What's the Sweat about? How Banana Skirt Productions has made an impact on my life.

I know it's different being on the inside, as one of the instructors. And some would say, she's just writing a blog to get more people to come. You may be right about that part, and YES- people need to know about this amazing place! What WE are about and the history on 'The Skirt'. What better way than to write a blog post and share my feelings and talk a little about my story and feelings on this awesome dance fitness company- Banana Skirt Productions!

February 21, 2015, A VERY special day for me- A day my dad was born and also a day I started working for a company that I had no idea, would be as LIT as it has grown to be! I mean I did not see this company taking off the way it did. Now, I'm not saying I didn't see it taking off. Don't twist my words. I knew that what Akinah R. was bringing to the table was completely new and refreshing to the dance fitness world, FOR SURE! So there was no surprise! But taking off the way it did though!

I mean when she explained to me, "video choreography" and people being able to come in and take classes to channel their "inner pop star". I instantly thought about my childhood. I remember being a kid and literally watching music videos, trying to learn video choreography- every single chance I got!!! I was honestly not a cartoon kid. Sometimes, but it depended on which cartoon. That time was mostly shared with my brother, just being a regular kid. The other majority of the time was shared being a kid who wanted to be famous. Watching BET, or MTV (when they actually played the Hip-Hop and R&B). Some of my favorite music videos to learn where;

'Crazy in Love' by Beyoncé

'My Love is like Whoa' by Mya

'It's gonna be me' by N'sync

'Yea' by Usher

'Loose my Breath' by Destiny's Child

Maaaaaannn... listen, I still have vivid, detailed memories of me standing in my old front room of an apartment we lived in, in Pittsburg, Bay Point CA. learning these videos!!! I was like is this lady foreal?! She's really about to have us teaching music video choreography? Liiiiike...so that means I actually get to teach this choreography I use to try to learn as kid?

So Fast forward- I'm teaching my first Banana Skirt Pop Star fitness class- Crazy In Love by Beyoncé!

Thanks to my friend Zack a.k.a. Ziggy Pop who needed a sub that day. When I tell you God works in mysterious ways. Believe it.

Now, I know there alot of people who still question what we do, or some who see it as just a "fun dance class". However, Banana Skirt has become a lifestyle for me. Those who know me, know of Banana Skirt as well. If there isn't one place anyone knows me from- it's Banana Skirt! Lol. My husband even knows to ask me, "do you have banana skirt tonight".. And I love it! Being used by God, 'The Skirt has allowed me so many new opportunities and has opened up so many different doors for me. I'm so grateful!

It has not only become a second "home" where I can go and do what I love the most. Which is impart in others and make them feel confident enough to be themselves while pushing them to dance and workout at the same time. Breaking them out of their shells, but also, helping me to help these people leave out, feeling different than they came in! Helping them to feel like they've accomplished something! And/or feeling like they can accomplish anything, or be anything! Literally feel like their favorite Hip-Hop, R&B, or Pop artist for 1 hour. There are some people who actually have dreams or should I say "aspire" (in another life) to be something they didn't grow up to be. I mean sometimes I wish I was an Olympic Ice Skater (in another life). That is seriously something I have always wanted to learn how to do professionally. However, that's another story.

"Banana Skirt Productions has become a place of freedom for me." Where I can get away from the outside world, and everything that's going on in it, just be myself and DANCE. Not for anyone else, not for the clients, not for my friends but for me and God. Believe it or not, I have bad days. There has been a number of times where I have had to come in and didn't feel like it because I knew if I did, I'd have a breakdown. Most of (those) days, I didn't even think I'd be able to even pull it together before my class. Wondering, "Am I being too transparent?" "I hope my attitude isn't showing". "I hope no one asks me am I okay, because I am so going to cry.." "Omg, I don't feel like doing this"..

YES, I AM HUMAN. I have human feelings too. Then I literally get in my class and everything just goes away. For some reason, I have never been able to hold onto any of that once I start teaching. It is like I become a different person, while actually being myself. I'm not sure if that makes any sense. Its a fact though. It is such a great feeling as well! Probably a feeling that is very rare for some when they're having bad days, and still have to teach (relatable dance teacher issues). This has just proven to me how much I love being here, if not anywhere else.

I have grown so much since being with the company, not only as a person and a dance fitness Instructor, but mentally. Seeing and knowing what I want for myself as a young, black woman by watching Akinah R. take on her baby a.k.a. Banana Skirt Productions, with all Determination, Faith and Fearlessness is such an inspiration. I truly admire that!

Some day, I aspire to do the same thing. God does things for a reason and allows things to happen to you, closing old doors, so that He can open new doors for new things. sometimes forcing you to live out your purpose. Hearing her story has not only touched me and inspired me, but also helps to remind me of these 3 main things:

1. There is nothing too hard for God, and you can do ALL things through Christ!

"I can do all this through Christ which strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

2. Faith without WORKS is dead!

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." -James 2:2(NKJV)

3. You CAN defy the worlds odds.

"I love seeing young black women out in the world defying the 'Unfavorable odds' given by society." -Andrea L' Artiste.

I have lost weight since working here (seriously, not that I needed to) but it has also motivated and inspired me to get even MORE into the fitness world. More than I have ever been. I have always been a workout baby. I use to watch Cindy Crawford workouts on VHS and litterally follow her workout routines as a kid..smh. LOL.

I've always LOVED being in the gym. I have literally always worked out, whether it be dancing or fitness. So you can say this isn't new to me. The love I have for it has become stronger. Since teaching Banana Skirt Ratchet Fitness - I have definitely had a change of heart for dance cardio. I got Zumba certified from a job I had prior to B.S. and thrown into teaching without any proper trial classes, or time to get adjusted to the Zumba structure and format, and that completely turned me off of dance cardio. It discouraged me from ever wanting to teach it again. Once I got into Ratchet, I am not going to lie- I hated teaching it! When I would get asked, I'd instantly say no. I am not a freestyle, go with the flow of the class type of person. Ha, I was not feeling it at all! Once I got comfortable. It was like my love was restored! Taking me to a place I never saw myself being. Dance Cardio? People actually love my classes and my style of it? Wow. Amazing. I saw all of that to say, sometimes when you think you can't do certain things. It usually takes more than 1 time to get it right. Thank You Lord God, for using Banana Skirt Productions to change my life. I can honestly go on and on about Banana Skirt Productions. Literally, never ending.

I will just say that since I've started there, it has changed my life. I strongly suggest coming to take class and see for yourself! If you love to dance, and burn calories at the same time. If you love good music, and a great sweat, but don't always want the club, come take class and see for yourself! If you've always wanted to learn your favorite music video's choreography and channel you "inner pop star".. COME TAKE CLASS AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!

Banana Skirt Productions is opening our very own studio space and would love for YOU; friends, family, Banana Skirt lovers, and supports to take a look at our Kick Starter! Any donation is appreciated!

"Believe in your inner Beyoncé.."