CORE Revelation

Fighting Temptations to Move and Groove

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:26:56 -0800

Spending more time on Instagram while I’m not dancing. Journey with me there @steftong.

Well I’m still on no sitting orders by my physio, which means no dancing. I have been feeling a little better this week (no pain shooting down my leg) so hopefully at my next appointment I’ll be able to progress my exercises. Six weeks….I only need six weeks of no pain down the leg before I can groove a little, so far I’m only counting in days.

As you can tell from the photo above, it’s REALLY HARD for me not to stay in motion. I sneak in a little here and there, like 10 seconds in my kitchen, being silly with my daughter. Being a mom is taking a bigger toll on my body than any dance injury ever did. The lack of sleep and physical demands of being a mama are prolonging this injury, or maybe I’m just getting old!

To be honest, it’s difficult to remain positive about it all the time. I was fighting doubts last week and wanted to give up the fight - either just dance and deal with the consequences, or give up on trying to dance again. How often do we find ourselves giving into temptation when the real prize is within grasp? I know I don’t want to miss out on the prize. As hard as it was last week to stay disciplined in this rehab journey, I carried through. Our society is all about quick fixes it’s difficult to tune out the “how to do this in 60 seconds” buzz! It was torture to observe a dance class and not join in!!!! But so very thankful that I’m still able to mentor in this season of no dancing.

Though I’m physically not capable to do the things I want to, it allows me time to strengthen my spirit and my faith. My faith is my foundation. If I keep that strong, and not let cracks of temptations to seep through and cause me to crumble, I know that when the time is right, I’ll come back stronger.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:47:47 -0800

It’s been nearly two months since I started rehab for my compressed disc, and four months since it’s been a diagnosed injury. It was going really well, I was getting stronger, no pain down the leg, walking normal….until this week. Suddenly there’s pain down my leg, it’s been difficult to get up and down and I’m limping and walking slowly again.

I had physio this morning and didn’t even get through the assessment! Things are bad. It seems that I’m pretty much back at square one, probably due to the fact that I’m home alone more with the baby and having to do more physically. Lack of sleep also makes it difficult for rejuvenation to happen. It’s tough not to get discouraged, but I know that there is a purpose for all of this. One day it will make sense.

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Though I cannot physically dance, I remain hopeful and faithful. God has blessed me with a mentor relationship. A student that I had taught two years ago asked me if I could be her mentor this year as her goal is to choreograph a piece. In the midst of pain, set backs, and numerous rehab appointments, I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to this season.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2013.

My Rehab Trainer

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:43:00 -0700

I find that every time my back flares up, my mind starts to wander. I tend to hold it together emotionally, but there are moments where tears have fallen. The battle with my back all these years gets very tiring. At times I can’t help but wonder why? Why this, why now, why this long, how come it’s happening again, why are there no concrete answers? I was sent for trauma therapy two years after the first car accident because my chiro thought I needed to grieve the loss of my range of motion. I loved therapy! It taught me a lot about myself, very freeing.

This recent flare up is perhaps not an acute flare up, but chronic. My physio said that compressed discs can take years to show up, that my pregnancy could’ve loosened everything up and x-rays were finally able to see it. So here I am.

It’s been a rough week with my thoughts. I truly believe that God leads us in seasons, not a linear season from 2012-2013, but seasons of life. I also believe that what ever he leads you to (good or bad) he will lead you THROUGH! The tough part is remaining faithful, believing in what we cannot see. I began thinking maybe my time dancing is over, maybe God is closing that door, but could that really be what is happening? Dancing is such a big part of my life, would it just be taken away?

Then I began to think perhaps this is a season of training. Like any athlete who has to rehab after an injury, maybe this down time with my body, is a time of rehab for my spirit. A time to enter into a greater relationship with my trainer, to know him more. How any rehab specialist knows the athlete, how much strength should be used, what exercises to do, how many reps, angle of execution, God knows the ins and outs of my spirit. Of course if given the opportunity and the right beat, I’d probably freestyle until I fall over, which is why I need to submit to the authority of my trainer.

In my lowest point this week, I turned to my husband and said “I don’t know what to do anymore, maybe my dream is gone.” The dream of sharing positive Hip Hop music and movement with the community. Maybe my time is up. A trainer also encourages. Yesterday, the word of encouragement came through a previous student. One who I had only done a few drop in classes with. He posted this on his Facebook:

Thank you Lord for encouraging me through others. What a blessing to do what I love and to work with such amazing people. Is my dream gone? NOPE! Just being refined. Why all the pain, why me, why now? I don’t need to know, I need to trust. The bible says that all things work together for our good. Our timeline is just way slower than God’s, and in the midst of suffering it’s tough to know that good is coming. I think that we can’t handle how much good is actually coming, which is why we’re left to the surprise!

Tomorrow is the three week mark that the hospital said it would take my MRI results to reach my doctor. No matter what the results show, I know my healing is on its way. I’m trusting in what I cannot see.

Bring on the imaging!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:06:00 -0700

I haven’t danced for two months, and it feels like forever! The last week of August, I found myself having trouble walking, with pain shooting down my leg. The last time this happened was during pregnancy, so they couldn’t do any imaging. This time, I was ready to get anything and everything!

My athletic therapist had suspected disc damage when I told her sneezing and laughing shot pain down my leg. My chiro thought my pain was disc related or possibly a hernia. Either way, nothing was comforting to hear, so the requisition got sent for X-Rays. X-Rays showed a compressed disc and tons of inflammation, so in went the requisition for a CT Scan and MRI. The wait time for an MRI was a few months, I prayed hard and got in three weeks later.

Geared up and in the tube I went. Then the technician announces “sorry, it’s not working, I have to reboot, it’ll be about 10 minutes.” Thankfully I didn’t have to wait in the machine. I was worried they’d have to reschedule my appointment, but thankfully everything got done that day. I was also supposed to have a CT scan done, but the MRI trumped that, yay! (Every minute counts when you have a 9 month old waiting at home for you) Three weeks for the results to reach my doctor. I’m feeling better, today there was no pain shooting down my leg, so I wasn’t limping, but my back is still quite sore. My pain tolerance for my back has increased over the years and I forget that it’s actually hurting until I can’t move. Not good.

My to do list until further diagnosis:
- Lie down as much as possible
- No weight bearing
- Limit sitting (Thank you to everyone who has reminded me to stand)
- No bending
- Traction
- Exercises
- Ice (I’m horrible at this)
- Take pain meds! (I’m not so good at remember this one either)

I’m being more mindful of my daily activity, but it’s definitely tough working with preschoolers, being a mama and fighting the urge to dance!

Arts Award Ceremony

Tue, 08 May 2012 22:17:14 -0700

We just got home from the city’s arts award ceremony. I still can’t believe we were named as a finalist. Other nominees in our category were Royal Bank, Anna’s Cake House, Concord Pacific Development and Accent Inns to name a few. BIG TIME BUSINESSES!!! And here we are, little CORE Revelation named as a finalist! God’s ways are far beyond our own.

Press release naming the finalists.

When we received the invitation to the awards ceremony, it said to have a three minute acceptance speech prepared incase you are the award recipient. I didn’t prepare one, seeing that the other finalists were Am-Pri Construction and Appia Group of Companies. I did however start thinking about a speech while sitting in the council chambers.

Thank you to the Richmond School District for welcoming CORE Revelation into so many of the elementary and high schools and for continuing to do so. I’m looking forward to teaching at McKay, Westwind and Brighouse in the next month! A huge thank you to the Tapestry Church for allowing us to run our programs from the fellowship hall and for allowing us to mentor dancers who strive to impact our city and our nation through dance. Thanks to all the community centres, dance studios and fitness studios that I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at. It’s been an amazing decade of teaching and look forward to the years to come.

Congrats to the winner in the Business and Arts Category, Appia Group of Companies. For those of you who are not familiar with them, they donated $200,000 towards public art along Lansdowne Road and the Canada Line. What a big honor to even have our name mentioned next to them!

Master of ceremonies, Mayor Brodie, inside Council Chambers.

City of Richmond Arts Award Finalist!

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:42:00 -0700

We have been selected as a finalist for the City of Richmond Arts Awards in the category of Business and the Arts! It is such an honor to be selected as a finalist in a category that Coast Capital Savings won last year! Business and the arts recognizes a business that has made a significant contribution to the arts in Richmond by supporting a Richmond-based artist or arts organization through sponsorship, philanthropic and/or volunteer service. Here’s the press release.

I had an amazing afternoon workshop yesterday grooving with the ladies of SD 38. It was a wonderful experience to be a part of the school district’s primary teacher pro-d extravaganza. Though most of my time is spent working with children and youth, it’s always refreshing to teach adults.

Being on mat leave has been great, dancing around the house with my little B-girl. (For now the B will stand for baby, maybe she’ll be a breaker in the future) It’s such a blessing to be able to get back into teaching so quickly!

Back into the Groove

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:13:53 -0700

Well it’s been a long 10 months since I’ve danced, but happily returned to the studio on March 10th! It felt wonderful to be moving and grooving again without the 30 pounds of pregnancy weight! (Yes, I was still trying to dance at 37 weeks pregnant) I’m looking forward to getting back in shape and dancing on a regular basis.

Right now I’m working on some strengthening exercises from my physiotherapist as the pregnancy took a toll on my sciatic nerve. Ready to loosen up and get groovy with everyone again!

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:09:39 -0800

The show was worth the one year wait! Within the first fifteen...

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:36:32 -0800

The show was worth the one year wait! Within the first fifteen minutes we saw Hip Hop, Ballet, Stomping, Breaking, Acrobatics, Aerial Artists and more! The show really captivated what MJ was all about. What a fantastic experience it was to see the signature choreography to such songs as Beat It, Dangerous, Thriller and They Don’t Care About Us. The cast and band were great, lots of talent, energy and style. I can’t wait to see what the show will be like once it takes residence in Vegas!

“I keep on dancing and dancing…and dancing, until there is only…the dance”
- Michael Jackson

My interpretation of the “Break Free” video by...

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:50:00 -0700

My interpretation of the “Break Free” video by Committed.

The video starts with the group walking up to the ocean, already representing freedom through the Holy Spirit. The detail in the first few seconds I really love is the close up on the group’s boots. Dirty, old looking, like they’ve been through a journey. On our faith journey, no matter what condition we are in, God invites us to come to Him! All we have to do is walk.

As the intro of the song begins, we see flashes and transitions between the band, crossed with images of the ocean and birds. To me the ocean and the birds represent the Kingdom of heaven, things in high places, and the band reminds us that we are not alone even when we feel chained to our burdens. We are created for fellowship and relationship.

Throughout the first verse, we see the strength of the lead singer, mixed with images of a wolf. When I think of wolf, the connotation that comes to mind is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Evil disguising itself. (2 Corinthians 11:14 – For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light) The song is about declaring victory (Romans 8:31 – If God is for us, who can be against us) and about breaking free of bondage that the enemy uses to chain us, and hold us captive from achieving life’s purpose. God gives us the power and the authority to reveal the wolves that try to keep us from breaking free. (Luke 10:19)

In the second verse, the group is standing under a tree, representing God’s leadership. It is also a reminder that anything that ties us down was hung on the tree at Calvary. I think it’s appropriate the lyrics say “All along I held the keys to my freedom.” We were given the keys to freedom over 2,000 years ago. Often we are tricked into believing that it is by deeds that we earn our salvation, but indeed it is by grace. There is nothing we could’ve done, or can do to earn it. His work was done on the tree. (John 19:30) Another nice detail in this verse is the lights surrounding the chair and hanging off the tree. Light will always surround darkness. Light is its own entity, darkness is simply the absence of light.

I didn’t notice this at the beginning of the video, but the band stands between the ocean and the mountains. In this setting, mountains also represent the Kingdom of Heaven to me as they are high. No matter where we are, we are always surrounded by the Kingdom of Heaven and the beauty of creation. Finally the video ends with a quick headshot of each band member. This reminds me that we are all unique, created for a unique purpose, and that we all have an identity. Sometimes we just need to break free in order to discover ourselves. Break free from the self that the world has turned us into, and return to the self that we were created as.

I was spiritually blown away by this painting. The artist,...

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:11:00 -0700

I was spiritually blown away by this painting. The artist, Becca, painted it during our Sunday Service yesterday. It was neat to see this painting being created right in front of us! I just remember looking up being totally hit in my chest with all the symbolism I saw in this piece:

1) The Division
For the majority of the time, the left side had very defined pink and black patterns. This represented the negative side to me. Evil, things that cloud your heart and the past. I felt as though this is the side of us that lives according to our emotions - lacking wisdom and discernment. The right side represented living according to the spirit - goodness, promise, the future!

2) The Colours
On the left side, pink means childish and black represents our own desires, darkness. Toward the final minutes of completing this painting, Becca blended the pink and black using a thick brush, painting white over. Just seeing those large strokes represented that light will always wipe away any darkness, the past is the past. God doesn’t remember our past, just like we could no longer see what was on the canvas previously.

Red symbolizes authority, and white purity. Towards the end of the painting, Becca added orange at the top, symbolizing perseverance. The orange added really gave me hope (which is what yellow symbolizes.) It was a reminder to persevere in order to reach the top, our destiny.

Gray is used on both sides. On the darker side, it represents weakness and on the lighter side, representing wisdom. I only saw the purple when I walked up close, and again was blown away with revelation. Purple represents royalty, which is so neat that we see it on both sides of the stairs. No matter if we are struggling up the left or climbing the right side, the King of Kings is there!

3) Stairs
Without stairs, we can never reach the next level. Are we climbing the left side or the right side? Are we climbing towards using God to serve us, our desires, our purpose, our own distorted version of the cross? Or are we climbing to reach the true, solid, authoritative Saviour, to serve His purpose and to reach our destiny? I count 11 stairs. Eleven is the number that represents transition and of course if you’re using stairs, you’re moving from one place to another, you’re transitioning. Unfortunately stairs can also be used to go down. There will always be people, powers and principalities that try to tear us down. What are we doing to ensure that we are constantly climbing upward?

I’m not sure if Becca has titled this piece yet, but she mentioned her inspiration for the stairs came from hearing our pastor say “high places.” I think that would be an appropriate title. What are we climbing towards? What are we holding in our high place?

I was very inspired while watching this video. It just reminded...

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:13:58 -0700

I was very inspired while watching this video. It just reminded me that we were all created to create!

New music video from a local artist, a brother that I have the...

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:02:39 -0700

New music video from a local artist, a brother that I have the honor of knowing.

Faith = Healing?

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:22:00 -0700

A friend posted this article on Facebook and I really enjoyed the read. It really resonated with me, having a healing battle of my own for the for the past seven years.

Can prayer and faith heal you, and heal others?

Cool song that was shared with me by a fellow Youtuber. Who...

Sat, 21 May 2011 09:17:00 -0700

Cool song that was shared with me by a fellow Youtuber. Who wouldn’t want to be on the islands right now?

Dream Culture

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:05:27 -0700

I just got home from Dream Culture Conference. Day one of three, and first of many conferences to come. It was awesome to be in a room full of dreamers, each on their way to fulfilling their own destinies.

Props to everyone who is involved in planning and serving for this conference. Big thanks to Pastor Emily for inviting us out. We are so honored to partner with your church!

The speaker tonight was Pastor Gabe Ahn, whose message I’m still reflecting on and will probably continue to do so for a while. Just wanted to share what Pastor Gabe said that really resonated with me, “He is the God of your dreams, but you are the dream of your God.”

My Greatest Teacher

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 09:18:04 -0700

Many people have asked me who I learned Hip Hop from. Who are my teachers? When I started dancing in 2002, the two people I credit my training to are Kim Sato and Valerie Ho. They are both amazing dancers, huge visionaries and great people who I’m now proud to call my friends. Their names are known world wide, if you get a chance to learn from them, you will indeed be blessed!

I’ve also had the pleasure of taking classes from Bradley Rapier, Popin Pete, Greg Campbellock Jr, Mr. Wiggles and the faculty of Word In Motion.

While sharing my dance story with others, I am always amazed at how blessed I really am. I started taking classes in January 2002 and by September of that year, I had already landed teaching positions at dance studios, teaching competition classes and choreographing for fashion shows and other local events.

Music moves me. When I hear a good beat, movement naturally comes out. Long before taking classes and training in dance, I was already freestyling. Dancing is a very spiritual thing for me, my movement being guided by the Spirit within me. I move to the beat of a different drummer, one who is not of this world. It is He who shows me the next step, what pace to move at and which turns to take, not only on the dance floor, but in life.

Job 36:22
“God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him.

Spread The Revelation Contest

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:04:45 -0700

Creatively share about CORE Revelation for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the MC Jin Concert. Show us where you have spread the word about CORE Revelation and post your submission to our Facebook Page. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Where have you put our sticker?
- Where have you worn our gear?
- Post our website, Facebook Page or Youtube link on your profile pages.
- Post a shout out video sharing our online links.
- Original artwork, designs incorporating our logo or the words “CORE Revelation”
Be creative and have fun!
GRAND PRIZE: Two tickets to see MC Jin live at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver on Friday, May 6, 2011. Winner will be selected by draw from contest entries.
RULES: All submissions must be appropriate for all ages and respectful of the surrounding environment. (No vandalizing) One submission per person.
TIMELINE: Contest opens Friday, April 8, 2011 and closes Friday, April 22, 2011 at midnight. Winners will be contacted by Sunday, April 24 at 6:00pm. Please make sure that we can contact you via the information provided on your Facebook profile. Winner must make arrangements to pick up tickets by Tuesday, May 6, 2011.

Photo

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:44:38 -0700

G.O.S.P.E.L

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:40:00 -0700