Cynthia King Presents FRAMED

Brooklyn, NY - This October marks 50 years of dance for acclaimed CKDS Artistic Director and choreographer, Cynthia King. To celebrate the occasion, King offers audiences FRAMED, a unique, fast-paced assemblage of pieces incorporating a diverse collection of performers -- from aspiring young dancers to professionals. FRAMED will include original dance works ranging from the thought-provoking to the joyous, from pure camp to pure catharsis.

FRAMED October 6, 2012 7pm Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts One University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201 Box Office: (718) 488-1624 Tickets can be purchased at www.kumbletheater.tix.com

FRAMED will continue the CKDS growing tradition of staging innovative productions performed for and by adults and children at Kumble Theatre for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn, NY. Says King, "I am excited to present this dynamic collection of works that truly represent many facets of my career in dance, and address the issues that I am passionate about."

Cynthia King has danced professionally in New York and with touring companies. A Brooklyn devotee and fixture, she has taught at local schools and frequently hosts and participates in community and political events. She is a passionate animal advocate, producing Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers-the only prêt-a-porter vegan ballet shoes available on the market, and has served on the boards of various animal welfare organizations. Her studio has trained dancers in Brooklyn for over ten years.

Select pieces will address serious political and ethical issues, ranging from the objectification of girls and women by society to animal rights, interspersed with light-hearted jaunts, for a compelling evening spanning a spectrum of emotions. King will dance with CKDS faculty, current students, and alumni. Special guests from the New York City arts community have shared their talents by composing original music, and designing sets and costumes. Dynamic Rockers will perform and drag queen activist Honey LaBronx will be our vivacious Master of Ceremonies.

About Cynthia King Dance Studio Since its beginnings, CKDS has brought excellence in dance to the Brooklyn community, inspiring the best in students of all ages. For more than a decade, CKDS has continued to prioritize technical training, innovative performance, and community involvement to create a unique and personally rewarding experience for all of its dancers and their families. Learn more at our website: www.cynthiakingdance.com.

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Photography by Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com

I took a trip up to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary today to spend some time with often misunderstood farm animals. I was accompanied by Joshua Katcher, Elizabeth Castoria and Leanne Mailey Hilgart whom are dear to my heart!

The most beautiful element of the animals on this farm is that they have the freedom to wander the fields and socialize with one another just as we do in our daily lives. Their personalities are charming and they each have a heart wrenching story of how they were abused, restrained and left for dead on livestock farms. The owners of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, Jenny Brown & Doug Abel, intervene in these cases and give them a permanent and safe home.

As a dancer I am very inspired by the way they communicate. Through affection and thoughtful actions they demonstrate honesty, sensitivity and with a playful nature. They are fearless to share love and once a bond of trust is built you have a friend for life. It's tough knowing that livestock farming is the number one cause of global warming, where animals live in extremely cruel conditions and are later sent to be killed for food. They're treated as objects rather than sentient beings with a will to live and breath. Eating animals has been scientifically proven to cause many life threatening diseases. Change is imperative for the survival of life on this planet, this is why I respect and love animals and rebel against cultural pressure to participate in activities that are responsible for the very downfall of existence.

We spent our day relaxing with sheep, nuzzling up to turkeys and being entertained by the jovial goats. I never knew how playful and emotional farm animals were until I had met them face to face. Here are a few moments from our experience.

You too can have your very own experience with these delicate animals. Their visiting hours can be found here, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

Kiet Lam: Arrest Yourself, Part 3 of 4

“Ignorance Is Bliss?” Arrest Yourself! By avoiding inconvenient and unpleasant information we hide from the worlds current state. Whether it be Factory Farming, Green House Gas or Social Justice we must understand and address these issues before it’s too late. "I do my best to rehydrate you at the risk of absurdity/there's nothing left between us but a state of emergency" -Hot Chip

KIET LAM, Life is about relationships. Never taking myself as an isolated entity in the world, I am reminded that each day is marked by continuous give and take between me and the people with whom I work, or ride the subway, or buy groceries, or dance, or grab dinner- the list goes on. "Arrest Yourself," in its music and movement, is a reminder to me that the balances in these relationships are delicate, and that every relationship requires effort and sacrifice. This concept may seem obvious, but I think the part that many choose to forget is that it extends not just to one's immediate friends, but to everyone who crosses one's path throughout the day. Every person deserves compassion and kindness, and we often forget that duty in the hustle of daily life. It is in these momentary lapses, that you "Arrest Yourself" in order to rediscover what it means to be a part of Life.

Kiet started in the world of competitive Ballroom dance, then made the move into jazz and hip-hop through Groove Dance Co., a collegiate dance performance group at Yale University. He studied at Broadway Dance Center in New York City in the Summer Intern Program, where he got the opportunity to work with Jim Cooney as a dancer on a special Broadway-themed episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. His other credits include the ISVP Performance Project at Broadway Dance Center, and various pieces he has choreographed for Groove Dance Co. at Yale, including his most recent piece "Mirrors".

"The greatest happiness is to transform one's feelings into action." -Kiet Lam

Performance of Arrest Yourself, February 19th 2011 @ 7PM!

Kumble Theater- One University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201

TICKETS Discount Code: BeKind

LAUREN COX: Arrest Yourself Part 1 of 4 SCOTT HAMILTON: Arrest Yourself, Part 2 of 4 JAMES KORONI: Arrest Yourself, Part 4 of 4

Scott Hamilton: Arrest Yourself, Part 2 of 4

“Ignorance Is Bliss?” Arrest Yourself! By avoiding inconvenient and unpleasant information we hide from the worlds current state. Whether it be Factory Farming, Green House Gas or Social Justice we must understand and address these issues before it’s too late. SCOTT HAMILTON, "I am a King with a million servants. At any moment, someone somewhere is doing work for me. Making my food, sweeping up trash, sewing the clothes I wear.  Just about anything I need is provided for me. Things are so easily accessible why would anyone bother worrying about where they came from? Could I answer that question most of the time? Probably not. Everyday I am bombarded with goods, services and information, and the most difficult part of the day is simply choosing what I want.

Modern civilization has become highly fragmented and micro-focused on the individual; while all this is happening, who among us will step back and take the time to focus on a more macro level?  What happened to, “The Greater Good”, and something more than ourselves?

I believe technology and the modern world have trained us to become numb and accepting of ignorance on some levels. Our ever growing desire to cater to the individual only perpetuates the issue, as we shift focus from our fellow man to ourselves at ever increasing rates. When we don’t know who to blame for our growing feelings of isolation in an ever connected world, and the irony of the situation becomes too much to reconcile in our own minds, we point fingers. In reality, we as individuals need to be held accountable.

I think it’s within human nature to crave knowledge and we need to start making real efforts towards being completely responsible for our own actions and knowing what important role we play within our society.

Its natural to be self centered, but to do so to the degree with which you would lose connection to society as a whole and blind yourself with ignorance is frightening. Even a King must listen and understand their people to survive."Scott Hamilton began his dance training in 2005 at Western Michigan University. Prior to relocating to New York City, Scott received Degrees in International Marketing, Vocal Performance and Dance Performance in April 2008. With New York as his base, Scott’s been busy touring and performing internationally, entertaining in theaters around the United States, and giving back to students right here in New York. His goal was to be doing what he loves, and thankfully he loves it more and more each day. "Laugh often, and tell the people you love, that you love them."

Performance of Arrest Yourself, February 19th 2011 @ 7PM!

Kumble Theater- One University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201

TICKETS Discount Code: BeKind

LAUREN COX: Arrest Yourself Part 1 of 4 KIET LAM: Arrest Yourself, Part 3 of 4 JAMES KORONI: Arrest Yourself, Part 4 of 4

"So You Think You Can Prance?"

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. Or do you?

'364 The Series' wittingly addresses ecological and social issues while poking fun at popular culture. I find charisma in its playful approach. With a sense of humor they speak to somewhat unreachable ears. People often want to mourn in what ignorance is dwelling. It is our responsibility to tackle current issues and make it known that we are enraged. Until we make society realize that artists are not only talents but also 'Movers', we will continue to live in delusion or live without a voice. In order to make this shift we must do our research and make our medium carry a message.

James Manzello, the writer of '364 The Series' carries the leading role of Donner, a reindeer with good intention, although seemingly disheartened by the worlds current state, finds himself excitable at moments of truth. By alluding to certain topics, Manzello offers a platform of discussion influenced not only with his vegan lifestyle but by having a sense of humor. His performance will inspire others to develop opinions and hopefully make for a more informed society. Fortunately, compassion is found in many forms, and James' seems to find his voice within a chuckle.

While we thought reindeer only had one simple job of pulling Santa's sleigh - the other 364 days of the year they have lives just like you and me.

All styling for '364 the Series' done by cruelty free vegan Marlena Pavich, also featuring vegan recording artist Mandy Duffy in episode 4!

'So You Think You Can Dance' occasionally brings our attention to issues of grave importance. Pieces such as Addiction by Mia Michaels and 'This Woman's work' about a woman with Breast Cancer, by Tyce Diorio are a few I will never forget. With Diorio's message brought to the forefront of the dance community I would like to continue addressing the issue.

Looking back to April of this year, I recall Kentucky Fried Chicken making efforts to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

50 cents per bucket of deep fried, "chickens, breasts."

How Ironic, this irresponsible fast food chain not only serves food that is breast cancer causing but also perpetuates diabetes, heart attacks and a slue of other health problems! Not to mention it's a bucket full of CHOPPED OFF CHICKENS BREASTS!

Fortunately the Breast Cancer foundation involved pulled out of this fundraiser. These fast food companies are a disgrace to life, compassion and welfare. Not only are they death to small business, they cause health issues in all those who consume their products and get their food through the inhumane practices of factory farming.

A moving quote from Nigel Lythgoe, a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' "I don't know as a choreographer, where you get the strength from... to do a piece like this."  Issues such as these often haunt us, hearing about it day to day almost makes us want to avoid it. Unfortunately being ignorant is more popular these days than ever. We can only make change for those suffering if we as choreographers, "find the strength" to be moved by such issues.

Why do you dance?

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