Friday, May 13, 2011

Miss New York Workshop



WOW !!! So May 7th was my Performers With A Purpose, Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage event and I could not be happier with the outcome. Everything turned out amazing and exactly as I had hoped it would when I created the program. I have sooooo much to fill you in on about Saturday May 7th, but before I do that there are a few other appearances/events that I have to tell you about :-) 

Miss New York Workshop, April 9th 

Going back to April 9, 2011, when the 22 Miss New York Contestants and Teen Contestants gathered for a fun filled day at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY. We had the opportunity to get to know one another, review our talent selections, go over interview prep with Claire Buffie (Miss New York) and even learned some of the beginning choreography to our opening number. It was a long day, but certainly an enjoyable one. A lot of us have spoken via email or facebook so it was nice to finally meet everyone face to face. Leaving the workshop I felt a great deal of excitement and truly cannot wait to experience the "Miss New York Week." I know it will be something I will never forget!  

Wagner Girls, Miss Staten Island Maria DeSantis,
Miss Liberty, Kim Cantoni

Miss New York Class of 2011

Miss New York Class of 2011 with Claire Buffie

Complete Class of 2011, Miss & Teen Contestants

Brooklyn Girls :-)
Miss Brooklyn Organization 

Carmen Mendoza, Miss Kings County
Sister Queen & Roomie :-)





St. A's Baseball Blog Coming Next !

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Name of the Game is "Blog Catch Up;" Pilo Arts & Relay for Life

Hey Everyone, 

So all last week I was home sick in bed with a horrible case of strep throat that put me behind on everything!!! :-( But I am finally starting to feel better and am getting back into the groove of life. My goal for the day was to catch up on a few events that I participated in over the past month so here it goes . . . . 

Bay Ridge Courier Covers Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon 

 Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon 


8412 Third Avenue
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York 11209 USA
718.748.7411 
http://www.piloarts.com/


Throughout my year as Miss Brooklyn, Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon has been a dedicated sponsor. They welcomed me with open arms back in October and have supported me in every event that I have participated in this year. On March 17th I visited Pilo Arts and had my hair done by the fabulous Master Stylist Jayne Chillo and my makeup done by the wonderful Betsy Shuki, for a feature in the Bay Ridge Courier. 


Pilo Arts has been an institution in Brooklyn since 1978 and from its inception has made it its mission to give back to the community. Each and every year Pilo Arts donates over $1 Million Dollars in services to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, New York University Cancer Fund, NYC Public Schools, and hundreds of other organization. 


I am so thankful that they have partnered with me this year and have not only assisted me personally, but have supported my platform and provided great donations that helped raise funds for the Sarcoma Alliance. 


Keep an eye out around Brooklyn for the Bay Ridge Courier Article! 

Jayne Chillo, Master Stylist
and my fabulous Hair Sponsor

Owner & Co-Founder of Pilo Arts,
Elena Solitario 

Thank you for all that you have done for me this year!



RELAY FOR LIFE REUNION: KICK OFF CELEBRATION
MARCH 29th at Christa McAuliffe 
http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/


"The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length."


For the past 12 years Brooklynites have gathered for this amazing event and in that time have raised a remarkable $1 million for cancer. I myself have participated in Relay for Life since I was in elementary school and can say first hand what an inspirational event it truly is. I remember my first year in 5th Grade camping out at Poly Prep with my family and friends, doing karaoke all night and walking the track in honor of those who we have lost and for those who continue to fight. Though the fun memories of Relay for Life will always stay with me, the one thing I will never forget it the first time I saw the "Luminaria Ceremony," where candles are lit in paper bags and are displayed in the word HOPE. I remember sitting there in complete awe by the beauty and the serenity that takes place during that moment. It is a feeling that you have to experience to fully understand because it is so breathtaking. 


In order to kickoff the Relay for Life Celebration, Nancy Colt (Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society) and her wonderful team coordinated a celebration at Christa McAuliffe IS 187, where relayers, both past, present and future could gather for a joyous night. I had the honor of meeting inspirational cancer survivors and caregivers and even had the chance to say a few words about my personal experience with Relay for Life. It was such a fun evening full of love, inspiration and of course HOPE. 

I look forward to a continued relationship with the American Cancer Society and am excited to walk the "Pink Carpet" at their Pink & Black Tie Gala on May 12th :-) 

Aunt Joe <3 The inspiration behind everything!

City Councilman, Vincent Gentile

Beautiful Survivors <3
Nancy Colt, Director of Special Events
for the American Cancer Society
Keeping the fight alive <3
Saying a few words :-)

STILL GOT 2 MORE COMING YOUR WAY! 
xoxo
Christina 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

MARCH MADNESS !

Wow, life is so crazy right now! So many wonderful things are happening so quickly and trying to keep up with everything is proving to be a unique challenge to say the least. I am currently in the middle of putting together my grand benefit dance performance. I have been working on this for months and now it is only a month away, so needless to say I have been running around like a chicken without a head lol. It is looking to be a great event that I will certainly give you more information on later next week :-) For now I must go back to the hectic/AMAZING month of March!

NATIONAL DANCE INSTITUTE: Teacher Training Program 
http://www.nationaldance.org/new_video.htm




The National Dance Institute is a remarkable not-for profit performing arts organization that "has transformed the lives of more than 2 million public school children through award-winning arts and learning programs. Children discover the arts through dance and develop standards of excellence, a pride of achievement and a curiosity about the world that supports their success in school and in life." Founded 34 years ago by famous ballet dancer Jacques d'Amboise, NDI has flourished into a renowned organization that has been recognized on both the national and international level. 


I was bitten by the NDI bug last year when a family friend Lauren Cramer brought me to see a sensational performance in June and from that point on I was hooked. I wanted nothing more than to get involved with this organization and for two wonderful weeks in March I was given the opportunity to experience the magic behind NDI. 


I was accepted into the two-week intensive teacher training program and was able to participate thanks to the generous sponsorship from the wonderful Cramer Family. From March 7-17th I worked with remarkable teachers and trained with an exceptional group of talented people. For two straight weeks a group of 22 of us trainees gathered at various New York City public schools, observing, assisting and even teaching the students the renowned NDI pedagogy. 


The experience at NDI will stay with me for years to come and I hope that one day I will have the privilege of working for this superb organization, whose genuine love and dedication to the arts is to be deeply admired. Strong teachers, combined with a welcoming work environment and PASSION is the secret to NDI's tremendous success. I walked away from this experience with amazing new friends, an even greater appreciation for the art of dance, and a deep attachment to the organization. :-) 


National Dance Institute 2011 Teacher Training Program
AMAZING <3


Christa McAuliffe IS 187: 
BEAUTY & THE BEAST 
While I was taking the two-week teacher intensive I was also in tech rehearsal for IS 187's performance of Beauty and The Beast, so for those two weeks I got up every morning at 6:00am, went to NDI until around 4:00pm then headed over to McAuliffe from 5:00-9:00pm (the most hectic, yet fulfilling two weeks ever lol!!!!). 


I have been the Drama Club Choreographer there for the past 4 years and have worked with a wonderful director Susan Huizinga to put on what turned out to be a truly enchanting performance on March 18th, 19th, & 20th.  I love my students to the moon and back and was SOOOOOO unbelievably proud of them. They are all so talented and being able to be a part of their success is a reward unlike any other.  Aside from putting on a great production, the students were kind enough to present me with a check in the amount of $500.oo for the SARCOMA ALLIANCE www.sarcomaalliance.org. The students really go above and behind the duty of community service and have supported my cause for the past two year. THANK YOU, I am so grateful for all that you have done xoxo 


BRAVO GUYS !!!! EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU DID A SPECTACULAR JOB <3

Fabulous Director Susan Huizinga

So proud of you Mikayla :-) 

<3

Love her <3

The Crew :-) Somehow we pulled this off lol

Wonderful job Natalie aka "Belle" :-) 

Best of Luck to all of my 8th Graders,
you will all go on to do amazing thing! 

Beautiful Belle and the Fabulous Beast
Max and Natalie :-) 




So that pretty much covered only two of the four events I needed to fill you in on lol. 
I guess there is always tomorrow <333


xoxo
Christina 

Monday, March 21, 2011

DWDC Showcase & All City Live Radio Appearance

DWDC SHOWCASE 

On Sunday March 6th I had a fun filled day of appearances. My day started at St.A's for Dance Works Dance Center's 2nd Annual Company Showcase. I myself am an alumni of DWDC, so it was great to go back and see the kids perform. The showcase was wonderful and each and every student did a sensational job. Growing up, Dance Works was my home away from home. It is because of Dance Works that I am who I am today. Amazing teachers (Margaret Tapogna, Buffy Whalen, Fallon Preziotti, Janine Cambridge, and Paul Morelli), along with endless love, dedication and heart is the reason why Dance Works will forever be such a special part of my life. The memories, the friendships and the lessons learned there are ones that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am truly so thankful that I was lucky enough to be a part of something so unique and special.

Remember dancers, cherish the time you have on that stage, own it and never forget that this is your time to shine ! 

DWDC Showcase March 6, 2011

Wild Horses <3

"The Change"

Miss M <3

Gotta Love Billy xoxo

Meagan <3 "Steam Heat" (and old solo song of mine actually)
Fabulous job my dear :-) 

Can always point out "Orange Colored Skies" lol
Love ya Gabby :-) 

Saying a few words before Act II

ALL CITY LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW

Following the Dance Works Showcase I headed straight over to my very first Radio Appearance at Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus)for the All City Live Radio Show. The show is broadcasted from LIU and stars a fabulous array of personalities, some of whom were actually graduates of the school. I was at the radio station for close to two hours with DJ Prince, Rej Da Boss, Mack Of Go Hard Or Go Home, DJ Commish and Comedian Darnell Wright. The interview went wonderful and it was really a lot of fun. It was refreshing to be in such a laid back environment surrounded by people who genuinely love what they do. They all work great together and put forth a show that's quite entertaining. Aside from the interview, I even got a twitter account lol. When the guys found out that I was not a "tweeter," they set me up with an account while still on the air (thanks Mack).

What a memorable experience :-) 

All City Live Radio
DJ Prince

All City Live Radio

All City Live Radio

All City Live Radio

Hehe :-) 

CHEEZ !

DJ Commish, Rej, Mack, DJ Prince, and comedian Darnell


Listen to All City Live Radio Each & Every Sun 3-7pm Est on www.wliubk.org & I -Tunes Radio. Follow them  OnTwitter & @AllCityLive & Facebook AllCity LiveRadio. 

Click here to listen to my interview http://www.sendspace.com/file/hwktac 

xoxo
Christina 

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Motivational Speech at IS 187, Queens Corner Expo & Read Across America Day !

So I have been a busy bee and am three blogs behind, so I have decided to do three for the price of one ! 


MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH AT IS 187 

First starting with my motivational speech, on Wednesday February 16th.  This marked my second motivational speech at a Junior High School this year, but this one was slightly different from the first because I was able to speak at Christa McAuliffe IS 187 my good ole’ alma mater. I graduated from McAuliffe in 2004 from the Arts & Humanities Academy and have actually been the Drama Club Choreographer there for the past 4 years, so I am no stranger to many of the wonderful students. Therefore, I decided to do something a little different this time around and instead of wearing my crown I decided to put it on a stand right next to me while I spoke because I wanted the students to still see me as me, not Miss Brooklyn who happens to be Christina, but just Christina who happens to be Miss Brooklyn. I wanted them to understand that simply by being who they are in life and by following their heart and their niche life will throw so many remarkable opportunities their way. 

Auditorium Filling Up
at Christa McAuliffe IS 187 

I have said it before and I will say it again, if someone told me when I was sitting in the auditorium in the 6th grade that one day I would be on the Miss America track I would have laughed and thought, IMPOSSIBLE! But if I have learned anything from this experience it is that life has its own little plan for you, and its simply up to you to seize an opportunity and don't let unexpected things pass you by. 

Speech Time !
Christa McAuliffe
February 16, 2011

:-) 

My Drama Club Girls :-)

I was able to speak with all three academies at the school totaling 1,000 students in a matter of a few hours. The students were all so receptive, they listened intently to all that I had to say and at the end they were able to ask me a few questions regarding my time at McAuliffe, where I went to HS, and what my plans after Miss Brooklyn are. These students always put a smile on my face and this day was no exception, I really had a great time speaking to all of them. If my story can help these students to recognize a dream of theirs or encourage them to never give up on their goals then I certainly did my job. I must thank Principal Berman for allowing me to speak with the students, the school Dean Mr. Nicol and of course Mrs. Ferrier for giving me this chance. Teachers are some of the most influential people in your life and I have been so fortunate to have some of the best in the system when I was in JHS. Mrs. Ferrier is a prime example of both an excellent educator and an amazing mentor. She has supported me, defended me and has stood by me throughout all of these years and has grown from educator to friend, who I cherish. 

IS 187 Students :-)

*To my McAuliffe students, never forget that you have one of the best teachers around! Mrs. Ferrier does so much for all of you and you need to realize how truly lucky you guys are to have her as your teacher (and of course fabulous Drama Club Facilitator) !

Thank you to all of the students who wrote to me :-) And a very special thank you to all of my drama kids who I love working with year after year ! 

*****ADDITIONAL PICS Coming Soon, keep an eye out for them on FB 

QUEENS CORNER EXPO

On February 26th I had a fun filled day of Pageant Lessons at the Queens Corner Pageant Expo created and coordinated by Miss Brooklyn Executive Director, 
Amaris Acosta. I attended the Expo last year for the first time right before I competed for Miss Brooklyn 2010 and certainly learned a lot. The expo is a lot of fun and a great way to meet different people and organizations involved in the pageant world. It is amazing how many pageant systems there are all throughout the United States, from Miss Earth, to National American Miss, to even America's Outstanding Mom :-) there are endless possibilities when it come to pageant programs. Overall I had a great day meeting new titleholders at the expo. I was even able to run the check in table with my sister queen Miss Kings County Carmen Mendoza. We are both so busy all the time and this was actually one of our first appearances together where we were able to talk and catch up on the craziness of our lives.   

Amaris Acosta
Executive Director of the Miss Brooklyn Org. 

Miss Brooklyn Organization 2011

National American Miss Titleholders :-) 

Titleholders from all over the country !

:-)

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY 

On March 2nd I returned to the Block Institute for Read Across America Day :-) In 1998 the National Education Association started this program to promote reading throughout the United States and since its emergence 12 years ago, it had become a national tradition. "Between March 1 - 4, 2011 more than 45 million participants in all 50 states participate in what has become the largest literacy celebration in the United States." 

I was able to get in on the day and read to a few kindergarten classes at the Block Institute. Since Read Across America Day falls on Dr. Seuss's birthday :-) it was only appropriate that I read the Dr. Seuss Classic Green Eggs and Ham to the kiddies. I was able to meet two adorable classes and read to them a book that I have always enjoyed. When I was done reading to them it was just about time for lunch, and what was on the menu ??? GREEN EGGS AND HAM of course :-) 

Todd Adelman
Director of Special Projects at the Block Institute

Dylan seemed to be more intrigued by the camera than the story lol :-)

Green Eggs & Ham ! Classic 

Kindergarten Cuties !

Nathan and Gabriel, these two were adorable !!!!

Gabriel certainly wasn't camera shy as he posed for a mini photo shoot lol 

Little Nathan !

Miss Greater NYC aka Miss Keelie who also read to the kiddies!
 Phewwww finally all caught up :-) Hope you enjoyed it !

xoxo
Christina