Next year, maybe. I was ecstatic to return to my oh so missed 4x4 GoGo box this last Saturday and have now been a part of the Tracks family for 13 months. Soon it will be a year that I have been with Denver Dance. Many thanks and much love to KoKo B. Studio for always capturing great images of our shows and who was on hand to get some shots of the GoGo boys last weekend. On behalf of all the dancers, we appreciate you greatly!! To Denver Dance Troupe and Marguerite, let's unleash the beasts this Friday! Dance, YES!
You know it's Fall in Denver, when the winds start blowin, leaves start droppin, Oktoberfest is in full swing, and all the long dog wieners are getting ready for the Long Dog Derby.
This year marks Gil's fourth time participating. Gil aka Flyboy or Champ, first raced in 2009 at 10 months old. His first year in the Long Dog Derby, he stopped short of the finish line.
In 2010, Flyboy seen above first wiener on the left, had victory.
Proud mom holding up the Champ, 2010.
Long Dog Derby 2011, Gil once again the Champ. Proud mom holding him in her arms and proud dad walking up.
For this years race, taking place Sunday September 30th, Gil weighs in at 13.8 pounds and stands 9.5 inches tall. Now almost 4 years old, he is 28.5 inches long. The whole family will be front and center to wish our Flyboy all the best for another victory.
It was four weeks ago exactly, August 1st 2012, when I landed in Minneapolis. I had waited all Summer to leave the mile high city to once again be in the presence of the one and only Jennifer Lopez. Never did I think I would end up traveling to Minnesota, but just as all my JLO adventures before, this was meant to be. I was lucky enough to find floor seats in Section 3 for the Minneapolis show at the Target Center, which was added to the tour a few weeks after the original dates went on sale. I made the purchase in May and immediately started counting down the days. I arrived at 10 am in Minneapolis and though no one asked, they knew why I was in town. I rocked my JLO concert tee from her tour in 2007. Instantly, many heads turned and many eyes stared!
After catching the Metro from the airport to downtown Minneapolis, I was reminded of my home in Denver. The public transit system in Minneapolis is very familiar to that of Denver. Once I walked around the city and found my hotel, my brother and I decided to go grab some food on the Nicolette Mall. This is the mall located in heart of the city reminiscent of 16th St Mall in the mile high, only with more high end stores. After eating we headed back to our hotel to get ready for JLO! I decided to wear my custom made Rocha Apparel sleeveless hoodie that had my autographed Rebirth cd cover on the back. If the hoodie didn't let people know my love for JLO, the signs I made were sure to. Just as in DC, I made some signs and had hopes that JLO would see them and read them once again.
Once we arrived to the Target Center we were ushered to our floor seats. Enrique was finishing up his set before JLO would grace us with her talent. Once we found our seats, I informed those seated next to, in front of and behind me that I would be holding my sign up and apologized for blocking their view. I also let them know I would be screaming uncontrollably so to be prepared. All were in good spirits and couldn't believe I had traveled from Denver, but my sign said it all. From Denver to Dance Again. I shared some brief stories of my JLO adventures and everyone complimented my hoodie. They had to agree, ARO Loves JLO!
After Enrique ended his set, the production staff begin setting up for Jennifer. Crew man built a three tier staircase and a curtain lifted letting all know who was about to blow the roof off the Target Center. After a small opening dance number from her male dancers dressed in tuxedos and top hats, the curtain dropped and the screams started. Her intro video showed her getting dolled up and ready for the concert while "Never Gonna Give Up," played. After the intro video, Jennifer was brought out on stage from the floor and greeted us all, "Hello LOVERS!" I couldn't stop saying OMG! What I waited for all Summer was going down. Jennifer kicked off her show with "Get Right," and brought it with her choreography. The JLO dancers were simply hypnotizing, all their moves were completely unified. Just right that the best entertainer in my opinion have the best dancers.
From beginning to end, Jennifer had me on my feet, dancing, screaming, singing, flashing my sign, and at one point bringing tears to my eyes. I will admit at times it was a bit challenging for me. I couldn't decide if I wanted to take pictures, record the greatness or hold my sign up high so she can see me. At the end of the day, I am glad I did all of the above. I was sure to capture the intro and her first song. From that point on I snapped pictures on one camera and took videos on another. Oh yes, ARO was very prepared. Not wanting to be restricted by a battery going dead, I took my modern day disposable camera, borrowed my older brothers and my little brother who joined me on this adventure had his camera in hand. I made sure to hold my sign up when JLO was on the end of the extension bringing her only feet away from me. Every time I screamed her name, it was like she looked in my direction and heard me, after of course seeing my sign!!
This was hands down the best concert I have ever been to. To quote my brother, "JLO really impressed me." Yes she brought her A game on this her first world tour. Not being restricted due to pregnancy, JLO was able to hit the dance routines hard and show off her one of a kind figure. It is hard to believe this woman is in her forties and gave birth to twins. I must say, Talent means nothing without discipline and JLO has tons! The concert ended after a little over an hour and I was left wanting more, more, more! After exiting the arena, I decided to hang out where three tour buses were lined up. I would have waited all night long, but security informed me that I had to leave. I did as I was told content that Jennifer had looked at me many times, seeing my signs and saying, "I see you!"
Though I had wished she would once again read my sign, she looked right at me and I could see the look in her eyes as she read it in her head. "ARO LOVES JLO!" Shout out to Anitashealthblog on Youtube for uploading her videos from which I was able to get this amazing photo. This was after her first two songs when she was interacting with the audience. From that point on, JLO knew where ARO was and looked my way as I shouted all night long and she repeated, "I see you."
I was proud to see that other fans also had signs. I was the only fan with a dual sign. Both sides had messages on them. During her final song, "Dance Again," I didn't record at all I just simply held my sign, hollered and jumped. In this screen shot, also courtesy of Anitashealthblog video, JLO and Casper prepare for their hot breakdown. JLO again, looking right at me. From Denver to Dance Again, and I did just that. Peep the intro below and five links to more amazing JLO footage. In total I recorded fifteen videos all posted on Youtube / RochaInc3. Please note: ARO screams loudly and at times when no one else is. I just couldn't contain myself. Had to represent for Denver with all the Minneapolis LOVERS.
I will live, I will love and I continue to dance again. Looking forward to the future chapters in my JLO Love Story. Until then, enjoy!
October 5th 2007 was the day Jennifer Lopez read the above sign in Washington DC. On her first tour and just 4 months after seeing her in LA, I made the trip from Denver to DC. Not only was I thrilled to see Jennifer perform on her first tour, I was determined for her to read the sign. When the tour was announced I began looking up all cities that were planned for the tour. The deciding factor was how close I could get. After looking up Florida, Texas, Las Vegas and many other cities, I found Washington DC. I searched and searched and had come up with floor seats sections 6 or 7. These seats were in the back of the floor. When I looked up DC, I found section 1, row N. After viewing the seating chart, I realized that was row 14! Click and purchase! I was off to DC!
Having been to Washington DC in June of 2007 for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Conference for work, I felt familiar with the city and booked a hotel close to the Verizon Center. When I left DC in June, I told myself I would visit again. I didn't think I would be returning so soon and to JLO! Since I was making the trip from Denver, I had to be sure to represent Denver to the fullest. I made the sign and it got lots of attention. I also had to let everyone in DC know that I was the biggest Jennifer Lopez fan from Denver. I had a shirt airbrushed with a photo from her Brave album. I also had Hollywood Barbers hook me up with a JLO fade.
The concert was greater than I ever imagined. Jennifer even though she was pregnant at the time, danced and sang her heart out. She performed old songs, new ones, and also Spanish songs. My seats were outrageous! Due to the extension of the stage when Jennifer walked down the T shaped extension, she came closer and closer. Even though I was in row 14, there were moments in the show Jennifer was just 10 feet away! I took tons of photos and a handful of videos. I had to take two cameras with me because I knew I would need more than one battery to get all the footage! Along with the video below, I have posted others of Jennifer on my YouTube Channel. Check em out!
My favorite part of the show was when Jennifer read my sign. I must say I was determined for her to notice me yet again. As I sit here and reminisce about this concert 5 years ago, I anticipate the greatness that will be when I see her in a few days! From Denver yet again to see Jennifer Lopez! I am eager to see her now, five years later and the best she has ever been. Her first world tour. After touring South America in June, she is now on the US leg of the tour with Enrique Iglesias. Latinos Stand UP! The months turned to weeks and now just days away. I am ready to leave Denver and head to a new city to continue the chapters in my JLO Love Story. Next blog post will be after the concert! Stay Tuned.
My sign is visible in these clips I found courtesy of nickclark21.
The date was June 2nd, 2007, when I experienced J.Lo live in front of my eyes singing and dancing. Three months after her first Spanish album, "Como Ama Una Mujer," was released, she was performing in Irvine, California with the Reventon Super Estrella Concert. To me, it's a Spanish Summer Jam. The top artist at the time coming together for an all star line up. In Denver we have this every June with "Today's Hottest Hip Hop and R&B," as KS 107.5 claims.
Since my 24th birthday in 2007, I had planned to see Jennifer in concert. With a Spanish album out and new English to follow 6 months later, I had my mind set that I would be traveling to see her somewhere. After I heard about Reventon Super Estrella, I scrambled to get tickets and book a flight. Since I would be in the LA area, I decided to also visit Madre's, Jennifer's Latin Restaurant that once was in Pasadena, California. I am still saddened that it closed.
When it came time to book my flight to Los Angeles, I had to arrive on day earlier than the concert in order to visit Madre's. Upon my arrival into LAX, I picked up my rental car, and headed to Hollywood to check into the Renaissance Hotel located on Hollywood and Highland. I would only spend one night in Hollywood as the concert was in Irvine and required another hotel reservation closer to the venue. Madre's was super delicious and so comfortable. I did feel like I was at my grama's house. All the candles on the tables, the fresh flowers and the table cloths so reminisent of the "mantels," my madre always had on our table growing up. The ropa vieja was so spicy and full of flavor and the arroz con leche was second best to that of my abuelitas from Mexico. I'm thankful I got the chance to experience Madre's first hand. Now it was concert time!
After driving from Hollywood to Irvine, I checked into the Marriott. For my whole life, I've stayed in Marriott hotels when traveling, thanks dad. In order to not miss J.Lo I called the Verizon Amphitheatre to get the line-up schedule. I made sure to arrive thirty minutes before Jennifer was scheduled to take the stage. The parking was outrageous and the amount of stairs I had to climb to get to my nose bleed seats was something similar to a five mile hike up the Rocky Mountains. Being my first concert to see J.Lo, I made the exception to purchase nose bleed seats. Never again would I experience her live from so far. Up close and personal is the way A.RO rolls for J.LO!
Jennifer took the stage and performed a four song set featuring the classic, "Waiting for Tonight." The above video is courtesy of JadoreDior on YouTube who was in attendance also and had a closer view than I did. My personal footage is below. Click the links to get my perspective of La Lopez. Little did I know that after this trip to Los Angeles, Jennifer would announce a tour with Marc Anthony in support of the release of her, "Brave," album. Seeing Jennifer live twice in a year? It was 2005 all over again for me. Only this time she would be singing and dancing her heart out live in front of my eyes!!! The live experience is unlike no other. The videos, the radio play, cannot compare to seeing it all live! Being in the same vicinity, feeling the energy, the heat, the vibes of J.LO is unreal! My J.LO Love Story continues, stay tuned for Chapter 4!
It was a sunny day in September 2005 when I arrived in Chicago for the World of JLO Shop opening and fashion show being held during Chicago's Fashion Week. Just 6 months prior I flew to NYC to meet J.Lo! When I returned to Denver I started extensive research and found tickets were being sold for a charity fashion show being held at Marshall Field's in downtown Chicago. "An Evening with Jennifer Lopez," included a cocktail reception before a fashion show of Sweetface and J.LO lines, and a private shopping after party. How lucky was I going to be to get to see Jennifer twice in the same year? I had to be there.
Fashion show tickets? Check! Flight into the Chicago airport closest to downtown? Check! I was unable to find a hotel within walking distance to Marshall Field's and instead decided to stay in the Chicago Suburbs, 40 minutes from the city. Marriott was gracious enough to provide limo transportation from the airport. Upon my entry into the limo, I browsed the local newspaper and found this souvenir. Jennifer was going to be at the store for an opening going down just hours before the fashion show, which was also open to the public. While staying in the burbs, I traveled downtown by train and made it just in time for the show. Hurrying through crowds, elevators and running up stairs to get to the 6th floor of Marshall Field's and getting seated just minutes before showtime.... it was meant to be.
As I was seated in the first row close to what was the exit of the show, I reached down and scooped up a handful of Swarovski crystals that covered the H shaped runway. The lights dimmed and the music started. A screen flashed images of "JLO Story," which was featured in the Sweetface NYC Fashion Week Show and also shown on the MTV Special, "Beyond the Runway." The models worked the runway as they walked past each other as they turned corners and posed. Those who were not hypnotized by the models looks, the sexy chic garments or the rocking of some hips, could easily follow along in the booklet we were given that listed all garments and a place for notes. After the finale walk, Jennifer came out and made a cameo on the runway. That moment along with others from the show I was sure to capture. Video below.
After the fashion show, all guests were instructed to head downstairs for the shopping after party. Everyone had first pick at all things JLO in the exclusive World of J.Lo Store. The store featured numerous clothing pieces, including shoes and hats, watches, sunglasses,and handbags. As I made my way from rack to rack, table to table and display to display, I was generously offered various delicious decorated bite size cupcakes of pure goodness. All had JLO on them. Wait staff offered dessert treats and Jennifer martini bottled cocktails to me as I tried on sunglasses and the DJ played classic dance jams like "Waiting for Tonight."
Before I made my exit out of the now Macy's, then Marshall Field's on State Street, I was given a J.Lo bag. Inside a free bottle of Live Perfume. With this in hand, I walked back to Union Station to hop the train back to the Marriott in the burbs. I had to nap on the way back. I just didn't have 45 minutes in me. I was on E, but had an amazing time! Chicago is a large city. One day I will make it back. The next day, I left Chi-Town and had already started thinking about what event I would attend next. As I sit here typing this it gets closer and closer to Jennifer's birthday. Happy Birthday Jennifer!!! A.RO LOVE!S JLO!! Flying from Denver CO to see you in concert for the third time in just under two weeks! We will Dance Again! My J.LO Love Story continues.
It was March 1st 2005 when I arrived in New York City. The moment I never thought would happen was going down in just some hours. I had arrived a day later than expected due to a massive snow storm in Texas, where I happened to have a lay over the day prior. The fact that I had to check in to my hotel located blocks from Times Square and rapidly make myself presentable for Jennifer Lopez had butterflies in my stomach and stars in my eyes. All this was made possible due to MTV and Epic Records.
In January 2005 MTV launched the Get Right with Jennifer Lopez contest online. Grand prize winner got flight and hotel accommodations and VIP Access to her in-store album signing in Times Square. When I saw this on MTV I immediately made my way to sign up. Reading the fine print details of the rules and regulations, I found out a person may enter once a day. I knew I had to increase my chances and commit myself to finding access to a computer to sign up every day. I had already started to plan my trip to NYC and had purchased a flight and had a hotel room on reserve. I planned to arrive in NYC two days prior to the in store and sleep in line, just to meet Jennifer. My love for her was already 8 years deep at this point. On February 16th I got a call from Winnie at Epic Records informing me I had won the contest. My brothers and I will always laugh about this because the whole two weeks that I voted everyday, going to visit relatives just to use the internet, Baltazar always said, "You're not gonna win anyway, I don't know why you're voting everyday?" And just like that, I did! In that moment I realized the impossible IS possible.
The sacrifice I was prepared to make, and still would make, no longer had to be endured. I was going to meet Jennifer Lopez and have VIP access. I would not be one of the hundreds of people lined up outside of the store. Instead after changing and putting on my custom made J.LO shirt and jacket, I made my way down the narrow and crowded streets of NYC to the Virgin Mega Store located in Times Square. I walked right in and straight downstairs thanks to the VIP lanyard that was waiting for me at the Paramount Hotel courtesy of Epic Records. I was also lucky to get all of her albums, which are currently still in their original packaging. Of course any true J.LO fan would already have the albums, as well as the import singles, remix singles, DVD's, a few J.Lo bags, a wallet, some watches and countless magazines. Or is that just me?
I was instructed to wait in a private section located just at the bottom of the escalator, in front of the table that Jennifer Lopez would soon be sitting at. This section was blocked off by steel barricades from the general public. They waited a few hundred feet back. As we waited I begin to feel faint, light headed, and anxiety. Then within 20 minutes Jennifer made her way down the escalator and the crowd erupted in applause and cheer. She made her way behind a white curtain and emerged a few minutes later. She then posed for pictures and did a few interviews for Z100, Univision and numerous other media reps that were present. After she spoke about the album, she took her seat at a table topped with different colors of Sharpies and Evian water with a straw. I was about to meet La Lopez!
As Jennifer sat at the table, the fans were instructed when to approach her, handing the CD to her body guard who gave each a quick once over before giving it to Jennifer. The line seemed to be moving fast and I started to feel a weird combination of extreme joy and panic. I could feel the tears building up as the close to 30 people in front of me was now down to 10. I took a few deep breaths and thought to myself, "You won this. You deserve this. Make it memorable." As I was now next in line waiting to take those last 5 steps before standing right in front of Jennifer, I was speechless. I was in awe and could not find the words to express my emotions. Jennifer surprised me when she smiled and said, "Thanks for coming down and supporting the album, I appreciate it." My response was, "I love you soooo much. I won a contest to meet you and came from Denver. You are amazing. I love you." As I spoke Jennifer's eyes were locked in mine as if she could see my soul. She then asked, "What's your name?" Oh my GOD! She wants to know me! My last words to her were of course, "Thank you so much and I love you."
As I was ushered onto the elevator by the tons of security guards, I looked down to see Jennifer rapidly signing all her fans CD's with the message With Love, Jennifer Lopez. I had her personally ask me what my name was. I had caught her interest and that changed me forever. Not only had I just met someone I have admired for years, but she was nothing but sincere and sweet. I knew this was not the last trip I would take to see Jennifer. The admiration and borderline obsession at times was now personal. This is just the first chapter in my J.LO Love Story.
Pridefest Denver 2012, was an experience that came at just the right time. A couple weeks ago I was honored, thrilled, and extremely grateful to dance with Denver Dance Performing Troupe behind Fab Morvan, formerly of Milli Vanilli. The rehearsals started two weeks before the performance and the whole troupe worked so hard. Marguerite, you are an amazing teacher whose strength and commitment are an inspiration. Thanks for all your hard work for every show. You are appreciated.
As much as we looked forward to Pridefest 2012, it has come and gone. I am left with great memories of an incredible experience. Fabrice "Fab" Morvan was discovered in the late 1980's in Munich, Germany and released a Grammy Award winning album, "Girl You Know It's True," in 1990 along with Rob Pilatus. Fab's Denver Pridefest performance was his first in the U.S. in over 10 years. When I got the word, we would be dancing with him in late April, I couldn't say no. Dancing is what I love to do, and to be a part of Fab's 5 song set was just another dream come true.
Fab flew into Denver Friday June 15th 2012, one day before our scheduled performance. Our schedules had been a bit hectic with Drag Nation Pride also on 6/15/12. With rehearsals for both shows in full effect, we made time Friday afternoon to rehearse and review the choreography with Fab as soon as he landed. All of the nervousness and fears I had before meeting him, were all wiped away when he arrived at Denver Dance Studio. He is so kind hearted and very personable. He made me feel like I had worked with him before, and the man can actually sing! After tweaking some moves and fine tuning our placement we were ready for our two day performance at Denver Pridefest Main Stage.
Saturday June 16th and 17th Denver Dance Performing Troupe had the privilege of dancing with Fab Morvan, who was this year's headliner. His 30 minute set opened with, "Girl You Know It's True." An immediate rush of energy and adrenaline took over me as I made my way on stage and begin to make eye contact with the audience and feel their intense vibes. The crowd cheered, smiled, sang and clapped their hands as I realized this was GO TIME!
Fab's set included his three number one songs, "Baby Don't Forget My Number," "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You," and "Blame It On The Rain." The rush of energy and adrenaline only intensified when I spotted my brother in the audience. The feeling then became euphoric as I spotted myself on two large LCD screens placed to the left and right of the stage. While the camera man was focused on Fab, all of Denver could get a close up of the dancers as we danced around him. I was in the zone and ready for my close up.
While on stage dancing and hyping up the crowd, I noticed my brother standing to the left of the stage. His ear to ear smile and cheers made me give just a little bit more. The support of my family means the world to me. Early Sunday over brunch with my dad he told me, "I'm very proud of you hijo." No better Father's Day gift than making daddy proud. Thanks to my bro who snapped these images and featured some on his weekly style column for Westword. I also found some videos on YouTube recorded by The Colors of Light. All links are below. Check em out.
Reflecting back on Pride 2011, I am proud to say I have made one of my biggest dreams a reality in a year. Dancing with an artist has always been something I wanted to do since I was a child. Growing up watching Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul, I imagined what it would be like to dance with them. This is just the start of other dreams that will one day be realities. Consistency is key. Huge thanks to Marguerite from Denver Dance for her continued skill and guidance and to Mr. Fab Morvan for choosing Denver out of all the cities in the United States to perform. It was an incredible experience. I am still on a dance high two weeks later and yet there is more in store. Possible pride performance in another state? Stay Tuned...
Memorial Day Weekend is always the unofficial start of Summer for me, along with many. Not only did we get a three day weekend, many took it to the streets of Denver to enjoy the warm weather and cool breezes. This years Memorial Day events consisted of Drag Nation with Denver Dance and the opening of Climax Sundays at Club Vinyl. Friday 5/25/12, I was thrilled to perform with Denver Dance along side Scarlett Red. Scarlett's debut at Drag Nation was spectacular. "It's All About Sex," was a hot routine complete with a chair dance. I was also thrilled to dance along with Victoria Sexton for my second routine of the night. Victoria's "Stilletos," performance left little to the imagination and I got to work the pole! Scarlett, Geoffrey and Miranda are pictured with me in the photo above. To view Scarlett's and Victoria's performances, click on the links below:
Since I've been performing with Denver Dance, I have had the pleasure of working with a handful of Sextons. Ginger, Victoria, Kiana, and Jasmine. I have also worked with Janessa BeFierce, Bootzy Edward Collinz, and Scarlett Red. Since the last months show, myself and Korin, pictured above have been counting down the days until Pride Fest 2012. Marguerite Endsley, founder of Denver Dance, has been working non-stop on the choreography for Pride Drag Nation, which will be 6/15/12, as well as PrideFest at Civic Center. Denver Dance will be performing on the mainstage with a recording artist who released their first single in the late 1980's. I am excited to be dancing with Fab Morvan from Milli Vanilli. Rehearsals for both shows started last week, with more scheduled this weekend. Check out the DenverDanceNet channel on YouTube for videos of all performances to date. #GirlYouKnowItsTrue.
While at Drag Nation, I was happy to converse with my long time friend / rapper ASiEL, about our upcoming collaboration for PrideFest. Rocha Apparel will be outfitting ASiEL and his dancers in our newest Summer creations, for his mainstage performance. The debut of Rocha Apparel Summer 2012 will go down when ASiEL hits the stage for all who gather at Civic Center June 16th and 17th. ASiEL is seen above in "Her Blood Bath." Like the look? Get it at RochaApparel.com. Thank you ASiEL for your continued support. My brothers and I look forward to your performance.
To finish off the weekend my brothers and I decided to head to Club Vinyl. This was the first time in three years that I was NOT scheduled to dance. After opening the past two years at the legendary Climax Sundays, I am glad I had the chance to just hang out with my family and catch up with some old friends. I was asked repeatedly if I was dancing again this Summer, and that is still to be decided. After having some drinks, chatting a bit and waiting in what felt like a Rockies Game line for the restroom, we decided to switch the scene debating on food or more drinks. As we left Vinyl, we ventured to the nearby clubs and restaurants. After relocating for a few drinks, we decided it was time to eat. The below video is the first of four I recorded as we made our way down Broadway. This is just a glimpse of what mischief we encounter on our outings. Stay tuned for the rest to be posted on our YouTube channel RochaInc3. Much more to come, as the Summer has just begun.
