Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Past Few Months...

Hi...

It's been a while...

Stuff has happened...

And stuff hasn't happened...

But one big thing happened.  I had a repair done on my meniscus....

Back in August of 2011, I was in an evening rehearsal, and injured myself doing an inward turn down towards the floor.  I heard a snap, but at the time I didn't know what it was...so I just hobbled my way home from rehearsal.  I took a bit of time off from dance (but not much), but was back at it again, and going hard at it.  I finally got an MRI and X-ray done and found out that I severely tore my meniscus (which I still dancing on before I found out that it was torn) My choices were to continue dancing with this set back, or talk to an orthopedic surgeon.....so I spoke to a surgeon, and set up an appointment to have the scope done...after dancing for a year on it.

And this is what they did (1 day after)... and yes it hurt...


I wasn't able to bear any weight on my left leg, which meant I was on crutches for about 5 weeks. 

The pain killers made me sick and had me vomiting in the middle of the night, so I stopped taking them. 

Totally not what I was expecting, which left me with so many mixed emotions of guilt, sadness, and frustration.  It wasn't that I couldn't dance, but the simple things that I could do on a daily basis were taken away from me, which made me dependent on others (hence the feelings of guilt).  But I have to say my family is the best.  They have been there for me from the beginning and for that I am forever grateful.

Drawing from my nieces and nephew...

2 months later, I am able to walk.  No dancing yet though.  I experience a bit of pain here and there, but it's much better.  I've got about 4 more months of recovery to go, which is what I figured.

It's actually been good to be able to take myself out of 'dance' for a minute.  Stepping away from things has given me a chance to really identify what's important to me, and what I want for my life, and what my purpose is.  Which can actually be very fulfilling (to me at least - especially at this stage in my life ;).

I'll be back on dance floors soon...with a refreshed mind and different outlook on things....

Thank you those who have checked in on me and continue to do so..it means more than you know.

lots of love...
tash

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Somethin's cookin in "The Kitchen"

Back in June, I presented a new piece of work titled "The Kitchen" at the Talent Defined Dance Festival.  With inspiration from Lindy Hop, Quincy Jones, and the film "Hellzapoppin", I created this piece and featured some of my favorite dance artists in the city - Jojo Dancer, Roney Lewis, Irvin Washington, Jasmyn Fyffe, and Esie Mensah.  This piece is part of something bigger that I'm working on!  So for those that keep asking - YES - there is more to come!  Here it is!  Enjoy!


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Bang the Battle! Then Bang the Party!

It's about to be a party!!  If you love funk, hip hop (I mean from the 90's hip hop), soul, house - then Bang the Party is the place to be!  My boy Neo Boog and AndyCapp are bringing you Bang the Battle! - the pre-event before the party!  I will be judging the hip hop category, and the infamous Sweepy (Rock Steady Crew, LA) will be judging the popping battle.    Click here for the event page on Facebook!  Come out and party with us; even if you're not there to battle, let's just have a good time :)


My New Website!

I'm actually kinda proud of myself!  My website is complete, and was done by Yours Truly :)  Check it out and let me know what you think!! www.natashapowell.com


Photo by Paul Degner.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Presenting "The Kitchen" at the 2012 Talent Defined Dance Festival

Hey everyone, As some of you may or may not know, I will be presenting a new piece of work entitled "The Kitchen" at this year's Talent Defined Dance Festival. This is the premiere of this new piece and I've been blessed with an amazing cast to support me. Dancers are Esie Mensah, Irvin Washington, Jasmyn Fyffe, Jojo "Jojo Dancer" Zolina, and Roney Lewis. Here's all the info:

 8th Annual Talent Defined: June 23, 2012

An exhilarating showcase of Toronto's upcoming and professional dance companies.

Talent Defined is an annual showcase of emerging and professional dance companies and choreographers. The event is sponsored by City Dance Corps for the purpose of promoting and supporting local dance companies and choreographers and sharing their art forms with the community.

 “Talent Defined is where you really see Toronto’s multicultural mosaic..." Paula Citron, dance critic.

 Check out www.talentdefined.com for a full line up of the 2012 talent.

June 23, 2012 8pm
Al Green Theatre 750 Spadina Ave, Toronto
$25 in advance $30 at the door
Box office: 416-260-2356 www.talentdefined.com

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Photoshoot Sneak Peek...

Here's a sneek peak of a photoshoot I did today. Cylla von Tiedemann hosted a photography workshop in Hamilton this weekend with 7 very passionate photographers shooting dance for the first time. These photos are by Paul Degner...






More to come :)

Friday, March 9, 2012

DLC Spring Training Recap!!

Shout out to Emily for putting this together..here's what's on the DLC tip..

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Spring Training with DiscoLoveChild!


Hey everyone! If you missed the HOLIDAY FUNKSHION with DiscoLoveChild, then you absolutely cannot miss our next workshop - SPRING TRAINING..Classes in Hip Hop, House, and Waacking, like no other in Toronto. People always ask when I'm teaching - this time around I'll be doing a collabo with the one and only Kwame Mensah. Be there!! Email discolovechilddance@gmail.com to register and also go to the Facebook event page here.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Monday Night House Dance Sessions!

If you love house music and dance, check out Gotta Dance Studios every Monday for open practice starting at 9:15PM. All levels welcome! $5!!


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Don and Whitney...may you both rest.

Wow...Black History Month and we loose two beautiful entertainers that have done so much for music and entertainment. February 1st we lost the man who provided a platform for African-American popular dances and music to take over the world: Mr. Don Cornelius.


Whitney...damn. An undeniable force in music. The voice, the legacy, and standard that this legend has left will never be forgotten.


May you both rest in peace ;(

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Peace of Mind...

"For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe."- Anon