Rules Of The Game

Enforced Arch founder, James Koroni has been invited by Jonah Bokaer, media artist and choreographer to participate in Rules Of The Game. This past month Koroni traveled to Dallas, TX and had the pleasure of dancing with some of the most talented dancers from around the world: Sara Procopio, James McGinn, Elisabetta Rollo, Szabi Pataki, Laura Gutierrez, Callie Lyons & Albert Drake. Here's is the formal announcement from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra:

RULES OF THE GAME

JONAH BOKAER X DANIEL ARSHAM

A NEW CHOREOGRAPHY BY JONAH BOKAER WITH SCENOGRAPHY BY DANIEL ARSHAM AND ORIGINAL MUSIC BY PHARRELL WILLIAMS

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE NANCY A. NASHER AND DAVID HAEMISSEGER FAMILY

SOLUNA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL ON MAY 17, 2016 IN DALLAS, TX

At Chez Bushwick’s annual gala honoring Daniel Arsham, Rules Of The Game, a new collaborative, performance project was announced. The piece is a partnership between choreographer Jonah Bokaer and his dancers, visual artist Daniel Arsham, and an original score by Pharrell Williamsperformed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Rules Of The Game will have its world premiere in Dallas on May 17, 2016, at the Winspear Opera House as part of SOLUNA International Music & Arts Festival. Rules Of The Game will be the first collaboration between Arsham, Bokaer and Williams, collectively.

Rules Of The Game, a multidisciplinary work for eight dancers, is currently being developed. The music by Williams represents his first composition for live dance and theater. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will provide the live accompaniment at the premiere.

“This collaboration is something that we have worked on for a long time,” said Anna-Sophia van Zweden, Director of Festival Advancement for SOLUNA. “We wanted to bring Daniel and Jonah to SOLUNA, and in our conversations, this project emerged. We are thrilled to present the world premiere performance of this work and to have the Dallas Symphony Orchestra perform original orchestral music by Pharrell.”

“I am excited to be working again with Jonah and Pharrell,” said Arsham. “We are currently in production, developing the concepts for the score and scenography, so it will be interesting to see how the piece changes shape over the coming months and to see its premiere at SOLUNA.”

Arsham has been designing and building sets since 2007, when he was commissioned by legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham to create the stage design for his work eyeSpace. His collaborations with Bokaer, who he met through Cunningham’s company, began in 2007, and over the past eight years, the duo have created a unique scenic language exploring themes of spatial reorientation and the perceived passage of time. Arsham and Williams have collaborated, beginning in 2013, when he cast Williams’ Casio MT500 keyboard, a formative part of his musical development, in volcanic ash, crystal and steel. The following year, Arsham cast Williams’ entire body for GIRL, Williams’ curatorial debut at Galerie Perrotin. The gallery represents Arsham, and has collaborated in the past with both Williams and Bokaer.

More information to follow. Tickets for the performance will be available later this year.

Whole Moves Fitness Training!

For those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area, you ought to check out WHOLE MOVES! It's new a fitness class for dancers and others with embodied professions and hobbies brought to you by Sebastian Grubb.

Details: Wednesdays, 12-1pm in Berkeley at the Finnish Hall. $15-30 sliding.

Whole Moves is not your typical exercise class. Instead of focusing on brute strength or basic cardio, Whole Moves fitness is about learning and practicing complex movement patterns, while training all athletic and functional fitness components: strength, endurance, agility, balance and coordination. Extra attention will be paid to learning proper form, safe joint range of motion and building up mobility and dynamic stability.

In this class we will push, pull, jump, throw, run and balance our way to victory and healthier, more athletic bodies.

Coincidance by Handsome Dancer

Coincidance is the viral sensation by Handsome Dancer which is made up of two brilliant comedians, James Manzello & Matt Pavich. Handsome Dancer features an array of their friends including myself, James Koroni. In this particular music video Koroni is The Man w/ The Crooked Glance.

Handsome Dancer, in their words, is "comedy for the dancer inside of you". Don't deprive the dancer inside of you, watch Coincidance NOW and once you've done that, visit their YouTube channel HERE and get pulled into a world of stomach cramps from LOLing.

You're welcome.

connie & jimmy - episode 4

The stars align in episode 4 of “connie & jimmy”! Inspired by the 1953 film I Love Melvin. This episode will keep you “A-boodle-oo beep beep baum baum baum”-ing for hours. In episode 4, our charismatic duo has returned home from a frustrating dinner party. What’s on the menu must also match what’s in the heart. Our conscientious couple can’t help but shake it off in this delightful twist on “Where Did You Learn To Dance?” originally performed by Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor.

“connie & jimmy” enthusiastically shares TrueLoveHealth.com (http://truelovehealth.com/) as a resource for all your plant-based nutrition inquiries. It is sure to put a spring in your step!

Don’t bite the bum of an animal carcass. Plant-based protein is everywhere!

CREDITS

connie – Connie Castanzo jimmy – James Koroni

writer, director & co-producer – james koroni co-produced by Civil Sea Films co-choreographers – james koroni & Tracey Katof director of photography – Ben Effinger editor – Laura Mazzeo grip – justin van wie

Humans Collective presents ALONE-ology

Humans Collective, brought to you by Lauren Cox, presents ALONE-ology, a one hour study of being alone, featuring a select community of performance artists including Sheila Barker, Joanna Numata, Carlos Neto and more! Details:

May 28th, 2015 @ 7:30 PM

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe 236 E 3rd st. New York, New York

Five dollars of each ticket sold will be donated to support Natasha's education, an orphan at the Rock Orphanage in Hyderabad, India.

PUCHASE TICKETS HERE

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

A few years ago James Koroni, founder of Enforced Arch, had the pleasure of dancing in the Catskill mountains at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. A place where "food" animals have now found refuge and can live out their lives in peace. Watch it here:

Koroni will be hosting Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary's Cocktail Benefit at the chic Alexander Gray Associates art gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan. Please join him to support this pivotal animal advocacy organization!

> Tickets are $150 a person – Click HERE to Purchase <

Somewhere Between Tehran & New York

Enforced Arch founder, James Koroni danced for the internationally respected choreographer Jonah Bokaer at Shared Studios. Witnessed by those in New York City and Tehran, Iran at one moment in time.

Four Women

During the Holocaust, four women lost their lives after an attempt to revolt against the Natzi's: Róa Robota, Estera Wajcblum, Regina Szafirsztajn, Ala Gernter. By smuggling gunpowder under their nail beds and in the bodies of their murdered friends they were able to help destroy Crematorium IV on Oct 7th, 1944. Somehow their heroic venture was not recognized in history books.

The world premiere of choreographer Jonah Bokaer's "Four Women," a dance/film installation inspired by four women who were hanged for their participation in an attempted rebellion against the Natzi's on October 7, 1944 at Auschwitz, opened at the Center for Jewish History on October 7. This film is part of an exhibition entitled "October 7, 1944," which takes place within the Popper Gallery at the Center for Jewish History. Details:

"October 7, 1944" is open to the public Monday, 5pm-8pm, Wednesday, 11am-8pm; and Friday, 11am-2:30pm. The exhibition closes December 30.

Tickets: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday are $8.00 for adults, and $6.00 for seniors and students. Monday, Wednesday(5pm-8pm) and Friday free.

The Popper Gallery is located at the Center for Jewish History in New York City, 15 West 16th Street.

Jonah Bokaer has cultivated a new form of a choreography with a structure that relies on visual art and design. He ultimately aims to transform notions of how the public views and understands dance.

Bokaer was born to Tunisian and American parents, and has been active as a choreographer since 2002. He has created over 55 works in a wide range of mediums, such as film, opera, app, and instillation, in a variety of venues, ranging from stages, to museums and galleries. He works internationally, exhibiting and touring worldwide.

Bokaer has created works within museum spaces that live between choreography, visual art, and moving images.

This approach to art making has been acknowledged by museums such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, PS1 MoMA, The New Museum, The Museum of Arts & Design, MASS MoCA, Miami MOCA, MAC Marseille, IVAM Valencia, Palazzo Delle Arti Napoli, Kunsthalle St. Gallen, SCAD Museum of Art, Ludwig Museum of Budapest, MUDAM Luxembourg, along with many others.

A few of Bokaer’s frequent collaborators are Daniel Arsham (2007-Present), Anne Carson, Richard Chai, Merce Cunningham, Anthony McCall, Abbott Miller, Tino Sehgal, Robert Wilson (2007-Present), along with other leading innovators in mediums such as performance, visual art, literature, and design.

Veil Of Fears

Creative Director & Choreographer, James Koroni Assistant Choreographer, Tracey Katof Costume Designer, Lui Konno 

DATE: August 2nd

TICKETS: $20 advance purchase OR $25 at the door

TIME: 5:30 PM & 8:00 PM

LOCATION: Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space 2537 Broadway at 95th Street New York, NY 10025-6990

[flagallery gid=13 name="Gallery"]

Vanna Ed.

Nicole Javanna Johnson (left) of Javanna Productions will begin administering the new Vanna Ed. Arts & Education Program today, July 1st! Kids, parents, friends and MOVERS, please join them on Friday July 4th to celebrate their first week of operation at the Living Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. Desserts, s'mores, performances, movies, games, food and fun!! Join as they celebrate the opening of their new community center. 4th of July Party: Friday July 4th 12:00 PM-4:00 PM. Location: THE LIVING GALLERY; 1094 Broadway between Dekalb and Malcolm X. 
Take the F to Myrtle st. OR take the J to Kosciusko.

The Vanna Ed. Membership provides students of all ages with an array of courses, resources, networking opportunities and performance opportunities that prepare them to enter a variety of professional industries post graduation. Visit their website to learn more about the classes and services offered at Vanna Ed. www.vannaedmembership.com

Hours of operation: 10:00-4:00
 Monday thru Friday.

Hip hop workshops*
Contemporary workshops* 
Tap workshops* 
Ballet workshops 
*Musical Theater workshops* 
Improvisation*
A Capella singing*
Meisner Acting technique
*Scene work
*Monologue work *
On camera classes*
Culinary arts
*Film editing *
Music composition*
Movie screenings
*Board games*
Community breakfast* 
Arts and Crafts *
Visual art *
Creative writing *
Community garden activities *
Field Trips* Fashion * Sewing * Intro to Modeling * Regents Prep * Illustration* MUCH MORE!

JULY 1st-11th VANNA ED. TEACHERS & DIRECTORS

Julia Juhas, Chelsey Duplak, Alana Randall, Sarah Zielinski

Anthony Sanchez, Allen Strouse, Tony Ponella, Joseph Lucherini

'Ephemeral' - Contact Improv

Contact improvisation, although considered a modern dance technique, has no real rules. The only defining characteristics are that there are two or more people participating, they are moving and at various points they make physical contact. But really, I hesitate to even define it. For me, improvisational dance is the simplest form of expression, and contact improv allows dancers to communicate with each other with selflessness and sincerity. Contact improv is a gift that forces me to stay present. I have learned that it is vital during contact improv to always be connected to my partner—and not necessarily just physically connected. If not by touch, then by sight; if not by breath, then with emotion.

Contact improvisation is an art, and it is a process. I have had the great pleasure of participating in contact improv with fellow dancer and choreographer, Adán Aguilar, for the past five months.  While dancing together we have learned so much useful information about each other. Simply by moving together, we started to naturally pick up on various elements of each other’s movement characteristics, for example: quality, shifts in dynamics, habits with patterns, how we use space, how we use our own bodies, and especially what movement inspires the other person.

These are three things that always happen when Adán and I dance:

• During our improvisation, I will accidentally whack him in the face at least twice.
• Adán will ask me to try a seemingly impossible movement or lift that causes my eyebrows to furrow, my arms to cross and my right foot to stomp the floor.... And then we try it.
• After an amazing and completely connected phrase together, we will stop and say, “What did we just do!?” and then realize we can’t remember. It is lost; it was just meant for that moment.

What I love the most about contact improvisation with Adán is that I must trust him and myself. It is imperative to let go of fear. Fear is crippling in dance, just as it is in life. Releasing fear from dancing has led to a huge shift from where we started. Our movement vocabulary and ability to communicate has flourished. Our stronger connection and understanding of each other has allowed our “conversation” to be more exciting, interesting and fluid.

The video in this article captures the final contact improvisation between Adán and me. Nothing in this video was planned. It was purely organic. We walked into the studio, warmed up and started to dance. The name of this video is “Ephemeral,” which means simply “lasting for a very short time.” This name was chosen because Adán and I knew we would have this time together and that it would be short-lived. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from a mover as intelligent and dynamic as Adán and to have captured this final improvisation together.

In the paragraphs that follow, I’ve attempted to recreate my experience dancing with Adán. It includes my observations as well as my inner dialogue:

We start with a breath, a handshake and a hug. We shift weight. My senses are heightened. I say to myself, Let go. I move; we move. What is our tone? What is this moment? Follow his lead. Stay connected. Take initiative.

It is an investigation of our selves. It is an investigation of each other. Invite him in. Breathe. Feel him; he constantly moves to support me. The sensation of touching another brings up a lot: a sense of vulnerability, the feeling of being nourished. The music brings up more: unclear sensations from my past.

Use your breath. Find opposition. Don’t get stuck in the same movement. Travel somewhere new. We are strength; we support each other. We are light; we find air. To confront frustration, or to just let it be and smile? He smiles. Yes, smile.

The music is everything. It leads us. When we connect, it feels beautiful. And then we miss, bump, trip, fall. Don’t resist. Just keep moving. As much as I want to think, to plan, there is no time. We find the next path. We are grateful to feel so alive and free. We speak through movement and learn it is enough.

For more articles from Tracey Katof CLICK HERE

For more on Tracey Katof visit, TraceyKatof.com.

PETA Takes On New York Fashion Week

"...artistic expression is a vehicle for social change." said professional dancer, Kyle V Martin.

For New York Fashion Week, Enforced Arch founder and choreographer James Koroni teamed up with PETA. Their performance piece evoked compassion for animals who are killed to make fur garments.

"This is another way to get people to think about the cruelty of the fur industry by making them think, 'how would I feel if I was killed for my coat?' " said PETA campaign specialist Ashley Byrne. "I think when someone pictures the terrifying experience of being attacked and beaten, all because someone wants the coat off your back, they begin to understand what the animals who are killed for fur are going through."

FUR IS UNNECESSARY

Unless one is homeless, a traditional indigenous person living in cold climates, or in a truly life-threatening situation – there really is no good excuse for wearing fur. Fur performs no better than most synthetics when it comes to retaining warmth. Arctic explorers, alpine climbers, and cold-climate sports and adventurer’s gear typically lacks one thing: Fur. Considering the leaps and bounds textile producers have made in sustainable textile production, including imitation furs, there is no reason to put animals through such incredible amounts of pain and suffering. (SOURCE)

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE

So many investigations, documentaries and exposés from Asia, to Europe, to North America contradict the outright lies being told on the pages of fashions magazines across the globe and under the pop-culture limelight. Here are some resources to see for yourself exactly how fur is made. Keep in mind, that while animal advocates stand to gain nothing but peace-of-mind, the fur industry stands to lose billions of consumer dollars:

Visit the International Anti-fur Coalition for a list of  70 international anti-fur organizations, or visit the list of the Fur Free Alliance for 35 more international anti-fur organizations. (SOURCE)

NO ONE IS PERFECT.

Most people who purchase fur garments do not know how they are made – and that’s not surprising, considering the monumental effort to keep the process hidden. Let’s say you have some fur, so now what? If you currently own a fur garment, or inherited one from family, why not donate it to coats for cubs or the homeless and turn a product that represents indifference to suffering into a life-saving object? (SOURCE)

Other professional artists that contributed to this performance:

Assistant Choreographer - Tracey Katof

Dancers - Dee Keaveney, James Koroni,  Kyle V Martin, Marie Paldrup, Rachel Hettinger, Tammi Greenberg, Paulette Lewis, Tracey Katof, Tyrone Bevans

Camera - Ben Effinger

Music - Watch Dogs by Notic Nastic

More info on the inherent cruelty of the fur industry at Reinvent The Icon: http://www.reinventtheicon.com/about-pinnacle/fur/

Fusion Art - Fusion World

Enforced Arch Mover, Crystal Silmi is an Arab American Belly Dance Fusion artist native to San Francisco, California. She spent years studying and training belly dance with the masters of the industry where she was a member of the prestigious Suhaila Dance Company and Bal Anat. She also directed her own fusion dance company RaksArabi before making the move across the Atlantic to live in Spain.

With dedication and grace, Crystal shows us that a determined dancer can not only succeed in a new and foreign environment, but experience exponential growth as an artist. In less than 3 years, Crystal has gone from being an unknown artist in Europe to an internationally recognized teacher and artist.

Determined to spread the fusion fire from California, Crystal has been igniting passion in the European belly dance community teaching belly dance with modern and world fusion dance techniques. She continues to expand and grow in her repertoire as well studying Flamenco, Jazz and Hip Hop in Spain.

As an active vegan, Crystal was also invited by PETA in 2012 to join as an activist for a cruelty free fashion show in Seoul, Korea to show the world that the cruelty free lifestyle is maintained by healthy, active and creative people.

For information about Crystal and her upcoming workshops, events or whereabouts visit www.CrystalSilmi.com.

Shut It!

I've seen it time and time again. Dancers with long cuts on the bottom of their feet that just wont close because, let's face it, what dancer has the luxury to rest it out until the wound heals properly? I searched the web for some tips and tricks, here's what I found:

GLUE?

The New York Times - The Claim: SUPER GLUE Can Heal Wounds - In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration approved a similar, antibacterial form of the substance called 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate, which is marketed as Dermabond.

BUTTERFLY BANDAGES / TAPE?

I found this article on USHealthWorks.com Suture, Glue or Tape – Wound Closure with Choices.

The following video will teach you a little about using a butterfly closure to secure a large cut temporarily.

STICHES?

It's not always easy to tell if a cut requires stitches. Ultimately, it's up to your health care provider to determine if stitches are needed. You should seek medical care for any cut that:

• Is deep, jagged, or gaping
• Is on the face or another part of the body where scarring may be an issue
• Bleeds profusely, without stopping, after 20 minutes of direct pressure
• Feels numb

Stitches SOURCE: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/getting-stitches-and-caring-for-stitches

Emma Carson of ASHA Dance Company said "Taping has been the most efficient and painless solution before my performances."

Disclaimer - The information on this website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's condition.

It Was Never Your Fault!

Rich Ryan Productions, LLC through the We Are Many Foundation are pleased to present LEMON MERINGUE, a new play written by Rich Ryan, directed and adapted for the stage by Terri Muuss and choreographed by Enforced Arch 'Mover' Tracey Katof, with original music by Athena Reich will premiere at The TBG Theatre November 8th - November 24th in New York City.

LEMON MERINGUE is a moving roller-coaster ride through the therapeutic process of Rich, a typical guy from Long Island. As Rich struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse, we witness his anger and pain slowly giving way to happiness and forgiveness. This true story, told through music, dance and dialogue, illustrates one man's inspirational journey towards survival and finding, then healing, his inner child. LEMON MERINGUE is a compelling success story that should not be missed. It will leave your heart soaring.

The show runs at The Barrow Group Theatre, 312 West 36th Street 3rd Floor (bet 8th and 9th Avenue), New York, NY 10018. Tickets $18. For tickets visit: www.smarttix.com. LEMON MERINGUE is an Equity Approved Showcase.

Rich Ryan (Writer) is a devoted father of three who lives on Long Island and works in New York City. Rich is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Since breaking his silence in 2003, Rich has been dedicated to raising awareness about childhood sexual abuse and helping others heal from the effects. He has attended many male survivor conferences and his artwork has been displayed at several survivor art shows. In 2010, Rich made an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show to share his story with a group of 200 male sexual abuse survivors and a national television audience of 15-20 million people.

Rich is a fervent believer in the notion that victims of abuse have the power to live full, rewarding lives. Recognizing the profound impact that sharing one's story can have on the healing process of others, Rich felt inspired to write Lemon Meringue - a one-act play that chronicles the story of a man struggling with and overcoming the effects of childhood sexual abuse. This is his story. For Rich, the process of writing a play for the first time - particularly a play addressing this subject - has been both challenging and rewarding.

Rich has dedicated Lemon Meringue to all of the men and women who have perished from the effects of childhood sexual abuse as well as those who continue to struggle.

All proceeds from the new play LEMON MERINGUE (www.LemonMeringue.org) benefit The We Are Many Foundation (www.wearemanyfoundation.org).

The We Are Many Foundation helps, heals and educates society concerning children who have been sexually victimized, as well as adults who struggle in their current life from the horrific ordeal they experienced when it was done to them in their youth.

For more about the show, visit www.LemonMeringue.org.

Chicago’s Beethoven Festival

I had the honor of working with Danielle Lurie, one of Filmmaker Magazine’s ’25 New Faces of Independent Film,’ and a fellow of IFP’s 2011 Emerging Visions symposium. Lurie is a New York City based filmmaker and photographer. She has been shooting films and photos since graduating from Stanford University in 2000 with a BA in Philosophy.

As a filmmaker, regardless of the space she inhabits, Lurie creates endless possibility. Her positivity, enthusiasm and curiosity breaks down any inhibitions I may have felt when collaborating. This particular piece was set on an open rooftop, in the rain where I could have let the elements, a random passerby or onlooker from the adjacent apartment windows distract from our process. This was of no concern with Lurie present. Lurie brings her warmth to the process making the results something to marvel at because what may have seemed rigid at first has somehow been captured organically.

Created for the 2013 Beethoven Festival, this is a segment of the Video Art Piece created by Danielle Lurie, Featuring Dance by James Koroni. Set to J.S. Bach’s Concerto in F Minor. (below)

Created for the 2013 Beethoven Festival, this is a segment of the Video Art Piece created by Danielle Lurie, Featuring Dance by James Koroni. Set to Astor Piazzolla's Five Tango Sensations. (below)

Directed and filmed by Danielle Lurie Choreography and dance performance by James Koroni Beethoven Festival Curated by Catinca Tabacaru

The “Triad”: Are You at Risk?

Whenever you think about nutrition in the United States, chances are you wonder why Americans consume so much food.  When you read the government’s 2010 statistics, which shows that one in every three Americans is obese, the seriousness of the problem is quite obvious.¹  Dancers are generally not affected by this problem because of the frequency and intensity of the mere act of dancing.  From a young age, dancers have studied and learned the details of form and technique - they have slowly developed a unique, personal style that helps them express their deepest feelings and emotions.  A dancer’s body curls, lengthens and spins creating an illusion, becoming art.

That artistic instrument that is your body requires certain amounts of fuel, in the form of food that will be burned while taking classes, rehearsing and performing. There is a syndrome that alters the body’s functions when the amount of calories burned is more than the ones that you eat - this syndrome is called the Female Athlete Triad and it affects dancers and other athletes who are required to maintain a slim figure.²  This syndrome is referred to as a “triad” because it has three components:  1. decreased energy, 2. abnormal menstruation and 3. weak bones. The syndrome typically starts when your body burns more calories than the ones you consume. Some dancers aren't aware of the fact that they’re not eating an adequate amount yet others do it consciously because of fear of gaining weight. You can tell this is happening to you if you are losing weight, feeling constantly tired and there is a perpetual sensation of coldness in your hands and feet.³  If this happens for a long period of time, your menstrual cycle will become irregular or it could stop for a few months. An irregular or absent menstrual cycle will subsequently affect your bone health and this can eventually lead to osteoporosis (weak bones) and fractures.

"Some dancers aren't aware of the fact that they’re not eating an adequate amount yet others do it consciously because of fear of gaining weight."

The Female Athlete Triad affects adolescents and young adults who participate in sports like long distance running, diving, gymnastics and dance.  The components of the Triad can happen independently.  You could be eating well and still have absence of your menstrual cycle for several months.  This occurs to many athletes who participate in intense training and the cause is usually that their percent body fat is bellow 22%.⁴  If your menstruation is abnormal, contact your health care professional because you could be at risk of developing osteoporosis and other health problems.

For those of you who struggle with body weight, blame it on the culture of thinness.⁵   We currently live in a society that sees beauty in people who are slim and this dramatically influences the way we think and behave.  Being slim is fine, but in order to perform well as a dancer you need to maintain healthy eating habits. If you are unhappy with the way you look and would prefer to lose weight, a nutritionist can be of immense help. They can assist you at finding a balance between nutrition and a training intensity that will work for you. They will also assist you in establishing healthy and realistic short-term goals - goals that are achievable will make you feel good about the effort you are putting in.  A nutritionist will also discuss the possibility of using positive reinforcement.  Positive reinforcement is a reward for your accomplishments.  The reward can come from yourself, your parents, friends or your teacher.   When you are rewarded for your achievements, you are more likely to repeat healthy behaviors that helped you achieve them in the first place.

"In adolescents, the basic healing time for a fractured bone is approximately two months for fractures in the arms and three months for fractures in the legs. It can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years for anyone to heal 100%.⁷   It is ideal to prevent these problems rather than to have to deal with them in the future."

Besides a nutritionist, there are other professionals who are available to you. Psychological counseling is sometimes recommended for dancers whose body image dissatisfaction leads to disordered eating.  During a counseling session with a psychologist you will explore the reasons behind your behavior and will find ways to modify it. Most people feel good about sharing their feelings with someone who is there to listen, be impartial and offer advice. When talking to a psychologist you could create behavioral contracts - these are small agreements that you will determine and that you will try to stick to during a certain period of time.  You create the rules depending on what you want to accomplish. This type of open one-to-one conversation can be very rewarding.

In some instances your physician will be the best person to talk to. Your physician might ask you to answer a questionnaire called the Pre-Participation Exam.⁶  This exam contains 12 questions that can determine if you are at risk of developing one or more of the components of the Triad.  If you and your physician determine that you are at risk, they will guide you as to what to do next.  As long as you have a desire and willingness to change, negative effects on your health can be prevented.

I am a physiotherapist and, unfortunately, I meet dancers quite often when they have already suffered an injury caused by the "triad".  The most frequent injury that we see is a stress bone fracture but some dancers suffer muscle and ligament injuries as well.  The rehabilitation can be long and painful and you will not be unable to work and rehearse during that time period of healing.  In adolescents, the basic healing time for a fractured bone is approximately two months for fractures in the arms and three months for fractures in the legs. It can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years for anyone to heal 100%.⁷   It is ideal to prevent these problems rather than to have to deal with them in the future.  Think seriously about this information.  The first step to prevent and treat the Female Athlete Triad is by being aware of its existence, which is something you have done just by simply reading this article.  If you decide that there is a problem related to your weight and how it is affecting your dance career, talk to somebody about it.  It could be your fellow dancers, your friends or any health care provider with whom you feel comfortable speaking.

Hector Lozada, Physiotherapist, doctoral student at Boston University. Email: hlozada@bu.edu

References:

1. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Obesity in the United States, 2009–2010. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.  NCHS Data Brief, 82;2012.

2. Barrack MT, Ackerman KE, Gibbs JC. Update on the female athlete triad. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2013;6(2): 195–204.

3.  Signs of the Triad. Female Athlete Triad Coalition. Available at: http://www.femaleathletetriad.org/for-athletes-coaches/signs-of-the-triad/.  Accessed October 15, 2013.

4. Rintala M, Mustajoki P. Could mannequins menstruate? BMJ.  1992;305:1575-1576.

5. Halliwell E.  The impact of thin idealized media images on body satisfaction: Does body appreciation protect women from negative effects? Body Image. 2013;10(4):509-514.

6. De La Torre DM, Snell BJ. Use of the preparticipation physical exam in screening for the female athlete triad among high school athletes.  J Sch Nurs.  2005;21(6):340-5.

7. Weerakkody Y, Schubert R. Fracture Healing. Radiopedia web site.  Available at: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/fracture-healing. Accessed October 15, 2013.

ALLIANCE - International Tour

Enforced Arch Presents an International Tour London, Paris, Berlin October, 2013

VegFest - London, England Paris Vegan Day Festival - Paris, France Site-Specific Installation - Paris, France Site-Specific Installation - Berlin, Germany

ALLIANCE Art & Activism By Creative Directors, James Koroni & Tracey Katof

Enforced Arch Dance Company is thrilled to present ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, a presentation that harnesses the relationship between performance art and the pursuit of social justice. In our fall 2013 tour we will be presenting a collection of past and new works honoring the 'ALLIANCE' of art and activism. The performance features video installation by exceptional video artists including, Joshua Katcher and Yessi Yes-Yes Ruiz.

In the past two years Enforced Arch has been invited to share their work in cities such as, Washington D.C., New York City and Paris, and has addressed issues such as human rights, environmental awareness, animal rights and ethics & fashion. Each piece celebrates our ability to speak up for those who are less fortunate.

By making a donation to our fundraiser you also contribute to our collective voice and make it heard that much louder. Thank you for making our important work possible. Here's how we will be using the money raised by this campaign:

Costumes = $500

Rehearsal space abroad = $270

Rehearsal space in NYC = $270

Travel (London, Paris, Berlin) = $2,414

Per Diem = $560

Housing = $700

TOTAL COSTS = $4,714

ADDITIONAL funds raised will go toward our annual company performance of ALLIANCE: Art & Activism in New York City tentatively scheduled for Spring of 2014.

MAKE A DONATION BY CLICKING HERE!

Please join us this Fall for an informal studio showing before we head abroad:

New York City Studio Showing (LOCATION TBA) Thursday, September 19th

For more information regarding this performance please contact us at EnforcedArch@gmail.com.

THANK YOU!

Instrumental music in video by Clara Lofaro www.ClaraLofaro.com.

James Koroni for honest by. Bruno Pieters

"JAMES KORONI IS A NEW YORK BASED UP AND COMING DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER, SINGER AND A DEDICATED VEGAN. WE MET UP WITH JAMES TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS INSPIRING MAN, HIS LOVE FOR VEGAN FOOD AND HIS OPINIONS ON FASHION TODAY." -Bruno Pieters

Photography by Joshua Katcher Text by Bruno Pieters

BP: I LOVE THE IMAGES OF YOU DANCING IN THE STREETS OF NEW YORK. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DANCE AND PHOTOGRAPHS? JK: thank you! my inspiration for this piece is the city itself. I rarely find myself alone in New York City and it can be overwhelming at times but most often it is a source of inspiration. In the video, you'll notice, while I am dancing in the street, a rush of traffic, a man waiting in stillness and while dancing I could hear three teenagers cheering me on across the street. By being present and paying attention to my surroundings I am fuelled creatively and in return can offer something unique because it is reflective of my surroundings. I suppose then what I am trying to express is the creative symbiotic relationship that I have with my environment, which is why I am so sensitive to and concerned with its well being.

Read the rest of the interview HERE!

Riley Thomas: Looking Forward

Enforced Arch Founder, James Koroni, is portraying the role of Jack, a young and gifted autistic man, in Riley Thomas' work in progress 'Deuces Wild'. Deuces Wild is one of four new works-in-progress which makes up this exciting evening of Musical Theater! In addition to acting in this production he assisted the sweet and talented choreographer, Jennifer Knox as dance captain of Deuces Wild.

About Looking Forward:

After a sold out award-winning run of his musical Stuck at NYMF '12, writer/composer Riley Thomas looks to the future with snapshots of four new works-in-progress, ranging from gritty black box pieces to full-scale Broadway style shows.  Come be a part of the development by voting for your favorite!

Deuces Wild: Atlantic City better watch out when a New Jersey gambler realizes his autistic cousin has a head for numbers.

Living Larkin: Delve into a lurid but eloquent mind in this gritty one-man exposé.  (R-rated.  Book & Additional Lyrics by Jon Larkin)

Wearing Black: Evan must navigate the drugs, debts and relationships he inherits when his twin brother is killed.

Blood Fountain: An ancient and evil wizard seeks to restore his lost power in this sweeping fantasy epic.

DATE: July 11th, 2013 - 5PM & 9PM

LOCATION: The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre

480 West 42nd Street, New York, NY  10036

GET YOUR TIX HERE: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/924002

RUNNING TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes with no intermission.