7 LESSONS FROM THE ULTIMATE CULT CLASSIC DIRTY DANCING THAT YOU CAN USE TODAY

I was randomly searching for a dance movie when I chanced upon Dirty Dancing, a rare and mystical cosmic finding. Primarily, it's a coming-of-age story that revolves around Frances "Baby" Houseman, who goes on a summer vacation with her family at a resort and ends up falling in love with the charismatic dance instructor, Johnny Castle. The editing, cinematography, and sound were pure excellence, but what truly resonated was how it subtly touched on powerful themes of classicism, prejudice, and justice. And of course, there’s the Oscar-winning song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," which perfectly accompanies the phenomenal final choreography.

Beyond the iconic dance moves and the sizzling romance, the film is packed with powerful lessons that still hold true today. Here are seven of the most important takeaways from Dirty Dancing.

Tell the Truth

I am of the view that if Johnny hadn't taken responsibility for Penny's pregnancy, he would have had a better start with her father, Jake Houseman. In essence, don't blatantly shoulder another's burden when you aren't sure that they would do the same for you.

Believe in Yourself

You can do anything you put your mind to. Believing in yourself has to be innate and organic. Baby showed that trait the moment she committed to learning the Mambo.

Be Helpful

Who would have known that helping with the watermelons was going to open up a whole new world for Baby? Who would have known that volunteering to cover for Penny would lead to her learning some intricate dance moves?

Be Brave and Prepared

The film depicted the injustice to entertainers—where they are forced to stick to a particular formula because that has always been what worked. For Johnny, even though he was fired, he was brave enough to step on the stage to deliver the final dance he always did. Oo, the Johnny came prepared to slay. Even though Baby didn't have the heads up about Johnny's storming in, she was dressed to perfection.

Speak Up

Stand up for yourself and for others. As Frances Houseman so famously said, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” She was so willing to speak up in defense of Johnny as an alibi, knowing the possible consequences.

Practice Makes Perfect

In the beginning, Baby was such a terrible dancer, but after weeks of constant practice, she nailed the Mambo and gave us the climactic lift.

Be humble

It was so bold of Mr Houseman to admit his wrong into he end. Like they say, pride goes before a fall.

Still smiling in the dream world... 

Almost A Fairytale

  Heart pounding like a blacksmith's hammer, feet trembling like a tunning fork, hands shaking like a leaf ... 

The fire engulfed the surroundings, dark flames rubbed and licked the air, smoke crawled into my nostrils, enraged roar striked to and fro, but I was stuck in the tower with absolutely nowhere to go. I looked on with terror as the dragon spited fire and I found myself staring at death right in its face.

Out of nowhere, I see a knight in shining armour fighting the dragon. He vigorously kicked the creature and stabbed into its body with an exceptionally large sword. Pain shrieks arose as its life dissipated, exploding into ashes.

He expertly climbed the tower like a mercenary on a rescue mission. I felt a halo of warmth as he wrapped me in his arms. I was saved! Just like a fairytale!

Somehow, by some freakily captivating ancient magic, true love manoeuvred its way into the depths of our beings- the instant we locked lips.

The emperor throws a big wedding feast for us the next day. And we live happily ever after.

-------

The music echoing from the vintage music box jolted me out of my daydream. 

   The undiluted truth is that as I read more and more of these fairytales, I was mesmerized and wanted to live out my own, despite its Improbability in this new world that preaches about being miss Independent and rescuing oneself. I wanted my own Gen Z vision of an enthralling love story, etched in stone as a fairytale rolling on from on generation to the next. 

Above is a gist of the story of Alison who wants to live her fairytale, but life shows her something that is completely opposite, but equally captivating. 

To learn more about her story, click on the image below. 

My book "Chasing the Fantasy" is also available on Amazon. You can buy it using this link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097TNCW6D

Still smiling in the dream world... 

12 WAYS OF HARNESSING THE SUPERPOWER CALLED MYSTERY

When people keep guessing, when people keep wondering... that gives you mystery.  

The oxford dictionary describes it as: "something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain". Mystery is needed in order to be interesting and classy. It is the most attractive jewelery a person can wear, especially in a world where privacy is striped away. These are 12 ways to keep an aura of mystery.

1. Don't overshare on social media: Some people clip their daily activities on social media like a pinterest board. They are so traceable- it is pathetic. 

2. To be mysterious, you have to simply shut up and move in silence. Talking too much can land you in trouble- you never know when what you are saying would get around to other people. Don't be eager to clarify rumours or gossip through the grapevine.  

3. Don't go into detail: No one deserves to know all about you in a split second. Let people earn the right to know certain things about you; more so, be discrete about your personal information. You don't have to he over exposed to be seen as genuine or authentic. You definitely, don't have to always reveal what you are doing. Say something and leave the rest to the imagination.

4. Sometimes you don't have to reply or explain yourself to nosy individuals. Let people think what they think about you, you certainly do not have to fill in the gaps. In all honesty, what they think of you is none of your business. 

5. Don't wear your emotions on your sleeve: Be less animated, giggly and smiley. Simply put, appear calm and collected. Emotional privacy is really helpful in a professional environment, and it is a sign of maturity.  

6. Don't be a pleaser, seeking approval from others. Someone else opinion doesn't have to be your reality. Trying to do so makes you appear desperate.

You can be the ripest, juicest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody that hates peaches~ Dita Von Teese

 7. Be yourself: Keep your own individuality. Well, don't fit in, stand out, for authenticity is power.

8. Set boundaries: learn to say no and never anyone to walk all over you. 

9. Exude confidence: People smell confidence and are attracted to it. Like they say, "confidence is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. 

10. Avoid attention seking behaviors. As pink said: "once you've discovered what respect tastes like, it tastes better than attention".

11. Be busy: get busy with your goals and dreams; people are not into those that are always available to them, especially men. 

12. Shift focus unto the other person: ask people about their lives and problems. People love to be heard and talked to about themselves.

Love, 

Elizabeth. 

SEASON GREETINGS

What a year it has been-

From the cocky headed covid 19 that brought the whole world to a halt, showing us just how much we needed one another, to the boring yet scandulous election that almost pulled the rug from under our feet, testing our democracy in the most daring and craziest of ways; and the numerous aha moments that made footprints in history: racial awakening, protests, blatant corruption, etc

Hmm... a lot has been learnt! Perhaps, the biggest lesson being that we learn just as much from the things that go wrong than we do from the things that go right... yet through it all, God has showed himself faithful and we so close to defeating Covid 19 (ain't so tough after all).

Gradually the year is ebbing away like the ink of an old manuscript, growing fainter and fainter... but fortunately, it is the most wonderful time of the year. 

Whether you are outside or stuck indoors, I hope you're snugged perfectly in the arms of Joy, hugged with glee and reverberated with peace.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!!! 

L♥️ve, Elizabeth. 

FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN: THE FILMMAKING PROCESS

Have you ever watched a movie, then said to yourself "it could have been better"? As innocuous as the question may be, you must realise that it shows your potential film making prowess. When I first watched the sun is also a star, I was really moved by the storyline, but I did not like the cinematography. So I did what any normal human being would do, I googled the ratings and checked its performance at the box office. Truth be told,  it was abysmal.

Boredpanda.com

Most people watch rom- coms for the feel good effect, but looking beyond that, there is a lot more to learn. When you are able to dissect a film and write what you like and what you don't like about it, you learn so much more. That's what most film directors, actors and producers do. They incorporate the lessons in their future projects, and boom we have blockbusters!

I love to dance, more than anything I love to write. It is amazing how from a writer's mind, we end up with timeless classics and blockbusters. When Margaret Mitchell wrote the novel, Gone with the wind in 1936, she did not anticipate how massive it was going to be. Immediately it was adapted to film, it set a whole different tone and vibe in film making. Ultimately, 1939's Gone with the wind, the first multicolored film, has received 10 Academy awards  and holds the title of highest grossing film of all time when adjusted for infation. Though it has been deemed problematic in the wake of the black lives matter movement,  we cannot deny its pure genuity. 

In the same vein, 1941's Citizen Kane, 1972's Godfather, 1997's Titanic and a host of others have led to modern remakes, sequels and derivatives. For instance, If you've watched closely, you see striking similarities between 2001's  white chicks and the 1959's Some like it hot.

 

With the advent of Computer- generated Imagery (CGI), filmmaking and story telling have conquered new feats where fantasy and reality are seemingly one. The marvel cinematic universe, star wars, jurassic park and DC extended universe franchises are proof of the wonder of CGI.

Elitereaders.net

From the gruelling process in the writing room where scripts are revised and rewritten to when they are finally end up on our screens, this whole film making process can be said to be an arduous yet satisfying one. As I am editing a self made film and adding music here and there,  I challenge you to write down a list of 10 films you have watched more than once and what made each special.

 

Here is my list:  

1. To all the boys I've loved before

2. Pretty Woman

3. Legally Blonde

4. Mr and Mrs. Smith

5. 16 candles

6. The devil wears Prada

7. Bridget Jones' Diary

8. The Princess Diaries

9. Miss congeniality

10. Creed

Thanks for stopping by. 

With love, 

Liz.

Still smiling in the dream world...

TAKING THE POLITICS OUT OF POLITICS

Day in and day out, there is a new story about another gargantuan loan the incumbent government has gone for. These come with stringent and dreadful conditions that are concealed from the citizens. Indeed, this whole pandemic has served invariably as a portal for politicians to hoard money in the full glaring view of the populace. And when questioned, they mumble fallacies. But after all, we are in an election year. You catch my drift?

On the campaign train, big promises are made, yet almost never fulfilled. What they sell is almost always a facade. And that triggers doubt about the appeal of the whole process. It is sometimes irritating when the ruling government is so bent on not continnuing laudable projects of the past administration or imbibing the ideal ideas of the opposition. The bigotry of it all! 

It is tempting to fall into comparison, thinking that the grass is greener elsewhere, but they've all got their issues; issues of control of the democracy by funders and what's more. Nevertheless, politics, though not perfect, works. 

Politics is so much interwined with our daily lives, yet sadly majority care less about it or simply know only enough to carry on a conversation. This apolitical attitude stems from people feeling incapable of making input to the change. So most end up being preoccupied with solely what's happening in their own little corner and solving their own manageable problems.

Like Pericles stated, "Just because you do not take interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't affect you". The price of the product you buy at the grocery store and even health insurance are all dictated by politics. Again, the locomotion during this social distancing period and likely, the distribution of covid- 19 vaccines are prevised by politics. 

Politics is about creating an atmosphere of growth and advancement,  justice and peace. However,  when the true essence of politics is lost, it becomes a factory for making personal wealth and sponsoring egocentric ambitions. Taking the politics out of politics is about being selfless, compassionate and preserving the national heritage. It is call on politicians and citizens alike to be better and do better. 

With love,

Elizabeth.

#takingthepoliticsoutofpolitics #staypositive #staysafe #stayhome  

NAVIGATING THE DEPTHS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND DEALING WITH THE VICISSITUDES DURING THIS PANDEMIC

Watching the 2015 animated film, Inside Out was like peering through the depths of emotional intelligence.  For centuries mankind has spared no efforts in finding out the various dimensions of this form of intelligence,  EQ.  The fact that Daniel Goleman's international bestseller 'Emotional Intelliegence' has sold over 5 million copies in 40 different languages proves just that.

gonewiththetwins

Inside out gave a paranomic view of the five core emotions ( Joy, Sadness, Fear,  Anger and Disgust) and how their interplay affects decisions and choices. A teachable lesson from the movie is that every emotion is important and that it is important to get comfortable even with the uncomfortable ones. I have spoken briefly about it in a previous post.  One of the most trying times is navigating emotions following a break-up. You feel all these emotions that are dreaded and yearn for a quick fix. However, it is when you harness and grow out of them, do you see real change. Ultimately, every emotion is "Energy in Motion".

In 1995, Daniel Goleman did propose that emotinal intelligent people have four fundamental capabilities of self- awaressness, self regulation, social awareness and social skils. But, what has really intrigued me about emotionally intelligent people is the fact that they can be very manipulative, yet hardly get manipulated.  Since we all need to know how to spot a user and overall, live in the blissful land of emotional intelligence,  here are 5 steps to achieving that.

Read people
Watch body language, observe and evaluate people's actions and reactions. One thing that most tend to overlook is the fact that reactions are data.

Learn the Fine Art of Communication
Emotionally intelligent people are able to communicate difficult feelings. They don't get irrationally mad with their partners, they say the hard truth in sincerity and love and don't create unnecessary drama. They are assertive and have a laudable ability to listen.

Look at things from a third person view point
Take yourself form the narrative and adress whatever issue you are dealing with as a third party. This detachment allows you to make decisions that are not clouded by emotions. Besides, being skeptical is a good thing. If something sounds to good to be true, then probably it is.

Predict Behaviour, Manage Expectations
The best predictor of future Behavior is past Behavior. Knowing how perosn is likely to act in situation x, y and z, you can better handle expectations. It is best to have low expectations of people; strive to give to yourself,  what you seek for from others, be it vallidation or approval.

Have a Positive Attitude
The key to having a positive attitude is cultivation of positive thoughts. Optimistic individuals do get negative thoughts,  but they quickly replace them with positive ones. Like it is wisely said, a thought precedes an emotion.

          While I am wondering how the heck people are making millions on tiktok during this pandemic, I am tempted to ponder on how others are dealing with the whirlwind collage of emotions. Indeed, this is no time to be hyper- emotional, it is a call for adaptation. It is also a subtle reminder to the 4A's of stress management: avoid,  alter, adapt or accept. De- stress, unwind and find ways of sparkling joy around; put on your fab playlist and have a little dance party. This too shall pass!

          As the sage Lucius Annaeus Seneca said, "If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you're needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person".

#Staypositive #Stayhome #Staysafe

THE SUPER SLICK REASON WHY FASHION IS A STATEMENT: AND WHY CORONAVIRUS IS MAKING IT MORE OBVIOUS

It is easy to feel that fashion doesn't affect you. Afterall, what we see on the runway appear more ridiculous and somewhat bizzare. But they are made that way for a purpose; to grab your attention and to make a statement. One way or another, our everyday wear does trickle down from the runway.

Sitting down with my legs stretched outward, hair all pulled up on top of my head, skewered by pins, I looked at the words on my top that read "life is too short to wear boring clothes".

And I couldn't agree more. Even if you are just lounging around in the house, especially during this quarantine period, wear your best clothes.

Fashion has revolved and evolved over the years and continues to do so, but there are some things that remain classic like the Levi jeans, Saint Laurent tuxedo and the Burberry trench.

It is interesting to know that Coco Chanel was the first to begin borrowing her boyfriend's trousers and started wearing them as a fashion statement. She was way ahead of her time! She is one of the motivations behind my recent obsession with Luxury brands. Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Givenchy et. al offer exceptional creativity and longevity.  Without any shrek of doubt, luxury items are investment.

Fashion is a way to look alike, yet it is also a way to stand out. It offers a unique avenue to express our moods, our social positions or even our beliefs. Evidently, the met gala remains a fortitude for the biggest names in fashion to put on a true spectacle of dazzle. From Rihanna's 2015 yellow dress by Guo Pei to Kim Kardashian's 2019 skintight Maison Mugler corset, the world of fashion always has something to say.

So dare to make a bold statement with your fashion! Participate in these fun dress- up challenges sprouting up during this social distancing period: the pants off challenge, the pillow dress challenge, the trash costume trend and whatever new ones coming up. Happy yourself while killing time during this quarantine!
I actually saw a plus size woman of colour wearing a top with the inscriptions "I already have corona", and boy o' mine, laughter spontaneously escaped from my mouth. "You go girl, coronavirus can't get you", I said in betweeen my bouts of laughter.

NewsDay24, Fortune.com

Truth be told, I am pretty sure that wearing of face masks would very much become a trend even after this pandemic. With rappers spuring out juicy lyrics in the studio while wearing face masks (mimicking the likes of Future and Travis Scott), to beauty gurus filling our feeds with the different colour cordinations of face masks with everyday wear, and finally it becoming a dominant accessory on the runway.  In fact, the 2020 Paris fashion week showed models wearing outfits complete with matching face masks.

As we make our diy face masks, let's continue to follow the WHO guidelines. This crisis would surely pass!  Keep hope alive, for there is light despite the darkness.