[Interview] Sade Champagne: “I Want People To Know That… They Are A Miracle And So Loved

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Btscelebs

The West Coast has been completely blown away by Sade’s remarkable talents. She is an award-winner with a list of accomplishments that deserve to be broadcast nationwide. Through BTSCelebs, the Midwest is now placing a spotlight on the multi-talented star inspiring the masses.

Meet Sade Champagne!

BTSCelebs: Who is Sade Champagne professionally?

Sade: I am a professional musical artist, performer, speaker, philanthropist, mentor and entrepreneur. I love using my gifts and talents to express myself, to share about God’s love and to help inspire, encourage and empower others to live their dreams.

What started your interest in the entertainment industry?  

I starting having dreams and visions when I was a little girl (around age 4) about doing all the things I am doing today and traveling the world. I love using my gifts and talents to express myself, to share about God’s love and to help inspire, encourage, empower them to live their dreams.

Which one of your current roles jumpstarted your impressive career?   

I would say a combo of my singing, speaking, teaching and event planning opened a lot of doors for me.

From your online profile we can see you’re a Christian, tell us about your road to Christianity. 

I’ve always known God since I was a little girl. My dreams and visions came from God, and I believe growing up it was one of the main ways Jesus spoke to me and helped me to stay encouraged even when I was going through traumatic times. God is my Creator, Savior, Best Friend and overall first and greatest Love of my life. When I had nothing and no one to call my own, Jesus was the One Who kept me. Even today nothing and no one makes me happier than God!

What inspired you to create the “To him” series on the Grindhard Radio Network?   

I created this series first inspired by one of my best friends, biggest inspirations and creative partners, Jeremy Watkins. He would always tell me that he didn’t know any woman creating content like this, and he believed that I had the heart and ability to help bring encouragement, grace and transformation to many men and even women, who would receive from this series. I think now more than ever, women and men need to come together and stop tearing each other down. We are both the prize and a gift to each other from God. It’s time to heal!

You’re an accomplished musician who has been honored with awards. What message do you want listeners from all religious backgrounds to take away from your music?  

I want people to know that #1 They are not a mistake; they are a miracle and so loved! #2 Never let anyone tell you what you can dream or expect for your life. Never let anyone crush your spirit or box you in. #3 It doesn’t take a lot to be joyful, and we don’t have to compromise our morals for worldly success.

What can we anticipate from you for the rest of 2020 into 2021? 

I have a new radio show out with Jeremy Watkins titled ‘Matters of the Heart’ on Grindhard Radio network and 57WLLE.net internet radio. He and I have a lot of other tremendous things on the horizon and in store. I’m finishing up editing my first book and hope to have it released by the end of summer. I’m working on a plethora of other creative projects, messages and more. Because of the pandemic, I had to revision and re-explore my career and dreams with God. I know God is faithful, and I’m thankful for every day that I live and for all of my blessings! Thank you for this interview and for having me.

Learn more about Sade by visiting her website, iamsadechampagne.com

A Special Thanks to Sade Champagne  for the exclusive interview and images.

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4 Amazing Actors Who Need To Headline In 2021

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Btscelebs

Photo Credit: @jihux on Instagram

Taemin‘s “Pretty Boy” song in my Instagram story was the biggest hint about this week’s article. It is all about the pretty boys of South Korea who are incredibly gifted. There are a host of singers, actors and reality stars that fans are anxious to see in a main role (instead of just the second lead or supporting character). Here are BTSCelebs’ picks for next year.

“Heart Signal 3” cast member In Woo

Early in the series, the engineering manager was a favorite among the ladies in the Channel A dating show. Even though Cheon In Woo may be a rookie when it comes to television, his seemingly down to earth personality and welcomed honesty instantly makes him a fan favorite. I think a short and sweet web series would be the best place for him to start!  I have to admit his ending on Heart Signal makes me very curious about his future plans in entertainment.

Kevin Woo

The former U-KISS member and After School Club host continues to make an impressive name for himself as a solo artist by staying active on social media and landing coveted interviews (with stars like Nick Cannon and Joey Fatone). However, it was his role in the 2015 Naver TV Cast web series “About Love”, that made the biggest impact on me (and you can add “Kevin’s Kitchen”). His love story with LABOUM’s ZN in AB was so sweet. There had to be so much more to the story that could have been shared. His acting was very decent for a rookie, and he needs to make a return to rom-coms asap.

SHINee’s Key (Kim Ki Bum)

After being a longtime fan of SHINee, I think Key is the best dancer and actor in the entire group. They are beyond all talented, but his skills always stood out a little more. For example, he was hilarious the 2016 tvN comedy food drama “Drinking Solo”, while his supporting part in the 2017 MBC action series “The Guardian” was believable.

Seo Ji Hoon

His innate acting skills only seem to improve as the years fly by. I first saw him in the 2018 OCN romance My First Love. Even though he technically landed the starring role, it was only the younger version of the main star. He had to share the part with another person, and in the end it seemed more like the second lead. History continues to repeat itself with many of his dramas since. Seo’s current series , To All The Guys Who Loved Me (Men are Men), his role is 100% lovable and deserves to win the leading actress’ heart. Nonetheless, the only way to secure success is to headline his own romance next year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CClFP3YArnP/

I’m hoping these guys land the roles they love in 2021! 

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[Book Review] DiAnn Mills’ “Airborne”

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Btscelebs

“The tragedy that had threatened their lives had drawn them together.”

Diann Mills’ upcoming novel “Airborne” is placed under the categories fiction, romance and suspense and it delivers each one effortlessly. From the first chapter, readers are instantly transported to the complicated world of FBI agent Heather Lawrence. She’s headed to Germany while taking a much needed vacation away from her tumultuous marriage. Little did she know, a deviant criminal happens to be one of her fellow passengers.

As the book progresses. readers are exposed to the raw and detailed descriptions of a mysterious germ in flight. Heather is even forced to return to work mode to discover who is behind the heinous attack. Unfortunately, her estranged husband, Dr. Chad Lawrence, is a person of interest, and she becomes a target. Finding the real culprit will prove to be harder than it appears, because the criminal suffers from a dissociative personality disorder. It keeps you guessing until the very end.

“Airborne” is a valiant novel when it comes to suspense. The virus description and action packed scenes are intense. On the other hand, the faith and romance aspects give the book a much needed break. In my opinion, the best part of “Airborne” has to be the main characters relationship with God. Author DiAnn Mills puts a more realistic take on people’s approach to religion, and it’s an appropriate read for people from all religious backgrounds.

“Airborne” is scheduled to be released on September 8th, 2020.

*A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book and cover image*

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BLACKPINK Crushes The Competition With New Single

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Btscelebs

Global sensation BLACKPINK impressed the music world yet again by breaking BTS’ YouTube record for the most amount of views in a 24 hour period. Their new song “How You Like That”, which precedes the scheduled studio album release in September, continues to entertain fans with the K-Pop stars’ usual catchy beats and fabulous fashion sense. After only hours online, it has already surpassed 57 million views. I applaud BLACKPINK on their message of empowerment after a breakup and the always evolving choreography. In addition, I would love to see these extremely talented ladies wear vintage ball gowns or even sleek business suits in future music videos.

Check out their latest music video below:

Congratulations to BLACKPINK!

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[Interview] Dancer Dara Holmes: My Most Unforgettable Performance Was Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Btscelebs

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

After 9 successful years with The Joffrey Ballet, Dara Holmes continues to make her hometowns of New Jersey and North Carolina proud. The 2015 3Arts Award nominee has danced in a host of well-known Joffrey productions including: Incantations, Son of Chamber Symphony, Swan Lake, La Bayadère, Don Quixote, Forgotten Land, Tulle, and The Nutcracker. BTSCelebs decided to catch up with the lovely local star to see how she is spending this downtime.

Check out our interview below!

BTSCelebs: Who is Dara Holmes?

Dara Holmes: A 28-year-old artist with the Joffrey Ballet.

What piqued your interest in performing arts?

I knew I wanted to be a dancer at age three when I learned of ballet from a B encyclopedia; I haven’t stopped since then.

Tell us all about your most unforgettable performance at the Joffrey so far.

There are so many, but to keep it positive, my most unforgettable performance and one that I’ll forever be grateful to God for was being able to still perform in Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream after getting injured two months before the show hit the stage. An attitude of gratitude always makes performing worthwhile, though it’s not always easy.

Tell us all about your daily routine over the past few months.

It’s been class and Pilates in my “studio” apartment and Bible study on alternating days of the week. As it gets warmer, I’ve been stepping out more, sometimes walking up to five miles in a day and sometimes to just find an area nearby to read, non-fiction mainly. I’ve also been watching so much YouTube; that’s TV for me. Christian and biblical topics, politics, and…hair!

What motivates you to stay active during quarantine?

Our online ballet classes have been a big help; I have to be honest though, with the future being uncertain right now, it’s hard to stay motivated. But class keeps my mind on my personal technical goals.

What is your go-to playlist?

It’s always either my Christian playlist on my iTunes or my beats playlist on my SoundCloud.

What advice do you have for Joffrey fans who are bored during this theatre downtime?

Stay tuned!

Dara Holmes and Edson Barbosa_Photo by Cheryl Mann

A Special Thanks to Dara Holmes and The Silverman Group for the exclusive interview and images.

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[Interview] Dancer Valentino Moneglia Zamora: ‘Born To Be Wild’ Made Me Want To Pursue Ballet As A Profession

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Btscelebs

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

In 2016, Valentino Moneglia Zamora joined the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company and scored coveted parts in Swan Lake and Don Quixote. He even landed lead roles in George Balanchine’s Viva Vivaldi and Suite Saint-Saens, Bournonville’s Napoli, and Alexander Ekman’s Episode 31. Today, the handsome company artist showcases his dancing skills to a Midwestern audience on a yearly basis.

BTSCelebs recently interviewed the Robles Ballet School alum to learn more about him, and how he is spending this period of quarantine.

BTSCelebs: Who is Valentino Moneglia Zamora?

Valentino: I am from a small town from the south of Spain. I enjoy plants and cooking, and I am a ballet dancer with The Joffrey Ballet.

What piqued your interest in performing arts?

Since I was a little boy, I’ve always liked dancing around to whatever music was playing. So my mom eventually put me in the professional conservatory of dance in Murcia, a city close by. For the first few years in school, I studied ballet, flamenco, and Spanish folk dances until I chose to focus only on ballet. Learning about dance during these years got me very interested in performing arts, But what made me want to pursue ballet as a profession was a dvd that my ballet teacher gave me called Born to be Wild. It featured the leading men of American Ballet Theater at the time. It made me realize what the performing arts could look like.

Based on all the shows you’ve performed in, which one of your past roles do you identify with the most?

The role of Buffalo Bill in the Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker. I picture him as an impulsive, wild man and at times I think I can be a little bit like that.

Tell us all about your daily routine over the past few months.

Since my normal routine has been put on hold, I have tried to invest my time in different activities that I usually don’t have time to do. I have read new books, tried new recipes, learned to play the ukulele, dedicated more time to my plants. But most importantly, I have been able to FaceTime my family every day.

What motivates you to stay active during quarantine?

For me, staying active and doing exercises keeps my mind at ease and helps me deal better with what’s happening in the world today.

What is your go-to playlist?

I am obsessed with the The 1975. I listen to their last two albums almost every day. But before ballet, I like to listen to “Boleros de Los Panchos” playlist on Apple Music.

What advice do you have for Joffrey fans who are bored during this theatre downtime?

Keep an eye on the Joffrey Ballet’s social media. They have been sharing great content of Joffrey Ballet’s past performances and take a look at “On Cue” with our ballet master, Adam Blyde, to learn more about the company dancers.

A Special Thanks to Valentino Moneglia Zamora and The Silverman Group for the exclusive interview and images.

Victoria Jaiani and Valentino Zamora Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

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The Joffrey Ballet Cancels Performances For The Rest Of The Year

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Btscelebs

Amanda Assucena_in rehearsal for Joy_Photo by Todd Rosenberg

Chicago’s top dance company made the tough decision to postpone their first season at the Lyric Opera House. According to a recent press release, they are cancelling Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon (October 14-25, 2020) and Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker (December 5-27, 2020), while February, April and May productions are still scheduled. Special programs will be announced at a later date. “Additionally, the Joffrey has established a Crisis Stabilization Fund to recoup financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet had this to say about their decision, “Like all arts organizations, the Joffrey is dealing with unprecedented and unpredictable conditions. Based on advice from health experts and local officials, it is not feasible to present the first half of our season in a manner that guarantees the safety of our audience, artists, production crew, and staff members. It saddens all of us. Our focus right now is keeping the Company whole and in good mental, spiritual, and physical health. We will continue to adapt and be ready to return to the stage when the circumstances allow. We will persevere and find new, creative ways to connect with our audience in the meantime.”

Greg Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer added, “The loss of The Nutcracker alone—more than half of the Joffrey’s annual earned revenue—compounds a financial crisis for the Company that began this past spring with the cancellation of several important performances and programs. We will now put our full attention and energy toward the Crisis Stabilization Fund to ensure the long-term health of the Joffrey. This is a critical juncture. Every moment, every decision, every dollar will count.”

Click Here on learn more about Joffrey’s Crisis Stabilization Fund via BTSCelebs’ Facebook Page.

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BTSCelebs to Review DiAnn Mills’ “Airborne” This Summer

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Btscelebs

DiAnn Mills is back with another riveting mystery!

In Mills’ upcoming novel titled “Airborne”, FBI Agent Heather Lawrence’s simple vacation flight quickly transforms into a terrifying mystery when passengers start falling ill.  It’s up to her and her FBI colleagues to find out the reason for the outbreak and end it.

Stay tuned to BTSCelebs in the coming weeks for a complete review.

“Airborne” releases September 2020.

* A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for a complimentary copy of the book.*

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Mandisa Talks Love and Relationships With “Single Life” Panel

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Btscelebs

 

This week, the gifted CCM singer, Mandisa,  joined a group of bachelors and bachelorettes to give the world a glimpse into the minds of singles today. Bestselling author and speaker Anthony Oneal invited the energetic group to discuss modern dating and share their personal opinions for the five-part series.

Whether you’re single or married, there is so much to learn from the insightful discussions. Be prepared to experience a roller coaster of emotions as you watch “Single Life” on YouTube. Check out one of Mandisa‘s best episodes here.

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What is The Joffrey Ballet Up To Today?

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Btscelebs

Swan Lake (The Joffrey Ballet)

Chicago’s top dance company, The Joffrey Ballet, is staying busy during this period of quarantine. Artistic team members/dancers are opening up to their audience like never before. Theme Ballet Weeks and the Train Like A Pro workout series gives everyone a bird’s eye view of popular past productions, while teaching us their outstanding moves. Right now, you can enjoy these specials and so much more for free in the comfort of your own home.

Take a look at one video from each series:

Swan Lake –

Julia Rust –

As an added bonus, you can watch fun, brief interviews with dancers!

Stefan Goncalvez –

Videos are uploaded on a regular basis! Click Here to visit Joffrey’s Official YouYube Channel.

*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the info.*

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