We did it!!!!

We had an awesome time during the parade! Lots of energy, lots of fun! Thanks again to Gaynel for all the hard work organizing everything and thanks to all the other ladies that donated time and effort. We have lots of pics to share. I'm still gathering them all, but here are some samples! Enjoy!

pic by: Jane Lange DiCola

pic by: Patrice K. Johnson

pic by: Clotilda Matos Millin

pic by: Patrice K. Johnson

pic by: Patrice K. Johnson

pic by: Vivian St Juste

pic by: Vivian St Juste

pic by: Ken Wiseman

pic by: Ken Wiseman

pic by: Clotilda Matos Millin

pic by: Susan Brooks Stephenson

pic by: Roshan Sookram

pic by: Roshan Sookram

pic by: Roshan Sookram

pic by: Kimbalee K. Dawson

pic by: Susan Brooks Stephenson

pic by: Susan Brooks Stephenson

pic by: Susan Brooks Stephenson

pic by: Susan Brooks Stephenson

pic by: Susan Brooks Stephenson

 

pictures provided by zumba members, zumba friends, spectators, photographers (Roshan Sookram)

Meeting Place, Photos, Flags, Etc.

Hi, ladies:

We're almost at the home stretch. Adult's parade is less than two days away...

60th anniversary of VI Carnival, here we come!

1. Please meet at the Western Cemetery on the top of the road that leads to Davis Funeral Home (directly across from Impacting Your World Christian Ministries) between 9:00-9:30am, Saturday, April 28, 2012. The Virgin Islands Carnival Committee is being strict this year and will not give out troupe numbers until the parade marshal gives them out on the day of parade. Parade scheduled to start at 10 a.m. To date, we do not know where we will be in the troupe order.
2. Ice. I'll be calling members to see if you can assist in this regard. (I will give you info. on drop off location tomorrow.)
3. Photos & Videos. If you have a smartphone or have friends and relatives on the parade route, feel free to arrange for them to take tons of pictures and videos of the troupe. We can post videos received on our YouTube channel: sttzumbatroupe. We can use photos for sponsor thank-you cards and Z Life submission (the official magazine of Zumba LLC), etc. Also, see link to upload your Zumba swag (Zwag) via Facebook, if you have a customized Zumba look: http://view.zumba-mail.com/?j=fecc177176610779&m=fe97157073640c7970&ls=fe2b1673746105757d1272&l=fef91578736304&s=fe5b16787762077b7317&jb=ff3715767464&ju=fe8b1676776101757d&tracking=true&r=0.
4. Drinks. If you would like your favorite alcoholic beverage on the road, please bring your own supply (rum, etc.). Water, Gatorade, Cranberry Juice, and Coke will be supplied.
5. Flags. We're asking members to bring or purchase a VI flag for our Pump Yuh Flag routine. VI flags are plentiful from various vendors, including Virgin Marley's (across from Wendy's) and in the Carnival Village (vendors selling VI bandanas, etc.).
6. Truck Filling & Decorating at Betsy's Bar (parking lot). Takes place prior to the move to the Western Cemetery. E-mail or contact Clo if you can be of assistance: cem1023@yahoo.com.
7. Sternos, Large Cups, Garbage Bags. If anyone has extras of these items laying around at home, let me know.

Thanks, ladies. Bring your Zwag and your rag. It's Carnival...VI and Zumba style!

Peace out,
Gaynel

Today's Practice (the last before Saturday)

Today at 5:30 pm - the lobby of the UVI Sports & Fitness Center.  At 7:00pm, we can move to the aerobic room at the UVI Wellness Center (if available).

Thanks,
Gaynel

Pump Yuh Flag

After practice today I told a few people I would put the sequence of steps to Pump Yuh Flag on the blog. I have some cryptic notes, hopefully it helps.

Fist pump (right hip, left fist/switch),

Hands up (right hip, right arms/switch),

Grapevine (right/left)

Pump it left/right (left/right),

Pump yuh flag (turn right, right knee, left arm/switch),

Hip sequence (right forward/left back),

Grapevine (right/left),

Pump it left/right (left/right),

Jump sequence (right, right arm/left, left arm),

Pump yuh flag (turn right, right knee, left arm/switch),

Fist pump (right hip, left fist/switch),

Hip sequence (right forward/left back),

Grapevine (right/left),

Pump yuh flag (turn right, right knee, left arm/switch),

Jump sequence (right, right arm/left, left arm),

Pump yuh flag (turn right, right knee, left arm/switch),

Fist pump (right hip, left fist/switch),

Hands up (right hip, right arms/switch),

Pump yuh flag (turn right, right knee, left arm/switch),

Pump yuh flag (turn right, right knee, left arm/switch),

Hip sequence (right forward/left back),

Grapevine ( right/left)

Practice Today

A troupe practice is scheduled for this evening (4/23/12) at 5:30 pm on the soccer field by the UVI Fitness center. Please try to attend if you are walking in the troupe. Also, if you haven't paid your $50 troupe fee, please make arrangements to pay that today.

Also, a few of us are getting together before practice today at 4pm to finish decorating our hats. We're meeting at the bleachers on the field next to UVI Fitness center.

Hope to see  you there!

Zumba Routines

Hi, ladies. 

We finally have the Zumba Routines on video (YouTube). Yippee!!!  

Now let me warn you, I start to "sing" (if we can call it that) in Pump Yuh Flag. ((LOL))) I guess I was having too much fun!  Thanks to those who came to choreography practices on Sunday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday of this week.  We had a blast!  Tonight's practice was cancelled because we could not get any earlier space at UVI or Antilles (5:30pm), and some said 7:00pm was too late for them.

There are no times and dates for choreography practice tomorrow (Friday). For those of you who have been unable to make any of the practice sessions, I hope you find the videos helpful, if you feel you still need the practice.

For those who have not paid the troupe fee (you know who you are), last day: Saturday, April 21, 2012.  If you can't make the Saturday class at 9:00 a.m. (YHG), please make arrangements to pay tomorrow. Email the contact listed or leave a comment on the blog. For most of you, see you Saturday.  Brief meeting after the Saturday class, as usual.

Peace out,
Gaynel

ONLY AVAILABLE USING THESE LINKS - channel: sttzumbatroupe

- if you lose this e-mail, go to the blog: stthomaszumba.blogspot.com - 

Danza Kuduro (main performance, song # 1, approx 2 mins on parade day): 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2xDVyFl90o&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

Pump Yuh Flag (main performance, song #2, approx. 2:15 - 2:30):  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-geljRiuSRs&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

VI Celebrate by Rudy (main performance, song #3, FREESTYLE/NO ROUTINE, approx. 30 - 45 seconds). 

http://soundcloud.com/edouard-richardson-jr/v-i-celebrate-rudy-2012 

Chiney Wine (one for the road):  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96jYgz1VHhQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

Routines to be practiced this week:

Th 4/19/12 Practice @ UVI (or Antilles) - CANCELLED (no space, either place) 

Sat 4/21/12 Zumba class @ YHG (9am) - NOTE: we will practice all 3 routines then  

This next song is dedicated to all my VI peeps traveling home for the 60th anniversary of VI Carnival and joining the Zumba troupe.  We can't wait for y'all to join the Zumba party..VI style!

VI Party by Spectrum Band

[Whoa, what a party (a VI party), whoa, we wukking up foh 60 (wukking up foh 60)...]

http://www.islandmix.com/avroom/songdetails.php?audioId=12243

(Warning: The last time I sent a link using this site, we may have spammed or crashed it soon after.  But it's the only site where I have found this song, so far.)

No Practice Tonight

The practice for tonight has been cancelled due to location issues. We plan to meet/practice after the 9:00 am Zumba class at Yacht Haven Grande this Saturday, so make sure to come by.

Sponsor Poster

Here's the final draft of the poster we plan to put on the trucks to thank the sponsors. What do you think?

Another Update

Hi again ladies,

I hear you're loving the music I sent last time.  Well, guess what... WE GOT MORE FOR YOU IN THIS E-MAIL! But, you've got to read this other stuff first (sigh), so here it comes...

stthomaszumba.blogspot.com
your site for all things troupe-related (for the next 2 weeks)

1. Have you paid your $50 troupe fee? Time is getting away, ladies. No fee, no participation. Please pay ASAP, but no later than Saturday, April 21st, 2012.

2. The decoration committee is meeting tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, April 17, 2012) under the bungalow near the UVI tennis courts (behind the UVI greens) at approximately 1:30 pm (after Joni's Zumba class @ UVI, noon-1pm).  If you can help Clo work on troupe decorations, we would appreciate your assistance. (Patrice: Can you get us permission to use this week so we don't "crash"?  Thanks.)

3. Choreography Practice Schedule: (We had lots of fun this past Sunday. Join us!)

Tuesday, April 17th - UVI bungalow, 7-8:30 pm

(near the tennis courts, behind the UVI Greens)

Wednesday, April 18th - Antilles aerobic room, 7-8:30 pm

(@ Jackson Complex, up the stairs, use the side entrance across from the field)

Thursday, April 19th - UVI bungalow, 7-8:30pm

Saturday, April 21st - Yacht Haven Grande, 9-10am

(A regular Zumba class, but we might do one of our songs.  If you need to practice, come T, W or Th.)

4. Your food committee contact is Maudlyn @ mhoward19@yahoo.com.  If you have coolers, ice, food, drinks, or any other donations, please contact her.

 

I think that's it, for now...

Gaynel
MUSIC, please...

Carnival [I remember my first Carnival, I see deh people dem dancing, and woman dem whining] by Volume Band International

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfEEx_gsA6U

 

We Brokes [All ah we, brokes (3x), deh government, brokes (3x), everybody, brokes (3x)] by Spectrum Band (Malvern Gumbs)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqbpE8DjZYE

 

Trolley [Push the trolley (3x), rock the trolley (3x), bounce the trolley (3x), get on the trolley (3x)] by Daddy Jones & Crew

 

http://soundcloud.com/cutlass-1/daddy-jones-and-the-crew

 

Carnival Time Again [Once a year, so we don’t really care…Cruzan, a bottle of Hennessy] by M.O. feat. Big Daddy Jeff

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bYVuUFdBME&feature=relmfu

 

Bamsey [I know you like how I roll dis (bamsey), now you want to control dis…] by Rudy

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJmcCDt0fJo

 

Poppin’ [Don’t tell we nuttin, leave we alone, cuz we ain’t stopping, till party done…] by Jah Bami feat. Pressure Buss Pipe

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM3fVRwfEcg

 

Whine Pon Dondi [Deh call me deh fire (deh fireman), I come to rescue all dem woman…] by Spectrum Band 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wph24nfKMZ0

Hats

The hats were distributed today after the Zumba class at Yacht Haven Grande. Thanks again to Jane Higgins Resortwear and Local Color for donating the hats. Everyone plans to decorate and put on their own flair and personality. Lots of glitter....that's all I have to say :-)

Carnival Troupe Song

Here is the one song we have picked out so far and have a routine. It's fun and very energetic. Make sure to come this Saturday to Yacht Haven Grande for the 9:00 am class to check it out!

Machel Montano - Pump Yoh Flag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ02ryu0YqM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Zumba wear for sale

Troupe member Wanda ordered these items new, but they do not fit.  If you would like to purchase, the items will be available for sale on Saturday (for the purchase price).  If you can't make it Saturday, leave a comment on the blog and she will be notified.
 Made with Love V-Neck Tee in L/XL, lollipop (pink), $20.00

Marvelous Cargo Pants in XXL, raspberry (pink), $30.00

Chest Measurements: 42 inches, Length: 29 inches (please measure yourself, like most Z wear, this shirt runs small)

Measurement	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Waist Relaxed	21 1/2"	22 1/2"	24"	25 1/2"	27"	28 1/2"
Waist Extended	36"	38"	40"	42"	44"	46"
Front Rise	6 3/4"	7"	7 1/4"	7 1/2"	8"	8 1/2"
Back Rise	11 1/4"	11 1/2"	11 3/4"	12"	12 1/2"	13"
Inseam	29 3/4"	30"	30 1/4"	30 1/2"	30 1/2"	30 1/2"

Also for sale is Zumba Headwarmer (package unopened). It will be available at the Saturday Zumba class at Yacht Haven Grande. $15, pink/green

Getting Close!

Couple of things, ladies:
 

1.    Troupe fee due this Saturday, April 14th @ Yacht Haven Grande (pay during meeting, after free 9 am Zumba class). If you can't pay then, please make arrangements with me no later than Saturday, April 21st, 2012.  NOTE: Please pay before the final week of Carnival, as traffic and schedules will be very hectic! 

2.    Next meeting: Saturday, April 14th @ YHG, approx. 10 am (after Z class). Reports will be presented by Committee chairs (food, decorations, music, etc.).

3.    Z wear ordered by Joni is here. Yippee! Clothes, headbands, etc. will be distributed to all persons who ordered (after Z class).

4.    Hats are here too.  Thank you Local Color & Jane Higgins Resortwear for this donation! Hats will be distributed on Saturday only to persons who have paid their troupe fee.

5.    It's official...5 cases of water (16.9 oz/35 bottles a case) and 5 cases of Gatorade (20 oz/24 bottles a case) have been donated and picked up.  Gatorade by West Indies Corp. Crystal Geyser water by Bellows International, Ltd.  We appreciate their generosity. Thank you to troupe member Wanda for coordinating this donation! 

6.    We're hoping to have our first choreography practice and decoration committee work group this Sunday if the permission is granted to use the space.  If it doesn't happen Sunday, practices will take place later next week.  Videos of the choreography will also be shared via e-mail or online.

7.    And last but not least, a Rock City Zumba Massive hail-up to our girl Debbie, who's joining the troupe from the Washington, DC area. (A Kean devil ray in the house!) We can't wait for you to join us, Debbie. Have a safe flight next week. See you next Saturday, possibly (free Zumba class at Yacht Haven Grande, Saturdays 9 am)!

And thanks to troupe member Nycole for getting the party started (with the sounds of VI Carnival



 

Until Saturday...


Gaynel

It's the 60th anniversary of St. Thomas Carnival, baby... 
Get ready! 
To get you in the Carnival mood:
(Instructors: Feel free to download, come up with choreography for the parade route, etc.)
Música, por favor…

VI Celebrate ("If you from deh VI, wave your hands from side to side, let me see your VI pride, we're celebrating like there's no tomorrow") by Rudy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euLSfslTBCQ&feature=relmfu

Handcuffs ("Throw off handcuff, take off handcuff, gal throw yo hands up ...tell 'em release me") by Kamau & Daddy Jones

http://soundcloud.com/kamau/kamau-daddy-jones-handcuffs

We Brokes ("Lawd, everybody ah bawl, bawl, bawl, bawl....if yo brokes and yo know it, raise yo hand") by Malvern Gumbs

http://www.islandmix.com/avroom/songdetails.php?audioId=12027

Shut Up and Wuk Up ("Volume cyarn live in a band man yard, too much so so so so, too many watchy, watchy") by Volume International

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k3B3LrhkFc&feature=related

Pumpa Say ("Now what I say, everybody must do...Everybody hands up, jump up, wuk it up, back it up") by Pumpa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rosw0EXQlU


Party Nice Again ("Party nice again, down deh road we going and everybody singing, oy, oy...") by Spectrum Band (featuring Lorna Freeman)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THP3fm-Wgpo

Chiney Wine ("Take a bow, touch your knees, I'm gonna make you speak chinese, ching, chong, whine and go down...")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu9zHnAAuh0

Exercise ("If you wanna exercise in a jam say yeah...bend right over till you touch your toes")  by Showtime Band

http://www.islandmix.com/audio/Soca/2012/showtime-band-%5Bbvi%5D/exercise

VI Sure Thing/remix ("Even when deh government stalling and deh WAPA bill keep rising high, I got faith in the VI, even though it's do or die") by Pressure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G51OjFq_A3Q&feature=related


P.S. Forgive me if I get the lyrics wrong.  (As if I know what they're singing half the time!) This is Zumba Fitness, not American Idol. ((LOL))

Hats are in!

The hats that are being donated by Jane Higgins Resort Wear and Local Color have arrived! They will be distributed this Saturday at the 9:00 am Zumba class at Yacht Haven Grande to all the participants that have paid their registration fee. There are several colors to choose from and we plan to decorate them with glitter and whatever else you'd like to jazz it up.

Another Troupe Update

As usual, a couple of things...

1. Yes, we'll have a brief meeting this morning (Sat. April 7th) after the 9am Zumba class at YHG.

2. For clothing options, and other troupe information you may have missed (if you did not receive the previous 7 e-mails), go to http://stthomaszumba.blogspot.com/ or contact me.  It is not too late to join.  If you're considering joining, please see customized clothing options (t-shirt, bottom) on the blog.

3. We have decided on a troupe fee (to cover the cost of a DJ, food, decorations, etc.): $50.00/per person. We were working hard to get it down to $40.00, but unfortunately, the sound system donated by Antilles may not be adequate for our needs, increasing our expenses.  Please pay this nominal fee as soon as possible, but no later than Saturday, April 14, 2012.

4. Thank you to troupe members who have referred DJs to us.  We're working with a couple of them to see what we can get for the best price.  Thanks again!

5. If anyone would like to make a monetary contribution to the troupe, please let me know. We sure could use it to supplement this nominal troupe fee!

6. After the Easter holidays, we will get the Carnival music from our hired DJ (one more song for performances at Emancipation Gardens & Lionel Roberts Stadium).  We hope to have a Carnival song for Joni's choreography next week.  Practice times and videotaped choreography are coming, we promise!

7. We're official! Our Carnival application was turned in at the Carnival Office on Monday, April 2, 2012 (troupe under 50 / competing entry).

8. For those who ordered Zumba wear from zumba.com, your items have been shipped to the VI and should arrive some time next week.  Thanks, Joni!  For those who are owed refunds, you will receive more information via a separate e-mail.

9. I found (and bought) a pair of these funky, flourescent shoelaces (45 inches) to wear on parade day (see below).  And guess what?  They're only $1.99 @ Payless! (Mine were bought @ the Wheatley Center location.)

I think that's about it, for now... (Remind me if I've forgotten something major. Thanks!)


Peace, Zumba love, (and Easter blessings, for those who celebrate the holy day).

Gaynel