Paris Journal 2011 Part 9

         I'm thrilled to have two inspirational dancers, Carly Fox Horton & Tracey Katof join me in Paris tomorrow at noon (12h00). I've heard numerous people say that they are thrilled to see our performance at La Bellevilloise for Paris Vegan Day(PVD) and even more to see a marriage between art and activism in our performance piece 'Please, Don't Touch!' PVD wrote an article on the PVD website. You can read it, translated from french, here!

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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!

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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!

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Paris Journal 2011 Part 6

A trip to a Parisian Farmers Market where we found vegan Croissants (Croissant végétal)!

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Paris Journal 2011 Part 5

At the Grand Palais I stood in a line along with a thousand excited Parisians to enter and experience an evening of flash mobs, cultural dancing, free gifts and all at no entry fee! How is this possible? Never have I seen anything like it! In line I could have lifted my feet and floated along with the crowd into this event. I'm not kidding! Once inside I was given an umbrella and a T-shirt with a babies body on it! There really is no other way to describe the space other than a Grand Palace with a central dome and two vast wings that were completely open space, free from obstruction. The architecture was breathtaking with two staircases at the opposite end from the entrance. As you look up you're reduced to the ant you are. In that moment I lost and gained an equivalent amount of inspiration and desolation. Then my eyes reconnected with the presentations!

First of all there was 300 people at the main stage holding open umbrellas with the Baby T-shirt on, all participating in a follow my lead type of dance instruction.

Now when I said cultural dance I was referring to classes. Only the classes weren't taught to you live. There were 12 foot LCD screens lifted 5 feet from the ground with a repeating video with a master of each dance form helping you through the basics of each style. You could find anything from Ballet, Contemporary, Capoeira, Belly Dance, LA style(haha),  African, Hip Hop, Buchaechum, Bollywood, etc.

Then on either corner of the space were stages where performances from all these style were performed by dance artists from France. An invigorating experience!

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Paris Journal 2011 Part 4

The Eiffel Tower Freestyle Dance (La Tour l'Eiffel danse main-levée)

Celine Orang, owner of Creadanse in Paris, invited James Koroni, creative director of Enforced Arch to dance under the Eiffel Tower with the students of Creadanse led by Loïc "Speedylegz" a member of Criminalz Crew and one of Madonna's current dancers!

featuring Céline Orang James Koroni Loïc "Speedylegz"

editor James Koroni camera operator Joshua Katcher

brought to you by www.enforcedarch.com special thanks to www.creadanse.net

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Paris Journal 2011 Part 3

I really wasn't expecting a day like today. I woke up at noon with no sign of my biological clock. Not that I didn't get enough sleep but I felt as though it could be 8 AM or 4 PM. Very odd! Well Joshua and I decided to skip breakfast and eat lunch at a vegetarian restaurant called Le Potager du Marais. It took us 20 minutes on the Metro to arrive. Finally at Le Potager du Marais I ordered a mushroom pate with le café avec le soja (coffee with soy). Although I didn't order a dessert at this time I took a few pictures of them in the deli case!  Have a look:

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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.

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Paris Journal 2011 Part 1

Walking through the streets of Paris today I noticed that many Parisians present themselves in such a way that shows self respect and confidence. I don't mean designer labels and expensive accessories. I'll call it thoughtful. I appreciate their thoughtful sensibilities because I very similarly put thought into what I wear, for example, in the image above Joshua Katcher & I are both wearing vegan biker jackets from APRIL 77. The "Mastermind" shoes on the left are from Brave Gentleman, an eco-vegan brand. I previously wore these shoes for the dance promo video Cut Color Move. Here are a few vegan meals I've enjoyed thus far:

Airplane Food: chickpea masala, white rice & broccoli, romaine salad with tomatoes & olive oil/balsamic dressing & honeydew. Bon appétit!

Dinner: grain baguette, Vitaquell Creme Olives, Vegi-Cheezly & Taifun Papillon.

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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:

The Vegan Vine

Earlier this week 'Mover' James Koroni was invited to attend a three course dinner at Candle 79, hosted by The Vegan Vine. Each course was paired with a wine from their vineyards in the Northern Central Coast of California. Here's what was served that evening: APPETIZER

Whole Wheat Ravioli sauteed summer vegetables in a sauvignon blanc wine sauce with cashew cheese. Paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast, California 2010

ENTREE

Walnut Crusted Seitan wild mushrooms, hericot verts, celeriac puree, red wine reduction. Paired with Red Wine, Central Coast, California 2009

DESSERT

Fig Napoleon cashew cream, vanilla ice cream, fig compote and a cabernet reduction Paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, California 2008

In most wines, animal products are used as processing aids in the “fining” or filtration part of the winemaking process to help remove solids such as grape skins, stems and seeds. (source) The most common animal ingredients used in making wine are:

• Isinglass, a very pure form of gelatin from sturgeon fish bladders
• Gelatin, extract from boiled cow’s or pig’s hooves and sinews
• Egg whites
• Caseins, a protein from milk

For more information visit, http://theveganvine.com/

Have Mercy!

Compassionate 'Mover' Sarah Gross and business partner Nira Paliwoda of U.S. Veg Corp present fur-less fashion in their event at Greenhouse. (An eco-friendly TriBeCa venue)

“Have Mercy! (Fashion Event)” will feature new couture designs, vegan treats, music, dancing, and chocolate. Proceeds from the affair will benefit Mercy for Animals, a New York-based animal rescue organization.

Each of the fashion lines to be showcased bills itself as anti-fur and earth-friendly. Among them:

· Fraley Le, an award-winner from Chicago whose specialties include vibrantly colored evening gowns and cocktail dresses.

· Yane Mode, an edgy brand famous for its sleek drapings and soft jersey knits.

· Pretty Birdie by Stephanie Teague, who creates apparel and accessories from organic and sustainable fabrics infused with antique surplus and recycled materials.

· Sew Moe Designs, based in Asheville, South Carolina, offering handmade updated-vintage originals.

Weaving amongst the models, partygoers will find hors d’oeuvres from Verite Catering, dark chocolates from Rescue Chocolate, additional desserts from Bolaji Cuisine, functional waters from Balance, and other drinks from Mercy Beverage.

Entertainment is be provided by Enforced Arch's compassionate 'Movers' James Koroni, Tracey Katof and Lauren Cox. They will perform 'Please Don't Touch' an Anti-Fur piece choreographed by James Koroni that has been invited to perform in Paris later this month! Check out their video here: http://www.indiegogo.com/Please-Dont-Touch Also you can count on an appearance from vegan drag queen Honey LaBronx!

The backdrop for all of these goings-on is located at 150 Varick Street. The Greenhouse is New York’s first nightclub with LEED certification. Its walls are made of sustainable bamboo rather than wood, and the space is constructed mostly from recycled materials. It has the feel of a glitzy nature preserve with a huge waterfall and a ceiling made of live plants.

Tickets for Have Mercy! are $25 in advance (http://bit.ly.nTFf8p) and $40 at the door. The event will run from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Funds will be donated to Mercy for Animals, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices and policies.

MASTER CLASS Fundraiser

          With choreographers James Koroni & Tracey Katof of Enforced Arch website! All proceeds go towards the 'Please, Don't Touch' fundraiser.

$20 - 2 hr class* Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 PM Location: Pearl Studios Nyc Studio K 500 8th Ave., New York, NY 10018

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Contemporary warm-up including pilates strengthening

7:45 PM - 9:00 PM Athletic & quirky Contemporary segment from 'Please, Don't Touch'

*The Enforced Arch community is searching for compassionate 'Movers' for upcoming opportunities. This is a great way for us to get to know you as a dancer and artist!

Tonya Kay, Vegetable Fueled x2

In my current hometown of New York City there really is no need to own a car but if I lived in Los Angeles it would be another story. Los Angeles is where compassionate 'Mover' Tonya Kay currently lives. Being environmentally conscious has always been a concern of hers so she found a way to have a hot car and avoid all the exhaust that comes with it by fueling her vehicle, the Grape Space Coaster, with Vegetable oil! She was recently featured, along with the Grape Space Coaster, in a Pilot which was submitted for, accepted and aired on Speed TV last month! The Enforced Arch community would like to congratulate her on this success and also thank her for taking this opportunity to show that you can drive a hot car and avoid using environmentally and socially devastating gasoline as a source for fuel.

Check out her appearance on Speed TV here: