Finally coming out from under a rock and back into the world of social media. Will give an update of my past 2 months soon, but for now, here’s a quick piece of choreo I did to Adele’s I Found A Boy

So I’ve abandoned my website for a really long time. It’s been a CRAZY month, and I just got a second to write an update (and hopefully justify why my life is in shambles and I haven’t had time to check my inbox of 347 messages, reply to anything on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, OA forum, text messages, phone calls, etcetcetcetcetcetc @.@)

Acting gigs:

• CLOSE UP toothpaste commercial: This was one of the funnest shoots I’ve EVER been on! The whole cast and crew was so incredibly nice, and surprisingly, mostly my age. Definitely had a blast hanging out with them, making peanut-butter-nutella-banana-jelly-er-bagel-sandwiches, and dressing up as a nerd. Yep, I played an Asian nerd. Yet again. Haha it’s my look, but I do have to admit, I love being awkward. And Stephy the costumer gave me the most amazing pair of purple pants to sport and then helped put together my outfit. Though I must take credit for the sheep sweater and green chucks hehe. Take a look at this madness

• Something really really super uber cool that I don’t think I can talk about, but it’s a commercial that involved dancing, and dancing with two really, really cool people. Will definitely post the video once it’s up!

Over the past few days, I’ve been particularly aware of those working close-to minimum wage jobs and I’ve been humbled. If you take the time to hear their stories, so many of them are brilliant. They simply made the brave decision to set aside status and security to pursue their dreams, often in the arts. I’ve had this conversation time and again, and it seems to always be the age-old dilemma: do what is socially acceptable, get a stable job, work your way up the corporate ladder, etc etc…OR pursue your crazy, risky, next-to-impossible dreams. You know, artists aren’t dumb. Let’s get rid of the generalization that artists resort to living off of ramen because they just weren’t good enough for the office jobs. On the contrary, most of them are equally if not more capable of running a company than the next exec. I had an inspiring conversation with an extraordinarily endearing old man. He told me when he moved to LA to pursue acting, rent was $45/month (T-T why can’t we go back to those simpler times?) and he worked at Baskin Robbins to support himself. He also threw in the fact that he was offered an impressive position at an advertising company, and he could’ve been on his way to a very financially comfortable life. But he turned it down for acting. I asked him if he regretted his choice, and with a twinkle in his eye so pure and beautiful, he said, “Not a minute of it.” To me, a passionate waiter busting his ass to get his music career off the ground is just as respectable as any engineer. And I love my engineers.

Had a crazy, crazy weekend PA-ing (production assistant) for a REALLY exciting project involving *hint* a VERY talented dancer/choreographer/actor and EQUALLY talented filmmakers. Unfortunately, that’s all I can reveal, but boy will the world be excited to see this! I learned so much by just being on set and it was so inspiring to be surrounded by passionate people. Creative juices are flowing! But every once in a while, as I get thrown deeper and deeper into the ocean of the entertainment industry, I have to take a step back and remember what’s important:

The  following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the  creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip.

1. Name  the five wealthiest people in the  world.

2. Name  the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4  Name  ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor & actress.

6. Name  the last decade’s worth ofWorld Series winners.

Recently, I applied for an incredible 2-month opportunity with the Sierra Club that will allow me to 1) Be an ambassador of the outdoors for youth by embarking on adventures with the Sierra Club’s youth programs, and 2) Utilize my filmmaking and hosting skills to vlog and share these experiences with the world!

I’m in the top 25! You can help! Please leave a little comment here: http://www.sierraclub.org/bestinternship/applicants/applicant20.aspx <–my video submission!

Thank you so, so much.

Had the honor of working with the talented Kane Diep again. It’s his rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Back To December” which had brilliant cinematography, but no story. We’re about to change that…Look out for the full video on his channel, youtube.com/kaned89 on April 4!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52rwpc0tn8M]

Jeannie Mai is one of the most friendly people I’ve ever met. You know how everyone has a hint of awkwardness to them (some, more than others). No, not Jeannie…she’s a friggin goddess and can make you feel comfortable in any situation. In case you don’t know who she is, Jeannie is the host of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?” Yes, yes, she’s a fashion guru, but what’s more, she is really passionate about helping women feel confident, and she makes a damn good point: no matter how anti-superficial you are, everyone’s first impression is (fortunately or unfortunately) appearance. So fashion, if used for good, can do wonders. I don’t want to give too much away, as you’ll just have to wait for the interview release on TheOtherAsians.com, but in the mean time,  you can catch Jeannie this Saturday for the premiere of her new season, Saturdays at 8 & 11.

Yes, that is the same woman…Jeannie Mai, work your magic.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx9dMljuiYc]

Written and Directed By Julie Zhan facebook.com/ifeelwigglyproductions
Featuring Kane Diep http://www.youtube.com/kaned89
Cinematography By Mark Anthony Gadia http://www.youtube.com/theaccidentalspy
Choreography By Julie Zhan and Kane Diep
Production Manager Drew Vo http://advo920.tumblr.com
Edited By Julie Zhan
Teaser Edited By Kane Diep
Special Thanks to The Woodroom http://www.thewoodroom.com/

This was yet another incredibly rewarding and exhausting weekend. Had the honor of interviewing producer Teddy Zee with TheOtherAsians in K-town. Despite his ridiculous list of accomplishments, he was humble, friendly, and most of all, honest. I was telling him how I picked up “Saving Face” from Blockbuster a few years ago because 1) It looked interesting, and 2) It was the first time I actually saw an Asian American film in that store. And now, Melly, Benny, and I were sitting across from the guy that helped make it happen; who helped pave the way for the AA community. Kudos, Teddy.

Photocred: Teddy Zee

Look out for the interview and awesome pictures of Teddy on TheOtherAsians soon!

Then I ran straight to Dance Track Magazine’s first annual Artist Awards to cover the event with Pacific Rim Video. It was so inspirational being surrounded by the best dancers of our time. Awards and events like this really have to happen more often, and with more support. Dancers are some of the hardest working individuals out there, especially given what they have to do physically day in and day out. They really deserve recognition–congrats to Sandra Colton, Robin Antin, Bryan Tanaka, Beat Freaks, and all the other winners, nominees, performers, and dancers. When in doubt, DANCE!

Photocred: Sthanlee Mirador

Dear Dance,

There exists nothing else in my life so utterly, inexorably, unconditionally pure. I belong with dance. Perfectly. When the music, the movement, and my heart are all in sync, the most powerful rush of feeling makes me literally short of breathe, and for just a moment, I find my perfect place in the world.

Dear Dance,

Thank you.