Dance Extravaganza- Step Up 3D!

Ok since I’ve been raving about Step Up 3D ever since it came out, I feel it’s only fair to get it out of my system one last time and give it a lil’ review on my blog!

I love dancing and all the Step Up films so I was excited to see that the 3rd one was out and in 3D too!

Normally I’m not really a fan of the 3D films, anyone else get the weird eye feeling when you’re watching them? I think the last 3D film I went to see was UP and we all ended up taking our glasses off by the middle of the film because we couldn’t hack the 3D.....

However, this film is not like that, if there was any film to go see in 3D- it’s this film; it really makes the dancing come to life, especially when they jump out in front of you!

I confess I’ve seen the film three times, with different people, but I agreed to go with each lot of people again willingly because I loved it so much!

This film from the Step Up saga takes on from Step Up 2 the Streets, directed by Jon Chu, featuring mainly street dancing. So if you’re a hip hop/ RnB lover like me then you are in for a treat music- wise. The soundtrack features great songs to dance to such as T-pain- Take your shirt off, Wale feat Lady Gaga- Chillin’ and Flo-rida and David Guetta’s recent hit- Club can’t handle me.

So the music really grabs your attention but it’s the dancing that is unbelievably amazing! I am always hoping to see something new and inspiring since there are so many street dance movies nowadays with the “I believe we can do it” storyline and similar choreography.

Step up 3d however, set in New York, definitely brings something new to the table. I was literally amazed by the dancing and astonishingly, I did get that feel good feeling when I walked out of the cinema- no word of a lie. Believe me, I’m not a fan of cheesy films as my friends will tell you so I seldom say things like that.

The story features the usual boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love mixed with a few complications in between and a bit of “I believe in us” spirit; but unlike the other films, the focus didn’t seem to be on the relationship. I am glad to say the focus of the film is on the fierce dancing- it’s so good you can’t take your eyes off it.

Although “Luke” the lead character (Rick Malambri) provided us with a good show and eye candy a plenty, he didn’t really dance a lot in the film apart from in the impressive tango scene.

I would have to say “Mouse” (Adam. G. Sevani) was the star of the show, especially in the water scene in the battle of Gwai. He has a Michael Jackson-esque style of dancing and he was truly outstanding in the film.

Having said that, “Kid Darkness” (Daniel Campos, a.k.a Cloud) even gave “Mouse” a run for his money. Although, he was part of the House of Samurai, (the rival team against the good team: the Pirates) it can’t be denied that he was by far the best dancer in the whole film. He definitely grabs people’s attention in the opening mini dance off scene against Mouse with all his flips, incredible strength and speed.

Having been sure I had seen him somewhere before, it turns out he is the dancer out of Shakira’s “Did it again” video as well as being one of Madonna’s backing dancers. I’ve got no doubt he is going to go far in the world of dance and I look forward to seeing more!

Also guys, keep a look out for the Robot man, his slow motion movements make him a believable robot and the Fred Astaire style dance scene with” Mouse” and his best friend Camille (Alyson Stoner) is really cute and pleasing to watch.

So all in all, the 3D effects are great and separate this film from the others. The storyline keeps you watching and the dancing is awe-inspiring. If you haven’t all ready seen it, go see it and if you have- go see it again! It’ made me want to dance again, so I’m off to find my nearest dance studio!

God or Hip Hop star? Egos gone too far!

So I have always been a massive fan of Hip Hop and RnB music, It’s my favourite type of music and amazing to dance to. You should know this before I start because it’s not my usual style to go and question the music I like.

But I have to question, who exactly do Jay- Z and Kanye West think they are? I love their music, but it appears that they are comparing themselves more and more to being as powerful as God at the moment. I mean seriously, who do they think they are?

Whether you are religious or not everyone knows the difference between a god and a human. It appears their egos have gone wayyy beyond sky high since they came to fame. There are others like them who have had the same success, but their heads aren’t inflated like theirs; so why are they putting themselves on a pedestal like this?

Well, we all know Kanye has always been renowned for his modesty (more like lack of-!) but it seems like the sudden surge of arrogance being emitted from them has come from their music and in particular, music videos recently.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a trend in not just Mr West’s and Jay –Z’s music videos, but Rihanna’s as well; where they feature a dark, sinister side to their videos.

I mean it’s pretty clear Rihanna’s changed her image with her dark , edgy dominatrix style and she pulls it off, it’s powerful, so her videos go with her new image. However, I’ve noticed a definite similarity in Kanye Wests, and Jay-Z’s as well.

Now, what are these trends? Well if u take the video for Run this town as an example featuring Jay- Z, Kanye West and Rihanna, its almost this dark “cult” beginning, with people in balaclavas (including Rihanna). Even Jay-Z is rocking a “snood” (Hooded scarf worn by men), again, going with the intimidating/fierce look- whatever your take on it is.

The people in the video are chanting at the beginning of the video before Rihanna starts singing and waving flamed torches in the air. And up on the stage of course leading them all is none other than Rihanna, Jay Z and Kanye west. It’s not the usual kind of music video you get, some might call it aggressive but others may call it fierce from a fashion perspective.

Either way, I love that song and the video. I think it was very clever and powerful art direction. So maybe that’s just it, is it all about power? Or are they all really part of this alleged cult?

However, then I noticed a definite dark side to Jay-Z’s video “On to the next one”. It was giving him a different image too, something we haven’t seen before with Jay-Z. Yet some might say there could be more to it than that. It doesn’t take a genius to know that there is a LOT of symbolisation in that video, all of which is strange and pretty dark.

In between his rapping, there are flashing images of Damien Hurst’s crystal skull with a blood-like substance coming out of it. There are also flashes of crucifixes, black angel wings, bullets and a ram’s skull; which has featured in Kanye West’s power video and in Rihanna’s Rockstar video.

If you are interested in all this symbolisation then you might want to take a look at someone else’s take on the king of hip hop’s “On to the next one” video. I came across it when I YouTubed the music video and he’s either completely crazy or he knows what he’s talking about. It’s kind of scary how he can explain all the symbolisation though! Follow the link- http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjVxA5eZs_U

It was Kanye West’s new Power video that provoked me to write about all this though. Again, great art direction, but it’s clear he’s posing as some sort of God with alternative angels with the ram horns coming out of their heads, falling around him.

Are there hidden meanings here that we are supposed to pick up on? It’s almost like they are comparing themselves to God or worse, the Anti god. I’m not saying they are, I’m saying are they?

Whatever it is, these Hip Hop n RnB stars are definitely trying to send a message and I think its working. They are trying to portray their power, ok we get it, but are they going too far? People that are interested in subliminal messages will have a field day with these videos and even with their lyrics.

Alternatively, they are being very clever and trying to provoke controversy that revolves around them and ultimately more people talking about them resulting in more success on a bigger level.

At the end of the day, they are powerful people in the world, but they are not the be all and end all just because they are in the music industry. Beyonce kick your man into action to be more humble like you!

See what I mean in Jay- Z's On to the next one video:http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1RChZk1EU

Designer Desire: Aruna Seth

As I am working at Aruna Seth at the moment, (the designer shoe company which also sells luxurious bags and accessories) I thought it was only fair to let you in on some of my experience as well and also to fill you in on this brilliant designer.

For those of you shoe lovers out there, (like me) you will be interested to know that Aruna Seth sells a wide wonderful variety of statement shoes, suitable for any occasion- whether it be for nights out, proms, day events or even your wedding! On nights out, I always wear statement shoes so it will come as no surprise to you that I have been drooling over their collections already.

And now Aruna Seth has branched out with a new accessories collection including their beautiful swarovski crystal butterfly brooches. I have been lucky enough to see these new brooches in the flesh and they are ridiculously sparkly- it's safe to say I want one... infact there are now a few things on my Aruna Seth wishlist that I have put on here for you to feast your eyes on. Take a look and let me know what you think or better yet follow this link to the Aruna Seth official website and decide for yourself which pair of dazzling shoes is your favourite- Take a look! www.arunaseth.com

The Fuchsia Pink Satin Butterfly shoes.


The Swarovski Crystal heels

The Ivory Satin Wedding shoes

The Swarovski Butterfly Brooch

Get my look! I have also put a look together including my favourite pair of Aruna Seth shoes, get the look by following my styling advice and combining all the items together!

Team the cut out crop top with black skinny jeans and the silver butterfly belt around the hips or the waist. Add Balenciaga leather jacket on top and open to reveal the crop top underneath.

Have long curly tresses like Megan Fox (above) and slide in the Butterfly hair grip or Aruna Seth butterfly brooch.

Go for a city glam makeup look with bold smoky eyes and fuchsia pink lips, co-coordinating with the shoes- use M.A.C makeup to get this look. Add false dramatic lashes for added glamour factor.

Finally, add Swarovski cuff and team with the butterfly ring. Then last but definitely not least- pop on the Aruna Seth fuchsia pink butterfly shoes and you are good to go with evening city chic style! Alternatively for a more casual day look, swap the crop top for the cream butterfly top and tone down the makeup.

Tai Chi your way to a better body!

I’m all for trying out new things, so when I went to the gym not that long ago, I thought I would have a look at the classes. At the time, I was hoping to sign up to yoga or Pilates but suddenly Tai Chi caught my sights. I jokingly said to my friend “ooo Tai chi”, more intrigued than anything, I’ve always been interested in martial arts, especially as a form of exercise. My friend willingly agreed and before we knew it, we were regular Tai chi class go-ers.

Before I went to the class I was excited, I had always wanted to try out a martial art. However I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was a slower kind of martial art which used control and balance to give a workout and overall well being. So, I had gathered it wasn’t a matrix style martial art with back flips, high kicks and judo chops (much to my disappointment) but I was totally willing to give it a try.

On our first class, my friend and I were greeted by our instructor, a sweet little Chinese lady and a few other class regulars that were considerably older than us. They told us that it would be difficult at first but our instructor insured us that we would pick it up quickly.

We began by doing gentle stretching and breathing exercises, as a warm up I thought, but it actually went on for quite some time. I soon realised that they were relaxation techniques which enhance your concentration when you start the Tai chi moves and after a few more classes, I felt that they got you “into the zone”.

After this, we began following and copying every move our instructor did, for example slowly lifting one leg, turning to our side, pushing our hands out and so on and this was all done very slowly. We would also hold moves sometimes to enhance balance and control.

How can this be classed as exercise, let alone beneficial exercise when it is so slow? Tai chi works through the concepts of Ying and Yang, Chi (the flow of energy through the body) and Traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought that energy flows around the body through meridians. The positions in this martial art promote good health and well being by allowing smooth flow of this energy around the body and releasing blocked negative energy.

Although it was slow, at first I found it quite a challenge to copy the sequence, especially as the regulars were already familiar with it. So I didn’t feel as if I was reaping the rewards from the exercise, more trying to get the moves right. However, we began to pick it up quite quickly- according to our instructor when she told the rest of our class: “The young ones are good yes!”.

I was starting to think that I wouldn’t return for another class until the instructor suddenly pulled out a massively long samurai sword (plastic of course)! She lent us one too and we began swishing and thrusting this sword around combining it with side kicks and lunges- crouching tiger hidden dragon style, well almost. This worked our core muscles as well as teaching us valuable self defence moves. I really enjoyed this part, it felt liberating and attracted me to going back for another class.

So I actually recommend it to anyone, its refreshingly different and fun. You don’t feel like you are working out when you actually are- what could be better?! I am definitely planning on keeping it up once I return to Uni- Tai chi is the new Pilates!