” And The Award Goes To…”
…wait for it… wait for it…. “Florence Gibson and Shawn Byfield!”
You know how in award shows they build anticipation, and make your #ss wait for the result? Well let me tell you, those were the longest 5 seconds of my life.
I normally don’t get that nervous- I was all fidgety and I couldn’t stop sweating. “What’s wrong with me? Calm down!” I kept telling myself. My mom rubbed my head (she was my date).
So YES, it’s official: the play “i think i can” I co-created with playwright Florence Gibson (who’s also a multi-Dora nominee) walked away with this year’s OUTSTANDING NEW MUSICAL Dora Award.
Oh yeah, it’s big.
(For non-theatre savvy readers: That’s like the uh, the Best New Movie award on the Oscars.)
And just so you know, I wore my tap shoes on stage for the acceptance speech! Gotta represent. I let my feet do the thanking of so many people involved in the production of our show- from original ideas and workshops to the final World Premiere at LKTYP.
Awesome. What an inspiring night. I’ll try to post video footage of my “speech”.
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to EVERYONE that walked away with an award, and especially to everyone that was nominated for one! Such amazing talent in this country.
Can I now take the time to say this: * YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE. * Put all your heart and soul into what you love.
This play is the perfect example of an IDEA, something completely intangible in our head, to becoming a reality with support from a fabulously talented cast, crew and production team.
What’s the secret?
Well, there’s no secret really. Just take ACTION. And keep taking action. You LEARN as you go. The more you try, the more you learn.
Write this down. Somewhere you can see it every day:
ACTION + QUALIFIED GUIDANCE + CONSISTENT EFFORT = GUARANTEED POSITIVE RESULTS
There’s a hell of lot more I can share here, but I’ll save some “wisdom” for later. I’m no guru, but I actually send a lot of positive energy in the messages I sent out- the ones about signing up for something you love.
(Do you feel it? Leave me a comment at the end of this post if you do.)
You can’t dance? Well, if you take my dance classes, bootcamps and dozens of workshops we offer, EVENTUALLY YOU WILL LEARN HOW.
That’s why my team and I are teachers. It’s our job to show you how.
And STICK TO THE PLAN. That’s key. Rome wasn’t built overnight!
I really believe this. And from my experience and the experience of others, it WORKS.
ACTION + QUALIFIED GUIDANCE + CONSISTENT EFFORT = GUARANTEED POSITIVE RESULTS
On that note, got an idea for a musical or play? You better believe it can happen. It did for Florence and I, and I’ve never written a musical in my life! So it can for you too.
Want to brush up on your tap? I’ll let you know in the next few days what programs I’ll have.
Need to get in shape? Bootcamps start next week with Nexx Level.
Lacking a social life? Come have fun in our workshops, and make a new friend.
I need to thank all of you for your support. We’re trying to provide positive, lasting and inspiring experiences, whether they be through classes, events, emails, or shows. A little support goes a long way…
…so PLEASE keep coming to shows, classes and events.
That way, I can stay inspired enough to get nominated for another award! =D
– SB
www.ShawnByfield.com
P.S.- You know how after someone wins a Tony Awards, or an Oscar, and for the rest of their entire life they’re introduced as “Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington?”
Hey, I’m just wondering! Just throwing it out there… Let me know what I should do. =)
Shawn Byfield - Certified Public Speaker, Dance Coach & Choreographer 
Thanks for the well wishes and congrats friends! Yes, my mom was proud and couldn’t stop trying to steal my award. =)
About tap- I will be offering a few CLASSES, but no sessions this summer. I’ll be sending more info in my newsletter and you’ll be able to see on my NEW website in a few days. Sit tight… and please let your friends know NOW that classes will be offered soon.
– SB
PS: And Yes, I’m in the new movie Hairspray… can’t wait to see it!
Congrats, Shawn, I am very happy for you! Your quote sums it all up – ACTION + QUALIFIED GUIDANCE + CONSISTENT EFFORT = GUARANTEED POSITIVE RESULTS! You manifested it by following your quote – enjoy and all the best for the future.
Of course you won. You absolutely deserve it, you’re an amazing talent (and personality). Your Mom must be so proud.
p.s My kids and I had fun pointing you out in the preview of Hairspray at the theatre last week!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>>>>>>>>
That’s absolutely fantastic news, Shawn! Umm, I mean, DORA AWARD WINNER, Shawn Byfield!!! 🙂
Can’t wait for classes next month….but I’m wondering how you’re gonna teach tap class….walkin’ on cloud nine, like you must be right now, it’ll be a tad hard to hear your feet! LOL!
Big hugs to you and congratulations to the entire cast and crew!!
Woo!
A friend of mine apparently has used a simplified version of your formula throughout his entire life: persistence = success. If I were to mathematically develop that idea, I would probably expand “persistance” to include your more detailed variables. Either way it’s very true.
wicked. amazing. congrats … no wait you deserve the full “congratulations”. 😉