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Princess of Fun: An Interview with Taj, Ambassador, Dancer, and Author + Contest
Known as the “princess of fun,” Taj is a dancer, educator, world traveler and Vega ambassador with a passion for beauty and human movement. Her performances and workshops take her around the world, introducing her to new cultures and experiences that inspire action. Through her travels, Taj felt a calling to write a book on what inspires her most: dance. But overtime, her vision evolved. The result is her first published work, Final Feliz, a photographic documentary on human movement.
What was your inspiration for Final Feliz?
When I first began this journey, all I knew was that I wanted to create a work about “dance.” Little did I know that my definition of the word would forever expand. I started to collect an encyclopedia of images beyond dance stylings and became fascinated with the art of human gesture and the unlimited ways in which we express ourselves in everyday life. My global travels provided valuable research and as the project continued to take shape I grew to understand the deeper meaning of the word “commitment.”
Why did you decide to write a book?
I wrote because if I continued to ignore the inner voice, if I choose to allow fear to consume me, I would never have fulfilled part of my life’s purpose. What may sound an esoteric and grandiose notion is actually a humbling experience that I had throughout the process of watching the pieces slowly come together. I see myself as a messenger for the work itself. It is the work that is the true light. Final Feliz is about encouraging you to “remember who you are.”
What does the title mean?
Final Feliz, means “happy ending” and is a dialogue sharing of silent fear that coexists with our optimism for life to bring us the next “Happy Ending,” thus this is a cycle of life. This humanities study uses sensory emersion to challenge and inspire the reader to dig deeper into present moment awareness and to embrace the duality that dwells within us all. Proceeds from book purchases are donated to global cause.
Who do you believe will relate to the book most?
This work is blessed with contributions from celebrated international artists and powerful emerging talents. The multicultural perspective of the writing goes below the surface of race and creed and delves into the simpler aspects of nurturing human development that we all seek in our own way.
I designed this as a three part sensory journey that includes the currently available book, audio book, and the second book which will be released in September. These three components make up the Final Feliz trilogy experience. I am humbled at having the foreword to Final Feliz be written by Global Yoga Master and Dance Anthropologist Shiva Rea. This is a beautiful confirmation that the work speaks for itself.
Win it now! Taj has graciously offered a copy of Final Feliz just for community members. To enter, share your favorite dance from around the world - inspired by culture like Taj's book. (Entry deadline is Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:59 PM PDT. A random winner will then be drawn.)
Thanks to Taj for sharing her new book with us!
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Today, I interview Taj as she launches her book and starts her nationwide tour through Oak Park, Honolulu, Santa Monica, New York, and Seattle. For details about Taj’s appearances, visit her website. |
What was your inspiration for Final Feliz?
When I first began this journey, all I knew was that I wanted to create a work about “dance.” Little did I know that my definition of the word would forever expand. I started to collect an encyclopedia of images beyond dance stylings and became fascinated with the art of human gesture and the unlimited ways in which we express ourselves in everyday life. My global travels provided valuable research and as the project continued to take shape I grew to understand the deeper meaning of the word “commitment.”
Why did you decide to write a book?
I wrote because if I continued to ignore the inner voice, if I choose to allow fear to consume me, I would never have fulfilled part of my life’s purpose. What may sound an esoteric and grandiose notion is actually a humbling experience that I had throughout the process of watching the pieces slowly come together. I see myself as a messenger for the work itself. It is the work that is the true light. Final Feliz is about encouraging you to “remember who you are.”
What does the title mean?
Final Feliz, means “happy ending” and is a dialogue sharing of silent fear that coexists with our optimism for life to bring us the next “Happy Ending,” thus this is a cycle of life. This humanities study uses sensory emersion to challenge and inspire the reader to dig deeper into present moment awareness and to embrace the duality that dwells within us all. Proceeds from book purchases are donated to global cause.
Who do you believe will relate to the book most?
This work is blessed with contributions from celebrated international artists and powerful emerging talents. The multicultural perspective of the writing goes below the surface of race and creed and delves into the simpler aspects of nurturing human development that we all seek in our own way.
I designed this as a three part sensory journey that includes the currently available book, audio book, and the second book which will be released in September. These three components make up the Final Feliz trilogy experience. I am humbled at having the foreword to Final Feliz be written by Global Yoga Master and Dance Anthropologist Shiva Rea. This is a beautiful confirmation that the work speaks for itself.
Win it now! Taj has graciously offered a copy of Final Feliz just for community members. To enter, share your favorite dance from around the world - inspired by culture like Taj's book. (Entry deadline is Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:59 PM PDT. A random winner will then be drawn.)
Thanks to Taj for sharing her new book with us!
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