B.INSPIRED! The B.Boyz B. Ballin!

FASHION AND DANCE? BARYSHNIKOV and LIL'BUCK?

YOU HAD ME AT HELLO FELLAS!

B. INSPIRED The Sacred Feminine & The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo

It should serve as common knowledge that any woman who goes by ‘Madame B.’ loves all things feminine mystique, and thus, should come as no further surprise that my all-time favorite ballets come from the land of Massine with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo!

In a world overwrought with chisled abstractions of the feminine form dancing about rather vigorously, one can’t help but swoon amidst the lush landscape of the ballet under those dancers whose rounded arms and softened legs create movement described by Danilova as, “with perfume”. 

While this documentary states that it was Balanchine who declared that “ballet is woman” and Massine who was creating masterful roles for the men, a closer look tells an altogether different story……one that seems not only utilitarian of the feminine, but one that acknowledges the role of The Sacred Feminine to the inspiration of Man...and the role of Beauty, to the inspiration of Art.

The Beautiful Workings of Ballet

This evening before bed I was You Tube surfing to find a bit of bedtime inspiration and came upon a lovely video by one of NY's most respected teachers, Edward Ellison...and this reminded me, that yes, everything, including our work, is beautiful at the ballet.... Sweet Dreams.

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NYC EVENT RUNDOWN FOR THE WEEKEND:

see Events Calendar for more info

SAT, MAY 21:

• ABT Polina Semionova and David Hallberg heat up the afternoon with Don Q. for the Sat. Matinee!
• DANCE PARADE! http://www.danceparade.org/
• NEW YORK SCHOOL OF BURLESQUE STUDENT SHOWCASE

 MON, MAY 23:

• ABT Alina Cojocaru and JOSE MANUEL CARRENO finish the Don Q. run Monday evening!
• Isadora Duncan Birthday Celebration

A QUIET INSPIRATION: Leonard Cohen & Matisse

Pursuing an Artform as physically demanding and visceral as Dance often requires levels of energy that are far above normal.  As Performers, many of us already have a natural "switch " that turns on as easy as breathing.  I myself, find that I am often continuously living in a space full of energy and enthusiasm, and this started long before dance ever entered my life; when my former athletic coaches used to drill into us the idea that "an energetic attitude, is a winning attitude".

Being naturally energetic, meant that this idea was no problem for me -- and even now, I often feel downright guilty for entering the Public Sphere sans passion. 

Nevertheless, I've found over time that being in such an enthusiastic state can sometimes work against the very real need to commence from within yourself.  To honor your need for, simply, Quiet.

Lately I've been embracing this idea of quiet inspiration and in doing so I've been drawn back to a lovely book published by a little known publishing house.  At the time I originally acquired this reading, it seemed that, like so many special moments in my life, in some way, this book found me -- an accidental meeting -- a most pleasant surprise.   Encapsulating a simple, heart-full poem written by Leonard Cohen with Illustrations by Matisse, this little serendipitous find has brought me a quiet inspiration that is reminiscent of a lullaby, allowing me to slowly cradle my need for repose, and dreams.

I hope you too, Enjoy.

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE

BY LEONARD COHEN / PAINTINGS BY MATISSE



DANCE ME TO YOUR BEAUTY WITH A BURNING VIOLIN,

DANCE ME THROUGH THE PANIC, TILL I'M GATHERED SAFELY IN,

LIFT ME LIKE AN OLIVE BRANCH AND BE MY HOMEWARD DOVE,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

LET ME SEE YOUR BEAUTY,

WHEN THE WITNESSES ARE GONE.

LET ME FEEL YOU MOVING, LIKE THEY DO IN BABYLON

SHOW ME SLOWLY, WHAT I ONLY KNOW THE LIMITS OF,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

DANCE ME TO THE WEDDING NOW

DANCE ME ON AND ON,

DANCE ME VERY TENDERLY,

AND DANCE ME VERY LONG.

WE'RE BOTH OF US BENEATH OUR LOVE,

WE'RE BOTH OF US ABOVE,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

DANCE ME TO THE CHILDREN, WHO ARE ASKING TO BE BORN,

DANCE ME THROUGH CURTAINS, THAT OUR KISSES HAVE OUTWORN,

RAISE A TENT OF SHELTER NOW, THOUGH EVERY THREAD IS TORN,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE. 

DANCE ME TO YOUR BEAUTY WITH A BURNING VIOLIN,

DANCE ME THROUGH THE PANIC, TILL I'M GATHERED SAFELY IN,

TOUCH ME WITH YOUR NAKED HAND,  TOUCH ME WITH YOUR GLOVE,

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE.

Chloe + Philip Glass + NYCB = LOVE

Found a most stunning video from The Block Magazine's  newest Ad Campaign for Chloe starring NYCB Dancer's Janie Taylor & Justin Peck, with Choreography by Justin, Music by Philip Glass and Dressings by Chloe.  The fact that I adore Chloe (i dream of every dress in this campaign, ahhhhhh), Philip Glass and Elegant Films in Sepia Tones means that this short is the perfect ending to my day. 

Sweet Dreams.