'Please, Don't Touch,' depicts the unfortunate lives of animals caught up in the skin trade. With this performance piece we become a voice for the voiceless and tell their story. '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.
Kelley Donovan & Dancers & Enforced Arch
This past weekend 'Mover' James Koroni was invited to be the guest choreographer in Kelley Donovan's monthly company performance entitled Kelley Donovan & Dancers. Viewers had the pleasure of seeing Tracey Katof, James Koroni and Jessica Chou perform Please, Don't Touch and a new work by choreographer Kelley Donovan entitled Fractured Realm.
I admire Kelley Donovan & Dancers because they carry such respect for one another and their hospitality and warmth was extended to the Enforced Arch community making this experience such a pleasure to have had! We look forward to working with them again in the future. Take a look at some moments we captured from that evening:
Please, Don’t Touch: James Koroni, Jessica Chou, Tracey Katof
Kelley Donovan & Dancers: Amy Larson, Chizuru Tanaka, Jaclyn Fauci, Bud Burdick, Grace Lerner, Jordan Gehley, Kristen Klein, Sylvana Tapia, Christina Chelette, Justina Gaddy, Maya Kite, Caroline Carbo, Caroline Yost
Photography by Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com.
Please, Don't Touch at 3rd Ward Art Gallery
Enforced Arch's Anti-Fur performance piece, Please, Don't Touch, was featured in 3rd Ward's Semi-Annual Art Gallery Showcase. ‘Please, Don’t Touch’ focuses energy on a topic that sits at the intersection of social justice, ecology and design. It's ultimate goal is to to become an effective conduit for empathy and a creative tool 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. Here are a few pictures from that evening:
MOVEATHON
Mover, Nicole Johnson is holding a MOVEATHON this weekend in support of rural Cambodia. If you haven't heard of her organization, Javanna Productions, it is a student driven non-profit organization which presents a yearly effort entitled M.O.V.E (Motivation Opportunity Vision Entertainment). In this effort, preteens, teenagers and young adults are encouraged to be productive, creative and develop a stronger sense of community within their neighborhoods while raising funds for a cause. This year's effort is titled M.O.V.E for Cambodia. They are working with the Bernie Krisher Rural School Project Foundation to build a school in Cambodia. This project is inspired by Sheryl WuDunn's and Nicholas Kristof's novel "Half The Sky", a moving novel about women turning oppression into opportunity. The accounts and stories of young people described in this book inspired this team of M.O.V.E. representatives to get a move on.
Help them as they begin to use their craft to create opportunities for children all over the world. By donating to Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. for Cambodia, you will contribute to making a difference in someone's life , in your own life, in your community, in your city, in your state, in this nation, and in this world. They hold at least one event a month; spoken word nights, musical theater comedy sketches, open mic nights, choreography showcases, visual art galleries, parties, classes, workshops, etc. In order to get on the road to Cambodia and reach their ultimate goal of $20,000, they need financial support to rent studios, theaters, event spaces and meet their technical support and transportation needs.
This year's effort requires the members to learn about East Asian culture post regime. With that knowledge, they are encouraged to use their craft to raise funds for the school in Cambodia and awareness for the cause. The members are sympathetic, reverent, understanding young citizens of a global community and continue to gain a greater awareness and respect of the world with each artistic experience. In addition to donating to the school abroad, you are donating to the empowerment of a large community of artistic kids in New York City. Any donation, big or small is greatly appreciated. Their generation can make a difference in the way we give back to our communities on both a global and national scale, but they need your help in doing so.
Check out their M.O.V.E. For Cambodia page & make a donation HERE!
Kelley Donovan & Dancers
Please join Enforced Arch this Saturday evening as 'Mover' James Koroni presents 'Please, Don't Touch' as a guest choreographer in Kelley Donovan & Dancers. At this performance you will also have the pleasure of seeing Kelley Donovans' latest work in progress 'Fractured Realm!'
Please, Don't Touch: James Koroni, Jessica Chou, Tracey Katof
Kelley Donovan & Dancers: Amy Larson, Chizuru Tanaka, Jaclyn Fauci, Bud Burdick, Grace Lerner, Jordan Gehley, Kristen Klein, Sylvana Tapia, Christina Chelette, Justina Gaddy, Maya Kite, Caroline Carbo, Caroline Yost
Top 20 Dance Blogs of 2011 - Vote Here!
Here's how you can support us! THE (DANCE) STEPS ARE EASY: 1. VOTE BY leaving a Comment ONCE ON THIS POST. That's it... but it's very important!
*This is how they measure the finalists. The 20 blogs with the most comments move to the final round.
2. Comments must include the reason why you love Enforced Arch.
EXAMPLE: Mention your favorite post, dance piece or environmental/social issue we stand for.
Enforced Arch is pleased to participate in this years Top Dance Blogs of 2011 hosted by Nichelle Strzepek of Dance Advantage. Winning this competition will get our community recognized as an influential blog in the dance world and inspire others to join our growing community of compassionate 'Movers!'
This is only the first round of voting, measured by the amount of comments we receive, which ends Tuesday, December 20th. Once this has finished the top 20 blogs will be entered as finalists in the TOP DANCE BLOGS of 2011 which will be held from December 27 – 30. I'll keep you posted on our progress as everything develops!
Thank you for all your love and support! Now comment away.
Best,
James Koroni Creative Director & Choreographer www.EnforcedArch.com
A Blind Industry
Leila Henry and I had a conversation on Facebook today that we felt could help other dancers in our professional field. Feel free to participate in the conversation below in the comment section:
LEILA HENRY: I have to keep reminding myself to follow my OWN path, because I keep letting my hands come off the wheel. At the same time, I'm going into this industry so blindly that it becomes difficult to trust that I'm on the right path. All I see is dirt and gravel for miles and miles as I inch forward, unsure of where I'm headed. I think its time I ask for some guidance.
JAMES KORONI: Set long term goals. Once you have that see what short term ones must happen to get you there. Then if you stray from the path, you won't feel concerned because in the back of your mind you know where you're at. Take the occasional detour. It's good to give yourself that flexibility. I hope this helps.
HENRY: Yes it does help! Thanks, James. Now that I think of it, I don't think I've ever made it clear to myself what it is specifically that I want. I know I want to choreograph, but I don't know exactly where I see myself in the next few years. I've been starting to work on little independent things here and there, and submitting choreo for different shows, but I don't know what the next step is, or who to ask about it. I'm just lost lol.
KORONI: I understand feeling lost but know it's not a permanent state. Try researching choreographers in the styles you enjoy expressing yourself through and be inspired by their stories. See what propelled them. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the over saturated dance industry as a whole. Then decide what you did or didn't like about them. That's the way this world works. One generation to another is either an evolution or a rebellion of the past.
Leila isn't the only dancer experiencing the results of an over saturated dance industry. Are you experiencing stress through your process? Tell us and well make it a community topic and discuss it publicly. Please leave a comment below.
Christopher Amaya
CHRISTOPHER AMAYA
Christopher began his performing career with Corpus Christi Ballet at age seven, since then has gone on to summer intensives with the American Ballet Theater in NY and the Houston Ballet Academy. He has been in over 29 productions with CCB, some of his favorites include: Peter in Peter and the Wolf and Remembrances. He has competed in Showstoppers National Championship and was part of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra Christmas Spectacular playing the role of Adam.
He attended the University of the Arts Pre-College Musical Theater Summer Workshop. He went on to attend the Boston Conservatory of Music pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater. After two years he relocated from Boston to Texas finishing his undergraduate degree at Sam Houston State University. A local theater credit includes Ryan in High School Musical at the Harbor Playhouse. At SHSU he was in productions of Chicago, Secret Garden, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Dance Spectrum Choreography pieces. Christopher performed at the Moody Gardens in Galveston with Performers Playhouse’s production of the Roaring 20s.
His professional career began in Boston with a production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by David Gammons. Following that he danced Blue Bird with Ballet Forte/Fort Bend Academy of Dance. He then went to Dallas where he performed with Uptown Players (Regional Equity Theater), in their production of the Off-Broadway production of ALTAR BOYZ where he was Dance Captain and understudied Mark/Juan. He then was a paid actor for an episode on the Canadian Reality TV Show (Party Mamma’s) which filmed in 2010. He is happy to be dancing this 2011-2012 Season with the Company that began his career in the arts. He is in the process of launching a website for Life Coaching, and he will cover everything from love, careers, food, and finding happiness.
"It amazes me how healing fruit and vegetables are and they give you a rocking body! Fruit fuels my body for dancing and keeps me at my best for performances. I am stronger, leaner, and more energenic from this diet." -Christopher Amaya
Friends For-Everglades
Last week I took a trip to West Palm Beach, Florida where we visited the Everglades. I couldn't believe the amount of wildlife we saw! With a small Boardwalk stretching from one end to the other you could take a quick tour of this beautiful ecosystem. What a remarkable experience! These gentle creatures were interacting in peculiar ways. It wasn't any more strange than the unusual lives we humans have constructed for ourselves but compared to the rest of the animal kingdom, odd no less.
I was mesmerized by their beauty, strength and wide array of movement choices. Witnessing a bird leap then glide 20 feet in distance to instantly capture food upon landing was impressive. With great intention and grace he found the results he set out to achieve, even if it was just to experience his flight. My first reaction was, "what a grand distance to leap for a single insect." Perhaps that is my New York City perspective with our Bodegas' on every street corner. These animals are eternally mesmerizing!
This wetland is so close to human living communities that it serves as an educational tool and a constant reminder that the earth is not only home to us but is shared by these extraordinary lifeforms. With knowledge of these environments, providing life to millions of creatures around the world, I find that we carry great responsibility and should continue to preserve these natural habitats. It is easy to assume we don't depend on the well being of these "bizarre" living quarters but we are a member of this community at large. Respecting and educating ourselves of this fact is not only to their benefit but also elevates the quality of life in our global environmental community.
We were fortunate to come across at least 12 different species in this one habitat. I wanted to share my experiences with the Enforced Arch community to not only share a glimpse of their life but also inspire you to seek reminders in your own community!
TONIGHT: 3rd Ward Featuring Enforced Arch
Tonight, 3rd Ward is having their semi-annual Member Group Show! Enforced Arch has been invited to present their collaborative piece, 'Please, Don't Touch!' Come celebrate with us!
Member Group Show FREE Tonight, November 18th, 2011 7-10 pm 195 Morgan Avenue
Capitale "QUESTIONS"
Save 5 Pointz
“Save 5 POINTZ” celebrates the worldʼs premiere “Graffiti Mecca”
Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. presents “Save 5 Pointz” at 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center.
November 22nd and December 17th
"Save 5 Pointz” presented by Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. is dance piece celebrating the worldʼs premiere “graffiti Mecca,” where aerosol artists from around the globe paint colorful pieces on the walls of a 200,000-square-foot factory building. The “Save 5 Pointz” piece has a mission to recognize and bring attention to the importance of this outstanding structure of 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, an outdoor art exhibit space in Long Island City, New York.
The name 5 Pointz signifies the five boroughs coming together as one but, because of its reputation as an epicenter of the graffiti scene, the industrial complex has actually united aerosol artists from across the world. Legendary writers from Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and all over the United States have painted on the building walls.
Javanna Productions (JP) is a non profit 501c3 organization that raises funds and awareness for rising domestic and international social issues via the arts. The members of JP may not be able to stop the demolition of this aerosol epicenter but they are MOVING on November 22nd and December 17th to give thanks and pay their respects to this gorgeous piece of work and the artists that have participated in making it what it is today.
Two Dates: November 22nd at 3:30- 6:00 P.M December 17th at 3:30- 6:00 P.M At 5 Pointz Aerosol Art Center, 45-46 Davis Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 Presented by Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. Free Admissions
Don't Miss, Ms. Bettina May!
Capitale
A large group of characters, including 'Mover' James Koroni, was selected to participate in director James Manzello's sort of 'Dancin' in the Street.' Were you looking for a handsome time because Manzello delivers it in his second single from Capitale, this time with a cast of all-star misfits. Check back later this week for the official video release!
For now watch his first single, entitled 'B + Itchy = I'll Scratch You'!
Occupy Grand Army Plaza
Art by C.Martinez
Enforced Arch community is pleased to introduce you to Kathleen Stansell! Her effort entitled Occupy Grand Army Plaza is part of her company "Move for Change." She invites the dance community and supporters of this Movement to use their voices to support Occupy Wall St.
A statement from Kathleen Stansell:
Many have been saying, "Those people at Occupy Wall Street don't know what they stand for," which is just not true! If you ask anyone at Zuccotti Park, they'll tell you exactly why they're there. To save you the time and trip, I'll tell you. Occupy Wall Street is a movement inspired by our unjust and selfish government. Yes the banks are at fault. Yes the politicians are at fault. Yes greed is to blame. There are many to blame. But the truth is WE THE PEOPLE allowed this to happen. We accepted, for whatever reason, everything that's happened and has been happening. So first, the change must happen within ourselves. We must fight greed within ourselves. I ask myself, "Do I need that iPod or do I need to buy the food that is more expensive but better for my health? The LATTER! Do I need that extra pair of shoes, or do I need to donate that $60 to a homeless shelter." Occupy Wall Street is about standing together, in solidarity to help the people who live with us, next to us, far away from us, and everywhere. So please, if you don't help me, help that homeless shelter. If you don't help me, help companies like Reciprocity. If you don't help me, help yourself.
Please join us this Saturday at Grand Army Plaza, enjoy the performances and make donations for Occupy Wall Street in the form of food, clothing, blankets, hand warmers, warm clothing, first aid supplies, literature-both books and OWS literature such as information about credit unions, etc. Details:
DATE: Saturday, October 29th COMPANY: Move for Change EXEC. PRODUCER & CREATIVE DIR.: Kathleen Stansell LOCATION: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY TIME: Noon - Midnight ADMISSION: Free!
Paris Journal 2011 Part 13
Paris Vegan Day was overwhelming in good way! I couldn't believe the amount of delightful treats at every turn. Vendor after vendor presenting yet another goody to share with you and of course I couldn't say no! I snapped a few photo's to share with you. If you have questions about the products here, just write a comment below and I'll get back to you with company information ASAP.
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Paris Journal 2011 Part 12
During the Vegan Paris Day Festival at La Bellevilloise my friend and Chef Jacquelyn Scaduto taught me how to prepare my own French Crepe!
Prior to the event she prepared the crepe mixture, which at the moment is a secret recipe, otherwise I'd gladly share. After pouring approx. a cup of batter on the Crepe Maker I used the ladle to smooth it over as it grew pockets of air that you can see in the first image on the left. After which I flipped it by sliding an icing spatula under the center, curling the opposite corner toward the pan and rolling it back onto the other side. This allowed me to evenly brown the crepe on both sides.
Once the crepe was evenly cooked I added Vegusto cheese, Vegusto Deli Slices, mushrooms, caramelized onions & fresh spinach! Once the cheese melts you fold the crepe in half and voila, you have a beautiful lunch!
The crepe was tender to the bite and the Vegusto cheese really added the creaminess I expect from a meal like this!
I went back for seconds, only this time it was a dessert with organic chocolate chips & strawberries!
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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
Paris Journal 2011 Part 11
After a 6 hour flight from New York City, Carly Fox Horton & Tracey Katof joined me in Paris! Although it was a Red-eye flight, they felt excited to explore the city. Our dear friend, Celine Orang from Creadanse donated space for us to rehearse in later that evening so we left a little early to do some sightseeing! Fortunately our apartment at The Gentle Gourmet is in a beautiful neighborhood just minutes from L'Arc De Triumph so we popped over to snap a photo!
After we finished up there, it took just under an hour to arrive to the space where Celine greeted us. After two hours of rehearsal we felt plenty prepared to perform the following night at La Bellevilloise for Vegan Paris Day!
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Paris Journal 2011 Part 9
I'm thrilled to have two inspirational dancers, Carly Fox Horton & Tracey Katof join me in Paris tomorrow at noon (12h00). I've heard numerous people say that they are thrilled to see our performance at La Bellevilloise for Paris Vegan Day(PVD) and even more to see a marriage between art and activism in our performance piece 'Please, Don't Touch!' PVD wrote an article on the PVD website. You can read it, translated from french, here!
Paris Journal 2011 Part 1
Paris Journal 2011 Part 2
Paris Journal 2011 Part 3
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Paris Journal 2011 Part 6
Paris Journal 2011 Part 7
Paris Journal 2011 Part 8
Paris Journal 2011 Part 9
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Paris Journal 2011 Part 11
Paris Journal 2011 Part 12
Paris Journal 2011 Part 13