Expressions of You

EOY Is Awake!

2010-09-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Okay we admit it. Regarding this blog site we've been asleep. We have not attended to it like we should have. This blog is supposed to be a regular way for you to read about ongoing EOY events, posts of our photos, and read ideas concerning the arts and dance and other items of interest to you. Students, parents and fans had been checking in but even though Expressions of You has been incredibly busy, there was no updated information on this site! Shame on us.

We've awakened, so that will change. Immediately.

So give us one more chance. Check in regularly. Bookmark this site or wrap your finger with string. Anything to remember. Just make it a habit to visit this blog. And we promise, we'll be up, and here!

--EOY Staff

Expressions of You Gets A New Home!

2009-12-23T19:29:00.001-08:00

We're growing by leaps and bounds! As such, we now have a new home:
8243 Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60652
We have some signage to put up, decorating to be done and a few additions to be added in the next couple of months. So please forgive the dust of our "construction."
Meanwhile, keep checking back at this blogsite and our website for updates on our upcoming amazing classes and events.

Summer Fine Arts Program IS COMING!

2009-03-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

Spaces are filling up quickly! Don't let your little one miss out on this one-of-kind amazing program. (Seriously, just ask former students and parents. It really is amazing).

Check here, and our website www.expressions-of-you.org for more information.

Witness God's Grace Through Dance on Feb. 28, 2009

2009-02-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Expressions of You

Spiritual Youth Dancers
presents
A PHENOMENAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

February 28, 2009 from 5pm-7pm

(doors open at 4pm)

St. Bride Church

7811 S. Coles

Chicago, IL 60649

also featuring
William Smith, Jr & Renewed Voices for Christ
The St. Ailbe Youth Choir
Timothy Walker "The Horn Blowing Preacher"
African Drum Corp
Spoken Word Poets… and more!

hosted by
Minister Cedric Nunley
admission $10
to buy tickets in advance or for more info:
email expressionsofu@gmail.com or call (773) 309-4367
www.expression-of-you.org

Bible Stories Come To Life Through Expressions of YOU!

2008-08-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

(I need my parents to send me pictures of Friday's performance. I was too busy to take them myself....) expressionsofu@gmail.com

This week was by far one of our most interesting weeks! There was so much to do and the time was quickly escaping us! Each day seemed hotter than the day before. The heat began to drain all of us. The devil was also busy trying to prevent our program from being a success. What a joke! God is controlling the success of this camp and the works of His children!
I was greeted at the church door with happy faces and bouncy hair! Victoria's spiral curls were absolutely beautiful! All of my campers were well dressed in black. There was a presence of unity and excitement amongst the group.
I could not wait to see the looks on the parent's faces as each student processed down the aisle. The African Drumming made of all want to come in dancing. Ms. Richie and I will never forget the beautiful smile on Julianne's face as she danced to her seat. That picture of her is permanently etched in our brains!

Our drummers set the atmosphere and brought the parents to their feet! If you think you have seen it all, you will be pleasantly surprised on Thursday. Our EOY Spiritual Youth Dancers ushered in The Holy Spirit. Their second dance really displayed the magnitude of God's Greatness!
Oh Mary Don't You Weep! The children did a fantastic job signing the words. Beunca and Brieanna truly convinced me that Mary should never weep again! They were amazing to watch. My youngest star "Kirstan" (age 4) stole the show while playing the "lion" in Daniel and The Lion's Den! I told her that she would have to lay still after Daniel (Zion) claimed victory....even if that meant she should go to sleep! I was joking....yet she did just that....sound asleep, our little lion was soon awaken by her sister and others! Big sister (Kortney) has a voice of an angel. Great job on the solo!
Thank you Minster Robert Walker (age 12) for blessing us with words of meditation! You are an inspiration to our youth (your peers)! We will keep you lifted up in prayer because we need more saved souls like you!
The entire program was dynamic! I have only touched on a few parts but every part was "a must see." Please spread the word about what our students are doing! We want you to invite more people to our Thursday performance! This type of talent must be showcased and encouraged by the community. Friends and family are welcomed! I need all of my students to know how proud Ms. Richie and I are to have you as students. You all are simply incredible and we look forward to working with you next year! I need you (parents) to send me pictures from Friday. I am counting on you to forward them to my email address.....please read below!

I REALLY NEED MY PARENT'S HELP! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE email me pictures of Friday's program. I don't have any pictures to post because we were soooo busy trying to make it flow. Email me at expressionsofu@gmail.com I look forward to posting them today! Check back in to read more about Friday's performance!

Week 6: Countdown Until Our Final Performance!

2008-07-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

Connecting With Our Roots: Africa!

2008-07-27T16:55:00.001-07:00

Expressions of You Spiritual Dancers Celebrates Chicago World Youth Day 2008 Mass (Sydney -Chicago) Worshiping Together

2008-07-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

As we entered the doors of St. Hyacinth Basilica Church, we felt the presence of God all around us. The Holy Spirit fell fresh on us as we prepared our hearts for The World Youth Day Mass. The congregation was filled with youth from many cultures...and all us were embraced by The Polish-Catholic Community. Cerita, Carlita, Zoie, Jasmine, and Kortney were the selected five to participate in this incredible ceremony. As Bishop Perry, Bishop Paprocki, Father Michal Osuch, Decon Gill and others stood by, these five young ladies could not be contained. Their explosive movements, high lifts, long extensions, and heart-felt emotions captivated us. There was no doubt that God was in control! Thank you Tiffany Swann for allowing us to be a part of the Liturgy. Mary did an exceptional job making sure that everything flowed properly. We look forward to ministering with you again!

WORLD YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION Sydney-Chicago July 19, 2008

2008-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Zoie, Kortney, Jasime, Carlita and Cerita got a taste of the media as they stood by answering vital questions about their faith, their ministry and the issues concerning today's youth to Polvision (Chicago's Polish Television). The entire service was aired today and will be aired via satellite in Poland.

St. Hyacinth Basilica Church is by far the prettiest church I have ever seen. It is another reminder of God's Greatness! The girls stood by taking pictures to remember this GLORIOUS MASS!

Africa! Africa! Africa! more pictures from week 5

2008-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Week 4: Expressions of You Heads South of The Border! (Mexico)

2008-07-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

more pictures of week 4 (Mexico)

2008-07-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Land Of The FREE!

2008-07-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Live With Gypsi Fari Reggae Band at The African Festival

2008-07-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Gypsi Fari Reggae Band and EOY Drummers Gets the Party Jumping!

2008-06-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Expressions of You Camp Drummers!

This was our first proffessional gig and our young drummers turned it out! Dakota, Ian, Larry, Logan, Lourdes, Maushea, Mya, Zion, and Zoie did an outstanding job drumming with Gypsi Fari Reggae Band Saturday Afternoon. This band travels around the U.S. playing reggae music. The performance at St. Dorothy's Block Club Party was a true success! I must give credit where credit is due. Floyd (Gypsi Drummer and EOY Drumming Instructor), your band is hot...however, our youngters stole the show! Come see more of our drummers and dancers perform again with Gypsi Fari at The African Festival on July 3, 2008. The show starts at 5:30pm in Washington Park. For more information regarding our summer programs, please log onto www.expressions-of-you.org and click summer programs or contact Yolanda at (773) 309-4367.

2008-06-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

WEEK 2: A VISIT TO THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS!

2008-06-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said The Caribbean Islands! Blue skies, clear water, colorful sunsets, and swaying palm trees enticed us to visit Paradise Island! The creative juices continued to flow as our students captured a piece of Heaven. Who said that our children are loosing their imagination? Tell them to check in with Expressions of You, the place where all of our children have active imaginations, lots of personality and excellent artistic abilities! This is what we do! We express ourselves all day long...from construction paper to paint brushes, t-shirts to draw-string bags, foam magnets, dancing, drumming, cheering, stepping, singing, signing, and the list goes on! Whew! Most importantly, we just believe in HAVING FUN! Our camp is the best kept secret, so spread the word about what our children are doing!

Hats off to Omo, Tempest and Julianne! You three jumped into all of our dance routines without missing a beat! I can't forget about Michael leading the boys in their step routine. Clear the stage. These boys are hot! America's Got Talent and so does Expressions of You!

Words of Praise: Thank you Mrs. Brown for blessing us with your amazing voice and vocal skills. The children really enjoyed voice training. Darlene Jefferson, you have the spirit of an angel! Thank you for spending time with my children to teach them sign language. I know you are passionate about what you do! Mrs. Vinces, you are so creative! Thank you for dedicating parts of your mornings to work with our students. They loved the blue jean back-packs and the knitty critters! Mr. Donaldson has prepared some of our students for their first drumming debut! They will be performing at St. Dorothy's Block Club Party today at 1pm and this same group will be joined by our Expressions of You Spiritual Youth Dancers on July 3, 2008 at The African Festival (Washington Park at 5:30pm). Once again, I would like to thank Ms. Diane Richie for supporting this program. You continue to offer your time, hands, and words of encouragement. I could not ask for greater support. Cerita and Calita Kelly, it is truly a blessing to have you with me everyday. You work non-stop from 8am to 3:30pm. The days would be more challenging without you two!

I must acknowledge my parents, Claudia and Ozzie Sandifer for their on-going support. You continued to believe in me even when I sometimes did not believe in myself. Your unconditional love is not taken for granted. The time is coming when I will take care of you just like you have unselfishly took care of me. I LOVE YOU BOTH! I also want to thank my husband Larry for understanding what I am passionate about and understanding my method of madness...lots of love to you, Zoie, Zion and Zaire!
Week 3 is just a few days away. Show your holiday spirit by wearing red, white and blue! Bring your white t-shirts or tank tops on Monday! Don't forget that camp ends at 3 pm on Thursday and is closed on Friday for the holiday! I will see you bright and early on Monday!

HIGHLIGHTS OF WEEK 1 FINE ARTS CAMP!

2008-06-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

The time has come and we are off to a great start! I welcomed my campers with open arms. Most were excited yet a few shed some tears. Nevertheless, I can always count on my older ones to comfort them and make them feel at home!

During our first week, we took a journey to Japan! We created Japanese girls and boys, explored Asian designs, learned about HAIKU Poetry, created our own Japanese t-shirts, and worked on group murals! The fun did not stop here!

Coach Victor began whipping us into shape with his "hot" "hot" "hot" cheer-leading moves.

Ms. Lanita soon followed with her amazing salsa steps. "Oh...my hands" is all I heard towards the beginning of the week yet by day three the rhythms of drums began to explode which made us want to dance!

We honored God by dancing for HIM with extended arms, humble hearts, and tender spins!

Special thanks to my high-school/college helpers: Carlita, Ja'Niece, Rachel and Cerita (You are simply amazing!). Ms. Richie, you are always a joy to be around. Thank you for the extra hands, eyes, and your positive spirit!

This is just the beginning to all of our fun. Week 2: We will take a journey to The Caribbean Islands! Look forward to more amazing art projects, more dance, drumming, and cheer. We will also began our vocal training, sign language, and flagging!

Get plenty of rest, remember to pack your t-shirts and your lunch! Doors open at 8 a.m., so don't be late!

Fine Arts & Summer Camp Registration Begins

2008-05-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Registration for the Expressions of You, one of kind, Fine Arts & Summer Camp '08 is now!

Last year was simply amazing... and this year, whew, we're really going to have it going on! Aside from our signature sessions of Ballroom Dancing, Vocal Skill training, Drill/Cheerleading work-outs, Liturgical Dance and Sign Language we will also feature African Drumming/Movement taught by the super talented and gifted instructor, Floyd Donaldson!

Spaces will go quickly, so visit the website (click here: Summer Program '08) and get ready to have some fun!

THE PASSION OF CHRIST

2008-03-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Do you realize that Jesus gave his life for us? Do you really understand the unconditional love Jesus had for us when he allowed the soldiers and others to torture him, whip, beat and nail him to the cross? I wonder if we share that same level of love or "purpose" of life?....especially for those who lie on us, cheat us, and mean nothing but harm for us....Are you ready to embrace them with open arms? Are you willing to love them unconditionally? I'm not just talking about strangers...I'm also talking about the ones that were close to us....our loved ones, friends, mother, father, brothers and sisters that we stopped talking to! What about certain individuals in the church that have hurt you?

I must admit, I am not quite there yet! However, this Easter Season has challenged me to keep growing, keep praying, and to keep understanding what Forgivness is all about! I don't know if I will ever experience the same level of love that Jesus and God has for me but I will try everyday to become more Christ-like, more loving...more forgiving.

I want to take time out to apologize to great friends of the past that I have distanced myself from...for acting in the flesh! Della, Denise, Mia, Angela, Yolanda, and Carrie, THIS DANCE IS FOR YOU!

Thank you mom and dad for loving me, lifting me up and carrying me when I did not have the strength to go on...for making me understand that God's purpose for me has always been in existance, long before I was born.

Black History Month is Over, Yet The Passion For Our Culture Still Lives On!

2008-03-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a little over a month since I last checked in. My act of silence was contributed to a Sensational Black History Season celebrated through dance! With no breaks and back to back dances, my girls never fell short of their calling in life. I can't speak enough about our St. Dorothy Liturgical Dancers. They are on "Fire for God" and their level of dance is beyond extraordinary! Janice, you blew me away with your personal interpretation of Victor Nelson's Cotton Field....words can not explain the level of intensity, passion, and pain that the audience felt as you surrendered your movements to God. When I look at you and the others, I have to give thanks to God for blessing me, for allowing me to work with all of you, and finally....for figuring out my purpose in life! If Ms. Richie and I could change the hands of time and keep this same group for 10 more years, we would.....however, we would be acting in our flesh and not in spirit! It saddens me to see our eighth grade dancers leaving, yet I know that God will guide you to a ministry that will allow you to keep praising HIM!

"Remember" A Journey of the Past and Future at Holy Name Cathedral

2008-02-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2008 is a day that I will never forget. I recall looking at the faces of the girls as they gathered around to pray...a prayer for humble spirits, open hearts, and a prayer for the anointing to fall fresh on us. We wanted God to "use us", "guide us", and unleash our movements as we danced to the song "Remember." We knew the importance of remembering the past...the hurt and pain that our ancestors encountered, yet it is only because of the grace and mercy of God that we are here to talk about it. The choir and the musicians were under the direction of Mr. Timothy Walker. The girls executed the dance with a flawless interpretation of the past. Our God is a God of Perfection and it is only because of WHO HE IS that we are able to do what we do. There was something about the "red and black." They looked like African Dolls With Souls...Daughters of Royalty. They are "Children of The King."
Holy Name Cathedral is so beautiful. The archetecture is simply amazing. Being there is almost like a small glimpse of Heaven.

What would we ever do without Ms. Richie...her words of wisdom and her powerful prayers continues to lay the foundation of this sacred ministry. May The Blood of Jesus cover the children and staff at St. Dorothy School... and May the Power of God continue to guide Father Bob. He is a blessing to the school, the church and the community!

I Know Where I've Been

2008-01-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

My liturgical dancers at St. Dorothy School did an outstanding job ministering on Sunday. I choreographed a dance to a song by Queen Latifah, I Know Where I've Been. The girls made the words to the song come alive with their long extensions, high lifts, twists, turns, and heart-felt expressions. This tribute to M.L.K. was a "must see" dedication through dance. I look forward to all of the dances in the month of February as we embrace our African-American Heritage. I will soon list the dates of our upcoming dances during Black History Month. If you are a lover of dance and are in love with God then you should make an effort to come out and support my dancers. The power of God continues to increase them to new levels ...and I am blessed to be a part of it!

The Life of M.L.K. Through Dance

2008-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at St. Dorothy Church this Sunday. The St. Dorothy liturgical dancers will dedicate a special tribute to him through the movement of dance.

The Black Catholic All School Mass

2008-01-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

A dance troupe that I choreograph for, the St. Dorothy Liturgical Dancers, have been invited to perform at the Black Catholic All School Mass at the Cathedral in downtown Chicago on Tuesday, February 5. Over 60 different schools will be present in the Cathedral that day, along with the Bishop and other "bigwigs."

The kids are excited and I am too. This is great honor for us. I haven't heard of any former Liturgical Dancers performing in the past at this event so I think we will be first. If you're able to join us on February 5, come on downtown!

Welcome!

2008-01-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first post on my blog for EXPRESSIONS OF YOU!

Here you will find our up-to-date news items, announcements, photos, comments and basically anything and all things related to Expressions of You.

I love hearing from parents, students and friends, so check in often and feel free to leave comments.