Choreographer – Shawn Byfield – Certified Public Speaker, Dance Coach & Choreographer

What’s The Definition of Insanity?

Definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results. You can’t stay the same and expect things to change. Albert Einstein said it best… “Nothing happens until something moves.” Ask yourself: Are you moving? Are you growing? Are you doing something different to make a difference? What you think ofContinue reading “What’s The Definition of Insanity?”

Here’s Why Turkeys Never Win

A THOUGHT: It’s true, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But here’s a secret… People do! Look the part. If you want people to take you seriously, then a good place to start is by taking yourself seriously. Make sure your outer world is an accurate reflection of your inner world. You won’tContinue reading “Here’s Why Turkeys Never Win”

The Secret Truth About What’s On Your Playlist RIGHT NOW

HELLO… And I’m So NERVOUS Why am I nervous? Because: “Who is MJ?” Someone young actually asked me last month. In the words of Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On?! We officially have a generation of aspiring dancers, upcoming singers and rising artists with NO IDEA of where good music came from! Forget that fact that many of them have noContinue reading “The Secret Truth About What’s On Your Playlist RIGHT NOW”

Impatient? READ THIS… How Does This Popular Movie Quote Relate To Your Current Life?

So in my world, so much can change in 8 hours! Here’s a real-TIME story unfolding right now: Two hours ago I was at home in my underwear. Now, I’m lying down comfortably in my honeywagon, after a major movie production sent a driver to pick me up and bring me to set. Yup, I’veContinue reading “Impatient? READ THIS… How Does This Popular Movie Quote Relate To Your Current Life?”

ATTENTION: All Impatient, Entitled, Wanna-Be Choreographers, Actors, Directors, etc- Here’s A Harsh Reality Check Worth Reading

Unlike the dapper gentleman above, this post isn’t pretty. So if you’re looking for an article that leaves warm fuzzies, shuffle away. But if you can handle some truth sprinkled with sarcasm… Listen up. One of the most iconic directors, choreographers and entertainers of our time, Gene Kelly, had to WORK his way up theContinue reading “ATTENTION: All Impatient, Entitled, Wanna-Be Choreographers, Actors, Directors, etc- Here’s A Harsh Reality Check Worth Reading”

Top 4 Things That Made Me Smile Today

So. I’m slightly injured. I’ve been rehearsing for a film, teaching and running BDX, teaching dance workshops at public schools, and letting the world know about my show. Plus other stuff like performing, newspaper and other media interviews & community work. I love what I do. I hardly ever complain. I’m blessed to live aContinue reading “Top 4 Things That Made Me Smile Today”

New Study Reports Negative Effects Of Homework

New Study Reports Negative Effects Of Homework A new study on younger school-age students shows that doing too much homework can decrease grades and actually diminish interest in the classroom. The excessive workload prevents kids from demonstrating comprehension, especially when studying scientific principles. “It’s true. Too much homework can be overwhelming and creates an undesirable,Continue reading “New Study Reports Negative Effects Of Homework”

If This Doesn’t Prove ANYONE Can Dance, What Will?

Stop what you’re doing and WATCH THIS. This performance was a surprise treat to celebrate Oprah’s 24th season. Black Eyed Peas and Oprah’s team organized the largest dance flash mob in history. Dance choreographer Ashley Wallen put together the fun routine for over 20,000 residents of Chicago. Only TWENTY of them were professional dancers! IContinue reading “If This Doesn’t Prove ANYONE Can Dance, What Will?”

What We Did Behind The Scenes: Blues Brothers 2000

Flashback! If you didn’t know, I was in the hit movie Blues Brothers 2000. Shout out to the great Toronto talent! I’m in the GREEN pants and tie… Summertime Heat Man, were those suits HOT. We’d be dripping after each take and would need to immediately stand in front of the air conditioner when they yelled “CUT!”.Continue reading “What We Did Behind The Scenes: Blues Brothers 2000”

So You Think You Can Dance Canada SYTYCD Feedback

So You Think You Can Dance Canada SYTYCD Feedback So Canada, what do you think of our dance show so far? I’ve been watching each week. I’m very happy that we have the chance to show off our own unique talent. Canada definitely has extremely strong, technical dancers from coast to coast. Click below forContinue reading “So You Think You Can Dance Canada SYTYCD Feedback”