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"To me, #STARTAFIRE means doing something so whole-heartedly that it inspires other people to do things whole-heartedly." Ronnie and Priscilla Vasquez are the cutest little artists in the Southwest. They've been lovers since high school and are serious #RelationshipGoals. Although they dabble in many different mediums, we mostly talked to Ronnie about videography and Priscilla about dance. We met up with them at Songbird Coffee & Tea House and think it's v important to mention that the coconut milk chai at Songbird is BOMBBBBBBbbbbb. 
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What was your first dance experience?
P: I never really know whether to say I started dancing in high school or I started dancing when I was little. I used to dance to ballet videos in my living room and then my parents put me in Folklorico. I think they were worried I’d grow up without being immersed in my Mexican culture. So, I did that for a while but I wasn’t totally into it. It just wasn’t my thing. I did enjoy my time there, though. I’m glad I did it because it did help me pick up on some Spanish and develop an appreciation for music. I really started training in what I do now in high school. I went to a dance concert at school and thought it was so beautiful and so I signed up for class the next semester.
R: I took dance for Priscilla. I knew her from other stuff and I saw she was in the class and I had to take it.
P: You told me you just wanted to dance!
R: Well, yeah... I mean, dance had a certain allure for me anyway. I always enjoyed the class. What was really great was that it was Priscilla’s first real ballet class too, so we both just obsessed over ballet and shared that love with each other.
What is something you’ve never done but want to try?
P: I want to try taking singing lessons because I want to understand it. When I watch people sing I think it’s so beautiful and I want to understand how they do that. Plus, I have a horrible voice and I want to see what happens.
R: She actually has a great ear. She can hear something and figure it out musically. She’d be good at it. I’ve done a lot of the arts, but I’d like to work on trades. Like, I’d love to work on cars.
*Hey Ronnie, we should hook you up with our last interviewee Aaron Thomason. He works on cars.
If you could work with anyone in Phoenix, who would you want to work with and what would you do?
R: I’m going to choose Priscilla to collaborate with. We’ve never done that. I think creatively, we can be a little toxic. We talk about things a lot, but then never do it. I just really admire all of the things she does and the way she does it.
How do you balance making money and doing what you love?
R: You have to figure out your side hustle. You know, the thing that gets you money. So many creatives in the industry are not actually creatives, they are just business people. They are techies. That's not a bad thing, but most of the time it doesn’t have to do with the creative process. When I get the most fulfillment is when I’m doing stuff on my own. I’ve spent the time learning all of the aspects of film, so I love it all when I’m doing my own thing.
Videography is kind of my side hustle. I separate that from filmmaking. There’s a difference between working as a videographer and creating an artistic film. Videography is the hardest medium I’ve worked in. I go through huge withdrawals where I want nothing to do with it. For example, I shot a wedding recently and I was loving it. I was getting paid well, it was fun to capture everything. It was beautiful, it was their magic moment. But then, 8 hours later I’m still running my ass off and there are all these moments and you’re pressured to capture every one and then at the end of it you have to cram it into a five minute video. It’s a push and pull of giving people space and also being there for every perfect moment. All of the little artistic moments that I love, I end up forgetting about because it’s covered up by the technical stuff.
Where do you think the Phoenix Arts community falls short?
P: Artists need to support one another...dancers going to galleries and visual artists going to performances. It all needs to be supporting one another.
R: We need more pride in Phoenix. We need to be proud to say we are artists in Phoenix and really grow the community here through that.
What does #STARTAFIRE mean to you?
R: Arson
P: To me, it means doing something so whole-heartedly that it inspires other people to do things whole-heartedly.
R: I get the creative aspect. I think when you say #STARTAFIRE, it’s like having a creative fire and not just snuffing it out. Letting it grow.
The end! Follow these babes on Instagram!
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1 Comment
"I think photographers, musicians, performers, artists... they can’t not do it. They have to be taking pictures, they have to be writing music, they have to be capturing whatever it is. They can’t turn it off. Everything they do is creating something."
Aaron Thomason is a man of many talents. He is the maker of Three Sheets Books, he welds art pieces in his garage, he has the most underrated Instagram account filled with sketches and doodles, and he single-handedly is keeping the phrase “for what it’s worth” alive. We were thrilled to be able to sit down with him at Helton Brewing for some brewskis and interview time. Also, he gave us our own Three Sheets Books FOR FREE. So, that's how he bribed us into writing somewhat decent things about him.
THE INTERVIEW
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Let's talk about welding! Why did you get into it?
The welding was a result of a situation at my office. We had a contractor who accidentally hit the wrong button and deleted two weeks worth of work for the entire team. No back up. Nothing. So, at that point I said, “Screw it, I need to get into something that's a little bit more physical, a bit more tangible.” My neighbor had taken welding classes out at Mesa Arts Center for a couple of years and she loved it, so I signed up and took a class.
It’s just unreal...everything I do is digital and I don’t ever get to do anything with my hands. So when you’re actually taking pieces of metal and bending them and putting them together, it's a rush. I finally bought a welder and filled the garage up with more crap, but I just love it.
What kind of things do you like to weld?
I’ve got a couple of dinosaurs out of rebar, I have a robot that’s taking a selfie, I did an abstract elephant. These are all on the wall in the garage because my wife is convinced they are so sharp they are going to kill somebody in the house. It’s just fun, I don’t ever do anything too serious. I guess the most serious thing I did was I made a shelf for the bathroom once.
I think there’s a throwback feeling to physical art, I mean the current generation is in digital all the time. Whereas my generation is kind of in transition between doing things with our hands and digital. I mean, my wife, Tracy, used to make newspapers with her hands, but it's not like that now. So, I think my generation misses that. That’s part of why I drive an old car. I like that when something is wrong, I can fix it. I open the hood and can see what’s wrong. I enjoy working with my hands and it’s hard to do that in jobs that pay anything anymore.
Where do the doodles come from?
I got into the sketches, honestly, as a way to push the books. I already love to draw, so it was easy. I mean, how many times can you post a picture of the book? So, I told myself if I start drawing in the books, it is a way to create content for my channel. But as it turns out, that isn't where I’m always putting it. I’m putting it on my personal feed because I like it. The thing is, I used to go to bars and sit and draw anyway, and I had expensive sketchbooks. That instantly makes you the tool in the bar that’s taking up tons of room and drawing attention to yourself (PUN INTENDED). But if you walk in with a something that’s made out of a 6-pack box, not only are people looking at it and saying “That’s cool, what is that?” but it lets you sit and chat with them. There's no pressure.
Let's talk about welding! Why did you get into it?
The welding was a result of a situation at my office. We had a contractor who accidentally hit the wrong button and deleted two weeks worth of work for the entire team. No back up. Nothing. So, at that point I said, “Screw it, I need to get into something that's a little bit more physical, a bit more tangible.” My neighbor had taken welding classes out at Mesa Arts Center for a couple of years and she loved it, so I signed up and took a class.
It’s just unreal...everything I do is digital and I don’t ever get to do anything with my hands. So when you’re actually taking pieces of metal and bending them and putting them together, it's a rush. I finally bought a welder and filled the garage up with more crap, but I just love it.
What kind of things do you like to weld?
I’ve got a couple of dinosaurs out of rebar, I have a robot that’s taking a selfie, I did an abstract elephant. These are all on the wall in the garage because my wife is convinced they are so sharp they are going to kill somebody in the house. It’s just fun, I don’t ever do anything too serious. I guess the most serious thing I did was I made a shelf for the bathroom once.
I think there’s a throwback feeling to physical art, I mean the current generation is in digital all the time. Whereas my generation is kind of in transition between doing things with our hands and digital. I mean, my wife, Tracy, used to make newspapers with her hands, but it's not like that now. So, I think my generation misses that. That’s part of why I drive an old car. I like that when something is wrong, I can fix it. I open the hood and can see what’s wrong. I enjoy working with my hands and it’s hard to do that in jobs that pay anything anymore.
Where do the doodles come from?
I got into the sketches, honestly, as a way to push the books. I already love to draw, so it was easy. I mean, how many times can you post a picture of the book? So, I told myself if I start drawing in the books, it is a way to create content for my channel. But as it turns out, that isn't where I’m always putting it. I’m putting it on my personal feed because I like it. The thing is, I used to go to bars and sit and draw anyway, and I had expensive sketchbooks. That instantly makes you the tool in the bar that’s taking up tons of room and drawing attention to yourself (PUN INTENDED). But if you walk in with a something that’s made out of a 6-pack box, not only are people looking at it and saying “That’s cool, what is that?” but it lets you sit and chat with them. There's no pressure.
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How did you get into making your beer books?
I just got sick of buying expensive sketchbooks and being “that guy.” So I figured... I can make this. I just went on youtube and learned how to do what’s called coptic binding. Then friends wanted books and eventually I figured out I could sell them. It’s really just that I like working with my hands.
I like this new community where your’e getting something that someone actually made.
Coming from a design background, I know that designers spend a lot of time on beer packaging. This stuff didn’t just happen. For the box purpose, it goes to the grocery store to your car to the fridge and then to the trash. Maybe it will get recycled. But now, I am taking the art on the box and letting it live on a bit.
How did you come up with the name Three Sheets Books?
It was a nod to the drunken three sheets concept. It was based on the fact that it’s actually paper. Once we had the name, the doodle for the logo came easily.
Part of how I started connecting with the local brewers, was this day I was in a meeting at work and it was just so boring so I was looking at Instagram on my phone just so I stayed conscious. This particular artist posted the concept illustration for the Sour Wench, which is a sour beer from Ballast Point and it’s this skeleton wench with this tray of beers tipping over and there’s all these people in the room and she’s trying to walk around them. And I just thought, “Somebody is getting paid to do this and I’m in this meeting talking about whatever this is and praying for death. And somebody is there doing this.” So that's kind of when I started making myself known. At first I wanted to kind of remain anonymous for the most part. I mean, it’s cool to come into a bar and the owner comes out and says “I’ve seen what you’re doing on Instagram and I love it.” That just feels great. It creates a community connection.
What has recently inspired you?
I’m really into the philosophy of stoicism. We all kind of have this Pollyanna attitude that things will always work out. Well, stoicism is the opposite of that. It’s saying “You know what? Crap happens." Just take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to make sure you’re getting what you need out of life, not at the expense of other people of course, but just take care of yourself. You can’t fix everything, so you just have to carry on.
Be present. Be in the moment. Don’t be looking forward all the time thinking about what you’re eating for lunch or what you’re going to do next.
What do you think about when you’re alone?
I’m an engineer in a creative’s body. I’m always looking to solve problems, so mostly I’m thinking about problems that need to be solved at work or at home or wherever. I like to draw because it helps me just compartmentalize things and not worry about stuff anymore. It takes my mind off of problem-solving mode and I just create.
I do a lot of Instagram challenges with keywords. That’s why most of my doodles never make sense, because I’m in 2-3 challenges at a time and I'm combining them into one picture.
What is something you’ve never done but want to do?
I think it would be fun to do some mural work. I can’t get my head around how that works. I’d love to learn how to do it, like what tools to use and how to even take on the size of that kind of project. I’d like to try woodworking too, but I imagine thats another expensive hobby.
If you could give your past self advice, would would it be?
If I could talk to like 19 year old me, I’d say "If you want to learn something, make sure you get into it now because it’s very difficult in the middle of a career path to leave and go do something like that." It’s hard to say “I’m going to give up insurance and career benefits for a bit and go do something where I could potentially lose a hand.”
I’m really into the philosophy of stoicism. We all kind of have this Pollyanna attitude that things will always work out. Well, stoicism is the opposite of that. It’s saying “You know what? Crap happens." Just take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to make sure you’re getting what you need out of life, not at the expense of other people of course, but just take care of yourself. You can’t fix everything, so you just have to carry on.
Be present. Be in the moment. Don’t be looking forward all the time thinking about what you’re eating for lunch or what you’re going to do next.
What do you think about when you’re alone?
I’m an engineer in a creative’s body. I’m always looking to solve problems, so mostly I’m thinking about problems that need to be solved at work or at home or wherever. I like to draw because it helps me just compartmentalize things and not worry about stuff anymore. It takes my mind off of problem-solving mode and I just create.
I do a lot of Instagram challenges with keywords. That’s why most of my doodles never make sense, because I’m in 2-3 challenges at a time and I'm combining them into one picture.
What is something you’ve never done but want to do?
I think it would be fun to do some mural work. I can’t get my head around how that works. I’d love to learn how to do it, like what tools to use and how to even take on the size of that kind of project. I’d like to try woodworking too, but I imagine thats another expensive hobby.
If you could give your past self advice, would would it be?
If I could talk to like 19 year old me, I’d say "If you want to learn something, make sure you get into it now because it’s very difficult in the middle of a career path to leave and go do something like that." It’s hard to say “I’m going to give up insurance and career benefits for a bit and go do something where I could potentially lose a hand.”
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What does #startafire mean to you?
Make a concerted effort to encourage creativity where you see an opportunity for it.
Even if it’s not your own thing. If you see someone struggling or working to become an artist, maybe buy one of their pieces. Put a dollar in the hat.
What is your own creative mantra?
Do it every day.
Whether it’s reading, listening to something creative, drawing, whatever it is. I try to do something creative everyday.
Make a concerted effort to encourage creativity where you see an opportunity for it.
Even if it’s not your own thing. If you see someone struggling or working to become an artist, maybe buy one of their pieces. Put a dollar in the hat.
What is your own creative mantra?
Do it every day.
Whether it’s reading, listening to something creative, drawing, whatever it is. I try to do something creative everyday.
That's the end of the interview, but scroll down for Aaron's Must-Follow list of Phoenix creatives...
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Aaron's Creative Influences
Claire Money: Left her desk job, sold her life, tricked out her CRV and lived out of it for six months. She ended up getting an awesome outdoorsy job out of it. She also took one of my sketchbooks along for the ride and posts drawings from amazing places. I then view and like those photos from a cubicle.
Joshua Rhodes: Can basically design a logo while sitting at a desk he also designed and made. One of the AZ people who really embody the label “maker.”
11thMonkey Industries: Been a fan of this place’s work for a while now, and then heard Ruben Gonzales speak at Creative Mornings and realized just how passionate he was about this city. Haven’t made the connection in real life yet, but hoping to change that. Been a maker since long before the label, and he loves what he’s doing.
Danny Upshaw: Amazing photographer, and inherited the running of the designer’s Drink and Draw event when Claire hit the road. Loves Phoenix, dinosaurs, and the Westward Ho.
Jesse Perry: Modern pop-art painter. Does amazing murals all over, but heavily influenced by Phoenix and the southwest. Since most of my work is done with a small pencil or fine-tip pen, I have a lot of respect for someone who can look at a 40’X20’ wall and say “yeah, I can see a rabbit and a neon cactus on there.”
Joshua Rhodes: Can basically design a logo while sitting at a desk he also designed and made. One of the AZ people who really embody the label “maker.”
11thMonkey Industries: Been a fan of this place’s work for a while now, and then heard Ruben Gonzales speak at Creative Mornings and realized just how passionate he was about this city. Haven’t made the connection in real life yet, but hoping to change that. Been a maker since long before the label, and he loves what he’s doing.
Danny Upshaw: Amazing photographer, and inherited the running of the designer’s Drink and Draw event when Claire hit the road. Loves Phoenix, dinosaurs, and the Westward Ho.
Jesse Perry: Modern pop-art painter. Does amazing murals all over, but heavily influenced by Phoenix and the southwest. Since most of my work is done with a small pencil or fine-tip pen, I have a lot of respect for someone who can look at a 40’X20’ wall and say “yeah, I can see a rabbit and a neon cactus on there.”
All right, start smashing that follow button!
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AND... if you're not following Ignite, WTF are you even doing on Instagram in the first place?
@ignitecollaborative
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"I feel like in other cities, there's just so much competition and everyone knows what their thing is already. In Phoenix, everyone is still creating themselves. In Phoenix, since [the art scene] is growing still, there are more opportunities to find your name and brand here. Now is your chance to imprint your name into AZ. We are all important in creating something here because it’s happening all around us."
Meet Rachel Fischer! Rachel is known for her photography on Instagram, her knowledge of the best coffee in town, and her smashing good looks. Rosy spent some time exploring Old Town Scottsdale with her and after a couple hours they had an interview and a dance photoshoot completed. Efficient AF, fun AF. Rachel talked about so many cool people and places in this interview, and we can’t wait to share them with you! Really though, Rosy took the time to research all of the people and places post-interview and spent hours just reading about all of the things Rachel recommended. If you love discovering new things, start reading her interview immediately. Oh, and Rosy is going to interject her comments throughout this because she is desperate for attention.
THE INTERVIEW
So, you’re a photographer. Tell me more.
I have only been doing photography as a big part of my life since October [2016]. Right now it’s just a side thing. I work with bloggers mostly, but it’s collaborative and a fun hobby rather than a career. My true passion is probably coffee.
(For someone who loves coffee, Rachel is incredibly chill. Like not a twitchy, hyper, caffeine fiend. She just radiates chillness. So much chillness that it’s hypnotizing.)
What is it about coffee that makes you so passionate?
I love the artistry, I love the beauty. I guess now that I think about it, I just love connecting with people and a coffee shop is the right place to do that.
Do you have a favorite coffee shop?
Peixoto Coffee Roasters in Downtown Chandler
(Okay you guys, just go read about this place, then come back and finish this interview. It's so cool. History AF. I'm just super into farming right now so this coffee shop's story is my JAM.)
It’s a very intimate place. I’ve met so many people there and it’s a cool place to just hang out. The owner is from Brazil and wants to carry on her family’s coffee legacy, so she brings the beans from her family’s farm in Brazil. I love that it’s straight from the source. It’s just such a great place.
Some of Rachel's favorite photos she's captured...
Who is your fav person you’ve worked with in Phoenix?
The Foxy Kat and I met a while ago and collaborating with her is always just so easy. We have a similar style, so we can get together and capture great photos in no time at all.
Also, Mom Beyond Mom is really cool. She was my very first client, so we’ve been working together for a while. We have the same aesthetic so everything is super easy with her.
(Okay, but really though. Their feeds are so pretty and the fact that Rachel played a role in that is so cool.)
If you could give advice to somebody starting out on their artistic path, what would it be?
Just do it.
If there’s an opportunity, don’t say no. Especially if this is something you absolutely love. If the opportunity is there, just do it. You’ll get more experience and build more connections, so you won’t regret it. It’s always a learning experience.
Do you have a Phoenix crush? Who do you want to work with?
I've always wanted to take photos for a coffee shop, just like for their Instagram and social media stuff. I don’t even care which one, I just love the coffee shop atmosphere.
(Cartel, Peixoto, Press Coffee Roasters, Altitude Coffee Lab, any takers? She’s awesome.)
Also, I think Taylor Madison is so cool. I’ve never met her, but we follow each other and I’d love to do photos for her. She owns T.Madison Shop, and all of the stuff is so great. (@t.madisonshop)
There’s another blogger I love, her name’s Ashley and her blog is called ClosetVomit. I think she looks so fun. I’d love to work with her. (@closetvomitfashion)
Some photos from our dance photoshoot...
What inspires you when you're creating?
I'm a music person. I don't really watch a ton of movies or read books very often, but I am always listening to music. I really love Paramore. Their most recent album came out in the most perfect time in my life. Actually, right when it came out I hated it. I thought it was too depressing and I didn’t understand it, but then I kept listening and my life started to change a lot, and the album just made sense. That album is very personal and it’s helped me branch out with my art and keep going with what I’m doing.
(Scroll down for a playlist curated by Rachel! It's GOOD. I might be biased because we have like literally the same taste in tunes, but yeah. It's good, fam.)
What does #STARTAFIRE mean to you?
If you start a fire, it doesn’t go away until you put it out. So, if you start a fire, you can grow. You can keep going. You have to keep going. It’s kind of how I’ve started to live my life. I started my fire and I’m just going to keep going.
I'm a music person. I don't really watch a ton of movies or read books very often, but I am always listening to music. I really love Paramore. Their most recent album came out in the most perfect time in my life. Actually, right when it came out I hated it. I thought it was too depressing and I didn’t understand it, but then I kept listening and my life started to change a lot, and the album just made sense. That album is very personal and it’s helped me branch out with my art and keep going with what I’m doing.
(Scroll down for a playlist curated by Rachel! It's GOOD. I might be biased because we have like literally the same taste in tunes, but yeah. It's good, fam.)
What does #STARTAFIRE mean to you?
If you start a fire, it doesn’t go away until you put it out. So, if you start a fire, you can grow. You can keep going. You have to keep going. It’s kind of how I’ve started to live my life. I started my fire and I’m just going to keep going.
That's the end of the interview, but keep scrolling for
Rachel's Jams...
 |  Follow her on IG: @rachellfischer |  |
Also, check out her photography blog:
rachelfischerphotos.com
Rachel's Jams
1. " Wanna Be Cool" - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
2. "Daisy Mae" - Leon Bridges
3. "Good As New" - Vacationer (I'm just really excited to find out someone else loves Vacationer as much as I do.)
4. "Won't You Come Over" - Devendra Banhart
5. "I've Just Seen A Face" - The Beatles
6. "Rose-Colored Boy" - Paramore
7. "Homemade Dynamite" - Lorde
8. "Hold On, We're Going Home" - Drake, Majid Jordan
9. "You Make My Dreams" - Daryl Hall & John Oates
10. "Feels" - Calvin Harris
11. "Sunday Candy" - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
12. "Ramble On" - Led Zeppelin
13. "Say My Name" - Destiny's Child (oooohhhh YES, hunty)
14. "Gold" - Chet Faker
2. "Daisy Mae" - Leon Bridges
3. "Good As New" - Vacationer (I'm just really excited to find out someone else loves Vacationer as much as I do.)
4. "Won't You Come Over" - Devendra Banhart
5. "I've Just Seen A Face" - The Beatles
6. "Rose-Colored Boy" - Paramore
7. "Homemade Dynamite" - Lorde
8. "Hold On, We're Going Home" - Drake, Majid Jordan
9. "You Make My Dreams" - Daryl Hall & John Oates
10. "Feels" - Calvin Harris
11. "Sunday Candy" - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
12. "Ramble On" - Led Zeppelin
13. "Say My Name" - Destiny's Child (oooohhhh YES, hunty)
14. "Gold" - Chet Faker
This is you now:
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Howdy-Ho Flamers!
(We are still working on a cool nickname for our tribe, suggestions encouraged)
Rosy & Michelle here. Maybe you know us, maybe you don’t, but we are the boss ladies behind this whole shindig called Ignite Collaborative, so it’s high-time you learned about us. This post actually has nothing to do with us, though, and has more to do with our new project, #StartAFire. Read it and don’t weep please. Crying is for Kim K.
(We are still working on a cool nickname for our tribe, suggestions encouraged)
Rosy & Michelle here. Maybe you know us, maybe you don’t, but we are the boss ladies behind this whole shindig called Ignite Collaborative, so it’s high-time you learned about us. This post actually has nothing to do with us, though, and has more to do with our new project, #StartAFire. Read it and don’t weep please. Crying is for Kim K.
Ignite has been around for about 6 years now and we’ve existed as a smol tiny little dance company that performs at The Alwun House and maybe like two other places each year. We love what we do, so no complaints, however about a year and a half ago we decided to restructure our company a bit to try to do more things and lucky for us, it is working. We are growing and expanding and IGNITING creative fires all over the place. We recently made the decision to become a non-profit organization. Being a non-profit means growth, and we couldn’t be more excited to grow in Phoenix. As we worked on our mission statement, we realized that what we are really good at, without even trying too hard, is building community connections. We love humans and we love learning new things. Case in point:
That’s where this blog comes in. We have decided to chase that creative flicker of fire by creating a blog where we can interview Phoenix-area creatives. We want to use this as a platform to foster collaboration and connection between artists of all mediums. We really are eager to create a more supportive arts community in Phoenix, and this blog is our way of doing it. Our company mantra is “Start A Fire,” which to us is a way of reminding us to push forward, step out of our comfort zone, and if we're going to do something, do it big. That’s what we want to do with this blog. We want to start a fire in the Phoenix arts community. We want to burn this MF to the ground… but like in a good way.
Lindsay George is a registered yoga instructor and self-proclaimed ~*MeMe KwEeN*~. She grew up in Scottsdale until she was about 17, and then she said "imma gtfo." Since then, she has lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and most recently Melbourne, Australia. We sat down with her at Chop Shop in Old Town Scottsdale to talk about yoga, inspiration, Instagram crushes, and more.
"Show up consistently in life with integrity and the knowledge of who you are and where you want to be."
THE INTERVIEW
How is yoga different in Melbourne versus the U.S.?
There’s more of a general heart-based beachiness feel in Melbourne, does that make sense?North America is very ego-based and focused on the head chakra, but Australia is more heart chakra. So, in Melbourne, everything is more authentic. There’s more depth. In the U.S., yoga can become more of a trend than a real way of life. Yoga is an American sub-culture. In Melbourne, it’s just part of life, so people are more genuine in the practice. Yogis in Australia are like those beautiful hipster Instagram people who do yoga and are tan and beautiful and then hang out at the beach and you hate them because it's fake, but that’s genuinely just who they are in Melbourne so you can't hate them.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to bridge the gap between our energy body and physical body. I want to find scientific evidence for the energetic and feeling bodies and show their correspondence to the physical body through movement, nutrition, yoga, and science.
I’m planning to get bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and Chinese medicine, so I can have an in-depth understanding of how things affect our physical and energetic body. Then, eventually I want to go into research for the health and wellness industry. Through that, I hope to find more evidence for meridians in the energetic body, so there’s more concrete evidence for ways of reaching overall health. I want to combine all of it with yoga and eventually have a studio for everything.
There’s more of a general heart-based beachiness feel in Melbourne, does that make sense?North America is very ego-based and focused on the head chakra, but Australia is more heart chakra. So, in Melbourne, everything is more authentic. There’s more depth. In the U.S., yoga can become more of a trend than a real way of life. Yoga is an American sub-culture. In Melbourne, it’s just part of life, so people are more genuine in the practice. Yogis in Australia are like those beautiful hipster Instagram people who do yoga and are tan and beautiful and then hang out at the beach and you hate them because it's fake, but that’s genuinely just who they are in Melbourne so you can't hate them.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to bridge the gap between our energy body and physical body. I want to find scientific evidence for the energetic and feeling bodies and show their correspondence to the physical body through movement, nutrition, yoga, and science.
I’m planning to get bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and Chinese medicine, so I can have an in-depth understanding of how things affect our physical and energetic body. Then, eventually I want to go into research for the health and wellness industry. Through that, I hope to find more evidence for meridians in the energetic body, so there’s more concrete evidence for ways of reaching overall health. I want to combine all of it with yoga and eventually have a studio for everything.
What advice would you give to someone starting out as a yoga practitioner or instructor?
Do yoga every day. The rest will work itself out.
Have you ever wanted to quit?
Yoga, no. But other things, yes. I think I just was never open enough in my heart to be able to connect to who I was and what I could do. I was holding myself back. I think it had to happen that way though, I can’t see myself having a sustainable lifestyle change without experiencing things the way I did leading up to it.
What’s something you’ve never done but always wanted to try?
Surfing!
Do yoga every day. The rest will work itself out.
Have you ever wanted to quit?
Yoga, no. But other things, yes. I think I just was never open enough in my heart to be able to connect to who I was and what I could do. I was holding myself back. I think it had to happen that way though, I can’t see myself having a sustainable lifestyle change without experiencing things the way I did leading up to it.
What’s something you’ve never done but always wanted to try?
Surfing!
You've been reading a book called "Your Beautiful Life." Can you tell us about it?
It is the first self-help book that I've read that is steeped in feeling. It takes a step away from the “new age” movement by teaching you to live your best life on a deeper level and in a way I’ve never experienced. Each chapter is a lesson and it feels like every lesson comes at the perfect time for my life. Basically, the book walks you through the steps you need to become your best self in a way that just encourages self-discovery instead of telling you exactly what to do.
An excerpt from Your Beautiful Life:
It is the first self-help book that I've read that is steeped in feeling. It takes a step away from the “new age” movement by teaching you to live your best life on a deeper level and in a way I’ve never experienced. Each chapter is a lesson and it feels like every lesson comes at the perfect time for my life. Basically, the book walks you through the steps you need to become your best self in a way that just encourages self-discovery instead of telling you exactly what to do.
An excerpt from Your Beautiful Life:
“All physical and psychological events are the fruition of the seeds that you have planted in your life. […] You have analyzed and critiqued the ego then made judgements about yourself for many years. It is time to put all that aside and treat yourself with kindness as an active choice.”
Want to read it? Purchase the book HERE:
Who is your Instagram crush?
@yogidslvo - I like her aesthetic. Her poses are always super interesting and you can tell she feels each pose so deeply in her body.
@Organic_Olivia - I love that she’s so excited about everything she does. She’s another person who works to bridge that gap between the energetic body and the physical body.
What is your mantra?
I choose to open. I choose love.
What does #startafire mean to you?
To show up consistently in life with integrity and the knowledge of who you are and where you want to be.
@yogidslvo - I like her aesthetic. Her poses are always super interesting and you can tell she feels each pose so deeply in her body.
@Organic_Olivia - I love that she’s so excited about everything she does. She’s another person who works to bridge that gap between the energetic body and the physical body.
What is your mantra?
I choose to open. I choose love.
What does #startafire mean to you?
To show up consistently in life with integrity and the knowledge of who you are and where you want to be.
That's all for the interview, but scroll down for
Lindsay's 5 Favorite Yoga Poses!
Lindsay's 5 Favorite Yoga Poses!
 |  Follow her on IG: @aquafabayoga |  |
5 Yoga Poses to Practice Everyday!
1. Handstand
"Because I can't hold it yet, which means I have a lot more yogic work to do and that makes me excited."
2. Legs Up The Wall
"Because it is my go-to, miracle pose for all of life's ups and downs."
3. Triangle
"Because I love a good ol' hammy stretch."
4. Fallen Angel
"Because focusing on opening your heart is very important to me and let's be real...who doesn't need to let go of some grief?"
5. Sleeping Pigeon
"Also known as 'Sleeping Swan,' but I relate to pigeons more. It's great because it opens up your piriformis muscle real good and that's a very important muscle to have in working order."
Now start practicing and you'll be sliding into DMs like...
Want to be featured next? Contact us! We'd love to meet you!
Contemporary dance pulls at the heart strings, it's usually very pretty movement mixed with flowy costumes and lots of emotions.
Love this type of movement? Our next 5-week session is Contemporary where we will be working on pretty pieces like these ones, starting March 23, 2017!
Love this type of movement? Our next 5-week session is Contemporary where we will be working on pretty pieces like these ones, starting March 23, 2017!
The List - (in no particular order)
"Dreaming with a Broken Heart" - Kherington & Twitch
We love the use of props combined with the emotion and chemistry of these two on stage.
"Dreaming with a Broken Heart" - Kherington & Twitch
We love the use of props combined with the emotion and chemistry of these two on stage.
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Melanie & Neil
Call us total suckers, but Total Eclipse of the Heart is one of our jams and this routine hits all the high points of the song and you can't forget that amazing leap into Neil's arms...for real though. Also, Neil looks like a lost Carter brother (totally getting Nick and Aaron Carter vibes...meow). A+
Call us total suckers, but Total Eclipse of the Heart is one of our jams and this routine hits all the high points of the song and you can't forget that amazing leap into Neil's arms...for real though. Also, Neil looks like a lost Carter brother (totally getting Nick and Aaron Carter vibes...meow). A+
"Wicked Games" - Season 10 Winner Amy & Travis (choreographer)
This perfect pairing combines technique, cool lifts, and all the feels. Win.
This perfect pairing combines technique, cool lifts, and all the feels. Win.
"If it Kills Me" - Jeanine and Jason
OMG, mix Jason Mraz with these gorgeous human beings and you've got magic. A story of childhood friends becoming something more...these two sell it.
OMG, mix Jason Mraz with these gorgeous human beings and you've got magic. A story of childhood friends becoming something more...these two sell it.
"Gravity" - Kayla and Kupono
This dance takes the concept of addiction and breaks it down into a raw and bone chilling performance. This powerful performance will give you goosebumps. SO good.
This dance takes the concept of addiction and breaks it down into a raw and bone chilling performance. This powerful performance will give you goosebumps. SO good.
Did we miss your favorite performance? Comment below!
Bring the whole family to our family fitness dance party! This class is great for all ages and abilities. It consists of simple dance cardio, muscle toning exercises, and a whole lot of fun!
Only $5 per person!
Buy tickets here.
Located on the lawn at Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place in Scottsdale. (4425 N Granite Reef Rd)
Family Fitness
$5 per person
Join us on May 21st for a dance party at Chaparral Park!
We will meet at 8:30am for some moving and grooving, perfect for the whole family!
Increase strength, flexibility, and get your cardio for the day, all while having fun!
$5
May 21 @ 8:30am
Chaparral Park (Near the soccer fields on the North Side)
8000 E Jackrabbit Rd
Scottsdale 85250
email info@ignitecollaborative.com for more info
We will meet at 8:30am for some moving and grooving, perfect for the whole family!
Increase strength, flexibility, and get your cardio for the day, all while having fun!
$5
May 21 @ 8:30am
Chaparral Park (Near the soccer fields on the North Side)
8000 E Jackrabbit Rd
Scottsdale 85250
email info@ignitecollaborative.com for more info
Ignite Collaborative will be showcasing at TREND on June 16! Please help us out by purchasing tickets online through our artist page here:
BUY TICKETS
BUY TICKETS
Ignite's Spark dancers will be doing pop-up performances at this event! Bring your whole family... it's FREE!
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