Well, for one, Frisco is my city so it’s just a given that the journey called Passport started out on a very positive note right away. On the first day I arrived for segment rehearsals and it was a bit nerve-wracking since I didn’t know anyone. However, this quickly faded, as I recognized a few familiar faces from other gigs as well as many more new ones. Needless to say, throughout the entire experience, the team of producers, faculty, stage hands, models, dancers, and talent connected with each other in a huge way; we were/are a family. Veteran performers welcomed first timers, such as myself, with open arms and words of encouragement and advice. It was a unifying experience, working toward one common goal: Passport 2007 … the Silver Anniversary; celebrating 25 years of “Fashion and compassion”, Aids/HIV benefit and awareness. Such a great cause—not to mention a great team. I met Brian Friedman (“So You Think You Can Dance?”), a dream come true; he choreographed all of the dance routines in the show. Kane “Insane” Friesen (Kawasaki stunt cyclist), Dan Heaton and Shaun Johanneson (stunt unicyclists—they’re awesome), a group of young dancers who performed with the Transcendent Spirits group (incredibly talented kids ranging in ages of 6-16 from Uganda), they truly were the heart behind Passport and an inspiration to all who participated – including myself. Charleston Pierce was/is an incredible blessing and addition to my life. He was a Macy’s Passport model for 17 years who has since been promoted to the position of model coach for the past few. And what a coach he is! I won’t ever be able to articulate the impact he had on my experience in passport; he truly helped to make it so special and memorable for me. As his adopted sister, we will be keeping in contact; a mentor for life.
Segment rehearsals, “stumble” (run) throughs, and dress rehearsals took place every day for about a week before our first show: San Francisco Teen Night. WOW … there aren’t words to describe the adrenaline I was experiencing backstage prior to show time. High Schoolers filled the stadium surrounding the runway; chanting, screaming, stomping … it was one HUGE rock concert, pep rally, whatever. I can’t even describe it. What a way to kick-off the tour; they’re energy carried us through the entire trip.
The same show was repeated 5 times: 3 nights in SF and 2 in LA, each night to an audience of 1600+ guests. Granted, a burlesque routine performed by Dita Von Tease wasn’t presented during the teen shows! My first segment was “Calvin Klein: A Day in the Life”; I had the privilege of closing in an incredible formal dress. By far my favorite moments of each show! My next look was as a “mod model” during the “Via Spiga: A Really Big Shoe” segment, lots of fun. Lastly I got to open the “Academy of Art: Student Designers” Segment, which was such a thrill! There is absolutely no other feeling like that of opening, or closing, a show or segment – being the first girl to present the designers work, or being the final “wow” factor of that collection – not to mention quite a compliment! No pressure or anything haha. I was truly blessed to be in both positions every night.
American Express (AMEX) was the next night and it was another great show with wonderful memories. The Gala night closed San Fran and let me tell you … that was incredible. Big names were watching—if you had to choose which night to be “on” – you’d choose the Gala. Careers have started because of discoveries made there. I don’t ever get nervous but let me tell ya … I WAS SO NERVOUS!!! It was great though.
Los Angeles was the next stop—after a days rest back home to regroup. Being apart from my Passport family for 4 days was tough … we all came back together the following Wednesday for dress rehearsals and it was a big happy reunion! After being together constantly all day and into the wee hours of the following mornings … it became routine and was strange to not see each other for so long. But, I was productive over the break; I booked a hair show (pics of afro in slideshow), with Alex (roomy), in San Francisco, so that was very good for my sanity! Keeping busy for me is probably a little bit like a psychotic frenzy to most LOL.
Los Angeles opened with Gala night. Marc Ecko was watching. Reps from the house of Calvin Klein were there. Heads of fashion houses were in the audience watching. Not to mention celebrities … it is LA, home of the stars. It was a huge night—absolutely amazing; flawless on everyone’s part. Something that most people (in or out of my industry) probably won’t believe is that, before every show, the producer (Larry Harshbarger) and the team of coach’s, etc. would gather all the models and talent and we’d have a “model chat”. Basically, it was a personalized pep rally backstage to get us all pumped for a great show. Larry, Charleston, and Bill (Macy’s executive) would share with us the feedback they were getting on the show, tell us how proud they were to be working with us, and wish us good luck. Not to mention reminding us of the reason we were together doing this … the cause we were supporting. Passport goes deeper than fashion—it’s a heart thing.
The last night was Los Angeles Teen Night … the energy from opening night in San Francisco that carried us through ‘till now was revisited only by these kids. This audience allowed us to finish even stronger than when we first began. All the models were so comfortable in their skin. I feel like this night was definitely my best performance—I was at home on that runway—having so much fun. It is an indescribable feeling … the energy from that audience lifted me off that runway and onto cloud nine. Cliché? Yes. But, like I said, there just are no words!
Overall, the experience was more than I could have every hoped for. This was the final “notch-in-my-belt” so to speak for the San Francisco market … I have officially booked all the top shows (Jay is very pleased) ... and my introduction to the Los Angeles arena. A lot of pressure is put on Passport and so for me to land it my first time out is a miracle--entirely a God thing; models with years more experience than I go out year after year and don’t get it. This experience (I hesitate referring to it as a ‘show’ … because it really is much more) has God’s fingerprints all over it and I anxiously await the things He will bring from it. I can’t wait until next year!! Passport 2008 … here I come!
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