One Love - The Movement

Clara Lofaro is a profound recording artist who's currently fulfilling her residency at Canal Room in New York City. For her upcoming show, One Love, she has teamed up with three other magnificent artists to create an evening of splendor.

Just to keep the evening moving, various dancers from the Enforced Arch community will be freestyling in between sets. This is a super high energy line-up with great songs through and through. Come on out to enjoy the music and see what's behind the hype!

For more information click here!

ALLIANCE Art & Activism - Highlights

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

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 - Part 6: Clara Lofaro

Clara Lofaro is an astounding performing artist. Her warmth and friendship is prevalent in all that she does. She effortlessly captivates and inspires everyone who graces her presence.

On 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. Clara Lofaro 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?

My quest has always been to liberate people and bring one closer to oneself through music. I do this by exposing myself in my songs and voice as honestly as possible; full of flaw and emotion. I also contribute to various organizations that are making a difference by helping people live more whole lives in one capacity or another.

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

Watching these talented artists come together to create the story behind my song, "Wrinkled $." It was breathtaking. I feel so honored to be involved in this performance and cause.

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

I learned that we all hold the ability to make a difference in our body and community. We are powerful instruments, especially when we join forces.

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

ALLIANCE - Behind The Scenes

On 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!

We're ready... are you?

Quick photo after rehearsal. We're ready... are you?'ALLIANCE' Art & Activism

EnforcedArch.com/tickets/

A Successful Fundraiser

If you missed the party do not worry! There is more fun to be had at our show in April!

Special thanks to MixTape Dance Company and all the performing artists: Jenn Friedman, Laura Snell, Clara Lofaro, Tonal Emersion, Mandy Lee!

Thank you for all the supportive contributions from Lovella Salon, Jenn Friedman, Clara Lofaro, 'Terri' Vegan Cafe, Tracey Katof & David Orr.

If you missed the party and would like to support Enforced Arch in the production of 'ALLIANCE' Art & Activism click HERE!

Here's a glimpse of last night!

Let's Party

How often do you get to drink your heart out, win prizes, listen to free music, hang out with sexy dancers and support the arts community? Well, at least once, this dream of yours will all be possible at the Enforced Arch & MixTape Dance Company Fundraiser!

Enforced Arch and MixTape Dance Company are presenting their latest works on April 6th & 7th at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center. Attending this fundraiser and bringing out all your friends will help us make this concert a big success!

LOCATION: Flannery's BAR - flannerysNY.com ADDRESS: 205 West 14th Street TIME: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM DATE: Thursday, February 23rd

FEATURING LIVE MUSIC BY: Clara Lofaro, Mandy Lee, Jenn Friedman & Laura Snell, just to list a few!

AUCTION PRIZES: $100 Gift Card to Lovella Salon Three free dance classes with MixTape Dance Company One-hour voice lesson with Laura Snell Free Headshot session with photographer David Orr At Home Pilates with personal trainer Tracey Katof & more...

EVEN MORE INCENTIVE... You won't want to miss this evening because our final raffle will send one lucky person home with a cash prize!

Merci Beaucoup

Enforced Arch would like to extend a special thanks to the following people who helped send the Anti-Fur performance piece 'Please, Don't Touch' to Paris. Our community has grown as a result and new opportunities have presented themselves. We created this video to thank everyone for their unconditional support. Enjoy: Thank you; Amanda Lee, Andrea Rosa, Andrea Torres, The Anti-Fur Society, Beatrice Cox, Bettina May, Blossom Du Jour, Bonnie Erickson, Brooke B Toohey, Bud Burdick, Carly Fox Horton, Celine Orang, Clara Lofaro, CocoaV, Creadanse, Daphne Cheng, David & Nancy Dorius, Elizabeth Castoria, Esther Bell, Foodswings, Gavin Reign, Hope Kandel, Jasmin Singer, Jennifer Fox, Judith Vogel, Julia Hochner, Joshua Katcher, Kristin Mularz, Lauren Cox, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Marcia Fox, Margo Martinez, Marlena Pavich, Mary Sarsfield, Melissa Fornabaio, Michel Lambert, Michele Bernstein, Michelle Cohen Carpenter, Nicole Johnson, Nina Athanasakos, Pamela Elizabeth, Paris Vegan Day, Rachel Kay, Rebecca Hall, Shelley Ohmes, Stacie Adams, Tarik Daniels, The Gentle Gourmet, Vaute Couture, Vegan Paris Day, VegNews, Verité Catering, The West Cafe, Tracey Katof, Zachary Koval

James Koroni's Birthday & Fundraiser

Our fundraising event on Tuesday evening went brilliantly. The turn out was outstanding! A crowd made up of friends, family, artists, activists, fashion industry professionals, dancers, choreographers, Clara Lofaro fans and of course the lure of Bettina May topped it all off! I could not have had a more splendid time. A special thanks you to all those involved including: Bettina May , dough-nut stop till you get enough!

Clara Lofaro accompanied by Andrea Torres on Taps!

Lauren Cox & myself performing 'Please, Don't Touch' with Marlena Pavich's Anti-Fur pants!

Verite Catering

The West Cafe in Williamsburg

Thank you to Cocoa V, Blossom Du Jour, Bettina May's PinUp Class, Foodswings, Tracey Katof, Bud Burdick, Carly Fox Horton, Joshua Katcher, Vaute Couture and of course thank you for being in attendance!

As for the fundraiser element, we raised just enough to send one dancer to Paris which means there is still more outreach to be done. We have created an IndieGoGo web page. If you know anyone that might be interested in our cause please send the following link their way:

http://www.indiegogo.com/Please-Dont-Touch

Here is the launch of our video:

‘Please, Don’t Touch’ focuses energy on a topic that sits at the intersection of social justice, ecology and design. Our ultimate goal is to to become effective conduits for empathy and creative tools for change. Through the use of live performance, transmedia and personal interaction, this project will impact the heavily guarded perceptions of fur iconography by shedding light on what isn’t revealed behind the glitz and glamor.

Introducing, 'Arrest Yourself'

Ignorance Is Bliss. By avoiding inconvenient and unpleasant information we hide from the worlds current state. Whether it be Factory Farming, Green House Gas or Climate Changes we must understand and address these issues before it's to late. Visit the following link for more about Arrest Yourself!

FEATURING: Lauren Cox Scott Hamilton James Koroni Kiet Lam

VIDEO PRODUCER: Joshua Katcher

CHOREOGRAPHER: James Koroni Contact: JamesKoroni@gmail.com

Clara Lofaro at Canal Room

Clara Lofaro filled the room with her beautiful voice and devoted fans on Friday at Canal Room. What charisma! This songstress always brings in an eclectic collection of artists to make for a more powerful presentation. She values the potential to further tell a story by incorporating elements of performance art. Everyone is always moved by her intimate, interactive yet exuberant concerts. To begin her set at Canal Room, Clara engaged her audience with an a cappella song, moved right into Wrinkled $ which included my collaborative dance performance, then musician Jordan Scannella, pictured far left, was featured from the band Jorscan. Clara is honored to be opening for the legendary songwriter, Karla Bonoff at Highline Ballroom. Karla has written hits for the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Linda Rondstadt in addition to her successful solo career. Details:

HIGHLINE BALLROOM Thursday, March 17th (TICKETS)

431 W 16th St New York, NY 10011 (between 9th and 10th Ave) (212) 414-5994

Photography by Sheryl Cohen

Video by Chelsea Dee Thom

Wrinkled $ By Clara Lofaro

I've been inspired by Clara Lofaro for years. Rarely do we see an artist take the stage empty handed, command silence with stillness, and begin filling our hearts with their voice. She began her set with an acapella performance at Cafe Vivaldi, in SOHO where I was asked to perform a dance in collaboration with her music. We were thrilled to be working together. Our first performance was her song entitled 'Wrinkled $.' Wrinkled $ speaks of a loss of innocence that is inevitable as each of us accepts reality beyond our youth. This happens sooner for some than others who may be more sheltered. Clara sings:

There was a school yard Where we used to play In our sweatpants and short hair We told secrets and we didn't care

About the world About the wrinkles on our face About the money we made About the pressures That weigh us down today About the impressions we made About the politicians And the apostles About the war child And the egos That smack us in the face About the hearts we break

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.

See Clara Lofaro @ Canal Room Friday, February 25th, 2011 8pm www.ClaraLofaro.com

James Koroni: Arrest Yourself, Part 4 of 4

JAMES KORONI, Arrest Yourself for complying with a mindless day to day routine. With that as our permanent attitude there would need to be an endless supply of goods for you to consume. Our common products are far removed from its original resource and this intangible "object" somehow gives us permission to relieve ourselves of any responsibility. This is how the huge corporations would like to keep it however, if we are kept dumb then they can do whatever they want. By not feeling any of the suffering that goes into production we give them power over us asa consumer almost as if we're hypnotized by their marketing campaigns. I find the statement "Ignorance is Bliss!," as the downfall of society. We turn our heads at uncomfortable information because once understood we might need to make change in our lives that are outside of our comfort zones. Our comfort zone is only concerned with our personal well being and this is where hope is lost. Selfish acts are blind to suffering.

This doesn't mean we need to write on signs and head out to the nearest protest. By being particular in where we make purchases we decide the results of tomorrow. How do we create a more compassionate and sustainable future through thoughtful consumerism? We need to trace our products back to its source. Were people treated as dignified human beings in the production of my clothing? Are animals individuals, do they deserve a life free of exploitation? Why is fast food so cheap and how does it affect your health, the environment and small businesses? There are too many issues to list.

'Arrest Yourself' was created to inspire individuals to seek answers and make change. Make your comfort zone bigger and offer compassion to those beyond yourself. It's not a question of faith. It's a question of reality. Where does 'this' come from and who did it affect prior to arriving before me.

James Koroni studied at ‘The Edge‘ in Los Angeles,‘Broadway Dance Center‘ in New York City and Santa Monica College in Los Angeles. A few of his credits include choreographing and dancing for Princess Superstar in Paris, France, dancing for Madonna at MACY’s in Herald Square, choreographing and dancing for Clara Lofaro in NY, NY, performing in ‘Rhapsody’s Sirens after Dark‘ at the BLVD on Bowery, participated in the production of Bagabones at The Fringe Festival in New York City and teaching at NorthPort Dance in Long Island. His Internships and Administrative credits include ‘Broadway Dance Center’ under the International Student Visa Program with Director Bonnie Erickson and is currently employed at Cynthia King Dance Studio in Brooklyn, NYC as Cynthia King’s Executive Assistant.

“So much of life carries the potential to shock and excite me and whether traditional or controversial, if it offers compassion I find a reason to appreciate its beauty.” - James Koroni

LAUREN COX: Arrest Yourself Part 1 of 4 SCOTT HAMILTON: Arrest Yourself, Part 2 of 4 KIET LAM: Arrest Yourself, Part 3 of 4

Photography by Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com