The Singing Bee

Green Day

2007-11-07T02:27:45Z

I love the band Green Day, but this isn’t about them.

More importantly this “theme” is about keeping our planet clean. I am actually writing this blog while on vacation in France because I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on the subject; a subject I think is very important and that subject is recycling.

Recycling is a universal task & necessity, whether you are in France, the United States, or Japan. We are all in this together. And together we can make this world a better place.

]]> The more I travel and the more I experience in other countries, it makes me want to take those extra steps to keeping our country clean. As I walk down the paved streets in this city of Nice, every other street is spotless, just like in America. I only wish that we can all come together to clean the in between. If we pass the word around, and help thy neighbor, or just pick up what we see that is out of place, it would only help the environment.

I remember a visual of being in Tokyo, where I saw a handful of people in their business attire bending over and picking up trash. This was something that I had never seen before, but had opened my eyes. Imagine just taking a moment and doing that. Here’s a green tip I found…“If every person in America recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers we would save 25,000,000 trees a year.”

In case you are wondering how recycling applies to my life.

I’m not all talk; I actually take action, and still work on making a difference every day. For Example: I have 4 different trash containers labeled in my kitchen.
1. Paper 2. Plastic 3. Glass 4. Aluminum

Some people say I have a massive case of O.C.D (obsessive compulsive disorder), but I say it’s being neat and pitching in to save the earth.

ON A HUMOROUS NOTE:

While every one in the audience was holding signs that said “Save the Planet”, Backstage in the Bee Hive - production was trying to “Save the Bees.”

Can we say…(Wardrobe Malfunction!!!!) Gotta love those Green Sequin Dresses! They were rubbing up against our under arms like sand paper. Can we say…Raw Pitt? … And He’s not related to Brad Pitt. “It wasn’t that cute.”

But I will say that wardrobe did try to help us out by putting Saran Wrap under our arms…. Yeah, that didn’t work, but let it be known that the Saran Wrap was recycled. Feel free to watch the close ups, as I’m sure my zip lock baggie is dangling out of my dress. Press pause for all you TIVO users, and post a Blog to let me know what you think. Paper or plastic?

Thank Goodness for “Second Skin”

Now all I can say is … I’m “Walking on Sunshine”

Lots of Love & Light,

Lisa

Green, Peace, and Happiness

2007-10-31T01:10:32Z

Ok so we've dedicated our shows to some of the greatest artists in the world and even a scaaaaarryy, spooooooky, creeeeeepy, craaaaaaawly halloween show. And now that we've had our fun it was time to get serious about one thing, Saving Our Planet. So we did just that and geared up to start what probably was the biggest science project of the season.

The best part about it was that the entire crew of the show had to participate and show some type of involvement. If you could have seen the prep work backstage the night before the shoot you would have seen everything first hand. I'm talking about major school work projects here. There were posters everywhere along the long hallways of the production off saying everything from "Save Our Planet" to "Don't Mess with the Green". People everywhere had out they're glue sticks, recycled paper bags, scissors and much more going to town to help promote recycling. Our Green Episode airs on Nov. 6th so be sure to tune in.

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It was amazing to see how much fun everyone had with making the signs, and of course we had have our wonderful audience participation (man our audience is amazing and so supportive so a big thanks to all of you guys. But think for a moment! Are you doing even the smallest thing in your life, household or workplace to help save energy on our planet?

Come on guys, separate those plastic cans from bottles and reuse your paper bags from the grocery store or anywhere every time you go grocery shopping instead of getting new ones every time. Check this - even some grocery stores give you 5 cents per bag back when you reuse your bags. Try to help cut down on polluting the air by carpooling and he'll to save our rainforests.

With all of the tragedies going on in the world, especially all of the wild fires that have affected and devastated so many people in Southern California within the last two weeks. We must take better care of our planet and eco system. And not only as adults but don't forget about the millions of young people in the world who could help make a difference if only they knew important it was. I know I personally recycle in my home and at work and it feels good to do so. My daughter loves to recycle the large plastic jugs from spring water that we buy and use them as piggy banks. She has a plastic jug for every penny, nickel, dime and quarter that she saves and she has a blast doing so. So come on, it only takes a second of time throughout your day to recycle, reuse and save our planet.......

Enjoy the show and Dare to Be Green......

Xoxo Monique

Halloween!!!!

2007-10-31T01:07:39Z

Wow what a fun show!! We had extra fun doing this one! First I have to say it was so perfect that we didn't start taping this show till midnight because it went so well with the theme. I was a little nervous about how late we would go since we had started our day around 7am, but was so relieved to find out that the Honeybees were going to be sexy cheerleaders for the show which meant sneakers instead of high heels!!! Yay!

When we came to the set we were amazed! They had transformed the whole set and dressed up the band, Joey and even the audience was in costume. The audience members that didn’t come in costume were provided you with one, so it worked out perfectly. Actually my mom flew in from Arizona to watch the taping and when I looked out I started laughing because they made her some sort of purple bug!

]]> The highlight of the show was the opening act - Ray Parker Jr. performed Ghostbusters!! I am the oldest Honeybee at 34 so Ghostbusters was what I grew up on; it brought back so many memories. The whole show has scary or Halloween related songs. There are some hard ones! Usually I am singing along as we are dancing but I had a hard time knowing these. Of course the contestants managed to get by. They amaze me sometimes. I hope you all enjoy this fun and scary theme show!

xo
Holly

My Favorite Episode

2007-10-24T02:05:22Z

The first-season was so much fun... but it cannot compare to Season 2! When I found out the show had been picked up for another season I was super excited! I was wondering what the show would be like now: its format, the singers, the stage, the costumes, was I getting fired, etc. We, the Honey Bees, were called into one of the producer’s office so he could talk to us about the show and all the new expectations. He told us how they changed the show’s format a bit, that we would have guest artists performing almost every episode, and that the staff had changed a bit…including our choreographer. He also added “all eyes are on you guys, the Honey Bees”so expectations were high.

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For some reason that didn’t make us nervous; it actually made us excited and eager to start rehearsing. Well, let me tell you that they put us to work! AND my motivation to just keep going? THE VILLAGE PEOPLE!!! I could NOT wait to meet them and work with them! The rehearsals for that episode were a blast! YMCA and Macho Man - could you ask for anything better? To me, these are the world’s greatest songs and they make me happy, warm and fuzzy inside!

So Dean, our new choreographer, starts choreographing to the first verse “Young man...” I politely raised my hand, fell on my knees, and asked if we could please do the famous “Point-and-move-your-hips-Village-People-Step”! Dean said “Yes” and I said “Hit it”. I love that step, so much that Dean told me to “minimize” on the hip action. I am Brazilian, what do you expect? However, I had to hold back, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t LIVING IT! Boy that was one of the happiest moments I’ve ever shared on stage!

And to my satisfaction, The Village People are amazing guys! They are extremely nice, humble, and up-beat! Every person on set got a feather from “Indian guy”! I sleep next to it! But anyways, we closed the show with Macho Man; Lisa and I got to act like dudes, side-by-side. To end the show next to Lisa, acting like goofballs, having the time of our lives…I don’t know what could be better than that!

Although that was my FAVORITE episode, be sure to check out our Halloween Episode. When I had to decide which one was my favorite, these two were fighting for first place! The Village People Episode was just fun, up-beat, relaxed and entertaining! The Halloween Episode had great choreography, we got to wear KEDS, and Joey looked ____________!!!

“HIT IT!” :)

Songs of Paul McCartney & John Lennon

2007-10-10T01:28:57Z

… just happen to bee Extra Special for Me!!!

Here’s a little inside scoop.

This episode brought back so many memories of when I was on tour with Paul McCartney. Paul composed an amazing piece of music for his pre-show opening act. His mind-blowing creation brought theatrical dancers to the stage where they would perform “Organized Chaos” to set the perfect mood visually and physically for his own show to follow. I was fortunate enough to be apart of that Brilliant concept that toured all over Europe.

]]> As every song played through out this Bee episode, it brought me back to the same place, just a different stage. It was like Flipping through my photo album and reminiscing about the memories that were made, and turning pages in my passport and seeing all the stops I hit along the way.

Touring with a Legend was such a surreal experience. This episode granted me with Flash Backs of performing at Rome’s Coliseum, Moscow’s historic Red Square and Liverpool where it all began for Paul & John. Thanks to this incredible episode, it allowed me to dance again to the songs I heard him perform every night on stage.

On a funny note, I guess I’ve been spoiled listening to Paul sing Live for so long, that I found myself nervously laughing while the contestants were singing, but no joke, I can’t carry a note myself.

As every show comes to an end, I stepped off the set that night, and imagined Paul walking down the hall back stage in his Red Shirt. This episode reminded me of the extraordinary journey I experienced and how it will always stay close to my heart, Thanks to The Singing Bee and the chosen theme I relived a time in my life that I will always cherish. It’s such a pleasure to be able to share this experience of mine with you all. Sometimes experiences only happen once, but imagine all the memories you can have from one journey.

Let it BE remembered…and this night was just that.

XO
Lisa

One Hit Wonders

2007-10-03T19:32:01Z

So we came back to film the next 10 episodes with so many surprises!!! There are some new games for the contestants and the winner of each show gets to come back and try again. The most exciting surprise is that there are musical guests that will perform at the opening of each show.

So for the one hit wonders theme show we have Toni Basil singing "MICKEY." She was and is so amazing!!! I was so excited to meet and watch her because she is one of the top choreographers of our time! I know most of you will just know her as the one hit wonder who sang Mickey but if you Google her name you will be amazed at how many things she has choreographed! I am sure any dancer would love to work for her! When she did her number we were also on stage and I was so distracted because I just wanted to watch her! I am not sure her exact age but she looks amazing and she dances in such a unique style! She also brought with her 4 girl break dancers. It was such a perfect contrast to the Mickey song to update it!

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As far as the HONEY BEES we are having a blast we have all new dance numbers, are prepared and know what to expect this time around. Our heads are always spinning trying to remember what comes next but we all help each other out and drink lots of red bulls to get us though the long hours! And then of course there are the many blisters from our heels and Advil for the aches and pains! But that goes with the territory of being a dancer! But don't think I am complaining, because that is so minor next to the excitement of being on the show! It is so funny to think about when I heard of the audition; I almost didn't go because I didn't know anything about the show. And now I am so lucky and grateful that I did. The Singing Bee was the highest rated show of the summer!

So keep watching to see more surprise guests! I want to tell you who they are but I am going to make wait and let my fellow Honey Bees share the stories in their Blogs…stay tuned!! I know you will enjoy them as much as I did!!

XO
Holly Cruikshank

Girl Power Rocks!

2007-09-04T20:01:08Z

When the producers of the show announced that we were going to be shooting an episode called "Girl Power" it was very clear to me that I was in a circle of some good hearted folks. With the exception of one sweet, strong and courageous woman, the producers of our show are all males. I truly admire and appreciate ALL of the producers of our show; they are SO behind us as dancers and treat us with nothing but dignity and respect. I felt humbled and appreciated that they would dedicate a show to women around the world from the everyday person, to music artists and dancers by creating a show theme titled "Girl Power".

]]> On one end the theme of that particular episode took me back to my childhood. My parents enrolled me in dance classes to keep me active and out of trouble after school. But I think my mother kept me in dance to keep me "girly". I was a tomboy who loved playing street football with my uncles, have pillow fights, and slide down the snow-filled streets on trash can tops. I even wanted to join my uncles' football team but my mother forbad me, so they crowned me homecoming queen instead. I was always outgoing and could easily get along with people because I was a jokester. But underneath, I was dealing with self esteem issues and dislikes about my body type. Mainly because I was so active I developed very late and was always skinny with long legs no matter how much I ate, and was teased about it a lot.

Get this, I used to wear long-johns pants underneath my jeans to help fill out my shape...it didn't work…LOL. The "Girl Power" episode reminded me of when I finally realized and began to appreciate that GOD blessed me with not only a talent for dance but also with a beautiful instrument (my body type. At this point in my life the "Girl Power" theme means sooo much more to me. Just the blessing of booking this show as a dancer with all of the audition processes that my fellow Honey Bees let you in on humbles me.

I knew in the audition that our producers REALLY knew what they were looking for out of the dancers, and it sure wasn't bimbos in short dresses with pretty faces. I'm sure the other girls can say that when we go on other auditions other dancers tell us how lucky we are to have booked the show. This theme also made me feel liberated and free as a dancer because I was able to express myself as a woman, physically through my dancing and emotionally. That 80's show was also a blast for all of us!!

Most of all I felt the "Girl Power" episode gave me an opportunity to become a role model to women and young girls around the world. To young girls who feel that they have to let go of their dreams because of setbacks or bad decisions that they have made in their lives…they don’t. To the women who feel that there is no life after having children…there is. Childbearing is a gift from GOD and it should never be a step back but motivation to continue moving forward. To any woman or young girls who are fearful of trying something new or taking a chance because of the unknown…challenge yourself. So because of this "Girl Power" show I became a role model in the eyes of people around the world who can appreciate what not only women, but dancers can bring to entertainment. Especially for my daughter, who is a dancer "in training" (Ferly is her flamenco teacher). So when I look into her eyes and see that she's proud of me I know that I am doing my job as a woman and first and foremost as a mother.

I know it may seem like I've been rambling on and on but this was my chance to express myself. I am so humbled and blessed by this Singing Bee experience; I am surrounded by very talented dancers and we all feed off and compliment each other. We are each different and embrace those differences as we continue to learn from each other.

I would like to see us fine tune ourselves even more with these upcoming episodes!!! I know the first go-round was challenging but we were trained with tough spines ready for anything at anytime. That's one of the qualities the producers and Scott saw in us, so let’s make it happen. I thank all of our producers, the NBC network, our choreographer, Ray Chew and the band/singers and to everyone who makes The Singing Bee the best family variety show of the summer..

Most of all I thank GOD... It has and continues to be an adventure and I am truly blessed because not everyone can say they have taken the journey...

Xoxo - Monique

How I Became a Blonde

2007-08-21T23:15:14Z

May I just start off by saying that Lisa and Holly have done a great job with their blogs. Each blog represents EXACTLY how each one of these girls are. Lisa is the random, funny one; while Holly is the sweet, easy-going one. I am the fiery, quiet one, who at times loves to chat... as you shall see. ;-)

As I sit here, thinking about the other 'bee-blogs' and how they have already touched on certain Singing Bee experiences, I felt it would be fun to give everyone an idea about The Singing Bee audition process...my experience in particular of course. With that said, I will title my blog: "How I became a blonde."

]]> First off, I cannot even begin to express how humbled I am by this opportunity; I am so thankful to everyone who gave me a shot and made this dream possible! So, when I first heard from my agent about the "The Singing Bee" audition, I was contemplating whether or not to go. Most tall dancers in Los Angeles would agree with me that 80% of the time we get cut in auditions because of our height. However, when I was informed that only girls 5'8" and above were to attend this audition, so I set my alarm clock for 6 AM baby! It was now Monday, June 18th. "The Singing Bee" held a morning audition and an afternoon audition. I went to the morning one, where I met sweet Holly. After looking us over, they asked us to return the following day for the call-back, and that is where I met Lisa and Monique, whom I've worked with before.

They cut us down to 12 girls, and then separated us into three groups of 4. They placed me with Lisa, Holly and Monique and we all danced together. After buckling loose a bit, we calmed down, held our breath... and then we were asked the strangest question... "Would any of you mind going blonde?" So, being the quiet gal that I am, immediately I yelled out "Heck no! I am your clay! Mold me!" That broke the ice a little for me, for the producers and the choreographer started laughing. The call-back ended at about 12PM.

A few hours later, I got a call from my agent saying the producers liked me, yet they wanted to see me blonde. So my agent kindly tells me to please 'buy a wig.' So I frantically leave work and head for the mall on the quest for a Barbie wig. 'Can somebody please tell me why ALL wigs consist of Barbie doll hair?' Anyhow, I called Scott Grossman, the choreographer, and asked him "Can I just go ahead and dye my hair?" He paused for a second and then said, "Well yeah! But I feel bad because I don't know if the producers will like you blonde!" So I said, "Well they surely will hate me with a wig on, so I'll just take my chances!" He laughed and replied "Alright honey, go for it!" So there I was on this crazy day, in the scorching hot San Fernando Valley at about 7:30PM (Yes, still hot at that time), and I called all the hair salons in my neighborhood. They all told me that they could not help me because it was too late! So now panic kicks in, I look around and can see my dreams running from me! ;-) I finally decided to call a lady who used to cut my hair who is unfortunately located way down in Venice Beach! I asked her if she could take me - for it was an emergency! She said "Can you make it here by 8:15pm?" I said "Yes!" So before she could hang up, I was at a full sprint, about 100 miles per hour out to my car! Sorry to all those who I knocked over. I'm driving down the 101, still at 100 miles per hour (Just kidding)... it was 110 miles an hour, and here comes the 405. Now, if you live in L.A. you know the name "405" is synonymous with "parking lot!" Nevertheless, that goodness, despite all this craziness, I miraculously made it right on time!

At any rate, now as a blonde, I went back to CBS Radford studios on Wednesday to show them the hair, only to find out that they have called a whole new audition... for blonde's only! "Gee, thanks guys!" ;-) So here I am, after everything I went through, sitting at the audition watching my beautiful blonde competition audition... for my dream job! How lovely. Well, I must say, it was the longest 2 1/2 hrs of my life!!!

To sum up this long story, towards the end of the day I get a call from Scott, who leaves me a message... "Congratulations on getting the job!" Oh what a relief! My students (I teach dance by the way), were right there in front of me when I checked the message and we a happy bunch! Actually, I was so ecstatic I tackled one of my girls down to the floor! ...and that is how my audition experience took place; that is how I became a Honey Bee. I hope in the months to come I represent Brazil well and successfully show my eternal appreciation to America, which we call back home "The Land of Opportunities!"

Q&A with Holly

2007-08-14T17:01:41Z

The question I get asked most....is how I became a HONEY BEE???
The Audition... I got a call from my agent that there was a new variety game show called “The Singing Bee.” They wanted girls 5'8”-6' with strong dance technique. I thought wow this is perfect! I have always been told I am too tall! Until I got to the audition and realized so did several hundred other girls. Scott Grossman our choreographer taught us 4 combinations of different styles. We performed those 4 at time. Then about 30 girls were called back. This was the nerve racking part! All the producers and creative team from NBC were there. It is definitely a strange feeling. You feel so vulnerable; basically they are judging how you look and dance. Every girl there is gorgeous and the whole time I was thinking - how am I going to be picked!? I wouldn't be able to choose!! So after doing the combinations over and over they started putting us in different groups of girls to see how we matched up. There was so much tension in the room! I constantly wonder to my self - why do I put myself through this for a living? But when you do get the part, like I did this job, it is all worth it!

]]> Other questions I get asked from family and friends...Do you like the other Honey Bees? And how about Joey?
Well I couldn't have gotten luckier on every level! When you put 4 beautiful tall girls who are at the top of their game in the dance world you might think there could be some egos involved! But everyone is so humble and so talented! All 4 of us have a major dance background. You can always read our bios to find out more of each girl. And I think we all compliment each other's personality and look! Then there is Joey! Wow all I can say is that he is so funny!!! And so normal! The first time I met him was for a photo shoot before we started filming. He came over to us girls and just started cracking jokes and asking us about us. He just makes everyone feel so comfortable!! You forget how big of a star he is!!

What is it like filming an episode...
Well when you watch a show it goes by so fast!!! We did 9 episodes in 3 days! Long days!!! But it is so much fun and so interesting watching how it all comes together! Each episode will take 2-5 hours to film so there is a lot of waiting time! I just remember how my feet hurt at the end of a 17 hour day of being in dance heels. Actually one of my toes is still a little numb. The days are long but I am not complaining! They are so much fun! There is an audience warmer making jokes with the audience, an awesome band that keeps everyone entertained and just people from the crew, wardrobe, hair and make-up etc that love what they do. So it is just a positive environment!!

Why do they need the Honey Bees...
Dance always adds to anything!! Since this is a variety game show with a live band and live singers it just makes sense to have dancers! I think it adds some excitement and movement! I am so excited that they are bringing dance back to TV. I think with “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” the viewers are developing and eye for dance. Dancers work so hard their whole life. I started when I was 3.
Basically you are an athlete. And you do it because you love it! There really isn't any fame or lots of money if you are a dancer; it is just part of who you are. So it is really exciting that they are including dance on TV and doing more movie musicals!

XO -
Holly

What You Don't Know

2007-08-06T21:06:39Z

Here’s what you don’t know about the Honey Bees…

Just like the contestants, We don’t know the song that’s going to be played. So, after hours of rehearsals and learning 30+ dances. We have to fit one of the 30 dance routines to the chosen song. Here’s the twist…We may have to do an up-beat dance to a ballad, or a lyrical jazz dance to a hip-hop song. We huddle in our hive and call a play just like athletes.

]]> One of my favorite episodes to shoot was “Girl Power”. As a little girl, I dreamed of being a super hero. When we were told that there was an episode called “Girl Power” I got so excited, thinking that my childhood dream would become some what real for a night. I thought I would look like a rock n’ roll Wonder Woman. That didn’t happen, because they stuck me in a red wig which made me look like Ariel from the Little Mermaid. "Hmmmm," I thought. "Well, she wasn’t really a super hero, but she was a powerful girl-maid!" so I committed and went with it. Along with my mermaid wig, I was so super lucky to be wearing silver stilts on my feet, which did not give me any power over the fear I had of being 4” taller then my normal height which is 5’10” making me the “Leaning Tower of Pisa”.

In case you didn’t know, we dance right above the band. I only hoped that this tower wasn’t going to tip over and land right in the drummer's seat. To top it off, the crown wasn’t plastic…so top heavy! I was on unstable but fabulous silver platforms and holding on to my bling-bling Honey Bee belt…living on a prayer through out every step for the entire episode.