ALLIANCE Art & Activism - Highlights

ALLIANCE Family

Dancers - Alexandra Shieron, Andy Allen, Charles-Alexis Desgagnés, James Koroni, Julio Hugo Penagos, Katherine Roarty, Keshia Robinson, Klara Beyeler, Lauren Cox, Rebecca Lloyd-Jones

Contributing Recording Artist - Amanda Lee, Clara Lofaro

Creative Directors & Choreographers - James Koroni, Tracey Katof

Costume Designer - Lui Konno *Please, Don't Touch - Marlena Pavich

Lighting Designer - Amanda Clegg Lyon

Camera Operators - Joshua Katcher, Melissa Fornabaio

ALLIANCE - Wrinkled $ by Clara Lofaro

Clara Lofaro, Wrinkled $, Enforced Arch

In the spirit of The Beatles, ‘Imagine’ where no religion or war inhibits our ability to find peace, ‘Wrinkled $’ showcases the innocence of childhood as a utopia where no $, politics, or egos reside. Innocence exists here without knowledge or life experience and has no grounds for opinion. A child simply sees beauty in everything. It seems that we cherish these moments in our lives, ones where we are free from daily travails.  Then when does the agony begin? Part of growing into our adolescence and even into young adulthood means facing frightening truths. This may be where ignorance is born. Born as a fear, creeping up when that innocence is challenged with information that opposes our current understanding of the world, and if accepted, would require change, which is often difficult. It’s clear why people maintain an iron grip on their traditions and opinions – we can’t expect everyone to be be open to having their beliefs challenged, regardless of the validity of those challenges.

On the contrary I can see benefits in our innocence and value it. A child is brought into life with an unconditional ability to love. Something to admire, they remind us of what is truly important. How might I wonder do we sustain this ability to give unconditional love. When a child asks a question about the world, we may find it in their best interest to be dishonest with them, to protect them. However, if we provide them with a platform of knowledge that helps them understand the world, they will be prepared for tough transitions. Life has a lot of evolutions to undertake and this is yet another one that we need to identify, where Innocence meets Ignorance. Our fear of evolution is simply something to acknowledge and seek understanding in its wake.

Dancers Alexandra Shieron Charles-Alexis Desgagnés James Koroni Julio Hugo Penagos Katherine Roarty Keshia Robinson Klara Beyeler Lauren Cox Rebecca Lloyd-Jones

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

ALLIANCE - Behind The Scenes

ALLIANCE, Enforced ArchOn April 6th and 7th, Enforced Arch is presenting their latest work, ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, which features past and current pieces by creative directors James Koroni and Tracey Katof. Here's a few moments from behind the scene. Enjoy!

ALLIANCE: Part 4 - Alexandra Shieron

Alexandra Shieron, Enforced Arch Alexandra Shieron is a gem. Her positive attitude, kind nature and professionalism are unwavering from the moment you meet her. Needless to say, her performance is full of charisma.

ALLIANCE, Enforced ArchOn April 6th and 7th, Enforced Arch is presenting their latest work, ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, which features past and current pieces by creative directors James Koroni and Tracey Katof. Alexandra Shieron is a member of this project and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join us on this adventure! After rehearsal this past week we had an opportunity to ask her a few questions…

How do you as an individual live the 'ALLIANCE' of Art & Activism?

I'm a firm believer in what you get out of life is what you put into it. I give myself energetically to whatever I believe in and treat the world around me how I want to be treated. So when I witness something that doesn't seem right I want to express how I feel and fix it immediately. Unfortunately, one person can't fix the world's problems so I do my own small part on a daily basis. Whether that's eating organically, helping a friend in need, volunteering or making people aware of issues that affect them. I love that my passion- dance- can help unite people to a greater cause.

What part of the rehearsal process or subject material did you find most inspiring?

My favorite part of this process is working in the studio with my fellow dancers figuring out all the nuances of the choreography and what drives the dance forward. What my intention is, how to portray it and really delving into the role. It's inspiring to see what comes from working and interacting with such talented dancers. Being in rehearsal with Enforced Arch is such a treat as the issues they bring forward with their movement are aligned with what I believe in and want to share.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

Living, dancing and performing in New York City is a very competitive, hectic scene. It's all too easy to forget why you dance, what you believe in and get caught up in the grind. Being able to dance in such a nurturing, caring environment with James and Tracey has really reminded me that dance (and life) is not just about tricks and flash but to move an audience in ways they don't normally experience. I want to continue on this path and use my art to inspire and educate people.

For TICKETS to ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, click here: EnforcedArch.com/tickets/

ALLIANCE: Part 1 – Lauren Cox ALLIANCE: Part 2 – Charles Alexis Desgagnes ALLIANCE: Part 3 – Katherine Roarty ALLIANCE: Part 4 – Alexandra Shieron ALLIANCE: Part 5 – Klara Beyeler ALLIANCE: Part 6 – Clara Lofaro ALLIANCE: Part 7 - Julio Hugo Penagos