Movers, James Koroni & Tracey Katof were invited to perform 'Please, Don't Touch' at Have Mercy!, a fashion event at Greenhouse NYC, organized by the U.S. Veg Corp. Check it out:
Have Mercy!
Compassionate 'Mover' Sarah Gross and business partner Nira Paliwoda of U.S. Veg Corp present fur-less fashion in their event at Greenhouse. (An eco-friendly TriBeCa venue)
“Have Mercy! (Fashion Event)” will feature new couture designs, vegan treats, music, dancing, and chocolate. Proceeds from the affair will benefit Mercy for Animals, a New York-based animal rescue organization.
Each of the fashion lines to be showcased bills itself as anti-fur and earth-friendly. Among them:
· Fraley Le, an award-winner from Chicago whose specialties include vibrantly colored evening gowns and cocktail dresses.
· Yane Mode, an edgy brand famous for its sleek drapings and soft jersey knits.
· Pretty Birdie by Stephanie Teague, who creates apparel and accessories from organic and sustainable fabrics infused with antique surplus and recycled materials.
· Sew Moe Designs, based in Asheville, South Carolina, offering handmade updated-vintage originals.
Weaving amongst the models, partygoers will find hors d’oeuvres from Verite Catering, dark chocolates from Rescue Chocolate, additional desserts from Bolaji Cuisine, functional waters from Balance, and other drinks from Mercy Beverage.
Entertainment is be provided by Enforced Arch's compassionate 'Movers' James Koroni, Tracey Katof and Lauren Cox. They will perform 'Please Don't Touch' an Anti-Fur piece choreographed by James Koroni that has been invited to perform in Paris later this month! Check out their video here: http://www.indiegogo.com/Please-Dont-Touch Also you can count on an appearance from vegan drag queen Honey LaBronx!
The backdrop for all of these goings-on is located at 150 Varick Street. The Greenhouse is New York’s first nightclub with LEED certification. Its walls are made of sustainable bamboo rather than wood, and the space is constructed mostly from recycled materials. It has the feel of a glitzy nature preserve with a huge waterfall and a ceiling made of live plants.
Tickets for Have Mercy! are $25 in advance (http://bit.ly.nTFf8p) and $40 at the door. The event will run from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Funds will be donated to Mercy for Animals, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices and policies.
MASTER CLASS Fundraiser
With choreographers James Koroni & Tracey Katof of Enforced Arch website! All proceeds go towards the 'Please, Don't Touch' fundraiser.
$20 - 2 hr class* Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 PM Location: Pearl Studios Nyc Studio K 500 8th Ave., New York, NY 10018
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Contemporary warm-up including pilates strengthening
7:45 PM - 9:00 PM Athletic & quirky Contemporary segment from 'Please, Don't Touch'
*The Enforced Arch community is searching for compassionate 'Movers' for upcoming opportunities. This is a great way for us to get to know you as a dancer and artist!
Tonya Kay, Vegetable Fueled x2
In my current hometown of New York City there really is no need to own a car but if I lived in Los Angeles it would be another story. Los Angeles is where compassionate 'Mover' Tonya Kay currently lives. Being environmentally conscious has always been a concern of hers so she found a way to have a hot car and avoid all the exhaust that comes with it by fueling her vehicle, the Grape Space Coaster, with Vegetable oil!
She was recently featured, along with the Grape Space Coaster, in a Pilot which was submitted for, accepted and aired on Speed TV last month! The Enforced Arch community would like to congratulate her on this success and also thank her for taking this opportunity to show that you can drive a hot car and avoid using environmentally and socially devastating gasoline as a source for fuel.
Check out her appearance on Speed TV here:
An Economic Cycle: Intro, Erin Lindsay
I had lunch at Jivamukti Cafe with Erin Lindsay to discuss her recent project, An Economic Cycle (AEC). Her event turned out to be a beautiful evening of sculpture, community and dance. AEC explores an artists careful attempt to transform an abandoned riverside landfill into the now beautiful Socrates Sculpture Park and breaks it down into 9 smaller parts.
Socrates Sculpture Park has seen a great deal in the past 25 years. Before it's birth, you would have seen an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dump site where there was reported criminal activity. This wasteland left little room for safe, communities where children could explore and develop their personal identities. Erin spoke of a man named Mark di Survero who led a coalition of artists in 1986 to develop this piece of land and turn it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents.
AEC Mission Statement:
Artists are humble. They reach out to the industrious society for reclamation and in return; justify the cause of giving back through their ability of creative expression. When industry fails and society begins to landslide. When the economic struggle has set in and innovation begins to lessen; the arts will in fact stand. A garden will be planted where a landfill once lingered. We will change the lives of others and a void that once was; will be diminished. The arts will give back when hope has been lost.
Erin developed a 9 part series which illustrates this transformation, performed by 9 different dance companies. More to come, check back with Enforced Arch as we explore each step of Erin Lindsay's interpretation of An Economic Cycle!
Love Art Japan
DoubleTake Dance in association with the Peridance Capezio Center proudly present LOVE ART JAPAN, a show to raise funds for Japan.
James Koroni's Birthday & Fundraiser
Our fundraising event on Tuesday evening went brilliantly. The turn out was outstanding! A crowd made up of friends, family, artists, activists, fashion industry professionals, dancers, choreographers, Clara Lofaro fans and of course the lure of Bettina May topped it all off! I could not have had a more splendid time. A special thanks you to all those involved including:
Bettina May , dough-nut stop till you get enough!
Clara Lofaro accompanied by Andrea Torres on Taps!
Lauren Cox & myself performing 'Please, Don't Touch' with Marlena Pavich's Anti-Fur pants!
The West Cafe in Williamsburg
Thank you to Cocoa V, Blossom Du Jour, Bettina May's PinUp Class, Foodswings, Tracey Katof, Bud Burdick, Carly Fox Horton, Joshua Katcher, Vaute Couture and of course thank you for being in attendance!
As for the fundraiser element, we raised just enough to send one dancer to Paris which means there is still more outreach to be done. We have created an IndieGoGo web page. If you know anyone that might be interested in our cause please send the following link their way:
http://www.indiegogo.com/Please-Dont-Touch
Here is the launch of our video:
‘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.
"Kill" the Paso Doble, Pass Killing the Bull
"In this dance Marko is gonna be a Matador. Who's gonna be going to fight the Bull and obviously kill the bull."-Dmitry Chaplin
"I am an animal activist so I am out to stop him!" -Janette Manrara
Last week on So You Think You Can Dance Janette Manrara, through Dmitry Chaplin's choreography, expressed compassion for animals and a disinterest in Bull Fighting. Why would one kill a bull? To proclaim masculinity, dominion over animals or for sport? Historically speaking, man would kill the beast to show superior intelligence or to establish power over their environment. Centuries later, in our modern culture, is it necessary to torture animals to establish and satisfy our egos? We don't need to abandon the rich history of our relationship to the environment. There is already an alternative form of art that is more of a spectacle and requires no killing. The Paso Doble is graceful and respectful to all parties involved. It represents our relationship with the "beast" yet requires no brutality and is absolutely breathtaking for the eyes to behold. Especially in this performance by choreographer Dmitry Chaplin with dancers Janette Manrara and Marko Germar! See for yourself:
A 2002 Gallup poll found that 68.8% of Spaniards express "no interest" in bullfighting while 20.6% expressed "some interest" and 10.4% "a lot of interest". (source) If an overwhelming amount of Spaniards have no interest in Bull Fighting then why does it still exist? For more info, click here!
Help Enforced Arch get an interview with Janette Manrara by LIKEing her Facebook page and telling her how much you want to see her join the compassionate 'Movers!'
Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox
Lauren Cox danced in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.
How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?
I believe just the existence of this play and the fact that survivors are speaking loudly about this issue sends a positive message to those suffering from childhood sexual abuse. If those same people could see the triumph of Rich's journey it would offer more than hope but a doorway into the survival community, a community which offers support and guidance through the healing process.
What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?
I played a sort of bad influence on Rich for most of the play, accompanying him on his drug trips, which was something completely new for me. We were all called upon to actually feel what drugs offer, a sense of relief from such deep pain and rage, and through that process I understood just a bit about what was stolen from children and adults suffering from this abuse. It is a heavy, unbearable and self loathing entity, something that eats away at your mental stability and growth leaving you to constantly question yourself. It was amazing to be able to speak openly with the survivors about their attackers, processes of healing and strength. I performed with and for them every show and we should all celebrate their resilience.
What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?
Speak up because you never know who you will inspire!
For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.
Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni
Keep Breathing
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.
Love In A Tub!
Here is a promo for Love In A Tub!, a theatrical rockomedy that will be performed live as part of the 2011 New York International Fringe Festival. Love In A Tub! includes appearances from Mover, James Koroni along with many other talented artists.
Dot the Connective and “Rock & Roll” Joel Bassin Present:
Love In A Tub! Written by James Manzello and Oliver Wason Featuring ruthlessly stolen excerpts from a Restoration play by Sir George Etherege Directed by James Manzello, Oliver Wason and Joel Bassin
Featuring: Alexander Kikis as Colonel Bruce Chris Gizzi as Himself Dan Blondell as Dufoy Fufoy Drew Mendoza as Grandma Bevill Emily Kron as Graciana Bevill Hunter Cain as Aurelia Bevill James Koroni as The Coachmen/Ensemble James Manzello as Lord Genesis Beaufort Jimmy Joe McGurl as Sir Frederick Frollick Joshua R. Pyne as Lovis Bevill Marisa Parry as Ensemble Morgan Scott as Ensemble and Charlize Theron* (* = Not actually in the cast)
Costume Designer - Lui Konno Lighting Designer - Oliver Wason Production Stage Manager - Louise Hollander Stage Manager - Lauren Pope Sound Engineer - Fabio Blazina
More info at loveinatub.tumblr.com!
M.O.V.E. Summer Gala
Compassionate Mover, Nicole Johnson is the creative director of Javanna Productions, a non-profit organization that from 2010-2011 has hosted the effort 'M.O.V.E. For Cambodia.' In the past 8 months they have held 20 events, including spoken word nights, coffee house series events, movement classes, parties, large and small scale performances, workshops, discussion groups, visual art presentations, etc. Now on July 18th at the Connelly Theater they're bringing everyone together for a reflection of their past efforts and to see how they can complete their goal of raising $20,000 by September 2011. This money will go towards opening a school in a Cambodian Village and will mark the end of their journey as a national team of compassionate 'Movers.'
Join them at the Connelly Theater for a night of food, entertainment and fundraising. Including visual art, a photo gallery, short film screening, M.O.V.E. showcase, and food!
To make a donation click here. For tickets to the M.O.V.E. Summer Gala click here!
Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni
Mover, James Koroni, danced and portrayed the role of Teenage Rich in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here he shares his feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.
How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?
Lemon Meringue offers victims a glimpse into the story of recovery. The predators only evil power is secrecy, which leaves a feeling of shame in their victims. Lemon Meringue breaks the silence. It makes childhood sexual abuse a topic that isn't so taboo and helps our community explore ways to make victims comfortable with sharing their secret. Then when they need us, we will be ready to nurture them through recovery.
What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?
Teenage Rich, was a bridge between the adult and the inner child. One rehearsal with the Director, Terri Muuss, was exceptionally powerful because I was able to reintroduce them on stage. Both Adult and Young Rich felt closer to Teenage Rich than one another. I was there as a confidant and emotional support in that scene when they finally met one another. Metaphorically, I want to be available to play this role for friends or family that may have gone through this in their own lives but this time help them bridge the gap between the victim and the survivor.
What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?
I learned that sexual predators may not be the stranger in the park but is more often the person who takes your child to the park. This doesn't mean you need to fear every caretaker in their life. There are ways to protect your children from predators. Teach them to trust their instincts, help them understand what is a good secret and what is a bad secret and don't feel bad about what inquiries you may have. You know your child more than anyone else.
I'd like to thank Terri Muuss, Rich Ryan, Athena Reich, Rhett Hackett and Keith Smith for sharing their stories with me and helping me be a better tool in liberating other victims. I love you all dearly and look forward to working with you again in the future!
For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.
Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox
Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof
Compassionate Mover, Tracey Katof is not only the choreographer but also a dancer in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.
How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?
I hope that those who have been victims of sexual abuse will see Lemon Meringue and find some comfort in the fact that they are not the only ones and that there is help available.
What was the most difficult part of RICH’s story in Lemon Meringue to choreograph and why? (Considering you needed to explore the emotional turmoil of his process)
Depicting substance abuse was challenging because I had to consider why one would turn to it in the first place. Imagine that someone spirals into this cycle of drug use seeking peace, only to feel temporary false hope and then realize that the drugs cause them more pain.
What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?
I learned about the process of recovery. The pathway may seem overwhelming and challenging at times but recovery is possible and worth the journey.
For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.
Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox
Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton
Carly Fox Horton, a dancer from the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue, shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.
How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?
Lemon Meringue can inspire other victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek healing and to believe that they have the power to live free from their past. I hope they can find encouragement from relating to Rich's journey.
What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?
The most important part of the rehearsal process for me was the time that we took to sit down and talk with the people in cast who are survivors. Hearing from their own mouths what had happened to them, what it had done to their emotional, spiritual, and physical being, and then how they were able to pull themselves out of victim-hood to become survivors was truly remarkable and inspirational. These conversations also led to many sleepless nights as I wrestled with the knowledge of the great evil that had been done to these people and many other people in my life that are dear to me. Although it may be uncomfortable to face these demons, it is essential for healing and the prevention of future abuse.
What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?
I learned that, whether you are aware of it or not, everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual abuse. The psychological component of this type of abuse causes victims to think and believe things that make it very difficult to seek help, and many victims do not have a loved one that they can trust. Victims often find that when they attempt to confide in someone, that confidant actually makes the situation worse by having an inappropriate reaction. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the effects of sexual abuse so that we all can give knowledgeable and loving support to the people in our lives who have been affected by it.
For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.
Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox
Be the One
I'll never see what you wanted... love The earth created life for unknown reasons but life is positive and the only known reason is “love.”
I was the hell that you needed... oh Our existing assumptions for life lead to the planets very downfall. We exploit natural resources and deplete the planet of what life bearing properties it had.
I was the one when you needed love I was the one when you needed love Finally the earth speaks up but not to destroy us. The earth repeatedly sends signs that only conscientious love & compassion for the earth will sustain life. A cycle of outcries in the form of natural disasters, war, famine & global warming communicates that we will return to our “mother” whether it be through tender love or instant death. We are dependent and yet, ignorant of our downfall. We need to re-identify with our “creator” or our life support and respect it’s wishes before we fulfill our own. Either way will sacrifice something. What’s worth more, Strife or Life?
song: 'Be the One' BY MOBY
choreography: JAMES KORONI TRACEY KATOF
dancers: JAMES KORONI LAUREN COX SCOTT HAMILTON TRACEY KATOF
video production: JOSHUA KATCHER perhapsmedia.net/
Please, Don't Touch
Distance from home can be frightening considering culture shock, facing strangers or the potential of getting lost in a new land. I don’t feel this way however, I find myself inspired and excited to explore endless possibilities. Throwing myself into the fire lifts what impression of the world I may have had. We tend to seek commonalities in relationships with other people before we can relate but by releasing that need for a cultural comfort zone, you create more acceptance. In this I see beyond my own experiences and expand my capacity to be compassionate towards others.
I hope to travel the world one day and share my "voice" with others. This past weekend I traveled south a few hours to our nations capitol, Washington D.C., for the Annual Anti-Fur Society Conference. I was accompanied by Lauren Cox, a professional dancer from San Francisco. She comes from a much different upbringing than myself but somehow we both dance with compassion and understanding. Our artistic journey may not end in the same place but for this past weekend our path was from New York City to Washington D.C., a big adventure for open minds and open hearts on open roads.
An art initiative online called PINNACLE Reinvent The Icon, encourages artists to utilize their talents to make a statement against Fur. Fur bearing animals live terrifying lives while enduring a great deal of suffering and all for human vanity! After doing my research I felt compelled to create a piece that brings forth their perspective. Hopefully in turn providing a voice for the voiceless.
The piece was inspired by Satyrs, a popular character within Greek Mythology, often portrayed as half man and half goat. These creatures live jovial lives, love to dance, play music and enjoy sexual encounters all making them innately free spirited. I imagine any living being would wish to live their lives this way. I contacted Marlena Pavich, a compassionate costume designer and film stylist, to create the anti-fur pants that would simulate the half goat element of our character. Using all recycled vegan materials, she constructed the most brilliant interpretation of a Satyr I could have ever imagined!
As we walked on stage you could hear clinking silverware and people boasting about the bread sticks. The room was silenced by our focus, intention and powerful advocacy. The music began, our bodies shivered and the story was told.
Taking a moment to realize our experience here on this planet is blind to suffering, society shelters us from these issues because it wants us to stay ignorant to what suffering exists. With information compassionate people take action and this isn’t what the Fur industry wants. “We must be the rebel, and reclaim our position of being the visionary. The fashion industry poses in rebel iconography, when they are the conformist selling out to the fur trade”, said Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com. They have no right to treat animals as painless, lifeless creatures meant for luxury, vanity or power.
My anti-fur piece entitled “Please, Don’t Touch” will release in late July of 2011.
Tonya's Not Just O'Kay
Tonya Kay smokes the entertainment biz and wins best supporting actress in the 2011 Los Angeles Movie Awards. This compassionate 'Mover' has many talents and needs not compromise them as a dancer but rather finds a way to utilize them and enrich her career. Being a dancer, danger expert, actress and a writer are among her many talents. It's no surprise that she won this excellence award.
She won for her most recent portrayal of KIELLE in Silver Lake where she plays an artist whos actions are dauntless and her relationships are titillating. I find her performance intriguing. Don't miss it!
For more on Tonya Kay visit her website and watch Silver Lake here!
Broadway Bares
Broadway Bares XXI: Masterpiece will offer up a modern-day burlesque show packed with museum-quality human canvases that would make an art critic blush. 'Mover,' Summer Broyhill will be one them baring some skin in attempt to raise much needed funds.
The first Broadway Bares in 1992 featured seven dancers performing choreographed stripteases on a bar that raised $8,000. In the 20 editions so far, Broadway Bares has collectively raised more than $7.5 million.
A letter from Summer:
.
Hello!
I very much appreciate your support, whether it be by donation or in your attendance at Broadway Bares XXI STRIPATHON.
All proceeds go to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a phenomenal non-profit that not only supports those living with this horrendous illness, but also a variety of other public health programs geared at the artistic community.
BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors Fund, including The HIV/AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic (a personal Godsend for me in times when the only health insurance I could afford was insufficient), The Actors Fund Work Program, The Dancers’ Resource, The Stage Managers’ Project and three supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards annual grants to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.
No amount is too small (or too great), so let's use small change to make a big difference!
-Summer Broyhill
Visit here to contribute a donation of your own OR buy tickets to the event here!
Lemon Meringue
The process of recovering lost sections of one's life after childhood sexual abuse is inherently dramatic and theater is a home for powerful emotions. So it's not surprising that plays by survivors are starting to appear on the subject. However, the art related to child sexual abuse has been predominantly women's stories to-date. Rich Ryan, a Long Island-based survivor, breaks the mold with "Lemon Meringue," his new ten-character play with songs by Athena Reich, a survivor/recording artist. The play is directed by Terri Muuss, a theater artist and social worker who is also a survivor. Ryan's Production Company, Rich Ryan Productions, LLC, will present the work July 8 to 10, 2011 at TADA! Theater, 15 West 28th Street, for one-week only. The short run, an Equity Showcase, will also be a fundraiser for a new nonprofit devoted enabling other survivors to break their silence on the issue and build magnificent lives.
Read more: LEMON-MERINGUE