Flirting is essential when trying to catch the attention of bae, who doesn’t know he’s bae yet. It’s an ability that some of us have naturally and some of us, well, not so much. Let these tips below be a guide for you the next time you’ve got your eye on a cutie:

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Touch N’ Go! When you’re chit chatting with a guy and the conversation is flowing smoothly, lay your hand on his arm. You’ve gotta have good timing on this though!

Mic Check!  There is a big difference between hearing him speaking and actually listening to what he’s saying. Pay close attention to him so you can ask questions based on his responses. That shows that you really care.

It’s All In The Gaze! This is a pretty common flirting tip, but one that actually works. Making eye contact with him while he’s across the room shows initial interest or reinforces the flirting you did earlier.

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Tia B, Content Editor

Leaping into confidence, turning into boldness + making a point to express herself describes the path of dancer and performer, Najaah Malonne! Budding from her introverted personality, she discovered her creative space to showcase her individuality on stage for the world to see.

Najaah started dancing at the tender age of  4 and  joined Dance Academy West’s competition team at only 9 years old.  By 10, she began performing solos to hone both her technique and stage presence.  She quickly became an award winning dancer, collecting top honors, special judges awards and scholarships.  In efforts to become an even better dancer, Najaah began attending summer intensives.  She has studied as a Jr Ballet Trainee at The Joffrey School of Ballet, Joffrey West Summer Jazz Intensive in Los Angeles, Debbie Allen Dance Academy Intensive in Atlanta and Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive in New York.

She also expanded her work with one of her solo choreographers, Mitchell Kelly from Season 8 of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”.  Mitchell provided aggressive  development and performance opportunities through his youth foundation, MK Life Parts.  He also provided her with a scholarship to her very first dance convention.  ASH (Artist Simply Human) which proved to be a life changing experience for her. After that experience, Najaah knew she wanted to become a professional dancer and decided to shift her focus from competing, to developing her technique to prepare her for the life and rigors of the professional dance world.  

Although dance is her passion, she has begun to explore other facets of the performing arts including singing + acting.   As an adult, she dreams of becoming a professional on the small and big screen and the Broadway stage, and study at institutions such as Julliard or Fordham Universities!

Let’s get to know Najaah a little better…

Dance is a form of expression that allows you to be free in movement, what first motivated you to step into the world of dance?
I always sang and tried to dance before I could even walk and talk. My parents put me in dance class because I was shy and introverted. They wanted me to have the chance to blossom and socialize with other kids before I began school. I immediately liked dance class. I listened to my teachers. Enjoyed being around other kids. But…it wasn’t until the performance and I was on stage did I fall in love with dance. Although I was shy, I loved to perform!

You’ve participated in programs at influential companies such as The Joffrey School of Ballet, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Alvin Ailey! How has each experience aid to shape your own style when it comes to dance?

Each intensive is different because they have a different focus, emphasis or energy. Also, their locations and their legacies impact the styles of training and overall feel of each intensive.

-The Joffrey Ballet summer intensive was my very first intensive for me! Joffrey is a ballet company. So ballet is the foundation and there were a lot of serious ballerinas there when you attended as a junior ballet trainee. At their jazz intensive, they had top talent and the vibe on the West Coast is different. There legacy yields lots of resources so they bring in great instructors to their intensives. They give away lots of scholarships and reach and attract lots of dancers.

-Debbie Allen is a living legend and everyone loves her and her energy! She so highly regarded by her team and that energy is contagious. At the Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensive, they teach with so much passion. It’s special to have the founder of the intensive still alive and actually teaching classes and choreography to students. She’s accomplished so much and is still working and creating today and expanded into directing too. She’s a living breathing example of what you can accomplish as a dancer. When I was there they placed me in the advanced level. I was the youngest and everyone was much older then me. It was that that inspired me to push myself in order to keep up and grow!
But overall the intensive was more commercial compared to Joffrey.

–Alvin Ailey is like THE GOLD STANDARD! The Ailey School has the largest and most beautiful dance facility in New York. Which is saying a lot because NYC is the performing arts capital of the world.
You can’t help to feel an overwhelming amount of pride while in the building. Mr Ailey was a dancer and he built an institution that is probably bigger than he ever dreamed! Everyone wants to train there. The training is so quality!

The focus was on ballet & modern. But like other intensives, they offer all disciplines too. It was cool seeing Misty Copeland walking through The Ailey School to take ballet with The Ailey Company! The Company members would walk pass you and it’s like, WOW! They are examples of what discipline and dedication can lead up too. They are touring the world, touching people with dance and are a part of history and the legacy of Alvin Ailey. Not to mention NYC that is a force of culture and creativity all by itself. Being in New York is an experience that is life changing if you take in all of the arts, culture, food, people and energy! Which I tried to do all 3 summers I attended.
I have done other intensives too. Alonzo Kings Ballet in San Francisco and Anthony Burrells Breaking Barriers too.

Performing Arts gives an outlet to be creative + present in the moment! How has performing arts helped in building your confidence + discovering your strengths?
The preforming arts is where my heart is at. Dancing has allowed me to express myself without having to say anything and has given me confidence I never knew I had. It gave me the confidence to take part in others genres of the performing arts like drama, chorus, and the visual arts. Dance has allowed me to perform in front of huge audiences and have the strength to go to so many different auditions! The arts have shown me how strong I am and how driven I am as a person as well as an artist. Just by being in
the performing arts I have seen how much of an inspiration I can be to others which has made me want to work even harder in my profession.

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions but are nervous or intimidated?
You have to stay true to who you are and know that you are living your life. You must follow your heart and do what you want. Of course you will face obstacles but those obstacles are what will make you stronger.

When you see others who may be better or stronger than you, see them as inspiration to grow, to get better. In order for them to be where they are now, they had to start somewhere. We all have different paths to take so never, compare yourself to others. Everyone has a purpose and your job is to not be afraid to fulfill that purpose! Because you must to take the first step…

Being young, juggling responsibilities while walking towards your dreams can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
It’s very important to get your thoughts together when you have a lot to balance in your life. My way of regrouping is simply going upstairs to my room. I plop on my bed and take out my phone to listen to music. The songs I play depends on the mood I am feeling on that particular day. I can get my mind off of situations when I have my earphones on. When I do this I am able to tune out the world and focus on what’s important.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
The first thing that comes to my mind is community, coming up and working together with others to fulfill the purpose to inspire and uplift one another. When doing this you are able to empower others to create greatness. It makes a system where people are able to support each other. This sense of unity and teamwork gives others the strength to conquer anything! This can also apply to the world dance. You are never by yourself as a dancer. You are always connecting and learning from different choreographers. There is music. And there is always an audience. Dance is a collective and everything feeds off each other.

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Celebrity crush : Michael B Jordan
Artist : Michael Jackson
Favorite food: popcorn shrimp
Favorite movie : shark tales

Follow Najaah here!

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Najaah Malonne

Scroll through the style diary of Canadian fashion blogger, Tiffany:

Style is showing who you are without having to speak! Name your top 3 trends you’re feeling this season?
My favorite trends would have to be knee-high boots, velvet boots and of course, I can’t forget the fur. Knee-high boots have always been my favorite, they’re simple but can bring together any outfit. I’ve also been slowly falling in love with velvet. Velvet pieces have been becoming quite popular lately but for me, velvet boots (especially velvet ankle boots) have become my favorites. Lastly, fur has been making it’s come back but what really made me start loving fur – Fur cuffed jeans. I’m in love with those.

If you had 30 seconds to grab your 3 favorite style pieces, what would they be?
I love adding scarfs to my outfits so those have to come first. Next, I would get a denim jacket because you can never go wrong with a denim jacket. Lastly, I would pick high waisted jeans, they’re comfortable and easy to work with, so you gotta love them.

Style inspo is everything! Who’s your ultimate fashion icon + why?
My fashion icon would definitely have to be Rihanna. I just love the touch of boldness incorporated into her outfits. Whether it be the thigh-high boots or the bright colors, she is always able to make a statement with her outfits. Rihanna’s outfits are always unique and I think show a true reflection of herself. I like to put the most into every outfit and always add my own touch to every look because I want to portray my character and creativity as much as I can through my style.

Getting ready for class can be fun but stressful if you’re in a time crunch, what’s your go-to look if you’re in a rush?
My go-to look is an oversized jumper, comfy jeans, and high boots. I try to go with the warmest and most comfortable option, and when it comes to a nice oversized jumper you can’t go wrong. To keep things simple, I pair it with plain jeans. I really big fan of boots and I will admit I’ve got a few, so I head straight for my boots. Naturally, boots are not much of an option during the warmer months so my pair of white converse would be my​​ summer go-to footwear.

What’s your number 1 rule when it comes to style?
When it comes to style I think it’s important for people to try and stay true to themselves. If there is a certain style that you really like and you feel comfortable in, never hold yourself back. Style yourself in what you love and feel your best in. Everyone has a different perspective on fashion, so embrace it. Use your opportunities to express what fashion really is to you because you are you and no one can take that away from you.

Follow more of Tiffany’s fresh style here!

Tiff x Tish

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It’s about that time again! Holiday commercials, pumpkin spice latte in the air and empty pockets? Yes, we get it.  Even though it’s a festive time a year that doesn’t mean your pockets always match the season. With the holiday season + right around the corner and gearing up for gift giving season you might need a few extra dollars your way. So what’s better than a part-time gig to help you stack up for the holiday? Check out these quick tips to get a head start on your search!

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Start Early + Research- Ok, yes there are numerous job openings but that doesn’t mean it will always stays that way! To not get left in the dust create a quick list of places that you would like to work + that are hiring.  This makes your search clear, focus & easier for you to snag a gig.

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Fun times, Fun place? – Just because it’s work doesn’t mean you have to dread going there. While you’re on your job search and pick a place where you actually shop or an environment you enjoy.  Find a place you like and go for it! This makes your work days go by faster and you’ll actually want to learn more about your job that can aid you in the future. Also, a killer discount always helps when it comes to gift giving!

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Second Glance +Follow Up- So before you turn in your resume take a second glance! If you’re submitting it in person or online make sure to double check your resume for the correct info & proper presentation. Also, make sure to follow up to make sure it’s received!

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