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Wuk Up Your Waist at Caribbean Movements By Kay-Ann Ward!
Published
8 years agoon
By
TOCaribNewsBY: ALYSSA MAHADEO
Whether you like it or not, the rhythm is going to get you. Dance is a performance art form that consists of purposefully selected sequences of movement. Every move has an aesthetic, a symbolic value and is acknowledged in different styles by those who practice the art form.
Professional choreographer, dance instructor and performer Kay-Ann Ward immigrated to Canada from Jamaica when she was eight years old. Growing up in Jamaica, she loved to dance. Dancehall and Soca music were apart of her Jamaican culture, and seeing people immerse themselves in the rhythm of the music, watching it flow through their body was something that she wanted to carry with her throughout life.
“When a woman dances, and moves her hips I consider that art, I thought that was a beautiful thing and it was amazing watching people move and dance to the music; it was so very free.” shares Kay-Ann.
Growing up in Toronto, Kay-Ann saw dance as a dream worth pursuing, but hovering just out of reach. Hoping to find ways to implement elements of dance in her life, she took a ballet class that didn’t quite reach her expectations. Although she enjoyed it, the structure that she craved wasn’t there and had she wanted to pursue it further, it wasn’t going to be financially feasible for her to continue.
“When I was younger, people thought professional dance art forms were things like jazz and ballet,” Kay-Ann explains. “Dancehall or even Soca wasn’t considered in the same league as those styles and although I knew how to do this beautiful Caribbean dance, people didn’t have the same respect for it.”
In high school Kay-Ann realized that she wanted to be able to implement more elements of Dancehall and Soca style dancing into her lifestyle. Kay-Ann attended the Central Technical School in Toronto during her teenage years and participated in many of their talent shows while she was there. Alongside her crew of dancers, Kay-Ann became exclusive to in school performances, becoming very involved in choreographing performances and cultivating her love of dance.
After graduation, Kay-Ann attended George Brown college, studying social work and going on to work in the field for almost seven years. While working in social work was a great career path, her heart and soul was in dance. In order to satiate the rhythm and movement forged in her blood, Kay-Ann started taking dance classes. “At first, I was attending hip-hop classes dancing and training in this mainstream art form,” Kay-Ann explains, “I soon realized that the Caribbean flavour was more in my blood, I wanted to connect more with my cultural roots and share with the world this dance that I grew up with.”
Kay-Ann continued taking various dance classes, training vigorously in the hip-hop, jazz, and even ballet art forms to become more familiar with performance standards, but it was a competitive industry. Since she had a late start in her dance career, there weren’t many dance companies looking to work with her.
She knew that she had to take action and use her initiative to figure out her next move. “People weren’t looking to work with me, so I had to figure out what I was going to do about it,” she says. “I realized that the only thing that I could really do was start teaching my own classes; it would give me a way to perform dance my way.”
Kay-Ann began teaching her own Dancehall and Soca classes, because it was something that she loved and enjoyed every much. She wanted to share her appreciation of it with everyone, and she never thought that it would become a business on its own. “It was more or less me empowering and motivating myself, I wasn’t going to sit back and let people over look me.” says Kay-Ann.
Hoping that her art form and style of dance would get noticed, Kay-Ann rented out dance studios, so that she could use the space to teach her own classes. In 2007 she introduced her first classes around Caribana, teaching Soca and Dancehall classes for those who would be playing mass and participating in Toronto’s biggest Caribbean parade during the summer.
“Believe it or not, but my first couple of classes nobody came.” Kay-Ann laughs. “I used to ask my friends to come to my classes, just so there would be bodies in the room.” At the time her marketing resources were limited to the few social media platforms out there, word of mouth and whatever flyers she could pass out. “Over time it picked up, one person came, then another, and from there it grew what it is today. When I started these classes I honestly never thought that it would transition into a business.”
Many of us love to dance, but don’t consider ourselves dancers. The art of dance comes in many different styles and it’s a skill that we hone and refine. Most people are born with the capacity to perform basic movement and as the music moves through you, your body takes on a mind of its own; the contemporary fluid movement of the body that is the result is known as dance.
Dance programs emphasize fun and fitness while stressing the importance of proper dance technique. The world has become so open minded when it comes to the different styles of dance that each one is now respected as a technique to be utilized, remixed and transformed into a performance to be owned.
Caribbean Movements by Kay-Ann Ward was created out of her passion and zeal to share Caribbean style dance with the world. Through her program, she offers three signature dance classes that include: Dancehall Heat, Socalicious and Wickedest Wine. Each class offers something different and they are meant to be explored by everyone interested in coming out and for a good sweat and a great time.
Attending a Caribbean Movements class taught by Kay-Ann is a liberating experience. It is about connecting with your body, learning what it can do and allowing it to do what it wants. The class accommodates everyone whether you have dance experience or not, and all choreography is broken down step by step, so by the end of the class you’ve learned an entire routine.
In addition to her own classes Kay-Ann is the co-founder of a dance program called UnRuly Gyal created with her business partner Jen Nova who shares her love of Caribbean dance and empowering women. It is a Caribbean dance lifestyle brand geared towards women, that allows them to get in touch with their sensual side. This dance program allows women to both train and perform Dancehall and Soca with the added opportunity to be able to perform for an audience what they have learned.
Regardless of where you are from dancing is in your blood. Kay-Ann’s teaching style is one that encourages her students and participants to learn, let go and have fun. She ensures that the environment is one that is safe and supportive to everyone that attends her classes and workshops. She makes sure that everyone leaves feeling good and accomplished, even though they are sweating and will feel the burn the next day.
“When I started these classes, my biggest challenge was earning the respect for Caribbean style as a serious art form.” Kay-Ann recalls. “Another challenge I faced was believing in myself, I sometimes allowed the opinions of others to occupy my mental space and get to me. I haven’t had the guidance I needed to get this idea up and running. Everything I have done up until this point is the result of trial and error learning what works and what doesn’t.”
Looking toward the future, Kay-Ann is looking to increase her confidence and take this business venture to the next level. “All of my classes offer a fun, high energy and exciting atmosphere, everyone is friendly and I teach the classes so that everyone can learn at their own level.” says Kay-Ann catering to everyone who attends, and accommodating every skill level accordingly.
“This is my culture, with every class I feel like I’m giving these people something that I have been blessed with and I need to share.” Kay-Ann emphasised. “These classes offer a great environment to learn, to work out and overall there is nothing like this in the city it’s something that you have to experience yourself.”
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Featured Business
Turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality with RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Startup Program
Published
5 months agoon
June 24, 2024BY SIMONE J. SMITH
The courage to pursue a passion and turn it into a business can be daunting, especially during times of global uncertainty. Yet, this is exactly what Tarila Morrone, the founder of Heart of Gems, decided to do. Her journey began with an Etsy shop specializing in party supplies, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, drastically reducing social gatherings.
Instead of succumbing to the fear and uncertainty, Tarila embraced the opportunity for deeper connection with her children during the lockdown. She realized the profound importance of this bonding time, which sparked the idea for Heart of Gems. Her new venture is dedicated to helping modern parents with busy schedules foster stronger connections with their children and promote self-love.
Determined to elevate her business, Tarila delved into research and discovered a program designed to aid entrepreneurs, which allowed her to secure the necessary funding to propel herself and her business forward.
Tarila is one of many individuals who has taken their business to the next level with the support of RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program – launched in 2020 with a $100 million commitment. RBC dedicated significant time to thoroughly understand the unique business needs of Black entrepreneurs, which enabled them to develop the following programs tailored to support their growth and success, and has two different solutions:
The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP)
In partnership with Futurpreneur, they committed $40 million through the BESP to offer: small business loans, mentorship, and business resources to Black entrepreneurs aged 18-39.
The RBC Black Entrepreneur Business Loan (BEBL)
Launched in late 2021, the BEBL provides eligible Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey with loans of up to $250,000.
They have successfully provided $14.5 million in loans (approved and/or disbursed) through BEBL and BESP to over 400 businesses since the inception of the Black Entrepreneur Program in 2020.
In addition to BEBL, RBC also continues to serve the entrepreneur community, including Black entrepreneurs, through its full suite of eligible products and services, including the government-backed Canadian Small Business Financing Loans (CSBFL).
In 2021, they invested $1 million in BKR Capital (formerly known as Black Innovation Capital), a venture capital fund that supports the growth of pre-seed and seed- stage Canadian technology businesses led by Black entrepreneurs. Initially targeted at $10 million, the fund had a successful final close with over $18 million in capital commitments in 2022 and is actively building its portfolio.
It is one thing to read about a fantastic opportunity, and it is another thing to hear about it from someone who has found a way to elevate their business by utilizing RBC’s programs. I had a chance to speak with Tarila, and she shared with me the story of her entrepreneurial evolution.
“The idea for Hearts of Gems came about during the pandemic. I knew that it would be helpful to other parents because it had helped me. I had an infant and a toddler, and I had started a party supply business, but the pandemic slowed that business down, and it was an opportunity to zone in and connect with my children.”
“When I decided to pivot, I went on Google to see what was available, and I stumbled across Futurpreneur, and I was then introduced to the Black Entrepreneur Program. I was nervous at first, because it seemed like it was going to be a lengthy, vigorous process.”
“Once I got started, my anxiety let up; I was pleased with the amount of support that I was provided with. The one thing that I learned throughout this process is that entrepreneurship is not meant to be done alone.”
“The financial support helped me obtain the things I needed to get my business going. The saying is true that you need money to make money. I needed people to help me realize my vision, and strategically execute it, and they provided mentorship throughout the duration of the program and after. This allowed me to navigate some of the challenging aspects of entrepreneurship, and a bonus; for the first year, you are paying interest only on the loan, and this allows time for your business to grow, without the weight of burdening payments on your mind.”
Tarila’s story is a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge in challenging times, inspiring others to follow their passions and create something meaningful, even amidst uncertainty. With the help of the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program, Tarila’s dreams became a reality, and if you are ready to take that leap, consider exploring RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program.
Visit rbc.com/blackentrepreneur and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Featured Business
Nervous about your English Proficiency Test; Worry no more! Introducing Pearson|PTE English Language Tests
Published
6 months agoon
May 23, 2024BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“Why is this so hard? I’ve studied, I’ve practiced… but what if I fail? What will happen to my family? The test is next week. If I don’t pass, I don’t know what I’ll do. Everyone says it’s really hard, and I can’t afford to fail…”
Canada is a land of opportunity, a place where dreams can come true. For many new immigrants, becoming a permanent resident, or Canadian citizen is a significant milestone in their journey. It can be a long, and paper laden process that includes medical examinations, background and security checks, proof of funds, educational credential assessments, biometrics, citizenship tests, the interview and of course.
The English Proficiency Test! This is one aspect of this journey that does cause a high level of stress. Naturally, taking a language test in another country, especially after a long hiatus from any form of testing, can be an intensely overwhelming experience. The unfamiliar environment, coupled with the pressure of demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language, can amplify anxiety. Additionally, the absence of recent test-taking practice may lead to self-doubt and apprehension, making the overall experience particularly daunting.
Of course! The test can be daunting, but what if we told you that there was a way for you to effectively, and efficiently prepare; a platform offering practice tests that simulate the actual English Proficiency Test required for Canadian permanent residency, or citizenship?
Introducing, Pearson|PTE English Language Tests the world-leading provider of English language tests recognized worldwide by universities, colleges, governments, and professional bodies. Trusted by 3,500+ universities and colleges globally, their ambition is to support test takers every step of the way for a true worry-free experience.
At Pearson, their purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. They believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That is why their 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. They are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in 200 countries with: digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data.
PTE Core was created in response to Canadian economic migration needs. It is already recognized by more than 97% of universities and 95% of colleges in Canada. the UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications, and PTE Academic is also accepted by 100% of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 99% of UK universities.
With an increased focus on supporting Canada’s economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth, IRCC is increasing its Levels Plan to further address the growing demand for the coming years. With high demand in Canada for professionals in areas such as: nursing, engineering and web development, the approval of PTE Core arrives at a good time for test takers and opens new opportunities for Pearson.
“I am grateful to PTE for providing such an intellectual test. It was easy to prepare and understand the format. The training and support also helped a lot in explaining methods.” Syeda, Malaysia
Currently, they are offering a free taster test as well as an online guided practice test for test takers to familiarize themselves with the test experience and to optimize their preparation time and improve their skills. In addition, test takers have access to a ton of resources like the PTE Core Handbook to support their test taker journey.
PTE Core is a new addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, sharing many of the unique characteristics of PTE Academic. It is relevant for the vocational test taker, and designed with a real-life, non-academic focus. It was created to meet Canada’s specific migration needs and the IRCC’s language proficiency requirements but could be used to assess the English proficiency of vocational test takers in any country.
Approved last year by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), PTE Core can now be taken to provide proof of English language efficiency for the purposes of permanent economic immigration to Canadian citizenship. Some other great benefits include:
- It meets the Canadian Government’s requirements based on migration needs
- It tests four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- It enables people to be themselves in English – it has a vocational and real-life focus
- They use a unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise that reduces the risk of bias
- PTE Core test takers will enjoy the same features as PTE Academic test takers.
- The test can be booked online 24 hours in advance, is computer based and taken in a test center
- Results are usually within 48 hours
- Accepted for visa applications to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK
PTE Core uses similar item types to PTE Academic, but focuses on general English, making it more relevant for test takers. Test questions were developed with detailed specifications and field tested to ensure reliability and validity. Below is what you can expect as a test taker:
- Part 1: Speaking & Writing (This section will test your speaking and writing skills in around 50 minutes)
- Part 2: Reading (This section will test your reading skills in around 30 minutes)
- Part 3: Listening (This section will test your listening skills in around 30 minutes)
Pearson’s vision: to be the world’s leading destination for people committed to building and improving their English proficiency, and with 1.5 billion people currently learning English, there is a big opportunity to grow across the globe.
Gio Giovannelli, President of the English Language Learning division at Pearson, shares, “We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers across the world. It was designed to test real life language skills and allows test takers to showcase their proficiency and be themselves in English. Whether people are looking to work, study or migrate to Canada, there’s a Pearson English language proficiency test that suits their requirements.”
Support and preparation can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you need. Start your journey today. Visit https://www.pearsonpte.com/ to learn more.
Prepare with confidence. Achieve your dreams. Welcome to Canada!
Featured Business
The Silent Hero: Why every business needs a good bookkeeper Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants
Published
6 months agoon
May 21, 2024BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“I received a call, and the client started crying. She had a business, her bookkeeping and taxes were everywhere, and she was feeling overwhelmed. She only used Excel, and she wanted to save money.”
“I can do what you want me to do, but that won’t help you. How about we offer you something that will help you out.”
In the fast-paced world of business, where attention is often drawn to flashy marketing campaigns and innovative products, there exists a silent hero that operates behind the scenes, largely unnoticed yet indispensable to the success of any enterprise or small business. Meet Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants – the unsung guardian of financial integrity and stability.
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to overlook the crucial role that a good bookkeeper plays. They are the backbone of our financial operations, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for, every transaction is recorded accurately, and every decision is grounded in reliable data.
Beyond the mundane task of number-crunching, a skilled bookkeeper serves as a strategic partner, offering valuable insights and guiding prudent financial decisions. From budgeting and forecasting to tax compliance and financial analysis, their expertise is indispensable in navigating the complex terrain of business finance.
To think; the smallest financial oversight can have far-reaching consequences, and this is why the value of a proficient bookkeeper cannot be overstated. They are the guardians of fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the financial health of your business remains robust and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
“Having a good bookkeeper onboard provides businesses with the clarity and transparency they need to steer the ship in the right direction,” shares Gloria Kapuku, CPA and founder at Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants. “These reports enable us to identify trends, spot potential risks, and capitalize on opportunities for growth.”
“We have a meeting first; during our meeting we let you explain your system. I need to understand you. I then share our process and let them see how things could be. People are resistant, so we take things slowly.”
The full bookkeeping system involves the systematic: recording, organizing, and summarizing of financial transactions within a business. It begins with the initial entry of transactions such as: sales, purchases, payroll, and expenses into the accounting system. Subsequently, these entries are categorized and posted to appropriate accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting principles.
Throughout the cycle, reconciliations are conducted to match records and identify discrepancies, followed by the preparation of financial statements, including: the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Lastly, the cycle culminates in closing entries, ensuring that revenue and expense accounts are reset for the next accounting period. Overall, full-cycle bookkeeping provides a comprehensive overview of an organization’s financial health, facilitating informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.
“One of the first things that I tell my clients,” Gloria shares, “Is let’s set up proper procedure. We set up a step-by-step plan and enforce the workflow. We meet every month to ensure you are staying on course. Then we meet every three months, and then we do a yearly check -in.”
Incredibly, Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants have fantastic resources on their website including Mentorship and Coaching Services that will help you achieve your personal, business, or career goals. Their goal is to introduce you to new ways of thinking, challenging your limiting assumptions, sharing valuable life lessons, and much more.
They have your bookkeeping basics, a DIY in how to keep your books and records clean. Topics of discussion include:
- Why is bookkeeping important?
- Best way and software for bookkeeping
- Important activities in bookkeeping
- How to master bookkeeping
Bookkeeping practices
- Mix or separate personal and business income and purchases?
- What are internal controls?
- Bank transactions, electronic or paper format?
- What is bank reconciliation?
- What are financial reports?
- What are records?
- Excel worksheet or accounting system?
- Tax forms.
- Accountants, CPAs, and tax professionals/planning
The team also does a deep dive into the numbers – financial statements and balancing the books. They also have a Bookkeeping – Advance Mentoring and Coaching Sessions (10-15 hours) where they explore different types of bookkeeping accounts, what they are, what they do, and how to book them. These sessions include:
- Accounting Basics
- Debits and Credits
- Chart of Accounts
- Bookkeeping
- Accounting Equation
- Accounting Principles
- Financial Accounting
- Adjusting Entries
- Financial Statements
- Balance Sheet
- Working Capital and Liquidity
- Income Statement
- Bank Reconciliation
- Accounts Receivable and Bad Debts Expense
- Accounts Payable
- Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold
- Depreciation
- Payroll Accounting
- Stockholders’ Equity
- Nonprofit Accounting
Ready to get started? You can book a 15-minute free consultation for any of the topics below:
- “Ask us anything” service provides a free consultation where you can ask us about tax, accounting, bookkeeping, incorporating and more.
- Book a 15-minute scheduling call with us to discuss which mentorship and coaching is appropriate for you!
- Tax preparation, where the focus is on operating your business and personal affairs, knowing that your tax needs are being fully met.
So, the next time you glance over the balance sheet, or pore over financial statements, remember the silent hero who works tirelessly behind the scenes – Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants, whose meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication keep the wheels of your business turning smoothly.
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