Notic Nastic - Sneak Peek

We recently collaborated with Notic Nastic, an extraordinary artist from Berlin to create a music video for their hit single Sunsetboys. At this time we can not unfold the details but here is a sneak peek at the process:

CREDITS Recording Artist - Notic Nastic Video Director - Joshua Katcher Creative Directors - James Koroni, Joshua Katcher, Notic Nastic Choreographers/Producers - James Koroni, Tracey Katof Makeup/Hair - Tracey Katof Dancers - Charles Alexis Desgagnes, Christopher Nolen, James Koroni, Julio Hugo Penagos, Katherine Roarty, Keshia Robinson, Lauren Cox, Tracey Katof Mens' shoes - Brave GentleMan Womens' shoes - Cri De Coeur and Novacas, courtesy of Mooshoes Womens' apparel - Ruffeo Hearts Lil Snotty Men's apparel - n/a (vintage and second hand)

ALLIANCE - Double Shadow

Double Shadow is a commentary on the separation of masculinity and compassion. The masculine character in mainstream culture is a brute, the bread winner and of course, emotionless. These stereotypes are limiting and oppressive. Double Shadow presents the masculine character, exposes it’s struggles to survive with unrealistic expectations and offers viewers an opportunity to witness individuals who aren’t afraid to be seen as compassionate or sensitive.

Dancers Charles-Alexis Desgagnés James Koroni Julio Hugo Penagos Keshia Robinson Klara Beyeler Lauren Cox

Creative Directors – James Koroni & Tracey Katof Costume Designer – Lui Konno Lighting Designer – Amanda Clegg Lyon Camera Operators – Joshua Katcher & Melissa Fornabaio Choreographer – James Koroni Contributing Choreographer – Tracey Katof

ALLIANCE – Wrinkled $ by Clara Lofaro ALLIANCE – Double Shadow ALLIANCE - Funny Little Man

MOVES Brooklyn

Owners, R. Mackswell Sherman & Sarah Jones

Tracey Katof and I, James Koroni, are always in search of ethical designers to feature on Enforced Arch. Especially when they are dancer friendly like MOVES Brooklyn.

MOVES is a movement for the ethic aesthetic which we define as the independent fashion industry that exercises transparent business practices.  That means RHLS (Sarah and my own brand) and all the other designers we carry are designing and producing their wares in NYC.  Or brands like Osborne shoes that are made in Guatemala are made by a small village where the workers are treated great and further, Osborne has revitalized the entire population of this village by providing them with a sustainable stable income.  Moves is industry model proving designer products can be made accountably in the USA without the use of exploitive labor.  So every brand we carry is more than a brand they are an advocate for the future of fashion, the ethic aesthetic!

Check out their website here: http://movesbrooklyn.com/

PURPLE

Thursday, October 20, 2011

In honor of “Spirit Day” IT GETS BETTER is  encouraging their hundreds of thousands of supporters online—like you—to join the millions wearing purple in support of LGBT youth. (source)

Stand with LGBT youth by wearing purple for Spirit Day on Thursday, October 20, 2011 then spread the word by emailing your friends, tweeting about #SpiritDay and posting to facebook.

What is Spirit Day? (via GLAAD)

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20.

For more information about Spirit Day and what you can do online, visit http://www.glaad.org/spiritday.

Paris Journal 2011 Part 8

I took a visit to Repetto in Paris where they make high quality dance shoes, the only set back is they are primarily made of animal products. A 2006 report from FAO says livestock production is one of the major causes of the world's most pressing environmental problems, including global warming, land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity(source). How can we as a community speak up against this? For one we can write to our suppliers and request that they consider Eco alternatives. Take a moment to tell Repetto about these concerns: Repetto Contact

Here's a few suggestions you can make for Eco & Animal-Free alternatives: Giardini Synthetic Leathers LORICA

Another way to make a statement is to wear responsible alternatives. Visit our ESSENTIALS page to peruse the list!

Paris Journal 2011 Part 1 Paris Journal 2011 Part 2 Paris Journal 2011 Part 3 Paris Journal 2011 Part 4 Paris Journal 2011 Part 5 Paris Journal 2011 Part 6 Paris Journal 2011 Part 7 Paris Journal 2011 Part 8 Paris Journal 2011 Part 9 Paris Journal 2011 Part 10 Paris Journal 2011 Part 11 Paris Journal 2011 Part 12 Paris Journal 2011 Part 13

Paris Journal 2011 Part 7

There's a cool organic boutique here in Paris named Green In The City. While there I was given a cool pair of socks from Knowledge Cotton Apparel. They're made of Organic Cotton, which I appreciate because there are many reasons to support this environmentally responsible textile. I enjoy their quirky design. It reminds me of the notorious Beetlejuice. I like to believe that my legs extend longer when wearing them, much like the way Beetlejuice's arms unfurl, revealing two mallots or in my case feet! Well... I can dream. For now I'll enjoy these fun  & comfy Organic Cotton socks!

Paris Journal 2011 Part 1 Paris Journal 2011 Part 2 Paris Journal 2011 Part 3 Paris Journal 2011 Part 4 Paris Journal 2011 Part 5 Paris Journal 2011 Part 6 Paris Journal 2011 Part 7 Paris Journal 2011 Part 8 Paris Journal 2011 Part 9 Paris Journal 2011 Part 10 Paris Journal 2011 Part 11 Paris Journal 2011 Part 12 Paris Journal 2011 Part 13

Paris Journal 2011 Part 2

Last night Joshua & I took a stroll to the local bio supermarche (organic supermarket) where we picked up soy yogurt, fresh tomatoes & cucumbers, olive spread, an assortment of vegan deli slices and vegan cheese alternatives so we were set for today's homemade meals. Our gracious host made coffee before we even woke up. As we sipped the fresh coffee, creamed with chestnut milk, we enjoyed soy yogurt with a dollup of rhubarb jelly. What a delightful way to start the day!

Then I explored the surrounding neighborhood near our metro station called Porte de Clichy. I found it interesting to see how cordially people interact. Although the pace is still quick like New York City, people acknowledge you when you walk into a store and pardon themselves when they bump into you. On my way back to prepare lunch I stopped into the same boulangerie (bakery), as I had the night before, to grab a fresh baguette. The gentleman recognized me and excitedly hopped out of his seat and reached for the whole grain baguette that I had previously ordered without me asking for it. To top that, he respectfully attempted to teach me how to ask for it in French! I already forgot how to say it but I will return tomorrow for yet another chance to learn!

Upon arriving home we had lunch. A french grain baguette, Vitaquell Creme Olive spread, Vegi-Cheezly & Taifun Papillon. I then chopped up crisp organic produce such as cucumbers & heirloom tomatoes to accompany our sandwiches.

In the evening I attended a debate on Ethical Fashion hosted by the American University of Paris (AUP) where Joshua Katcher spoke. Many points were made regarding fair labor, sustainability, animal rights, buying local, etc. I won't delve into it but if any of these topics interest you I recommend Joshua Katcher's website for Ethical Gentleman called The Discerning Brute. An exciting moment during his presentation was when he mentioned his Anti-Fur initiative PINNACLE: Reinvent the Icon, which encourages artists to use their creative voice to speak up against the cruelty involved with Fur production. During this part of Joshua's presentation he used my performance piece, 'Please, Don't Touch' as an example of an artists contribution. The AUP panel then walked to a charming french restaurant near the college to have dinner. Luckily there was one vegan penne vegetarienne on the menu! I enjoyed it with an organic glass of Rose.

Paris Journal 2011 Part 1 Paris Journal 2011 Part 2 Paris Journal 2011 Part 3 Paris Journal 2011 Part 4 Paris Journal 2011 Part 5 Paris Journal 2011 Part 6 Paris Journal 2011 Part 7 Paris Journal 2011 Part 8 Paris Journal 2011 Part 9 Paris Journal 2011 Part 10 Paris Journal 2011 Part 11 Paris Journal 2011 Part 12 Paris Journal 2011 Part 13

Lettuce Turnip The Beet

Brilliant.

Get yourself one here!

Have Mercy & Please, Don't Touch

Movers, James Koroni & Tracey Katof were invited to perform 'Please, Don't Touch' at Have Mercy!, a fashion event at Greenhouse NYC, organized by the U.S. Veg Corp. Check it out:

VEJA Collections

The NEW Veja Collection includes the handsome Mediterranee, made from organic cotton canvas and a wild Amazonian rubber vulcanized sole. Perfect accent to all commercial dance styles! Check them out here.

'Cut Color Move' OFFICIAL VIDEO

I am thrilled to release my proudest work yet! So many talented artists worked on this project including Layla Joy an Aveda Cosmetologist, Tracey Katof a commercial and Broadway Showcase Choreographer as the Assistant Choreographer, and Joshua Katcher a talented video artist from Perhaps Media Production Co. stepped in to help capture every moment I had envisioned for Cut Color Move.

Cosmetologist, Layla Joy, contributed all Aveda hair products and sourced them to be cruelty free and environmentally responsible.  Styling for the dancers was either borrowed, thrift or all cruelty free sourced vegan materials. Lifestyle icon, Joshua Katcher recently released his Mens Eco Shoe line which can be seen, worn by me, from his upcoming online store, BraveGentleMan.com.

Without further ado, 'Cut Color Move'! For more on James Koroni and Enforced Arch website visit the About page!

Sea Or Be Seen

BETTINA MAY but your way! Dancers often find if difficult to stand out in this competitive sea of talent. What will give you that edge when everyone can do a triple? With Bettina May's crafty creativity and savvy vintage style you're sure to learn a trick or two about how a lady can utilize ones own wardrobe and physique to create the perfect look!

May 8: Brooklyn, NY - Pin-Up Class, Vintage Home, Crown Heights, 1-7pm. Space is limited in this special class in a beautiful private mid-century modern-styled home, so sign up asap. When you sign up she'll email you the address and directions.

bettina.ca/pinupclass.htm

Swheat!

I can only imagine what playing Scrabble with this quirky  'Mover' must be like. Anja Keister's choices teem with hilarity and keeps you entertained on all levels. Her innate creativity developed two alternatives to the cruel usage of feathers for traditional burlesque acts.

The group known as D20 Burlesque had a show entitled "Boards and Broads" where each performer took the stage and cleverly constructed or performed their unique rendition of popular games. One lady even built the entire game of Mouse Trap while on stage which left me on the edge of my seat! Anja Keister, a compassionate 'Mover,' was not only the producer of this popular evening at The Parkside Lounge but also performed two acts of her own. Her first performance featured a Scrabble Chip Fan that she constructed herself and for her second performance  she made a beautiful wheat headdress which was part of a game called The Settlers of Catan.  Then there was her faux lambs head heals. Amazing!

Rather than feel defeated by what struggles may come with finding an alternative to feathers, Anja took this opportunity to be creative and in turn expanded our minds and enlightened our evenings!

For more on Anja Keister visit her 'Movers' page!

KAIGHT

Beauty Bombshell Bettina May & I took a trip to KAIGHT, an Eco Boutique, this past weekend in search of Earth friendly attire. You can find them in the Lower East Side off of Orchard at Broome St.

Here are a few items we couldn't overlook:

From top to bottom; TOMS Shoes, Melissa Plastic Dreams, Nina Payne Ballet Flats, Waiting For the Sun (Sunglasses) & more. Visit them at the following address:

KAIGHT 83 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002

Toughies In Tutus

Is it impossible to find the word "Toughie" and "Tutu" in the same statement? We might have you fooled. That is the idea when it comes to ballet. If we master strength after years of hard work we can then apply grace and control that is seemingly effortless. In fact, don't  be surprised to find the "tough guy," football player in ballet, developing their control and building their center. Ballet requires power, stamina, and precision. Behind the grace there is a lot of commitment and tears of which these dancers truly earn the title: 'Toughies In Tutus.' I came across this article today and noticed yet another compassionate 'Mover' in Mumbai, Maharashtra India. The article reads:

Of the older girls, Ashrafi Ginwalla (20) teaches at the school and Annabelle Haydon Venkat (21) independently teaches little girls the basics of ballet. Venkat has been training with Dallas since age eight and takes the dance-form very seriously. She even sticks to "a no-wheat, no-dairy vegan diet that's designed by dietician Vijaya Venkat to boost energy levels." (source)

Don't forget our 'Essentials' page with cruelty free apparel for compassionate 'Movers.'

Bettina May, But Your Way!

Once again, Bettina May opens her heart to aspiring Burlesque performers at Beauty Bar! She has been traveling around the globe teaching ladies how to rediscover the glamour secrets of our grandmothers since 2006, and has been a professional pin-up model and photographer since 2003. In one day, she'll teach you how to unlock the mysteries of good hair and easy makeup, and how to look great in front of a camera. You supply your own make-up and wardrobe, so she can teach you how easy it is to achieve vintage looks with the stuff you already have, no need to spend a fortune on all new items! You will leave that day with a book detailing all of the information that you learned in class that day and a CD of your own unedited images that you will own the rights to. She strives to make this class a body-positive experience, teaching you that glamour has no age, height or size requirement. VISIT, bettina.ca/pinupclass.htm for more info!

Bubbly Bettina

Luck be a lady tonight, Bettina May performed Downtown at Bubble Bar on West Broadway and White St.

This swanky bar had fashion illustrations from the nineties with beautiful woman swimming in enormous cocktails even an alcoholic couldn't down. Management and service was phenomenal, their menu didn't have vegan options but as soon as our requests were in the waitress brought fresh strawberries and olives for us to enjoy.

The DJ then announced our Burlesque Goddess Bettina May. She strolled out in a full length faux fur coat kicking and grinning to her hit song "Hey Hey Bettina May" written for her by Hank Angel and his Island Devils! What a blast.

I will return and I will ask for an encore next time!

Don't forget she is in the running for Viva Las Vegas! Click on the link and support this beautiful Bombshell!

Foh Real? Faux Feathers!

Where in the world is Bettina May? Well she's in New York City. Certainly wouldn't be the same without her. Her innovative performances are more than just fanfare. Every bit of her costuming, performance and smile are genuinely committed to ending cruelty. She showed up to teatime today in a FAKE full length fur coat with matching hat. When I asked her where she acquired her matching set, she said, "I sew, made it myself." Well that's impressive! Little did I know she envisions and creates all of her own costumes. Her resistance to the mainstream costuming industry is that traditional Burlesque dancers use feathers, leather, and fur in all their performances with little thought of who they took it from. You don't need these items to entertain, be creative, innovative and inspire others to not feed into unfortunate tradition. We must not get involved with indulgent lifestyles that breed thoughtless performance rather evolve along with the environment and return the respect. Very refreshing to meet such a unique 'Mover' in our industry!

Check out her home made "Feather" Headdress in a performance entitled,

'Don't Touch My Tomatoes!'

While one end of a feather is soft to the touch, tickle worthy and awe inspiring there is another end of this quill that isn't quite as lovely. Live plucking is of commonplace among feather producing farms. If you thought getting hair waxed off was painful, imagine living a lifestyle, against your will, where being "waxed" regularly for anothers kicks and giggles was all you understood.

Alternative choices are available!

Coquette Faux Furriers

Bettina May's Links

For more on Miss Bettina May check out her website, click on the link below!

Wildchild Nation Inspiration

Luam Keflezgy is one of my most inspired mentors. Her style is confident, grounded, classic, smooth, edgy, and for her, all this is seemingly effortless. However she taught me effort and intention is everything!

She once said to me after a rigorous class, "It's where the movement comes from, that makes a statement." This has always rang true in my life as a dancer concerned with ecological and social issues. With her inspired statement I have been able to add quality to every movement I make, whether it be in class, choreography or with the clothing I wear!

Wildchild Nation offers a few alternatives to support my active and compassionate dance lifestyle! I even noticed a few eco-friendly materials such as Tencel! Hopefully she will expand upon these options in the future!

Check it out!

LUCKY for us there's a phenomenal clearance sale. Don't miss it!

MEN WOMEN

Leave a comment. Tell Enforced Arch how Luam Keflezgy has inspired you!

Love Your Bagabones

BAGABONES ™ BAGS: a lifestyle choice to (en)lighten the load

BAGABONES ™ BAGS lightens the load off your shoulders and the environment by UPCYCLING. Upcycling re-purposes useless materials into new products of better quality to decrease global waste. The bones of the bags are unused polypropylene shipping material from the Dutch company Basell–which brings all things plastic into being (like bottles, crocs (r), and most anything plastic you see).

These are bags without a carbon footprint and made to last. Certainly something handy to have when running from class to audition to yoga to the gym or any other active chase involved with being professional 'Movers' or dancers. -James Koroni

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I had the privilege of working with the creator of Bagabones, Jonathan Nosan, in The Fringe Festival this year. Every aspect of his creative process was carefully defined. Examples of which are being sure to communicate by breathing consciously, walking stealthily, turning with grace or even within stillness find value.

Before each performance members of the audience were asked to take an offering of one penny and later return it into a hand crafted urn made by Jonathan Nosan. This to me was an analogy of our relationship with the environment. The planet will not stand a chance if we constantly take more new resources without reciprocating its generosity. The penny filled urn later was incorporated in the story of which Jonathan performed a riveting and powerful performance both physically and mentally. He not only uses this relationship in the symbology of his story but also in this new eco-friendly bag collection!

Check it out!

Bagabones.org

BagabonesTheShow.org