“What do we write on this line?” one of the dancers asked the director in regards to the release form. He replied, “Glue….or well, Bubble. We haven’t decided on the title of the film yet….” I still am not exactly sure what “Glue” or “Bubble” pertains to just yet, but I do know it’s the title of the short film I worked on a few early mornings ago. Exhausted, I was up at 645am. Now, I am aware this is a totally normal time for many of you and perhaps even a bit late for some of you super early uppers, but for me and my body today, this was an intense hour!

On my way to the shoot, I arrived in downtown LA just before 9am at the Blankenship Ballet Academy to find a few dancers warming up and myself without a parking spot! Now knowing that I was in the right location, where was I to park? I had precariously left my car in an alley around the corner from the shoot location since I left my house in an early morning daze without any money in my wallet to pay for parking. As I walked outside of the studio to ponder my parking demise, I bumped into the director who graciously gave me the money to move my car to a lot where I would be free from any potential tickets!

The shoot took just a few short hours.  Filming warms-ups on the barre, I somehow ended up playing the ballet mistress!  Actually, I was teaching class between takes and the “class” I was teaching turned into the shoot itself! It was a nice work out for all of us and it became even more inspirational as the dancers affirmed me that they loved my class and choreography! Overall it was a lovely morning dancing and networking with lovely people.  As for Glue/Bubble, well, hopefully the ballet “moment” will be a success in the final cut! 

Me and the Girls

…..just another one of the girls ;)

The Cast of Glue/Bubble

I pulled up to the Showboat Hotel and Casino in the finest style.  At approximately midnight east coast time, I stepped out of the limo and into my life for the next 6 weeks.  My dear friend who is a very talented dancer & choreographer “Jboogie”, formerly with the Groovaloos, was there to greet and brief me on the project that he actually brought me into.  A firm believer in my talents, he told the production team of X-Burlesque about me and was the reason I was hired on for this gig. 

The same day that I arrived in Atlantic City was the same day I left Las Vegas!  I literally rolled out of bed and into my suitcase. Within 4 hours of the phone call that I received saying my plane was about to leave and I wouldn’t be coming home for 6 weeks, I was packed and ready to go on my next adventure – as I always am or so I thought. 

How to Live in a Hotel for 6 Weeks:

1.  Make really good friend with your cleaning lady – she’ll go above and beyond for you if you do!   Not only did she do a phenomenal job cleaning my room everyday, but she would leave me sweet notes like, “Janell tomorrow is my day off.  Here are some extra towels and tissues for you.”  That’s a pretty outstanding cleaning lady right there!  Plus, when you live alone in a hotel room for 6 weeks, your cleaning lady can be a really good listening ear!

2. Get to know the concierge and front desk staff from every shift really well because when you loose your room key for the second time in a single day, they’ll replace it for you without too much hassle.

3. Be cool with the heads of entertainment.  It really helps out when you are a girl in this situation because most of the time “heads of entertainment” (ie. Sound techs, stage managers, food and beverage coordinators) are usually guys.  I can’t even begin to tell you how many great concerts I saw for free in the House of Blues conveniently located inside my 6 week place of residence! 

 4. Need that morning cup of Joe?  Spend those extra few minutes chatting up with your Bucky’s barista and your next latte is sure to be on the house!

Okay so why was I in Atlantic City again?  Oh ya, this burlesque show!  It actually ended up being a lot of fun because I had the opportunity to be the “featured” pole dancer.  It really challenged me to get stronger and take my dancing to another level.  It was my focus and passion while I was there and inspired me to continue with my pole training even after I left.  So how did all the magic of living in the Showboat in Atlantic City come to a close?  Well, I had to go back to Vegas to do another show!  Otherwise, I’d run out of things to write about!   

Traveling with the Fercos Brothers for a week of shows in Aguas Calientes, Mexico, I was filled with excitement and anticipation for an adventure in a new city.  Six showgirls, 2 illusionists, 1 breakdancer, a few strong stagehands, and a lot of big cats were what created entertainment at its best on this production…and entertainment and “a production” were certainly an understatement when I reflect back on all the crazy adventures we experienced together on this trip!

The San Marcos Fair is what brought this eclectic and talented group of entertainers together.  Amidst the week of performances, we came into some of the best partying and nightlife Mexico had to offer.  With live entertainment around every corner, this was an outdoor, shoulder to shoulder, drinking, dinning, and dancing atmosphere that stands to only be compared to the festivities of Rio de Jainaro and Mardi Gras.

On a side note, Mexico is a fruitarians gold mine!  And being that I’m vegan, I felt like I hit the jackpot!  Everywhere I turned, a different vendor filled my eyes with the delightful colors of God’s most beautiful and nutritious gifts to us - fruit!  Guava being one of my favorite fruits, it always seemed to be available which made me happy on so many levels - especially since it’s difficult to get in the states.  Soft and delicious with an aromatic floral smell, this little bite sized round goodie makes my mouth water every time!  Needless to say, I was never hungry on this trip!

On our first night of performing we quickly realized that we were on an outdoor, Hollywood Bowl style stage – except a lot cheaper!  Consequently, this makes you subject to all sorts of weather conditions!  During the day, our dress rehearsals were subjected to serious wind and heat. Therefore, exhaustion, dehydration, and irritation certainly followed.  But when night fell and it was time to perform, who doesn’t get excited and pull it together when the opening number of the show is “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by the Scorpions!?!  And it only gets better when you’re dressed in a bright blue “Dallas Cowgirl” style outfit. I mean, c’mon…I was pumped!

Despite some, well many of our drunk nights, flavorful showmances, costumes that didn’t quite fit right, crazy winds during our performances, and the occasional temperamental outburst, I had a blast on this trip!  I love dancing, I love being onstage in feathers and rhinestones, I love traveling, and it’s even better when your with great people! Needless to say, our theater of approximately 3,000 plus audience members received us with nightly standing ovations!  I’m excited and hopeful to be invited back to the San Marcos Fair next year!

From the people of Mexico, I took home with me the beauty of their open hearts.  Even though many times it was difficult to communicate, they have a very special way of making you feel at home.  Love, affection, and connection with family and friends are beautiful and imperative aspects of their lifestyle and culture.  Their hospitality and generosity uplifted my spirit and I only want to continually live my life in a way that reflects what I experienced – Mexico.

The San Marcos Fair!

Me on a mechanical bull….

….and the real bull!

Rock you like a hurricane!

…..still writing.  We’ve now relocated to a new area in Lagos for the grand finale of the Maltina Dance All 2010. Staying at the “beach front” Best Western Hotel on Victoria Island is a mile of improvement from what I last wrote about!  Altho, I again have to compliment the Nigerian Accommodation Center for providing the friendliest and most helpful staff in Lagos it still doesn’t quite beat the view, Pier One Imports rug, and built-in hair dryer in the bathroom I now have in my new hotel room! 

In preparation for the grand finale, myself, Michael (my dance partner and fellow judge), and the other instructors from the show spent several hours rehearsing a piece directed by Abimbola Obafunwa that we would present live to the nation!  A conglomeration of ballet, African, salsa, partnering, and any other moves we could possibly think of, our dance finished with Michael flipping me upside down and dropping me into the splits – we were sure this move would be a hit!

On the day of the final performance in the Eko Hotel – which is the largest hotel in Lagos, the final 5 families presented both their contemporary African and hip hop dance pieces.  All of the families danced beautifully, but of course there could only be 1 winner.  I am certainly glad that I stepped out of my judging shoes for the night and turned over my “decision making” responsibilities to the nation!  Just like we have here in the states, the nation had to call in and vote for their favorite family to win. 

While the votes were coming in, we surprised everyone by making our final appearance onstage and showing our moves on the dance floor.  A hit indeed!  The audience cheered and since the finale performance I have received many emails complimenting our dancing!  As for the families, they all walked away with a monetary prize and the experience of a lifetime. As for me, until next year….Maltina Dance All 2010 was a success!

Muyiwa Osinake, myself, Michael Adegoke, & Victor Phullu at the grand finale

Michael Adegoke, Mrs. Adegoke, myself, Abimbola Obafunwa, Mr. Adegoke, and Muyiwa Osinake

3 Judges

Our final moment!

Maltina Dance All 2010 judges, Janell Burgess and Michael Adegoke

Muyiwa, Kemi, Janell, and Michael share some maltina at the judges table  

Shae, Michael, Janell, and Carl share final moments together before heading back to Lagos….

Having fun by the pool with the most amazing staff at Nigerian Accommodation Center in Lagos

Leaving Ogun state where we finished filming our last episode of Maltina Dance All 2010 before the grand finale, I’m now sitting in a common area of the Nigerian Accomodation Center where we are lodging for much of the remainder of my time here.  Altho I was a little sad to leave behind the last 20 days of my life, I’m excited to begin to wrap up another successful project and move ahead in my entertainment career.

As we traveled back to Lagos this afternoon, I was looking forward to spending some time in a major city.  Unaware of our exact accommodations until our arrival today, I have found myself yet again in another situation where I am without any internet. My room at present suffers from severe water damage on the ceiling and it appears to still be leaking as I write.  Needless to say, I’m a little bummed right now due to my inability to communicate with anyone at home.  Granted things could be significantly worse and I have to say that the people here in Nigeria are always very loving and welcoming, but I really just wanna pick up my phone right now and call a friend, or two, or my mom, or my dad. Why can’t I make a phone call you might be wondering?  Well it’s a little more complex than just some serious roaming charges (of which I would totally pay right now btw). 

 So here’s the low down on my phone situation: verizon simply just doesn’t exist here in Nigeria. “Can you hear me now?”  Uh no, I’m in Africa!  Oh and even if I could simply use my phone, you must pay for your phone time up front by purchasing an mtn calling card.  So if I happen to be out of minutes and not near a place to purchase a calling card - no talk time for me.  In that instance you then do what is known as “flashing” the person you want to speak with.  Which is equivalent to “paging.”   Old school right?  Bet you haven’t heard the word “paging” in a while!  So, in the meantime, I’ll just keep writing……

Getting ready for tonight!  It’s the last dance off for the Maltina Dance All 2010 before the live grand finale.  Just for a little recap of what the Maltina Dance All is:  We started with ten families comprised of five members and of those five members, one primary representative dancer takes on the responsibility of leading and guiding their family in creating winning choreographies to perform for the nation and the judges (that’s me!)  Every few days, the families are presented with a different dance style they are expected to “master”.  Traditional African, Jive/Swing, Pantomime/Theatrical, Hip Hop, and Contemporary African are the styles of dance given to the families this year.  In a few short days with the help of a professional dancer and expert in that specialized style of dance the families are led to create a 2.5 minute dance piece.  They perform and then are judged by three dance experts: Michael Adegoke, Muyiwa Osinaike, and of course….me!  During our deliberation we conclude who the weakest families are and they are then placed on possible “eviction” from the Maltina Dance Academy.  If placed on eviction, the families are given 1 day to improve their performance and then battle on the dance floor for a remaining spot in the competition. 

So here I am at the “judges table”, reading the script for tonight’s taping and contemplating what the families will bring to this eviction performance.  Fortunately, we have already decided that we love all of the families want to send them all on to the next round.  It would take a serious, “mess up” by a family to alter our decision.  I’m now at ease and looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the show!

This is what happens when Muyiwa and Michael stress me out! ha! 

The 3 unstoppables - Muyiwa, myself and Michael!!

Look at these 3 sexy judges! yes!

Maltina the tag line is “nourishment for life”  what does it mean?

I’ve been a little behind on my blogging and that’s due to the fact that I have had the great pleasure of working one on one with the remaining families of the Maltina Dance All 2010!  Teaching dance classes to a group of approximately 30 people with minimal dance training (but some serious talent in their bones!) and ranging in age from 9 – 50 yrs old was certainly a challenge. Throughout my two days of teaching, I was blessed to have an assistant.  By my side, team teaching with me was the very talented Carl James.  A former contestant on Maltina Dance All and now returning this year to assist in production, Carl is a focused dancer who uses his talents to enable the progression of dance here in Nigeria.  Just prior to the two days of teaching class, Carl and I spent many hours together in the studio.  Not only preparing music, warms up sequences, and progressions, but we also created a 1.5 minute piece of choreography to perform for the families.  Working late hours in the studio after filming episodes, Carl and I would work to create and perfect our choreography.  It’s always such a pleasure to work with someone who is open minded and gives positive and constructive feedback regarding ideas and movement.  Working collaboratively for me, once I am comfortable with another artist, I feel is a very productive way to create. Having him as a friend and dance partner throughout my journey here in Nigeria couldn’t have been a greater gift!  The day for us to perform for the 6 remaining families had finally arrived.  Clapping joyously for us as we entered the studio, they were eager to see their judge and family confidant/coach tear it up on the dance floor. Performing together was a blast and thankfully we were well received not only by the families, but when the episode finally aired, the nation too applauded our efforts!  Educating, inspiring, and informing people with a desire to further their knowledge of dance is truly my heart and I hope I continue to have these beautiful moments to share throughout my life. 

With me is the very talented Carl James :o)

The amazing Adejo family gives me a “lift” after taping their successful performance

The very handsome Nelson and Abang Families

So I’m sitting in the cafeteria right now – a partially grey painted ceiling, three white walls, and one brightly painted orange wall.  Lined with symmetrically arranged 70”s style art deco wooden squares on the orange wall and individually floral shaped, mirror backed ceiling lights, I’ve now come to realize, “I’m not in Africa, I’m really inside IKEA!”  But oh wait, news flash, wake up Janell, approximately 20 feet away from me stands two men dressed very casually with, but of course, guns slung over their shoulder.  You know those same guns that when you wanna drive over the border of Mexico and California? Yeah, those guns.  Presently, one of the men is collecting his lunch from the buffet line while the other man is having a little chat on the telephone – just chillin’ with his gun over his shoulder as if it were his man bag.

They both work here at the hotel or a.k.a. the “compound”.  It can be referred to as a compound because we are gated into the hotel.  Excuse me, “gated” isn’t even the correct word….we are completely “walled” into the hotel.  And at the entrance is where the men with large border patrol guns stand post to approve entrance of any vehicle or person through the “garage-like” doors of this hotel.  To say the least, I feel super safe!

Okay, I’m back in IKEA now….I know where the inspiration comes from….the motherland of course! Where so many things that we forget to give credit to got their origins.  Not just nifty wall décor, but hip hop dance for instance….movement derived straight from the 16,000 and still counting tribal dances that exist here in Nigeria. 

Anyhow, so more reasons I’m inside IKEA right now….on every table of course sits a salt and pepper shaker .  White and ceramic half moon shaped little shakers that fit perfectly around a little circular toothpick holder.  So convenient, so IKEA, so Africa, and we are all so connected.

Maltina Families enjoying a nice meal in their IKEA style table and chairs…notice the orange walls and wooden wall decor :o)

My IKEA style salt and pepper shaker with a circular ceramic toothpick holder in the center…handy indeed!