Dancing is just a physical expression of who you
are and if you want to become a better dancer or a better thinker,
the rules are the same through every area of your life.

The ancients, while navigating the high seas used to look
to the stars for guidance and direction. They would use the
constellations to plot their course through the rough seas
and stormy weather. Even with clouds and pouring rain, hope
would return with the clear skies and with it clear direction,
renewed hope and safety. Likewise, the ancient Egyptians, who
influenced the world we live in beyond measure, were highly
proficient in computing the power of the planets, luminaries and
constellations and the interactions between them. As they looked
up, they believed, as did the Greeks and civilisations before them
that it was these heavenly bodies which had an effect upon the
destinies of nations as well as individuals. It was the stars they
looked up to and regarded as living things that influenced us.
Today, we still look up to the “stars” for guidance, fashion tips, and
inspiration. Pop stars, “Superstars” and so called “talented” people,
seemingly unreachable up on the Billboards and on television
out of our grasp. People placed in positions, adored and ready to
be knocked down or carted off to rehab. It’s amazing how much
power and influence the few wield over the masses. Pythagoras
himself, the first “Philosopher” considered “the stars to be “bodies”
that encased souls, minds and spirits. It is quite clear that today
as we look up to our own “pop idols”, the latest marketed talents
and stars we should ask ourselves, are they really worthy of being
emulated and adored? Should we not instead focus our energies
on expressing ourselves to the best of our own abilities? Surely
this is far healthier than trying to complete a near-impossible task
and mimic those who we place up on the mantle piece ready, at
any point to be knocked down, revealing themselves to be just as
infallible as the rest of us?

These are not only philosophical questions but are most relevant
for the artists, dancers, actors, musicians and entertainers among
us - the true artists that will at least strive to be the best that
they can be. The artists that dig deeper. Those who understand
it is harmony that is a prerequisite of beauty. That the beautiful
poem, dance, song, piece of music or expression is only so when
its parts are harmonious. The message is clear; you will have to
search for yourself, your self if you want to find that harmonious
combination that will raise YOU up to the next level as an artist
and a person. Search. You. For yourself.

By Anthony King

Pt 3 coming soon! (Part 1: click here)

Anthony’s new Dance/Personal development book “Dance like the stars - Book 1, The Philosophy of physical expression, the learning process & Celebrity fitness” is out now in Waterstones, Foyles and Pineapple Shop Covent Garden. Or available to order from your local book shop.

To buy it online today click here!

Box A and B are EXACTLY the same colour…full stop!

No….you are wrong…they are! Proof

Obviously this is a one off and just a silly optical illusion…..everything else I know is right though….right?

hhhmmm makes you think………..

Full Link:

http://web.mit.edu/persci/people/adelson/checkershadow_illusion.html

I’ve always asked myself when looking at great artists perform or
at an amazing piece of art, music or architecture, what is it that
makes it or them so special? What is it that differentiates that
person from the rest? Do they have a supernatural ability or a
connection to something greater that we will never know? Or is it
a talent that can be learnt? When we see a painting by Leonardo
Da Vinci or hear an amazing piece of music by Beethoven, we
see and hear near perfection that leaves us awestruck, but where
does the magic that we all recognise as genius come from? Could
it be a particular age or demographic? It would seem that it’s
something more than learning a particular skill and practising
a lot. The magic comes from the unique individual, the magic
flows through them and it is they who are the key to unlocking
that potential. They possess a particular mindset or belief and a
unique way of looking at themselves and the world.

So before a musical note, a dance step or any kind of conceivable
expression is executed physically in the world, it is firstly an
expression of who you are mentally, spiritually and physically. The
physical execution, although essential, is last in the chain and it is
the physical action that is the easiest to replicate and duplicate.
The other parts take some understanding, effort and thought.
For example, before carrying out the execution of a dance step it
is of utmost importance that we understand our own intentions
so that we can then convey that step effectively to others to
appreciate and admire in physical form.

It’s the great artists that execute a step or the mesmerising singer
who hits the right note who understand that a physical act is by
no means the whole story! I’m talking about passion, belief and
understanding. Of course with training and repetition you can
program somebody to physically move in a certain way. However,
there will always be the exceptional few that have something
extra; that magic that is clear to see.

This is something that is missing from the solely physical thinking
person who may believe that by schooling alone you can master
your craft. I’m talking about the difference between a true dancer
and somebody that can move their body. I’m talking about the
lasting artist who inspires and gives hope as opposed to one who
entertains briefly and is soon forgotten. There is a big difference.
The difference is down to the artist: who they are, how they think
and what they stand for.

An artist is an artist all of the time. A star is born a star (It’s just a
case of rediscovering who you really are) understanding yourself
and working hard to perfect your skill, whatever that may be. It
is an essential for all artists. So before you start on that journey it
makes sense to think about who you are, what you stand for and
how you can best be yourself. After that it’s simply a case of just
letting the magic flow through you…

By Anthony King

P.2 Coming soon!

I wish that every young person in the world could see this…

The Australian Michael Jackson fanclub “Club Michael Jackson” are giving away 3 signed copies of my book to it’s members! So, if you’re not a member: sign up!

www.clubmichaeljackson.com

Question:

“What is the name of the 22yo Marketing Director who reviewed Anthony Kings book: Dance Like the Stars Book 1″?

Email your Name (that you want Anthony to write when he signs your copy!), ClubMichaelJackson.com username and answer to theteam@clubmichaeljackson.com before the 20th July 2007 and cross your fingers!

Special thanks Renee and ClubMJ Media Team!

This crossed my mind a couple of weeks back actually, as do lots of things…it just came back into my consciousness right now, and I just wanted to get it out on “paper� quickly.

Its 10.20am on Sunday morning and I’ve just had to make one of those serious phone calls…and the idea of “regrets� has come into my mind. I am very much a person who tries to learn the lessons of life early so that I can at least enjoy life and live it to its maximum, while I am still young…or at least think about the big questions now, while I can still do it and have an effect.

I also have to say that, I do not always agree with other people at all….or the stars or the experts or the poets or the artists…sometimes do, sometimes don’t. I was listening to a Madonna song called “I deserve it�, I like the song a lot and it makes me think. Although there is one thing for me….Everytime she gets to the bridge, I say to myself “no, no, no�…�no way�…..because I personally, would change every thing, and every action, I would work harder and be a better person. I personally think that only a fool, would say that they have “no regrets�….no, I have many regrets…and if I could change them or have acted differently in the situations I have found myself in, I would, and even the positives, if I could change them, I would make them better, have worked harder, expressed myself more passionately, enjoyed the moment more or just appreciated…..appreciated more…..and I’m just a young guy…

Anyway, here it is….just my thoughts on it though…nice song…

I have no regrets

There’s nothing to forget

All the pain was worth it

Madonna “I deserve it” Live

SEPTEMBER

Saturday’s (Studio 5)

8th: Dangerous (jazzy version)
15th: Dangerous (verse/slide start)
22st: Scream
29th: You rock my world

Monday’s (Studio 4)

10nd: Another part of me
17th: Smooth Criminal (chorus)
24th: Beat it

Wednesday’s (Studio 2)

12th: Bad
19th: Jam (version 2)
26th: Smooth Criminal (full ending)

OCTOBER

Saturday’s (Studio 5)

6th: Thriller
13th: Thriller (chorus)
20th: Blood on the dancefloor
27th: Captain Eo inspired routine

Monday’s (Studio 4)

1st: Don’t stop til you get enough
8th: The way you make me feel (jazz)
15th: Billie Jean (classic!)
22nd: They don’t care about us
29th: Wanna be startin somethin

Wednesday’s (Studio 2)

1st: Bad
8th: Beat it
15th: Jam (rap)
22nd: Ghosts P.1
29th: Ghosts P.2

So, there you go for September and October! There some funky routines and songs and some amazing classic choreography! Some notes: Each routine and class is self contained….you can just turn up and go from there, and you don’t need any training or preparation at all. Obviously, all of the above is subject to change at any time. Please go to my website as well as Pineapple’s, as they have been designed to answer your questions (www.anthony-king.com and www.pineapple.uk.com).

How to feel energized! P.1 : A lot of people comment on my energy level. People say that when they’re around me that they themselves feel energized! Energy! I feel energized just saying the word…ENERGY! When MJ’s music is on the energy just comes…and bam!!! The moves flow!

But what is energy and how do I get more of it?

Energy is excitement! We’ve all seen Michael Jackson dance, and think wow! We can feel his energy. One man sending an audience of 100,000 into a frenzy! Now that’s energy. Now..We all love to meet energetic (sane!) people. Energetic people are attractive, you want to be around them…They give you something…They can raise your spirits when your down or had a long day at work or just aren’t in the mood. They give you something. Just in the same way as negative, tired people usually drain your energy and can make you feel bad. Negative energy spreads….Positive energy spreads, we all have the ability to affect other people and to determine how people see us and ultimately treat us too!

Have you noticed that if you smile, people usually smile back at you. Also, when your feeling down have you ever tried smiling (I know it might sound crazy…But it works!). Just the physical action alone can cause a positive emotional response. It’s called positive thinking, and it works, but the key factor in all of this is your Physical body…How do you actually feel? With your personal development it’s important that your honest with yourself. It’s quite easy to fool the world and yourself into thinking anything, but at the end of the day positive personal growth will come with honesty and logical steps.

Some people seem really happy and energetic on the surface and look great but inside are feeling drained, over worked, over stretched and running on empty. This is actually very common…Feeling tired all the time, like you never get enough sleep and your always working.

How do I change that?

Start with your body!

• Water
• Food
• Exercise
• Sleep

Drink Water
Water is the body’’s most important nutrient. If you do not drink enough water your body will begin to retain water as an emergency measure and you’ll dehydrate. Even mild dehydration can sap your energy and make you tired. Did you know, that the body can survive for up to 5 weeks without food but only 5 days without water? The minimum recommendation of water intake is 8 glasses per day and twice that for active individuals. Drink water as much as possible and as frequently as possible…You should be sipping water as your reading this! If you want to feel energized then drink a glass of water as soon as you wake in the morning..One of those big ones…Gulp that thing down! It’s a quick and easy way to get your day going in a healthy and energised way. Simarlaly, Gulp a glass down before you go to bed too. Think about it..During your time in bed your body is using up your water supply to regulate your body’s temperature as well as continue to provide the fluid environment for normal cell metabolism, turgor (structure and form of the body), sweat…. It’s important to replenish your supply as soon as possible. Increase your water intake and you’ll see higher energy levels through out the day. Tip: Make sure that it is clean, clear water! (room temperature is best and tap water is fine) Beer, Wine, Vodka and Pepsi etc…Don’t count!

Healthy Eating
We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat”….now that saying is exactly right! I mean you wouldn’t expect your car to run efficiently without petrol, so you’d expect that we all need our “petrol” too, and to run at our best we need the good stuff! Basically, that means a healthy balanced diet, and it’s essential for good health, high energy levels and for you to work (and play) at your optimum level. The key word is BALANCED.

Eating the right amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in your meals will not only leave you feeling energized throughout the day but also naturally speeds up the fat burning process…In plain English: you can get into shape quicker, without the need for quick fix crack pot dieting schemes! Balanced meals cause a hormonal response within the body, which results in burning stored body fat….Which is good news for people who like to eat “normal” food….Although as you’d expect…moderation is key also!

Healthy eating tips

1. Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables
2. Eat regular meals
3. Remember to eat 5 portions of fruit or vegetables every day
4. Keep your intake of fizzy drinks, crisps and sweets to a minimum
5. Eat breakfast!
6. Eat breakfast!!!!
7. Check out this website

Part 2 coming soon!