Harlem Life Chronicles

Harlem Life Chronicles begin on June 1st...I'm so excited...

Personal Favor with Global Impact

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,

As many of you know my dance company INSPIRIT created a community engagement project called Project: BECOMING in the Bronx in 2005. Since the programs inception we have expanded to the five boroughs of NYC and Charlotte, NC; targeting young women on the brink of womanhood and expanding their notions of self and reality.

Project: BECOMING began as an outgrowth of INSPIRIT’s 2004 performance season entitled BECOMING. At the conclusion of the concert series the company decided to further our investigation into the evolution of the modern day woman. Womanhood in the twenty-first century is a complicated issue; how it is played out in our everyday lives is even more complex. Spirituality, mental and physical health, personal and professional relationships, formal education, beauty and careers are just some of the isolated yet interrelated aspects of a woman’s life that deeply influence how she makes her decisions.

The Project: BECOMING curriculum uses yoga, creative writing, dance, meditation, capoeira and other expressive modalities; thus taking our participants on an invaluable journey into womanhood. All of our activities are discussion-based and designed to encourage an outgrowth of limitless possibilities and equip each and every young woman with the tools necessary to take independent steps towards her life goals.

Currently, we have entered the application process for our 2009 Summer intensives. Although we have not received support from any of our normal funding sources due to the nations economic climate and the state of arts funding we are determined to make the program work for the sake of the participants.
Therefore, I am asking everyone I know on in the virtual and real world to make a $20 tax deductible donation to INSPIRIT earmarked Project: BECOMING so that we can continue to create safe spaces for young women in NY, NC and beyond. Your contribution will go towards purchasing program supplies such as yoga mats, food, transportation vouchers and clothing in addition to space rental.

It is my hope that you deem this cause worthy of your financial donation and that you understand that by nourishing the young women of the world we are making a positive investment in the lives of all future generations.

Donations can me mailed to INSPIRIT at P.O. Box 555, Bronx, NY 10451 or made online through Paypal by visiting www.inspiritdance.com and clicking on the make a donation button on the support page.

The link below will give you a sneak peek inside Project: BECOMING, a safe space for girls BECOMING women. (for application materials please email Alexandra Houston at Projectbecoming@gmail.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFIndPvpKw

Moving on Up(Town)

It's official. The Brooklyn Transplant goes to Harlem. No I didn't find the PERFECT APARTMENT but I found one that suits me just fine for now. So Brooklyn here's my ode to you.
Brooklyn, you wooed me here to New York with your summer block parties and red velvet cake. Your wined and dined me at Solomon's Porch, Food for Thought, Mo Bay (when it used to be in Ft. Greene), Choice Market and Joya. You dressed me in fine clothes from Little Red Boutique, Harriet's Alter Ego, and Addy and Ferro. You entertained me with Opera, Indie Films and cutting edge dance at BAM. You kept me peaceful with Saturday morning yoga class at Embora and bike rides through beautiful Prospect Park. You kept me spiritually fed at the Brooklyn Region of the New York City Church of Christ. And you made sure that there was never ever a dull moment.
Brooklyn, its not you its me.
Harlem came along and swept me off my feet. I'm looking forward to much cheaper cab rides, same day delivery at Barnes and Nobles and Bed, Bath and Beyond and who knows what else! Just kidding... I'll miss you Brooklyn. You were good to me but it's time for a new thing.

The Perfect Apartment

Okay everyone, I am rallying the troops! I need to find the perfect apartment for move in by June 1st. I know that it can be just as difficult in NYC as finding the perfect boyfriend, but I have faith that it can be done.
My dream apartment would be for no more than $1400 in Harlem proper, off of the ABCD trains. Below 155th, 1.5 bedroom, brownstone apartment with ample closets, great lighting, on a quiet and friendly block, and original details. It would look a little something like this....





EMAIL ME with any leads!!!!! Love y'all!