To Funkanometry, dear friends, and dance community members:

You may be aware that tomorrow (actually today) is The Sockhop showcase.  I’m writing to let you know that this will be my last Sockhop.  This announcement may not come as a surprise to many of you, considering the fact that I’ve been noticeably less present the past 6 months, but this is my official goodbye, as I am stepping down as Executive Director of Funkanometry SF Dance Company.  Funkanometry has been my LIFE for the past 6 years (moreso than I ever would’ve imagined), but alas, it is time for me to move on…

I was appointed director of Funkanometry SF when I was in my Junior Year at UC Berkeley as a young 20-yr old college girl with huge optimism, passion for the team, and motivation to contribute.  It seems like it’s been forever since then.  Over the years I’ve witnessed many company members come and go, two large exoduses (followed by two great comebacks!), our company doubling in size, and many struggles and hard times, as every close team or family experiences.  But the GOOD TIMES and GOOD PEOPLE are what have kept me here for so many years.

I’ve learned and grown SO MUCH from this company, and for that I am extremely grateful beyond words.  I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today without Funkanometry having been a part of my life.  But here we are in 2010.  The year has been full of blessings so far.  Nonetheless, I’ve come to realize that it’s a very new generation of the dance community, and as such, it’s time for a new generation of leaders.  It’s time for a new leader to take the reigns and take Funkanometry to its next milestone.

As for me, while I won’t be an active director anymore, I will continue to contribute to the dance community, just through different means and different projects.  I will also continue working at my current full-time job as the Outreach Associate at Streetside Stories, a local literacy arts nonprofit, as well as catching up with people in my life that I’ve put second to Funks every since I became director.   Also, I want to dance again. For the past 6 months, I haven’t had the time or the motivation to dance at all, which is sad considering it was once my greatest passion.  Hopefully now I’ll have the time to enjoy dance the way I used to when I first started, instead of thinking of it as work.

And as for the position — we will be opening up the ED position to an open application process. The Funks Board of Directors will be conducting interviews of potential candidates, and then we will have a panel discussion with a few current company members to discuss the final applicants. Keep up to date with our website if you’re interested in applying.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to Funkanometry and the entire dance community for welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be a part of something so amazing and powerful as this community.  Leading such an influential and inspirational company was a truly humbling experience, and every single person I have met throughout the years has been a blessing to my life.  I’m excited to lead tomorrow’s Sockhop.  And even though it will be my last, I’ll be able to truly appreciate all that I have been blessed with.

And now for the mushy stuff…I want to thank a few of you individually, because without you, dance would not be dance — as I know it at least…

Kyle Lin – Thank you…Thank you for trusting me to take over your company and for giving me the opportunity to challenge myself and grow. Most of all, thank you for always being a great friend, and for being there for me and supporting me always. Ninjas for life!!
Emerson – My gay husband! You will always have a special place in my heart.  Thank you for trusting me as well, and for letting me into your life.  I admit, I always did feel special that you were my business partner and co-director, and I’m so thankful to have gotten to know you so well over the past 4 years.  Hopefully now we’ll have more time to just kick it and chill, instead of always having to have business meetings. I miss those days.
Maricha, MJ, Julia, Ana – My female warrior leaders and inspirations. You helped show me how to be a strong woman, and I love you all from the bottom of my heart. You are my greatest strengths and pillars.
Glory – My boo! I’ll always be here for you, and thank you for always being there for me, ever since high school!  I’ve always admired your strength, honesty, and perseverance. I have no doubt in my mind that you will do amazing things in dance, and in life. I luffs you!
Janet, JP, Gigi and Funks LA – Thank you for paving the way. Funks SF would not be here today without you having built such a strong foundation, and I’m forever grateful for it. You created an amazing legacy, and I am so honored to just have been a part of it.
“Funks SD” / PGN – Stay strong and keep going! I’m so proud of where you have come, and I’m proud of your strength through all the hard times! You will always be a part of the Funks family.
Anna & Arnel – Mentors and leaders. Thank you for all that you have done for this community, and for what you continue to do to this day. Many people don’t realize how much you really contribute, but I know one day your karma points will kick in. You are true leaders for the dance community and I’ve learned a lot from you both.
Irene & Margaret – Thank you for supporting me by joining our Board. You have always been mentors to me, and having your support gave me 100x more confidence to succeed. I’m thankful that this will still be the case after I leave = )
Ellen, Adela, Rocko, Mari, Slimmy, Rogel, Bibi, Elisa, Krystal, Julio, Darryl, Jovver, Val, Amber and old school Funks Alumni – I love you all and I will always miss those amazing years we had together.  Each of you will always have a special place in my heart.
Aysha, Lacy, Bree, Char – My Philippines ladies! One of the best trips of my life. Thank you for always being amazing friends and being able to lend an ear when I needed you. There will be many more days (and nights!) together with us. I know it ; )
Sandy – Thank you for your continued support of me and Funks! We would not have been able to achieve the growth and success of the Funkbrella without you. You’ve always been a source of strength and reassurance for me, and I’m so glad that we are friends!
De La Femme & Project EM – I am still in awe at how far both of your teams have come, and I still can’t believe it’s been 2 years.  Watching you all tonight at the Welcome Dinner, I can see that you have found yourselves and know who you are as a team. I’m so happy for that, and I know you will do amazing things in the future.
Funksters – You ARE the heart of Funks SF. Ever since we started your program in 2005, I knew that we had started something amazing.  And now, the program has reached something spectacular, and each and every one of you embodies the FUNKS LOVE that we were founded on. Keep that. Don’t forget it. And always remember Krystle’s words to stay ‘Passionate, driven and humble.” You’ll go far in dance with that mentality.
Odds/old Funksters – You are the FUTURE of Funks. Don’t forget that, and don’t be afraid to take the reigns and make it your own. This is YOUR company now and you have so much potential and talent.  Keep the same fun and light Odds mentality and apply it to Funks.   Keep looking to the future and don’t look back. I promise you will go far!

And to the FUTURE members of Funkanometry – Don’t EVER forget – FUNKS IS LOVE.  Don’t forget your roots, why we started, and what we were founded on.  Embrace this Funks love and embody it every time you step into the studio. Pretty soon your energy will be contagious, and you’ll find everyone else around you catching on. Lead the way.

And now, I’m off to bed, and I look forward to having one of the best Sockhop shows ever!  Thank you everyone for your hard work and for allowing me to lead you these past 4 years.

With ALL my love,

Gina Mariko Rosales

The Funkbrella in 2009

January

• Funks starts an after-school program at Burton High School (SF Hunter’s Point)
• Project EM performs for the very first time in Southern California @ VIBE and debuts their medley, “Project EM Academy.”
• 6 dancers go to the Philippines with Journey 2 Origin to teach free dance workshops to youth.

• Funks after-school program at Youth Empowerment School (Oakland)

February

• Funks performs @ Northeastern University, UC Santa Barbara “Western Regional Queer Conference“
• 7th Annual Funks SF Auditions
• Funks SF & Project EM travels to the east coast to showcase at FR3SH’s 1st “Main Event” Showcase.

March

• De La Femme, Project EM, Funks, The Odds peforms at Battlefest Live – “Most fun onstage all year ” – Bibi
• The Odds places 3rd & Funkanometry SF wins Hall of Fame award!

April

• 1st ever Funkbrella Company Orientation @ Women’s Building, SF
• Warriors Game with Funksters!
• Funks performs in Colorado at Verve Showcase
• The Odds performs at Fusion X.
• FUNKBRELLA GETS AN OFFICE @ 99 Colton Street!!! Office Warming Party follows…

May

• Funksters places 1st in the “Quest for the Best” Youth talent Showcase, SF!

• 1st Funkbrella Artistic Training Workshop with Samath Orm
• Funks performs @ FUZ

June

• Project EM debuts their new medley at “Body Rock” in their 2nd appearance in Southern California.
• Funks ladies perform at Sisterz of the Underground anniversary party @ Club 6ix, SF
• 1st Funkbrella rehearsal @ SF State

July

• THE SOCKHOP: PART DEUX! @ Regency Grand Ballroom, SF
• The Sockhop Olympics, Welcome Dinner, SF Tour, & Workshop
• Project EM collaborates with De La Femme for the very first time – “Femme & EM”
• FunkSTARS! & Summer Intensive for youth

August

• Funks performs at Best of the Bay party @ Mezzanine, SF & HHDF Fundraiser show @ Dance Mission
• 1st ever Funkbrella Summer Sessions Showcase, SOLD OUT @ Brava Theater, SF! Over 100 dancers registered for summer programs!

September

• 1st Funkbrella ENGAGEMENT! Dave Le (Project EM) proposes to Val Uy (Funks/De La Femme) during Project EM and De La Femme rehearsal. Congrats to the first Funkbrella couple!

• Funkbrella Board Meeting welcomes 2 new Board Members: Irene Duller & Margaret Tobias!
• Funksters Auditions
• Strategic Planning Meeting with directors
• After-school program at Galileo High School, SF

October

• Funkbrella @ World of Dance, San Mateo – Funksters places 2nd and wins “Crowd Favorite”!



• After-school program at Balboa HS, SF

November

• Funks performs “I’m Not Your Toy” at SF Hip-hop Dancefest 11th annual show. 4 Funks girls adorn the posters.

December

• City Dance Show @ Cowell Theater, SF
• 8th Annual Funks auditions
• Funkbrella gives FREE HUGS in Union Square, SF!

Thanks for an amazing year! 2010 has even more in store for the Funkbrella, so keep up with us!

= )

The Funkbrella & Poleng Lounge presents…

“HIGHER LEARNING” (every Thursday)
Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the Funkbrella Dance Company!
Project EM
De La Femme
The Odds
Funksters
As well as the 7-year anniversary of Funkanometry SF, the Funkbrella’s professional company

Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Poleng Lounge
1751 Fulton St @ Masonic, SF
10pm-2am; 18+

*Cover: $5-20 sliding scale donations (21+ FREE, but $5 suggested donation)
*All donations will benefit our community dance programs!
*Drink specials all night

Musical stimulation provided by:
DJ A-Ron | Good Company
The Whooligan | 40 Love/Om Records
J-Feeva | Good Company
Resident DJs: Mel & Asic

For bottle service: higherlearning09@gmail.com
www.polenglounge.com

Project EM 2009-10
- Company Dancers
Andy Chi
Angel Patino
Anthony Esposo
David Bao
Dennis Dizon
EJ Macayan
Emerson Aquino
Emil Martinez
Enzo Mendoza
Eric Andres
Kyle Manalang
Jomar Monzon (Admin Assistant)
JP Reyes
Justin Mitchell
Long Trinh (Dance Captain)
Mark Dan Pablico (Artistic Director)
Nick Bauri (Dance Captain)
Paolo Lopez
Ryan Allarde
Vince Lam
Yuta Oe

- In-Training:
Ben Souvonnasupa
Billy Pham
CJ Eustaquio
Daniel Fung
Jason Park
J.C. Delos Santos
Nico Julian

De La Femme 2009-10
Alyssa Luc
Amy Wang
Angelina Gunthner
Barbara Dizon
Crystal Rosete
Dorothy Wong
Glory Mendoza
Heather Ferguson
Hitomi Wada
Huyen Choeun
Jacqueline Engler
Karyn Huey
Kayin Ecklin
Kenya Garrett
Kimbo Luu
Krissy Wong
Kristina Guido
Lauren Schnapper
Mariana Sandoval
Marielle Daquioag
Melissa Carlos (Dance Captain)
Michelle McAllister (Admin Assistant)
MJ Serafica (Dance Captain)
Nicki Herz
Paymaneh Khalili (Artistic Director)
Ruby Ballesteros
Sara Shin
Tawnya Kuzia
Vienna Luu (Dance Captain)

The Odds Roster 2009-10
Amanda Miller
Anh Nguyen
Ayuka Sugiura
Bel Olivar (Artistic Coordinator)
Chris Alcanices
Chris Uy
Corina Gomez
Danish Cruda
Ian-James Vitaga
Jamil Pura
Janesse Henke
Janice Lee
Jefferson Mosquera
Jillian Hibbert
John Pichay
Julia Chang
Kelli Terada
Kyle Shea
Melissa Fajardo
Pablo Ortiz
Patrick Long
Ralph Laranjo
Ricardo Cruz (Artistic Coordinator)
Robert Barrett
Ryan Nebre
Ryan Roa
Sal Urena
Stephanie Bautista
Weejay Lawas

World of Dance Tour
Sat, October 3, 2009
3pm-12am
2495 South Delaware Street (San Mateo Expo Center)
San Mateo CA 94403

TICKETS:
- Buy them online here.
- Or buy them directly from The Odds or Funksters to help them pay for competition fees!

LINE-UP:
YOUTH DIVISION (430-530pm)
(*) Denotes Exhibition Team
Future Shock
*De La Femme
Funksters
A­-Youngin
*Expressive Doubt LA
Funk Beyond Control
Award Ceremony

ADULT DIVISION (645-10pm)
(*) Denotes Exhibition Team
Main Ingredients
*Funkanometry SF
Main Stacks
Pandora’s Myth
The Odds
*Vers(e) Dance Company
That One Company
*Groove Against the Machine
The League
*Afta Shock
Bliss Dance Company
*Instant Noodles
On Point
*Extreme Dance FX
VIP
*GrooveMeKanex
Phyzikal Distinction
*SickStep
Schooling
*Project EM
Poreotics
*Supreme Soul
*Quest
Award Ceremony

See you all there!

-ginaaa

Save the date for Funkbrella Auditions!

The Odds Auditions
Competitive team
Friday October 9th, 2009
7pm Registration
730-1030pm Teaching & Auditions
*Audition piece taught by Rocko Luciano

Project EM & De La Femme Auditions
All-male & All-female performance companies
Saturday October 10th, 2009
7pm Registration
730-11pm Teaching & Auditions
*Audition piece taught by Amber Divina

Download the Registration Forms:
The Odds
Project EM
De La Femme

Got questions? Email nika@funkbrella.com

Jpeezy photography: Full event blog from the trip here.

Thanks to FR3SH for hosting Funkanometry SF & Project EM!

-ginaaa