“5, 6, 7, 8!” Dance has grown to be a huge success over the last year and continues to grow strong with popularity. More specifically, dance education has become a huge success among women, aged 18 years and older. One of the main reasons for its popularity is the introduction of various reality dance- based shows, such as Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Top Dance Crew and MTV’s Dance Life.

So why dance? There are many benefits as to why women should venture into the wonderful world of dance. It is an excellent aerobic, recreation activity that allows women to truly express themselves while shedding those pounds. Out of the many benefits that this form of exercise offers, the top reason why women engage in this style of fitness is because they are looking for something “different” and “fun” from their regular fitness regime. Going to a fitness class to dance to sexy music, shake your booty and add a little hip or two is very different than lifting weights in your traditional body blast classes!

The Selling Factor – Building Self-Confidence

Dance-based classes offer excellent “physical” benefit to women, however, what makes these types of classes truly unique, is the element of empowerment. Through sensual movement, women feel renewed and empowered. The element of empowerment gives participants the ability to find their OWN beauty and grace in movement- and the permission to OWN it. Through continuous participation in classes, women start to feel comfortable with themselves, their bodies and sensuality- ultimately, building self-confidence within. Over time, women’s appreciation in sensual movement is heightened, and fears of self- expression start to diminish- leading to wonderful sexy and powerful transformations! So it’s not all about the hip dips and body undulations… now is it?

Dancing Your Way to a Sexier, Fitter YOU!

Regardless of the variety of sexy classes now offered, a common thread is apparent- dance-based fitness classes are coming back in a big way. Dance- based classes, such as Strip Aerobics, are appealing because students learn so much more during their dance studies besides the wonders of experiencing the world of art. Numerous studies have shown that dance can be very beneficial physically, mentally and socially.

Physical Benefits:

• Improves coordination, balance, control and flexibility
• Improves posture, poise and grace
• Increases complete body strength
• Improves rhythm, timing, musicality

Mental Benefits:

• Heightens self-confidence and body awareness
• Improves overall memorization skills, following directions, attention span & concentration
• Improves problem solving skills and the understanding of patterns and sequences
• Aids in the personal development of creative expression, imagination and discipline

Social Benefits:

• Improves classroom etiquette, the following instructions and patience
• Stimulates positive interacting with peers, sharing and respecting others
• Leads to the development of friendships

So what are you waiting for? Get up and dance!

Symposium for creating a rocking brand

Presented by Brand Experts Laura Furtado & Leanne Grechulk

TOURING TORONTO — NEW YORK CITY  —  PARIS  — CHICAGO  —
LOS ANGELES  — VANCOUVER

Two fabulous, female entrepreneurs, Laura Furtado from DivaGirl Inc. and Leanne Grechulk from HealthyGirl, are brand experts  and in the growth stages of building empires.  In this tag-teaming, inspiring seminar, learn how you can create a kick-ass brand and leave a sizzlin’ impression on the competition.

In this seminar, you will learn how to:

• Build a successful online community and empire
• Be social media savvy to attract clients and partners online
• Create your dream team
• Go global with your personal brand
• Create a six-figure brand
• Create your one-year marketing plan

NEW YORK CITY:
Friday, February 24th 1-4:30PM
Click here to register or for more information.

TORONTO:
Friday, April 20th: 1:30-4PM
Click here to register or for more information.

Get ready for some hot branding… in heels.

Interested in booking Brandapoolza at your next corporate event or conference?  Contact us for more information about rates and availability.

Laura Furtado will be presenting her infamous Living a Divalicious Lifestyle seminar- this is one not to miss!

Why Should You Attend?

• Incredible Value! The average fitness class is $20 for a single visit. At our conference, you will receive 12 incredible classes all for a fraction of the cost.
• Get Fit, Have Fun and Feel Sexy! All classes are non-intimidating and specifically designed to accommodate and encourage all fitness levels in a supportive, fun and feminine environment.
• Have the opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded women in a fun and supportive environment.
• Experience real life stories from women who have had a passion for enhancing their lives and contributing to others around them.
• Learn the specific tools and strategies that deliver success and begin using them in your life today!
• Because you deserve a fabulous day of nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. A day to laugh, learn and unleash your sexy within!

For more information, please visit www.divagirlconference.com.

Click here to register today!  Early-bird prices end December 1st!

She’s travelled all over the world, smiling and dancing the entire way. Laura Furtado, named one of last year’s Top Five Young Entrepreneurs in Canada, continues to help women stay motivated, positive and achieve their ultimate fitness goals through her online company DivaGirl. Offering services from seminars to classes and professional dance groups, her company continues to grow and help women all over in this YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m an international Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer and Presenter. I am the Owner of DivaGirl, which is an online community that encourages women to get fit, have fun and feel sexy. DivaGirl consists of 4 divisions: DivaGirl Fitness, DivaGirl Entertainment, DivaGirl Beauty and DivaGirl-Preneur. I work on creating dance/fitness programs, events and services for females, alongside my DivaGirl Licensees, to encourage women to unleash their sexy within. I hang out with lots of women, dance, joke around and create… I have a tough job.

Why did you start your company? What was the inspiration for this route?
The concept of “DivaGirl” came at a time in which I was overworked with classes and workshops and wanted to find a more “efficient” and “fun” way to conduct business. I thought it would be great to create a community of instructors, in which by leveraging and helping each other, everyone would benefit. This was something that was missing in the dance industry and I wanted to be one of the first to market. 

The name “DivaGirl” was inspired from a good friend and amazing Dancer, Krystal Garib. She constantly called me a “Diva” because of my personality, and the name really caught my attention. “Diva” represents the independence and strong-will of a woman, and “Girl” represents the flirty, fun side of females; characteristics that represents the brand. In addition, it was an ex-boyfriend who had motivated me to execute the concept and actually build the business model. I thank both of them for helping me where I am today.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
The best part of my day is the fact that every day is a new adventure! Though my days are very long, usually starting off at 6am and ending past midnight, there is never a dull moment. I am given the opportunity to help and inspire women daily, which I love to do, hence why I live a very happy life.

The most challenging part?

I actually enjoy the entrepreneurial lifestyle… even the accounting! However, on the downside, it is challenging to manage a personal life. Running your own business requires a lot of work hours- meaning that you spend LOTS of time with your best friend- yourself. Entrepreneurs are “loners” by nature and though I love spending time by myself, I would like to have more time for my friends and family.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I plan to continue to grow the DivaGirl brand and its current divisions. My personal goal is to reach 50 DivaGirl Licensees over the next two years and have a presence in new cities, including Europe. Over the next year, I am launching our active wear clothing collection, our online DivaGirl shop, instructional DVD and online certification courses which I plan on building over the next 5 years. I also plan on executing DivaGirl Conferences throughout various major cities. Finally, I am working on a TV proposal in hopes to create a DivaGirl show. Regardless, I will still be dancing, having fun and encouraging women to be fabulous!

What does success look like to you?
Success is simple. It means living a happy, productive and meaningful life. If you have all three characteristics, you are a rock star!

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The most memorable milestone for me was being titled one of the five Top Young Entrepreneurs in Canada in 2010.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
-        Leverage others specialities and partner with other brand/individuals.
-        Always network with other amazing, passionate people, as they will help your business grow.
-        Treat everyone with respect and always keep the meaning of “karma” in mind.
-        Be yourself and follow your heart… as no one else will be better at being you than yourself.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am on the Board of Directors for the Dance for Life Foundation, a non-profit organization that believes the passion for dance can be used as a medium to bring together communities of people globally. We support and assist charities and individuals in need and all of our profits from our initiatives go to charity. In addition, I sit on the Turnout group at the National Ballet of Canada, who foster the future of dance by supporting the prestigious Apprentice program. I’m also an active mentor for thriving female entrepreneurs in Toronto. Throughout the year, DivaGirl also supports various local, women organizations, which serve various goals, yet all focus on making women lives’ better.

What to you is notable?
Being notable is working hard, treating other with respect and always having a good heart. At the end of day, there should be no regrets.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I live by my iPhone!

An international dancer, instructor, choreographer, motivational speaker and award-winning entrepreneur, Laura Furtado is a woman of many talents.

She describes herself as a “hard working and very passionate individual.” Furtado has many accomplishments under her belt and has won the following titles: 2002 Mandell Xtreme Entertainment Dancer of the Year and 2009 Canada’s Top 5 Arts Entrepreneur of the Year. She has also been named the 2010 Top Young Entrepreneur in Canada and was, most recently, one of the finalists in the 2011 Notable Awards (Best Personal Brand category).

Even though she has been dancing since the age of six, and professionally for almost 13 years across North America and Europe, Furtado says she never considered starting her own company or dancing full-time.

Driven to success, Furtado studied hard and graduated from Ryerson University with a marketing major. Eventually she started teaching dance and participating in more shows. “I fell in love with it and decided that one day I’m going to do this for a living. And here I am!” she says.

Founded almost two years ago, Furtado’s company – DivaGirl Inc. – consists of four divisions.

DivaGirl Fitness was the first to launch a couple of years ago, and provides a variety of dance classes, with a focus on “sexy dance.” DivaGirl Entertainment, a professional dance company, was launched a few months later. Within the next year, DivaGirl Beauty and DivaGirl-Preneur, an aid for women entrepreneurs, were up and running as well. Today, the company spans three continents, with partners in Canada, Brazil and Israel.

Krystal Garib, a friend with whom Furtado has danced internationally, was one of the two people who helped her create the concept for DivaGirl.

“She always called me a diva, and it really stuck,” says Furtado.

The second person who supported Furtado was her ex-boyfriend. He encouraged her to work on the company and focus on branding.

“Both of them were helping me at the same time, and it gave me the idea that I should do a brand that represents the Diva – an empowering and independent woman – and the Girl – the flirty, fun side of the female.”

Furtado says what makes DivaGirl special is that it is “a one-stop shop for women to feel better about themselves – physically, socially and as entrepreneurs. It is an online community that encourages women to get fit, have fun and feel sexy.”

Furtado runs her international company with the help of her social media co-ordinator Amy Caron.

The business model ensures that Furtado partners with female entrepreneurs in their respective communities to support their future plans, rather than hire more staff herself.

Never looking back and always looking forward is one of the characteristics of an entrepreneur, something Furtado says she always does herself.

“It’s interesting that when you’re positive, good to people and have good energy, things do happen.”

She admits that many things that have happened since DivaGirl started, she didn’t plan for and she’s pleasantly surprised about how fast the company has grown.

Furtado has big plans in the coming year. She will be launching a new and improved online community by the end of December; will open an online store, where she will sell dance-class DVDs and a “pink and girly” clothing line, designed in partnership with Titika Activewear; hold a conference in Toronto in March; expand her company to Amsterdam and Florida in spring 2012; and hold an event in Vancouver in the new year.

Laura Furtado, Founder of the DivaGirl empire, personally led a workshop at The Spoke Club on the importance of risk-taking to an entrepreneur.

A powerful and passionate speaker, Laura inspired the crowd – which was a mix of mid-career and budding entrepreneurs – to face their fears and take more changes, albeit not naive ones.

She preached the importance of living life and the only way to do so was to take changes, rather than having regrets.

“Curiosity Courage Consistency Confidence,” she declared as the keys to success.

This weeks Dancer/Choreographer shout out goes out goes to Laura Furtado. Laura Furtado, a successful international Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer and Presenter, is the Founder and Owner of DivaGirl.

DivaGirl consists of 4 divisions: DivaGirl Fitness (dance/fitness company across Canada, Brazil & Spain), DivaGirl Entertainment (professional dance company), DivaGirl Beauty (spa/beauty division) and DivaGirl-Preneur (hosting women entrepreneur seminars and networking events).  With over 25 years of experience in the dance and fitness realms, she has made a presence across North America and Europe, including Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine and Portugal.

She is a Visionary who has transformed the concept of a diva, with the creation of the DivaGirl community. Throughout her career, Laura has danced on stages across the world, has taught in numerous cities, certified hundreds of female Instructors and instructed thousands of women.

Laura has been titled Canada’s Top Young Entrepreneur of 2010, one of Canada’s Top 25 Young Entrepreneurs of 2009, Nominee for the Arts Entrepreneur of the Year, Nominee for the Emerging Performing Artist of the Year, Titika Advocate, Lululemon Ambassador and Diva-Preneur. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Producer of Women In Dance, a creative showcase featuring the top female Dancers and Choreographer in Toronto, ON.  She has also been recently featured in the first edition of the TorontoCrave book, featuring the sassiest women entrepreneurs in the city.

The success of her unique dance styles and repertories, have featured her in numerous media outlets such as the Toronto Star, Global Television, CBC, Cosmo TV, Much Music, Rogers Television, City TV, The Slice Network, OMNI Television, Toronto Life, The National Post, The Mississauga News, SNAP Newspaper, Sheridan Sun, CHUM FM, Chin Radio, That Channel Radio & The Best Darn Talk Show.

She has also been featured in various online media outlets including: Sweetspot, Notable TV, Toronto.com, FAJO Magazine, CRAVE Toronto, Hip & Urban Girl, Stiletto Twins, HeyDoYou, Happy Girls, I’m Charming You and The City is Mine Blog.

Find out what Laura had to say in this weeks shout out…

Nikki: Do you remember the first time you started dancing?

Laura: I started dancing at the age of 6.  My mother enrolled me baby ballet at Heather Menzie’s School of Dance.  All I remember is that I LOVED it… and was a disco duck for the show

Nikki: Do you remember the first song you choreographed to? (Or your earliest memory)

Laura: This is a hard one… as there were many!  But the one closest to my memory was “Cold Hearted Snake” by Paula Abdul.  I was jamming in my basement with my little sister… nothing beats some great 80′s tunes.

Nikki: Getting in the zone to choreograph, what does it take for you?

Laura: To get into the zone, I need to focus on listening to my body… and what feels right.  This requires me trying to block out the outside world and distractions, which for me, can be challenging at times.  I need to feel well rested, inspired and creative.  Starting off to listen to music that I adore, is a great way to get my creative juices flowing.

Nikki: Who are some of your biggest influences in the Dance industry?

Laura: I gravitate towards female Dancers and Choreographers, as that is part of what my business represents.  I love the style of Kay-Ann Ward, a friend of mine, who’s work is not only sexy, but fierce and raw.  Lindsay Ritter is also an amazing Choreographer who has effectively tapped into Commercial Jazz, making it very marketable in the industry.  Growing up, I also loved the sexy style of Sophie Luxton.  Most of my sexy dance influence has came from her, so I thank her for inspiring me to create a community like DivaGirl.

Nikki: Name a Toronto Choreographer you enjoy working with and why?

Laura: I enjoying working with Carla Catherwood- my Partner with the Chic-A-Boom Room.  Carla is not only passionate and super creative, yet she is also hard-working and hustler… just like me!  I enjoying being surrounded by people who have positive energy, also thinking of what more can be done, working hard and getting things done.  Execution is key to success- and Carla is someone who understands this.

Nikki: Name one of your favorite artists to work with and why?

Laura: I really enjoy Bollywood dance, which is a style that I picked up about 6 years, once I started dancing internationally.  Thus, my favorite artist is Apache Indian, though not mainstream, a great success for the “desi” music scene.

Nikki: Are you currently working on any projects?

Laura: I am working on various DivaGirl Entertainment projects in which are corporate event bookings across the GTA.  The main project that I am working on is the Chic-A-Boom Room, created by Carla Catherwood, in which I am the Marketing Director of the show.  We are working together to create bigger and better shows in 2012, a stage performance in September and taking the show to Vancouver, to build a second home for the Chic-A-Boom.

Nikki: Qualities you think Toronto Dancers possess?

Laura: Four top qualities that any amazing Dancer should embody include: dedication, uniqueness, passion and hard work.

Nikki: Any advice for emerging dancers and choreographers working/training in Toronto?

Laura: Dance, dance and then dance even more.  The best way to get better at your art, is to do it.  Take the opportunity to go to different classes and workshops and be open to learn from others.  Networking with other dancers as that is the way to get your name out.  ALWAYS be kind to others and avoid the drama.  Good things happen when you are good to others.