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
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
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!
Klara Beyeler can handle a storm. Everything we ask of her is never too much and she is always in the best of spirits. She consistently pushes herself beyond her boundaries and because of this, her artistry will forever have exponential growth.
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. Klara Beyeler 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?
By being as open and authentic as I can. By being open, I learned and got more interest about how little behavior of the everyday life can make the difference. It reminds me that being part of a hole group, city, country, earth; through my actions, I inevitably share positive or negative energy with the world. I think we all should be aware of this responsibility and have the consciousness of what kind of energies and ideas you spread around you.
By being myself and trusting my instinct, I wish I can make that little difference for someone in the audience and make him feel the message.
What part of the rehearsal process or subject material did you find most inspiring?
I am fascinated how art and specially dance is a powerful way to share an idea and to make people want to act differently. During the process I was very touched by the emotion that Tracey and James are able to express through choreography. An extreme strong feeling to dance it, and I think it will be the most efficient point to get the audience understand the matter of activism : its when you're emotionally moved that you start care about.
What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?
By leaving home to explore another culture, I open my mind more and more because I am consistently facing different behavior and way of thinking. I experience every day that judgement, resistance, fight or any negative reaction doesn't help. That's why I always try to share those ideas with all my love and compassion through my dance and life.
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
Quick photo after rehearsal. We're ready... are you?
'ALLIANCE' Art & Activism
Andrea Torres choreographed 'Keep Breathing' on a group of talented dancers including herself, Joan Heeringa, Klara Beyeler, Paulette Lewis and Stephanie Bissonnette. They performed it at the M.O.V.E. For Cambodia Gala in NYC. This event focuses it's efforts on raising money to build a new school in Cambodia and bring awareness to current issues surrounding sex trafficking and drug addiction. 'Keep Breathing' symbolizes the pain and suffering these victims goes through but then shows that with a helping hand, like the M.O.V.E. For Cambodia benefit, together we can develop ways to end their suffering.
Lauren Cox makes her moves despite the weight of this social issue. Domestic violence can be found in many forms. In her piece entitled 'Bag Lady,' Lauren exudes bravery and is determined to free others of what turmoil they are experiencing in their daily lives. She uses her choreographic voice as a platform to inspire and inform others that there is a support system in place for you to fall back upon.
The story tellers, or Freedom Sisters, introduce you to a woman lost in a whirlwind of confrontation. Past "baggage" holds her to prior relationships where love was never the foundation. Rather emotional insecurity and manipulation lived as a means to control her heart. As the story unfolds you see the character build confidence through her loving friends. When she finally takes a stand these women are there to assist her in the process of letting go. For upcoming performances of 'Bag Lady' & the Freedom Sisters check back with Enforced Arch!
Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC)
Choreographer Lauren Cox
Assistant Choreographers Andrea Queens & James Koroni
Dancers Andrea Torres, Andrea Queens, Federica Paoli, Klara Beyeler, Lauren Cox, Maria Del Rosario Aviles, Raphael Dw Thomas & James Koroni.