Watch Me Move

GET STRICT! and Dance!

2012-01-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

It has officially dropped. Yip Deceiver's new video, directed by John Carlucci and Brandon Laganke. Choreography by me with a fearlessly twisted cast. Thanks to all who put time into this and to MTV HIVE for showing some love.

Lucky Plush Productions: Punk Yankees

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

After seeing Lucky Plush’s latest work this past weekend at the Joyce Soho, I found myself wandering through the city with a sense of frustration. Punk Yankees was an hour and half commentary on the ever so touchy topic of what it means to utilize other peoples work and whether or not its ok to take choreography, remove it from context and hence transforming it into “something else”. Or not. Then there is the pesky little issue of “credit”.

With the usual suspect Beyonce, taking center focus in Punk Yankees as the perfect example of this phenomenon: to credit or not to credit. (In her case, her too big for anyone to really care mentality is apparent in her recent plagiarism of Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker’s Rosas Dans Rosas). Lucky Plush showcased this slowly swelling issue in our industry with a sense of humor, often poking fun at how truly ridiculous it is and painfully obvious when you do steal work.

With sites like YouTube making dance as accessible as your local Starbucks, I guess we all have more of a responsibility than ever to credit, protect, and above all else enhance our art form. We should expect nothing less from, a dance company out of Chicago or a multi-million dollar superstar. There is nothing wrong with inspiration or homage. As artists we rely on our outer and inner worlds to speak to us, influence us. Originality is an impossibility. We build on the shoulders of our creative ancestors.

I can't help but think of these words as I write this post…
“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to.” Thanks Mr. Jim Jarmusch. Couldn't have said it better myself Godard.

"Where you take them to"… Hmmm.

To see more of their work please go to their site and support, enhance and keep the dialogue going.

www.luckyplush.com
and
www.stealthisdance.com

studio life

2012-01-14T07:02:00.001-08:00

A Film for Pina

2012-01-12T08:52:00.001-08:00

So good I saw it twice.
Below: Director Wim Wenders spoke of how he came to know Pina.

EVERY LITTLE STEP... the Rhythm of Hope

2011-11-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

I headed over to Joyce Soho this past weekend to see the premier of an original work by Dance Theatre of Ireland and Soul Steps. The two companies met very serendipitously when Soul Steps was on tour in Ireland celebrating Black History Month. After teaching a workshop, Dance Theatre of Ireland was so inspired by their work that they reached out with the hopes of a collaboration. The result was a new work seamless in their fusion of African-American Step, Irish Dance, Modern dance and story telling. It was a fantastic show and an inspiring way to spend a beautiful Fall day in New York City.

For more info follow the link HERE.

The Bolshoi Theatre: Motion Identity

2011-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

BOLSHOI THEATRE | id from Anton Nenashev | selected on Vimeo.

We Are Music

2011-10-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

Programmer Daito Manabe
Choreographer Mikiko Mizuno

The 360 Project

2011-10-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

An exploration of photography and motion pictures.
amazing!

KRUMP 360 (The 360 Project) from Zelig Sound: Composition & Sound on Vimeo.

BALLET 360 (The 360 Project) from Zelig Sound: Composition & Sound on Vimeo.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The 360 Project - Behind the Scenes from Zelig Sound: Composition & Sound on Vimeo.

BEHIND THE SCENES CREW

Director - Ryan Enn Hughes ryanennhughes.com
Cinematographer - Barry Cheong
Location Sound - Barry Cheong
Timelapse Camera - Arash Moallemi
Set Photographer - Melissa Tait
Editor - Ryan Enn Hughes
Sound Mixing - Zelig Sound zeligsound.com

DANCERS: ballerinas from the National Ballet of Canada and Northbuck Krump.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

2011-10-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

The Annual Denise Jefferson Celebration

2011-10-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Photo by Andrew Eccles

Denise Jefferson, director of Alvin Ailey for 26 years passed away last year from ovarian cancer. She was a mentor and inspiration to many and in honor of her memory, her former students and mentees have come together to celebrate this legendary figure in dance.

Denise Jefferson's daughter, Francesca Harper has organized The Denise Jefferson Annual Celebration to keep the spirit and memory of her mother alive and the evening will include performances and works by Tony award winner LaChanze, Pulitzer Prize Winner Margo Jefferson, William Forsythe, Elisa Monte Dance, Nacho Duato, Ronald K. Brown, and so many more.

It will be an exciting event to experience and show support to a legend.

The details:

Where: The Ailey Citygroup Theater
405 West 55th Street @ 9th Ave.
New York, NY 10019

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 @8pm
Sunday, November 6, 2011 @8pm

- The audience is invited to join the performers after Saturday nights performance at the Contemporary African Art Gallery,
located at 330 West 108th St. (at Riverside Dr.) to celebrate the life of Ms. Jefferson.

- A Livestream of the event will be broadcast live in the Ailey Studios for $10.00 both nights. Tickets sold at the door.

- A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Denise Jefferson Scholarship Fund.

Tickets: $50 ($30 children/students/dancers with valid ID) plus service charge

www.smarttix.com or 212-868-4444

edie & andy

2011-09-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

First Position: A ballet documentary

2011-09-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

This film looks beautiful. I hope it shows here in NYC...

As per their press release:
"First Position is a feature length documentary that follows five extremely dedicated young dancers from North and South America, Asia and Europe as they prepare for the largest youth ballet competition in the world, The Youth America Grand Prix. This international ballet competition could transform futures overnight. In the face of injury, disappointment, and grueling rehearsals, these dancers share a drive to succeed that trumps money, politics, culture and even war. First Position takes audiences on a yearlong journey. At a time when art, music and dance for children are severely under-funded, the film reveals the pain and the extraordinary beauty of the art form that so many children across the globe are determined to dedicate their lives to...despite the odds. First Position's world premiere will be at the 36th Annual Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday September 11, 2011."

I can't embed the video but you can follow the link below to see the trailer.
http://vimeo.com/27271400

oh Irene...

2011-09-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was out in Newport, RI, working this past week so I missed all the hullabaloo... Was it as romantic as this little film?

Irene NYC from Buffalo Picture House on Vimeo.

kate bush poses

2011-08-15T14:48:00.001-07:00

2011-08-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

vanity fair 1953

2011-08-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

by mark shaw

martha graham by madonna

2011-08-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Shot by Peter Lindbergh
Harper's Bazaar 1994

2011-08-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

qui êtes-vous polly maggoo

2011-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

misha gordon

2011-08-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

Floria

2011-08-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Happy National Dance Day!

2011-07-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

2011-06-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

2011-06-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

Angela Brandys SS12

2011-06-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Photographed by James Finnigan

Movement Workshop Group Presents: WANDERLUST

2011-06-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got to check out Wanderlust being presented as part of the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. An hour long show, directed by Leslie Guyton and choreographed by Pauline Legras and Eliza Lay, with 4 dancers, 5 musicians and a charming story of self examination, struggle, love and the cosmic pull of life itself. Rachel Garis plays Character A, whom this story is centered around. An explosive dancer and outstanding performer, Rachel pulls you into this world of coincidence completely and wholly. The cast carries her through experiences using live music, the inspiring vocals of Cosmo (performed by Cydney McQuillan-Grace) and the comedic musings of guitarist and vocalist "Stardust" Summers (played by Colin Summers).
pictured: a scene from Wanderlust

There are only two more shows to catch so get grab your tickets!

Friday June 24 @ 4:30pm
&
Saturday June 25 @ 12:00pm

And you can buy your tickets HERE.

Check out a clip of the show:

Ballerina by Arthur Elgort

2011-06-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Heart & Feet 2011

2011-06-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year and once again Dréa's Dream will be hosting heart & feet to help raise funds for the pediatric dance therapy program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. My dance company, Border Crossing Collective, will be performing an excerpt of ¡Holy New York!.

All proceeds will directly benefit Dréa's Dream so please come out for some drinks (my hubby is providing some of his delicious vodka), friendly faces and awesome dance!

You can purchase tickets HERE.

Summer Stage 2011

2011-05-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Did I mention my dance company will be performing at this years Summer Stage? I didn't? Check Time Out New York's calender of events! August 20th, 8pm at the East River Amphitheatre. Booyah.

or go to www.SummerStage.org
or www.bordercrossingcollective.org for more details!

Yip Deceiver Video Shoot

2011-05-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

I choreographed Yip Deceiver's upcoming video for their track Get Strict. Got to work with some very talented dancers and an amazing crew.

Below is a still from our nuns with guns moment. That's Miss Lauren Gibbs giving some leg!

A Prayer for Japan + The Wa Project

2011-04-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

A beautiful piece created by dance artist and choreographer Masumi Saito, performed by her and Jordan Hunt.

You might have remembered a post earlier this year about Masumi and her work. She's incredibly talented. Thank you Masumi for sending this to me. Our prayers are with Japan and its people.

Also, my old friend and photographer Atsuko Tanaka is helping to organize a fundraiser auctioning select photography by 60 artists. Among those, Janette Beckman, Ricky Powell and Giles Bensimon have donated work. Wa, will be held at 25 CPW Gallery. All funds from the event will be donated to Architecture for Humanity. There will be food, drinks and live performances. This is a great cause so come out and support!

When: April 21, 2011
6-9pm
Where: 25 CPW Gallery 62nd st and Central Park West

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door

www.waphotographyauction.com
www.architectureforhumanity.org
www.atsukotanaka.com

Janie Taylor dances in Chloé

2011-04-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Janie Taylor with NYC Ballet principal dancer Justin Peck
Hannah MacGibbon’s ballerina-inspired Chloé collection
Photographer Bon Duke
Fashion Editor James Worthington DeMolet
www.theblock-mag.com

Lover. Muse. Mockingbird. Whore.

2011-03-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Mr. Austin McCormick brings us another one of his fantastical productions. This is why I'm a fan.

LOVER. MUSE. MOCKINGBIRD. WHORE. from Austin McCormick on Vimeo.

COMPANY XIV
presents

LAURA CARELESS in...
LOVER. MUSE. MOCKINGBIRD. WHORE.
-a dance/theatre meditation on Bukowski’s women-

APRIL 15,16, 17, 22,23, 24, 29,30 MAY 1, 6,7, 8. 8PM.

303 Bond St. Theatre, Bklyn.

Choreographed and Directed by Austin McCormick
Lighting Gina Scherr
Set and Costumes Zane Pihlstrom
Text Charles Bukowski
Video credits:
Director, DP, Editor - Corey Tatarczuk
AC - Jonathan Argudo
Gaffer - Dorian Tocker
Hair + Makeup - Sarah Cimino
Sound Design - Austin McCormick

www.companyxiv.com

Vintage Dance by Versace

2011-03-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Versace Ad circa 1993 by Avedon

Frankie Morello Dances into Fall

2011-03-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Frankie Morello dancers Men's F/W 11-12 from Luca Finotti on Vimeo.

Brigitte Bardot in Arabesque

2011-02-24T18:51:00.000-08:00

via la contessa

HAHN-BIN

2011-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY HAHN-BIN from V Magazine on Vimeo.

Rachel Roy Spring 2011 Film "MOVE"

2011-02-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

Choreographed by Jermaine Browne

Thom Yorke Moves Me

2011-02-18T16:54:00.000-08:00

New Radiohead.

Produced and Directed by Garth Jennings
Choreographed by Wayne McGregor
Director of Photography- Nick Wood
Editor- Leila Sarraf

More on Choreographer Wayne McGregor here.

Pet Shop Boys and the Ballet

2011-02-17T18:31:00.001-08:00

Are the rumours true? Apparently so. The Pet Shop Boys have joined creative forces with London's Sadler's Wells to stage Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, The Most Incredible Thing. The story has been adapted by playwright and director Matthew Dunster and the choreographer none other than formidable Javier De Frutos. Other names to mention: former Royal ballet star Ivan Putrov, award winning designer Katrina Lindsay and film animator Tal Rosner. I wish I was in England to see this.

1st movement

2011-02-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

A short experimental video created by Frank and myself.
Enjoy.

1st Movement from Frank Ishman on Vimeo.

Give Me Some Dancing Shoes

2011-02-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Akabi by Aydin Teker 2005

VS.

Sophie Srej by Vince Barati for Indie Magazine Winter 2011

I posted a vid on the dance piece last year. Check it here.

More of the fab editorial here.

Ruthie

2011-02-08T19:06:00.001-08:00

New Video Project Coming Soon

2011-02-07T05:48:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend my good friend Frank and I got together to shoot a little experimental film. He sent me some stills last night and he captured some pretty beautiful moments. I'm looking forward to sitting and editing this baby. More to follow...

"Dance on, Delphine"

2011-02-06T12:47:00.001-08:00

Delphine Bafort with dancers Brandon O'Neil, Ronald Burton and Ryan Rankine for RUSSH Magazine shot by one of my favourite photographers Will Davidson. Remember his other dance series I posted a while back?

Andy Warhol's Poloroids

2011-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

Martha Graham 1972
Yves Saint Laurent 1972
Michel Basquiat 1982

Liza Minnelli 1977

via www.freakshowbusiness.com

Baila!

2011-01-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

Prada Spring/Summer 2011 Ad Campaign

Vogue Russia: Drama & Ballet

2011-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

An Editorial with Denisa Dvorakova by Jason Schmidt
I can't figure out who these dancers are and what company they belong to, so my apologies for not giving them credit...

via fashion copious

Dancers are the messengers of the gods. -Martha Graham

2011-01-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

"dance, dance...otherwise we are lost." Pina Bausch

2011-01-22T09:45:00.001-08:00

Are you ready for this? My heart stopped when I saw this posted on Facebook.
A new Film for Pina Bausch. I am humbled by her audacity and her brilliance.

PINA - Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost from neueroadmovies on Vimeo.

A New Fashion Director is in Town

2011-01-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Congrats to MS. FITZ! She's the new fashion director of In* Tandem Magazine and I'm looking forward to her debut issue. I love her blog so Im sure her directorial perspective will be just as rad.

MS. FITZ pictured above via her BLOG where she chronicles her work, her inspirations and of course her fab self in all her fashion incarnations!

Zeitgeist Films Presents: Bill Cunningham New York

2011-01-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

"Fashion is the armour to survive the realities of everyday life."
Bill Cunningham
Photographer

Watch trailer below.
Zeitgeist Films :: Bill Cunningham New York :: the Trailer

Jae Blaze is Dancehall Queen

2011-01-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give Jae a special shoutout. She appeared on CNN waxing poetic on the art of the dance and dancehall. Seems like yesterday she was teaching me those same moves during Blaze rehearsal back at Driftwood Community Centre in Toronto. She has come such a long way and has worked her ass off. So happy. So proud.

Watch here.

Dynamic Dance Shoot

2011-01-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

Valeria Melnyk & Turkish Sate Opera and Ballet Dancer Merih Mertel
by Emre Guven for Marie Claire Turkey
Styled by Hakkan Ozturk
December 2010 via Fashion Gone Rogue

Avedon

2011-01-14T03:54:00.001-08:00

En-Ya Vandenhende

2011-01-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp 2010 graduate show: Designer En-Ya Vandenhende utilizes modern dance in the showing of her collection.

Dance of Dynamic Blooms

2011-01-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Another form Show Studios. This one takes two subjects, dripping in Lanvin, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Couture from Dior and contemporary dance to create, through movement, "modern flowers". Stunning to say the least.

CREDITS
Photography: Nick Knight
Models: Jac at IMG and Ben
Styling: Alister Mackie
Hair: Brent Lawler
Make-up: Petros Petrohilos
Tailor: Paul Strotton
Photographic Assistance: Zoe Hitchen, Laura Falconer, James Robotham and James Nicholson
Styling Assistance: Ellie Cumming and Melissa Thompson
Runner: Shaun James and Andrew Smith
Production: Charlotte Knight

Tribute to Alexander McQueen by Nick Knight

2011-01-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

Beauty transcended...

Dancer at the Acropolis

2011-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

I exist. It is soft, so soft, so slow. And light: it seems as though it suspends in the air. It moves.
Jean-Paul Sartre via but does it float

The Hungarian dancer Nikolska at the Parthenon, Athens, 1929
by Elly Sougioutzoglou-Seraidari

MASUMI SAITO: dancer/choreographer

2011-01-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

Sipping my morning coffee and browsing my favourite fashion blogs, I came across a post about a new on line glossy called ligature magazine . Sweet I thought, and clicked the link. The first thing that caught my eye was a girl squatting and her head raised to the heavens and for some reason I thought " oooh, another dancer/fashion editorial". Turns out it was an interview of dancer, choreographer Masumi Saito. As member of the Theo Adams Company, (more on that later), she has performed internationally and collaborated with the likes of Lois Vuitton, featured in W Magazine and performed in festivals all over Europe. She has a haunting style of dance and performance that seems to leave you a little disturbed but intrigued. Kind of like she is prying open your insides and pulling out that something you've been wanting to ignore for so long... Then takes it and slathers it on stage for all to see. And you're kinda horrified but oddly feel so relieved you know longer have to carry the burden around... At least that's what I get watching the vids on her site.

"Her screams would tear apart the soul of anyone with a beating heart. There was heartbreak, hurt, loneliness and tears, all of which came straight from the gut. She is small but has all the might in the world. This is not just dancing. " As quoted from her site.

http://www.masumisaito.com/

The interview is here.

Tamara Levinson: Dancer from another freakn world

2011-01-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

SOOOOOOOO. Years ago I used to see this chic on the audition circuit here in NYC. I've always admired her fearlessness and reckless abandon. She went on to dance for Madonna to say the least. She came across my thoughts today and while on facebook another dancer (thanks Wes Veldink for reading my mind) had posted the following vid. I was like WOAH! Thats kinda weird. Anyhow, I'm happy to report she still up to her wonderfully magical antics and still so very amazing.

Invitation a la Danse

2011-01-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

Magazine Numéro 91 March 2008
Invitation à la danse
Photographer : Solve Sundsbo
Fashion Editor : Franck Benhamou
Model : Elena Sudakova

RUBBERBANDance Company: New Work

2011-01-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

Victor Quijada's new work Gravity of Center will premiere in April 2011 at Cinquième Salle of Place-des-Arts in Montréal.

Their press kit describes the piece as follows:

"Each being is both at the centre of the world and orbiting around others. Interdependence is obvious and struggles are inevitable. In a space out of time, RUBBERBANDance’s raw movement expresses all the weight of this adversarial relationship. The four dancers – a family, a nomadic tribe or an entire people - interweave, fight, crave and hustle in an astonishing fluidity of action. All of this, only to survive."

Aaaaand it happens to be scored by my friend Eljay II (aka DJ Lil Jaz), who introduced me to Victor's work a couple of years ago.

Remember this post?

Below is an excerpt of improvisation performed by the ever talented Anne Plamondon, co-artistic director of the company.

http://www.rubberbandance.com/

Eljay II

Roy & The Dutch Dance Agency

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Roy and I met briefly, over 10 years ago in Vancouver, Canada when we both attended the Triple Threat Dance Event. Two years ago our paths crossed once again, quite unexpectedly, when Dutch artist Kim Leoni asked me to dance back up for some New York City shows. When Roy walked in the day of our rehearsal, he looked at me and said "i know you". He then blurted out "Triple Threat!!" and the memories began flooding back! It was actually pretty amazing and a perfect example of the magic that is NYC. I mean the odds of bumping into someone you had met years ago, in a another country, to wind up in a rehearsal studio prepping for a show is pretty wild.

Roy is super talented and a sweetheart. Him and his partner, Franklin, run the Dutch Dance Agency in the Netherlands where they educate blossoming dancers, direct events and shoots, choreograph for artists and shows and so much more. These guys are always throwing down some amazing work and I'm thrilled our lives have crisscrossed once again!

Anyhow, Roy was back in NYC earlier last year celebrating his birthday and I was asked to style him for an impromptu shoot his boyfriend had set up as a gift. Above is the photo shot by Matthew Hanlon,

Some more info on their agency HERE
Info on Roy HERE

Azure Barton - Busk

2011-01-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Feeding the Soul with some inspiration for 2011

1.1.11

2011-01-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!
xo
E

Ballet inspired Fashion Editorials

2010-12-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

Stumbled onto this on Fashionista.com. I'm not sure how I missed this, but here are a couple of shots that made their list with another 8 for you to peruse.
Nataša Vojnović in Elle February 2010 photographed by Carter Smith

Karlie Kloss in “Pas De Deux” for Vogue Germany December 2008, photographed by Dusan Reljin

via Fashionista

Mortal Engine

2010-12-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

If you can't tell, I'm obsessed with the ever evolving fusion of dance, stage performance and technology. And here is another example of how brilliant it can be. Mortal Engine, by Australian Dance Company Chunky Move, is a dance-video-music-laser performance that utilizes movement and sound responsive projections to create an otherworldly visual blurring lines, bodies, light and space thus creating a continuous metamorphic experience.

CREATIVE TEAM

DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY Gideon Obarzanek
INTERACTIVE SYSTEM DESIGN Frieder Weiss
LASER AND SOUND ARTIST Robin Fox
COMPOSER Ben Frost
COSTUME DESIGNER Paula Levis
LIGHTING DESIGNER Damien Cooper
SET DESIGN Richard Dinnen and Gideon Obarzanek
MULTIMEDIA ENGINEER Nick Roux

PERFORMERS
Kristy Ayre
Sara Black
Amber Haines
Antony Hamilton
Marnie Palomares
Lee Serle
James Shannon
Adam Synnott
Charmene Yap
Jorijn Vriesendorp

www.chunkymove.com.au

Dark Matters

2010-12-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

Just some more awesome dance for your eyes and imagination to enjoy.

For more info about Dark Matters and other inspiring work please visit:
www.kiddpivot.org

30 is the new 30

2010-12-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

Let's not play here and I'm looking forward to it. I celebrated with friends, my hubby and CUPCAKES!!! I said farewell to a decade that started in Toronto then brought me to New York City with a few bucks in my pocket. I met my wondrous husband and met amazing people, that I now call friends. I've danced on many stages, been a part of awesome crews of talented and inspiring people and travelled all over this country. Living creatively, living inspired. I have to admit my 20s were amazing.

So now for 30. Bring it.

Cupcakes by Sweet as Cho

And thank you Attila for hosting my little party at your spot Key Bar and of course for the Rolo Shots. The many many Rolo Shots.

Dance & Technology

2010-11-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Very Cool.

The Making.

Making of... Stateless - Ariel from FIELD on Vimeo.

The Finished Video.

Stateless - Ariel from FIELD on Vimeo.

Dancer: Dominic North
Music: Stateless' Ariel

VIA this fabulous blog: TRIANGULATION BLOG

Vintage Bill T. Jones & Keith Haring

2010-11-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

by Tseng Kwong Chi
1983

New York Jazz Choreography Project

2010-11-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

Last night, me and my partner in dance crime, headed to Ailey for some good ole jazz dance brought to us by Jazz Choreography Enterprises Inc. It was an hour and a half of pieces by veteran choreographers and some new and upcoming talent. Choreographer of note was Svea Schneider. She is a girl that I have never formally met but have auditioned with numerous times and immediately recognized her picture in the program. Her piece Perfect Prototype was absolutely amazing! Inventive, funny and well executed, the concept was so simple yet packed such a punch. With the stage dimly lit, 7 figures stood motionless. Dressed in black unitards and black cropped wigs they began to move robotically. They never broke from character, which made it so believable and entertaining. Then, as they picked up what seemed to be another dancer, you realize that two of the seven are actually real mannequins! The audience gave out a stunned "aha" followed by giggles. They continue to move using random mannequin parts, arms, torso, legs, as extensions of their own limbs, creating a visual effect that was often disturbing, humorous and just weird. I LOVED it.
Below is an example of her work: System Malfunction

More on Svea here.

Another highlight: Meeting dance legend Luigi! Whom, at 85, was still giving us those arms, those shoulders and of course those jazz hands!

Thanks to Amanda Zoch for hooking me up and Marian Hyun and Merete Muenter for curating such a fun line up. We had a great time!

More on the this dance project here.

Martin Soto Climent

2010-11-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

Intimate Ballet is a wonderful photo series by Martin Soto Climent from his solo show Following the Whispers of my Shadow. Displayed at Clifton Benevento, running now through November 27.

The Final 30.

2010-11-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Details to follow.

E

Up North

2010-10-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Lydia's party over at Public Assembly, Wednesday night and as always, I can count on her to throw the best get togethers. They are always filled with amazing people, awesome music and chill vibes. A kid struck up a conversation with me and we chatted briefly, about making it in NYC, our passions and he asked if he can snap my picture. I obliged.

Me by Khanh.

He's quite talented and his perspective behind the lens is inspiring. His images captures the soul of New York City and embody the reasons why we come here in the first place.

Peep his work here and here.

E

Elin Hansdottir's take on Dance Pioneer Loie Fuller

2010-10-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

I've been completely hypnotized by this film. Inspired by legendary Loie Fuller: dance pioneer who choreographed and performed dances in burlesque, vaudeville, and circus shows. She was an early free dance practitioner who developed her own movement and improvisation technique combining her choreography with silk costumes which were illuminated by multi-coloured lighting, she, herself, designed. Her most famous piece, Serpentine Dance (1891) is where Elin Hansdottir has taken inspiration and created an installation, being show at i8 Gallery, that is quite extraordinary.

Here is the original:

And you can see Elin's interpretation here.
And read more on the project here.
Film Reciprocal (2010):
Camera: Pablo Pijnappel
Dancer: Nina Kurtela
Choreography: Nina Kurtela & Anat Eisenberg
Costume: Hrafnhildur Gudrunardottir
Sound: KiraKira
Animation: Sara Gunnarsdottir
On set photographer: Laure Bertin

Enjoy.

Why Do we Dance?

2010-10-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

"I dance for the fun of it. I dance to rebel and I danced with my children.I danced for social justice. If i was going to dance I wanted to dance about real things that were real in my life..."
-Anna Halprin Modern Dance Pioneer

Halprin

"BREATH MADE VISIBLE is the first feature length film about the life and career of Anna Halprin, the American dance pioneer who has helped redefine our notion of modern art with her belief in dance's power to teach, heal, and transform at all ages of life. This cinematic portrait blends recent interviews with counterparts such as the late Merce Cunningham, archival footage, including her establishment of the first multiracial dance company in the U.S., and excerpts of current performances such as Parades and Changes at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, to weave a stunning, inspiring account of one of the most important cultural icons in modern dance."
http://www.breathmadevisible.com/

Dance! Dance! Dance!

2010-10-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

Okay. Here we go...

A couple of weeks ago I told you all about an interesting performance over at Ailey, The Sleeping Giant. I was on a job out in California and I couldn't attend, but I stumbled on a great review written up in one of my favourite magazines: Dossier Journal . Congrats to Deborah Jackson for creating and sharing thought provoking work!

On that note, I had the opportunity to see Pina Bausch's Vollmond over at the Brooklyn Academy of Music this past Saturday and words can't begin to describe the delicate, intricate and most astounding story woven on that stage that night. I was reminded of why I'm such a fan to begin with. The strong female archetype often depicted in her work is inspiring...

Some upcoming shows in case you want to experience some dance:

November 13th &14th

Jazz Choreography Enterprises, Inc. presents New York Jazz Choreography Project for their semiannual dance concert devoted exclusively to all that is Jazz! The night will feature original works by choreographers ranging from emerging to established. They have a great line up that includes up and coming choreographer Svea Schneider, the always fantastic Sue Samuels and Legendary Jazz Master Luigi!

For more information go to their site here.

Ballet Preljocaj comes to Brooklyn Academy of Music for their NY Premiere of Empty Moves Part II with Music by another one of my fave's John Cage.

Oct 27, 29 & 30, 2010, 7:30pm
You can get more info here.

Border Crossing Collective Performs!

And last but not least I'll be performing with my dance company Border Crossing Collective next Friday October 15th. We'll be premiering an excerpt of Krista Martin's full length piece "Untitled" to original music by the Marxman. It should be a pretty rad night.

Phhhew! It's a creative renaissance people. Go and experience it!

Elena-

aKabi by Aydin Teker

2010-09-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

"aKabi is a work about the limits and possibilties created by the use of unconventional shoes. The result is an extremely rigorous dance performance on the very edge of balance, a piece of stunning sculptural beauty."

I want a pair.

Enjoy.

Happy 200 Years of Independence Chile!

2010-09-18T16:01:00.001-07:00

My Mother is Chilean. Born and Bred. Left during uncertain times. Made her life in Canada.
Today we celebrate with a Cueca and a glass of wine.

Feliz Bicentenario Chile.

LUZ DE CHILE

¿Qué tendrán las piedras pardas
y los pedriscos y el légamo
que al más cascado lo llevan
alácrito de ardimiento?
Es como que el Valle hace
de camino y de viajero
y nos lleva liberados
de jornada y de aceceo.

La luz viva travesea
a donaire y devaneo
y da mirada de amante
rica de descubrimientos.
Prendidos a lo que amamos
vistas ni aromas perdemos
y por la luz que tuvimos
de muertos seguimos viendo.

Hermana loca la Ruta,
Madre Luz y Padre el Viento,
y tu Norte aventurero
no me faltéis que voy sola
con un huemul y un pergenio.

Lleva un lindo trotecito
el ciervo en Abel contento
y el Valle se nos anima
de sus locos corcoveos.

Por fin la sonrisa sube
al indio en corto chispeo
y a los tres ya no les pesa
el mundo que recibieron.

La luz del Valle Central
es la que nos da ardimiento,
hace ver el maizal
en muchachada que danza
y las melgas de frijoles
son un baile de muchachas.

Ella muda el nisperal
en cargazón de luceros;
de la higuera hace matrona
inmóvil por regadora;
de cada piedra hace otra
que es Reina y camina...

-Gabriela Mistral

An short film: The Wilderness Downtown

2010-09-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my girl Erin for showing me this. Just an amazing way of creating a unique interactive experience completely changing the way you watch a music video and take in a song...It pulls at the heart-strings of nostalgia. Directed by Chris Milk who's other credits include: Gnarls Barkley, Audioslave, Modest Mouse, Chemical Brothers and Kanye West with music by Arcade Fire.

http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/

Harold's (my husband) postcard below...

Arcade Fire

Chris Milk

Have a great Weekend folks...

E

The Sleeping Giant: Power-Money-Policy and Dance

2010-09-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Amanda Zoch invited me to see this show and unfortunately I'll be in California. But The premise is pretty interesting as is the choreographers background. Deborah Jackson has danced with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane dance company, Jane Comfort and Company and Rosanna Gamson and has performed all over the world. What's unique is her 20 year career in the financial industry for firms such as Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., McKinsey & Company, and JPMorgan Chase. She will be showing her new work next week where she uses dance as a medium for commentary on our current economic situation.

Below is a little excerpt from her press release:

"Deborah Jackson returns to Ailey with her latest work about three issues: Power - Money - Policy. She presents dance staged as theater exploring the financial markets and foreign policy. Who knew global economics could be so much fun?

Conceived, written, and staged by dancer/choreographer Deborah Jackson, The Sleeping Giant is an evening of dance in two acts performed by 4 dancers. Using a sweeping score that traverses continents and centuries, the dancers move between classical lines to contemporary staging as they explore the financial trends that have brought down big players, bigger countries, and has touched the lives of all of us.

Deborah’s creative interest is exploring how a country’s financial philosophy or fiscal policy defines its culture. What do our spending habits, fiduciary practices, and foreign policy reveal about the American character and our position in the global community? Financial policy is not just the language of the privileged few – it defines us as a Nation…as a people. The subject has never been timelier. One of Deborah’s core beliefs is that art gives us a chance to explore difficult subjects in a safe environment with strangers. She likes to allow the facts and images to speak for themselves so the audience can respond based on their own experiences."

Pretty cool and tickets are available at Smartix .
It will be will be presented at The Ailey Citigroup Theater at The Joan Weill Center for Dance, 405 West 55th Street at 9th Avenue and runs for two evening September 24 & 25th at 8pm.

The Journey

2010-09-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

It is a cavernous earth of labyrinthine intricacy, twenty-seven folds of opaqueness, and finishes where the lark mounts.

-william blake

Marie Chouinard

2010-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Just another Canadian talent. Briiliant.

Summer 2010

2010-08-19T19:55:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost gone. I managed to get in a magical vacation to Montana and Wyoming, an arts festival in Connecticut, a reunion performance back in Toronto, bike rides and brunches in Brooklyn. Just another summer in New York City.

Sono Arts Festival: Dancers, The Marxman and Me

Montana

Clash 66: A Vision of Dance

2010-07-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Last year I got to style Max Tannone’s music video for Jaydiohead where these two fabulous dancers were flown to New York City to star in it. Of course, being a dancer myself, we completely hit it off and wasted no time connecting. Their sense of artistry, clear understanding of their creative path and hunger for the art of movement inspired me. Almost a year later and Sebastian and Honji are putting their stamp on the dance world with their full-length works.

Check it.

www.sebastianremeriz.com

AMOR&PSYCHE from Clash66 on Vimeo.

New Summer Dance Classes!

2010-06-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

All right people. Get your asses into a freakn awesome dance class this summer. Every Saturday, you'll get to learn classic and latest dance moves to wicked tunes all the while keeping your bodies beach ready all summer long!

Heart & Feet 2010 Performance

2010-06-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Some footage of the night! A great turn out. A great crowd. An even greater cause. We were happy to be part of it.

Vissi Dance Theatre

Synthesis Dance Project

Border Crossing Collective

44 North Vodka

heart&feet 10 from Krista Martins on Vimeo.

themarxman.bandcamp.com

dreasdream.org

Heart & Feet: A Dance Exhibition

2010-05-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Our Dance Company, Border Crossing Collective, was asked to perform at this fabulous event last year. It was a huge success and we were asked to return this year. We have special guest The MarXman performing with us to a piece Krista Martins and myself choreographed. The night is sponsored by 44 North, (thank you hubby), and proceeds benefit Drea's Dream, the pediatric dance therapy program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, funded by the Andrea Rizzo Foundation. Please join us for a special evening of dance, auctions and good vibes for a great cause.

Border Crossing Collective

With Special Guest The MarXman

Jaydiohead: Ignorant Swan

2010-05-25T04:24:00.001-07:00

A little while ago I had the great opportunity to style a video shot by Dir. Jason Cacioppo of Subvoyant and set to Max Tannone's Jaydiohead mashup Ignorant Swan. Jason brought in two dope dancers from Berlin, Honji and Sebastian, and for the first time the two worlds I live and work in collided. We shot all over NYC, with backdrops that make this place so iconic. After seeing the final cut I have to admit, gave me that warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach reminding me of how much I really love this city. Hope you guys dig...

Jaydiohead Ignorant Swan Medley from SUBVOYANT on Vimeo.

Produced and Directed by Jason Cacioppo
Music by Max Tannone
Dancers / Choreography Honji and B Boy Sebastian
Producer Ansar "Pacino" Bing
Color Grade by Milan Boncich & Robbie Renfrow @ Offhollywood
RED Services Offhollywood
Assistant Camera Patrick Riordin
2nd AC Peter Barr
Stylist Elena Vazintaris
Gaffer Lydia Sudall
Best Boy Chad Young
Dolly Ryan Kollin
crew
Chris Filipowski, Max Tannone, Nick Tannone, Alice Owen, Ryoto Suyama, Lisa Daly, Chris Brown
Catering Geneva Cacioppo
Special Thanks Lola Staar, NYC Mayor's office of Film and TV, Offhollywood

New Editorial: Nana of Muse Models

2010-05-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

I recently shot an editorial with one of my fave photographers Lois Bielefeld. Here's a sneak peak...

Photographer: Lois Bielefeld
Stylist: Elena Vazintaris
Make-up Artist: Chris Newburg
Model: Nana @Muse

More to come...

Kim Leoni At Club Passion Brooklyn

2010-05-03T08:09:00.001-07:00

We had a blast performing for the crowd in Brooklyn Saturday night! Thanks to my girl Krista, for working it out with me and to Kim Leoni who was, as always, so fab!

I'm performing tonight!

2010-04-30T22:24:00.001-07:00

My girl Kim is back in town and I will be doing some back-up dancing.
Watch out.

Haute Dance with Dangerkat

2010-04-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

My girl Roxy, was in town recently and took me to take a dance class taught by her friend and NYC newcomer Kaiti Dangerkat. This androgynous blond with an infectious smile was a welcoming presence and I have to admit her Canadian accent was nostalgic and comforting.
We were introduced and I was pretty excited about the class which turned out to be a crazy concoction of house dance, African, vogue modern and jazz. The atmosphere was non-competitive and collective. (Something that is pretty rare these days in the commercial dance class scene here in NYC). Anyhow. I loved it. Learned some new tricks and I had a blast. Can't wait to take the next one.

Peep it.

Kaiti at Headz will Roll NYC

For more info on this fab femme go to her site.
www.dangerkat.com

And a video link to her last class:
Every Wednesday at Cap Studios NYC
8:30pm
15 pesos
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=418023215733&ref=mf

Ballerina Obsession

2010-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Interview Magazine April 2010
Shot by: Craig McDean
Model: Freja Beha Erichse
VIA

Thought of the Day

2010-04-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

via ffffound

Dance for Marjory Smarth

2010-04-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

The dance community will be showing support this Monday for House Dance Legend, Historian and Inspiration Marjory Smarth at Santos Party House. With a night of performance, art and good vibes all proceeds will go to Marjory's Aid to Recovery Fund to assist in her battle against cancer.

Come out and support.

A link to Marjory's fancy footwork.

Photo of the Day by Photog Glen Luchford

2010-04-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Via Fashion Gone Rogue

Beautiful Ballerina Series shot by Jan Masny

2010-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this fashion spread via www.trendland.net. Absolutely stunning.

Jan Masny is a London based photographer.
www.janmasny.com