Sitting outdoors in the warmth of Vancouver, BC in February, I cannot believe I am north of the 49th parallel. It seems every time I escape a city, a blizzard hits. I hope everyone in Toronto is keeping warm.

Every Friday I am in Vancouver there is only one spot I drag myself out to, and always with no regrets at the end of the night. One of the finest spots in Vancouver, it is a place like no other: Get Up Get Down Fridays at Shine, where I would say is the best place for non-jiggy hip-hop along with my favourite, funk and soul. A resident DJ, Lynn Corcuera, best known as Bles-sed, started spinning in 2002 when she obtained her first set of turntables. “After years of supporting Vancouver’s hip-hop scene and having a great admiration and respect for DJs, I decided it was time; I started collecting records and learning how to mix. Within a month I started getting bookings at clubs and other special events at least once a month.” In 2004, she joined one of Vancouver’s most talented DJ crews, Kut Co., and was one of the most admired female DJs in the city.

Formerly a member of the Fly Antics B-girl Crew, Corcuera’s original passion however began 15 years ago with fellow cohort Lorelei Tolosa where they discovered their natural calling and trained themselves into talented choreographers. Together they co-founded SVS Style where they offer hip-hop dance lessons to people of all ages and levels. Make sure you check out SVS Style’s two-year Anniversary Party held at Mash It Up Fridays at Atlantis on March 2nd. If not, make sure you check her out on rotation at Shine tonight or the Republik every Wednesdays.

Until Tuesday, keep it warm.