Get 2 the Pointe

#Dance: Eric Davis, Nicole Johnson, D’Andre Boggerty, and...

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 19:15:15 -0400

#Dance: Eric Davis, Nicole Johnson, D’Andre Boggerty, and Noelle Price (Western Michigan University; all of the Dance Department) showcasing their talents and technique during the Multi-Cultural review on September 27, 2010.

Kimberly Lashae Frankline singing an old classic “I send...

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:19:10 -0400

Kimberly Lashae Frankline singing an old classic “I send my heart up to thee” by Amy Beach. Enjoy.

Interested in what you see…. Read about Kim in the Update entitled “Sound of Music.”

Sound of Music.....

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:18:00 -0400

Incentive , inspiration, drive, enthusiasm, impetus, stimulus, spur, impulse, driving force, provocation are all words in reference to a larger picture called MOTIVATION. When motivation is converted from just being a thought into an action, from a noun into a verb, thats when we start to see progress in ones growth not only in talent, but growth as a person. Musicians take their motivations and force themselves to learn music that will help them grow as an artist. Actors/Actresses, when motivated, become a whole different person in hopes of portraying a certain emotion and finding themselves growing in the craft. From minor task, to GIANT DREAMS, motivation helps people get to not only where they need to be, but also where they want to be. “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” [Quoted from Brian Thomas Littrell, American Singer-Songwriter (best know as a member from the Backstreet Boys)].

Driven to be all that she can be in her life, this young song bird from inner city Detroit, MI has her own plans of getting her voice out there by any means necessary. It’s time to “GET 2 THE POINTE…..”

- Kimberly Lashae Franklin with her Sound of Music

Walking through Downtown Royal Oak, MI with the lovely Kim, we had sometime to chit chat a bit about her background and career goals. “When I was six years old, while watching PBS, there was a telethon on about opera singers. The telethon was entitled The Ten Best Opera Singers of All Time; the #1 operatic vocalist ended up being a woman of African-American decent, then (even at my young age) I decided that OPERA was what I wanted to do with my life.” An alumni of Detroit School of Arts (also referred to as DSA [Class of 2009]), Kim has been singing for what seems to be all of her life, but has only been involved in classical styles of vocal material since the tenth grade back in late 2006.

With high dreams of being a “PROFESSIONAL” in the business, Kim has drawn a major interest in the Michigan Opera Theater. “I hear that the Michigan Opera Theater is well known and one of the best in the Nation. I also have hopes of directing my own Choir and Orchestra, but I’m going to take things one step at a time.” In the future she also sees performances at Carnegie Hall and touring the world with a company, but school for her is one of the most important things that will help her get to where she would like to be. Plans of majoring in Vocal Performance, Kim is majoring undecided now until the right opportunity comes forth… Music is her passion.

“My Motivation is to Motivate. If you got the talent, share it with the world; motivate others as you were motivated,” Kim shares her thoughts of motivation with me. When asked who gives her the drive, who are you inspired by, who motivates you, her response: “Janelle Monae inspires me. She doesn’t inspire me to sing, but she does inspire me to be different in my musical upbringings. She’s “Unconventional” in her style, and I love that about her.”

[Side Information]: Janelle Monae Robinson is a grammy nominated American singer, songwriter, performer, and dancer. Signed to Wondaland Arts Society and Bad Boy/Atlantic Records, and a somewhat new face to mainstream, but has been around since early 2007.

- Janelle Monae

Kimberly Franklin, a singer, photographer, self-proclaimed songwriter, and aspiring plus size model, there are many avenues she can take to become successful in her own-right. Where does all this talent come from you may be asking (just like I was as we continued our interview), but actually she is claimed to be the “black sheep” of her family. Younger sibling of three, sister’s interest were set in academics (A “GENIUS” as Kim has stated), Brother being former aspiring rapper, Mother currently working as a nurse, and Father who is a Security Guard (but tends to do a little singing himself around the house), Kim takes her talents from her own life experiences.

The moment we decide that there is a dream out there that we want to turn into reality, that’s the exact moment where we become motivated for ourselves. “As you aspire to be more successful in life, your attitude towards yourself and others will play a huge role. Positive people learn how to handle life’s challenges differently and use these opportunities to grow.” Talking to Kim has proven to me that a positive attitude and straight focus on your goals will push you ahead of those who aren’t positive or driven. Motivate others as you were motivated…. && that’s my “POINTE.” =]

Follow Kim on Twitter: @Churchmoanlove

Subscribe to Kim’s youtube account: quietstorm2009

... Entering Stage Left.

Fri, 28 May 2010 20:08:22 -0400

The idea that all of the great aspects of life are achievable through hard work and struggle are the thoughts of those who want to live a dream. “Practice doesn’t make perfect, but perfect practice will.” To decide one day that you’re going to take your talents (whatever they maybe) && use them to A. express your individuality, and B. to showcase your talents in a way that will contribute to the growth of a certain field, is all for the betterment of your craft. Starting fresh and building your way to the top gives one the stepping stones to be whatever you want to be, as well as helps you learn how to work for something. You may be asking right about now “… && What’s you point?!” The most exciting place to discover talent is in yourself (better stated by an Ashleigh Brilliant; author and syndicated cartoonist that is best know for his Plot-Shots, single-panel illustrations with one-line humorous remarks, which began syndication in the USA in 1975).

Building off of those ideas, this young talent has proven to me and many others that she has GREAT talents, also knowing when and where she is going to use them. It’s about that time to “GET 2 THE POINTE….”

- Entering Stage Left: Ms. Kayla Joy Pero

- Young Kayla Pero fixing her pointe shoes as she gives me information on her life thus far.

After having a thorough sit down with the Bombshell, Ballet Beauty, I came to realize that everything isn’t what it seems. Looking at her lines, poise… overall presence, you would think that she has been dancing since the day she was born; but this ballerina has only been in the game for 7 years. At the mere age of 17, and finishing her (now) junior year at Southfield-Lathrup High School, located in Lathrup Village, MI (also my Alma Mater/[Class of 2009]), she has accomplished so much within her short time dance involvement. Musicals, Summer intensive programs, ballet companies, and even dancing in the halls of S/L, Kayla is making a name for herself.

Middle child of three, older brother (Vocalist), and younger sister (actress/musician), Kayla fits right in with her remarkable talents (also Mother being an Actress and a Playwright, && her Father being a former Mime). Dancer of the Rosemarie Floyd Contemporary Civic Ballet Company, she has done well over 14 performances (such as The Nutcracker Ballet, pieces of the Don Quixote en Pointe, and countless others), also performing in the Ms. Michigan Pageant under the Rosemarie Floyd name. Apart of Southfield-Lathrup’s Senior Dance Company, and has taken summer intensive programs in Manhattan, NY with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater…. it doesn’t seem that Ms. Pero is going to take a break anytime soon.

- Pointe Shoes of EN POINTE Dancewear & Accessories (Located in Clawson, MI)

From just closing up a fantastic rendition of the musical “Sweet Charity,” where Kayla took the lead of Charity Valentine, she states “Although this is only my second musical at S/L, after Footloose, this is my first time having a lead role. I loved last years cast of Footloose, who helped shape me and motivate me to aim for a lead.” But putting that all as a secondary talent, Kayla wishes to pursue her life in dance; Modern being her favorite style of dance, but ballet inspires her because it is the root of all styles of dance.

When the Question was brought up, “Kayla, we now know what inspires you, the question remains as to WHO inspires you to dance and live this life?” Her response being, “ALVIN AILEY in my greatest inspiration because he overcame so many challenges and obstacles regarding his race and social class. He went through so many struggles, but in the end dance was the outlet for his life. Also JUDITH JAMISON is also a great inspiration for she is a strong individual, black woman who in my opinion, could even take her own company after Ailey himself. Her strength, her beauty, her leadership, her grace, her success is what I one day hope to achieve.”

- Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison

[Side-information]: Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from the now fabled performance in March 1958, at the 92nd Street Young Men’s Hebrew Association in New York…. that performance changed forever the perception of American dance.

- Alvin Ailey 2010 Company

Kayla’s ultimate goal is to be a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and in reference of her and Judith Jamison, she says “I can only hope and look forward to working with her in my near future.”

From my interview with Kayla, I have come to the understanding that time is of the essence; If we as talented young people don’t start to use our talents to better ourselves, we don’t have a DREAM. “Keep your dream alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” …. && That’s My “POINTE” everyone. :)

- Follow Kayla Pero on twitter: @Kay_Pei