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
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
I recently danced for Princess Superstar in Paris. She is charming, exuberant and hilarious! We met at an Olsen House fashion event. She is not only a fantastic DJ selling out houses all over Europe and Asia but also an animal rights activist.
She asked me to team up with her as choreographer and dancer for her performance at Paris Vegan Day. When I first heard her tracks I could not stop pressing repeat and found myself distracted for hours dancing to songs of hers like 'LICKY' and 'Bad Babysitter.' I immediately began sharing her music with all of my friends. I love this feeling! Check it out for yourself!
I needed a talented and professional dancer to accompany me so I contacted Bonnie Erickson the Educational Director at Broadway Dance Center. She introduced me to Celine Orang a fellow vegetarian, dancer and owner of Creadanse school in Paris. She and I worked through choreography, rehearsals and costuming for our performance with Princess Superstar, which was a huge success. This year Paris Vegan Day brought in about 5,000 people! Can you imagine how this concert must have gone?
The musicians preceding Princess Superstar were not of the same genre as her, some were groovy and others were hard rock. She was not worried saying, "We'll get them dancing," and within 30 seconds this came true. One of my favorite moments was when the song 'Party People (JUMP)' was thrown into the mix. She speaks French fluently and rather than screaming jump she yelled "SAUTE," which most dancers know means JUMP in French. Well I just about lost it. I joined Parisians in the crowd yelling, "Party people wanna SAUTE SAUTE, Party people wanna SAUTE SAUTE!"
We went NON-STOP for an hour when Princess Superstar said that she and her unborn child needed to get to bed. Seriously?! She flew to France, rocked out at Paris Vegan Day, got the crowd partying, and meanwhile she was 4 months along. She has certainly inspired us all. I can't wait to see more of Princess Superstar in the future.
Photography by Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com