Archive for the 'Dance' Category

Something about a cover charge can really generate a whole aura around a show.

$0- You get what you pay for. Sometimes you get a true gem for free, others, you get a piece of crap, but its okay! You have enough cash to get drunk and you enjoy the effort.

$5- They’re trying. There’s definetely effort, and some $5 shows have been the best shows I’ve ever been to. $5 at the door means that the performers are taking themselves seriously, and you should (try to) as well

$10- All right. The kids have grown up and they have a comprehensive performance that should captivate your attention for the time being, and even if it’s not great, should hold the gravitas that a double-digit door-charge should hold.

So if a Rock-Dance peformance called Fairytale Dreams, dreamed up by circus performer and neo-bohemian Jennifer Upchurch charges $15 at the door, you would expect it to be a real show. Intricate, talented, depthful and heavily choreographed dancers moving along a layered narrative, bringing us into a fantasy world that truly trancends us from the mortal realm.

Not a bunch of fairy-tale girls and flitty boys prancing about backed by a goof-ball drums-and-bass duo called Fat Free with some vague storyline of boys lost in the land of fairies.

The three major components of Fairytale Dreams were dance, trapeze and hula-hoops. The dance was pedestrian, an uninspired mix of spins, cartwheels and kicks, the type you can catch for a dime a dozen at the Prospect Park meadow any Sunday afternoon. The trapaze was, at best amature, and the hula-hoops with their detailed christmas light schemes were one of the minor pleasantries of the act.

Except that they can be found at any RUBULAD party or Burner fundraiser for enormously less money and attention expectation.

I can think of three things that would have made Fairytale Dreams a show worth going to:

1. More talent

2. More practice/rehersal

3. Less freakin’ money at the door.

If you’re going to charge $15 for a show, you have got to to earn it.

Every so often the Zipper Theatre, arguably one of the coolest theatre spaces in the city, hosts an event called “Above the Belt” which is a showcase of NYC based aerial performers– an oppurtunity for trapeze artists and the like to show off their skills. Somehow the folks at the Zipper have transformed their comfortable, unique space into a underground circuis scene. There is a hint of the European, and for two magnificent hours you completely forget you are in Manhattan. “Above the Belt” truly brings the audience to a different time, a different location, a different world.

This is the single greatest physical performance I have ever seen. Forget Stomp or Blue Man Group, or event the great shows PS 122 has to offer. “Above the Belt” is stunning, terrifying, magical and sensual experience. The performers use aparatuses I have never even seen– silk ropes hanging from the ceiling, twsited around the body expertly so that the performers hang and twist and twirl in the sky with unbelievable grace and fearlessness. There is a huge silver hoop used as a kind of trapeze, and a set of two looped ropes that a male-female duet hang and dangle with.

“Above the Belt” is difficult to talk about. It is so unusual, so beautiful that I say for two hours with my mouth, quite literally, wide open, hand over mouth, eyes wide. There is no safety net in the Zipper Theatre, and the sense of urgency and danger is pervasive. The performers do not stumble for a moment, however, and they execute seemingly impossible movements with strength and agility. They are dancers in the sky… some of the best dancers I have ever seen.

This event is trying to become a monthly performance, and we should only be so lucky to have this kind of experience available every month. “Above the Belt” is modern and old fashioned, in the same moment, unfamiliarity in the middle of Times Square. It is a gift to the city.

Stand out performers include Jordann Baker, Michelle Dortignac, Joshua Dean and Kristin Olness.

Information available at the Zipper Theatre’s website. 

I sheepishly wandered into the room and there she was… Dottie Lux- a poised vision in her false eyelashes and her little cap-sleeved cherry red top with dainty white buttons, effortlessly emitting a lovely, timeless quality as if she just stepped out of a picture book from another era.

The Red Hots Burlesque School of Shimmy is “the only school where you can get your PHD in Take-it-off-ology!”. On April 18th I attended the first class in a series of 4- called Burlesque 101, hosted by Dottie Lux (who has 6 years of burlesque experience under those pasties).

We started with a little historical lesson on Burlesque through the ages including The Golden Age of Burlesque (30’s - 50’s) and Neo-Burlesque (80’s - today), which led to a dialogue about the role of Burlesque in society and how it is compared with some other forms of entertainment such as stripping and dance; and talked about some influential female personalities throughout art and pop culture.

There were 10 of us in the class, and we all went around and shared our insecurities about our own bodies. Dots explained that we should embrace our bodies and celebrate our quirks. It was fun to hear what all the ladies LIKED about their bodies, too- everything from eyes to smiles to boobs and everything in between.

After choosing our fancy Burlesque names, Dottie showed us the fabulous five Burlesque movements: The Bump, The Grind, The Shake, The Shimmy and my personal favorite- The Showcase. Then it was our turn to try out the moves- lots of giggling ensued and everyone felt more comfortable when we donned some of Dottie’s extra costume pieces such as sexy long gloves and fluffy feather boas.

Burlesque is playful, it’s truly an artform that can be empowering to women! Thoughtfulness, creativity, purpose, costume and music as well as a slow and deliberate tease are all key ingredients for a successful performance. For some it’s a genuine way to live their lives. “I have to bump while cleaning the house”, Dottie says with a smile, “otherwise I just can’t clean.”

Believe it or not- all clothes were left on for this first class (except for the extra added pieces). I’m totally checking out the next classes in the series! I DO hope we get to learn that tassel twirl- I just can’t figure out how to make my girls swing like that!

UPCOMING CLASSES IN THIS SERIES:
April 25: Burlesque 201
May 9: Burlesque on a Budget
May 16th: Finishing Touches
End of May: School of Shimmy Showcase
Classes are at the Den of Cin (now if that ain’t a play on words!).

Next Full Class Series: TBD
Private individual or group classes also available upon request.

“There once was a boy called… Edward.”

Well, I’ll be honest when I sat down in my seat at BAM to watch a dance show of Edward Scissorhands I was thinking there was no way I would ever like this thing- I am such a cult fan of the movie- frankly I was a little pissed they made it into a dance show. HOWEVER, about 1 song into it I had a huge change of heart. I was completely sold and dancing in my seat along with the cast- it WASN’T trying to compete with the movie, just taking the story to a new medium. It was over the top in the most spectacular way!

Devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne (my new hero), Scissorhands is one of the great love stories of all times, I’m talking right up there with “The Princess Bride, An Affair to Remember” and Rocky (don’t laugh at me- I swear it’s romantic!!).

The dancing was a melange of ballet, modern dance, jazz and isolated dance moves. One of my favorite moments was the unique dance of the topiaries which was hysterically happy- it made me wish the shrubbery in my yard could dance like that!

The orchestral arrangements were whimsical and playful. Often the use of individual instruments would set the mood, such as the sultry use of the saxophone for Edward’s seduction scene or the use of chimes and bells.

Lez Brotherston’s bursts of colorful costumes of bubblegum pinks, oranges, purples and turquoises were eye-catching and each was a perfect compliment to the characters. His use of different textures from satins to velvets to organzas and beyond combined with the subtle use of patterns like plaids, polka dots and stripes created an overwhelming and fun style. Brotherston’s sets were simple, colorful and aesthetically pleasing and the lights shown in brilliant kelley greens, shades of warmth and sky blues, capturing the heart of the show.

Oh and the characters were great stylized stereotypes. Let’s start with Edward- okay, so look- if it couldn’t be Johnny Depp, then they definitely got the right crew (sharing the role are outstanding performers Sam Archer and Richard Winsor). I wanted to go hug sweet Edward. Slut neighbor was my 2nd favorite- she was slutty and sensuous and fabulous.

The neighborhood scenes were priceless (& only a few times dragged on a tad too long). Favorite moments were the cuckold neighbor, Edward’s seduction scene- which MY GOD totally reminds me of what fun you can have with a washing machine… ohhh, ohhhh, oh, sorrry, where was I?

Overall: Let’s just say that Tim Burton rocks my world and Matthew Bourne is a jewel that I will definitely keep my eyes on! Go see it.

PS For Johnny Depp’s Eyes Only: Dear Johnny… were you there on opening night? I was skimming the audience for you, hoping you would attend. If you don’t like this review, then feel free to spank me… did I actually type that out loud? Haha… email me, just kidding, no really email me….

It was a Wednesday night, and I spent a lousy day yapping to idiot tourists on an open-top bus. I made some pretty good tips though and figured it was worth $10 at the door to see some titties.

WAIT, NO! That’s not what Burlesque is about! It’s supposed to be a clever and ironic throwback to the 1920’s and 30’s where sexual performance was still new and scandalous! Neo-Burlesque is, of course, a self-counscious modern interpretation on a distinct early 20th century art-form, a fusion of costuming, dance, seduction and humor all while weaving a narrative through music and pantomime, topping it all off with. . . well, yes, Titties! With pasties! And tassles that swirl!!

But, as my first paragraph illustrated, sometimes a fella can dilude himself into believing that he’s attending a subtle, layered, performance piece when in truth, it’s a lot more like a glorified strip-tease.

Which is what my experience seeing The Peach Tartes at Don Hills was like last night. Don Hills, which can be found at Greenwich and Spring sts, in the above Canal st part of TriBeCa (wait a second. . .) and The audience seemed to be mostly made up of the Wall st. types, (both guys and girls) looking to get their jollies off at the sight of pert young female flesh shaking their goodies for the whole crowd to enjoy.

The show was well composed, the ladies very, very sexy all of them with very clever burlesque names and sexy outfits. The loose plot of the show was that these six young ladies were all guests at the Heartbreak Hotel, acting out the five stages of grief (Denial, Bargaining, Anger, Depression, Acceptance) through burlesque acts some (Denial, Depression) more inspired than others (the rest) along with the most fun, often forgotten stage of overcoming grief: REVENGE!

Though in most of the cases, when not sure of how to take the flimsy story-line of each of their acts further, just displayed some spinning kicks and splits, opting for some easy applause from the audience.

The most enjoyable part of the evening had to be the first act, the Tartes signature piece, all six ladies, in three sets of Dom/Sub duets, tight bodies in slinky lingere performing a very, very naughty dance piece set to Chriss Isaac’s “Baby did a Bad Bad Thing”

Sure, it got my jolly-jim all nice and pointy, but I’m the type to call a spade a spade and if it looks like a strip show, it acts like a strip show, and the skanky bar it’s in smells like a strip show, well then

Don’t call it “Burlesque”

I wanted very badly to have an awesome time at The Painted Ladies, a burlesque style, sexually provocative dance show at the East Village’s Mo Pitkin’s. The venue is perfect for the rowdy, risque women, and the potential was there, but the end result was a surprising dull night, nursing a very strong margarita, waiting for something truly thrilling to happen.

To be fair, the women have talent, energy, and are all excellent performers. The director, Jenny Rocha, particuarly stands out from the very first number. The dancers are fearless and brazen and their faces are just as expressive as their bodies. They are all strikingly beautiful, their costumes are fun and creative, the music they chose was memorable. How then, did I find the time to be bored, you ask? Easy. In between each of the seven dance numbers there is a long break– just as long as the numbers themselves. Each time the break arrived, I found myself checking my phone, looking around the room at other bored customers, and wishing I could be somewhere else. The dances were also at times repetitive and unfocussed. I wasn’t always sure what I was watching or why. And instead of feeling excited about interpretting the night on my own, I felt confused by the overt and awkward sexuality, and uncomfortable with the luke warm response of the audience.

Somehow, The Painted Ladies get lost in the strange place in between legitimate dance performance and Coyote Ugly style dancing bartenders. Since they commit to neither, they stay trapped in a kind of purgatory of almost-ness. They have the talent, courage, spirit, and direction to achieve greatness, so I felt a real sadness at their inability to utilize their strengths. Even my very strong (and let’s face it, overpriced) margarita wasn’t enough to liven my night at this oddly unsatisfying event.

Do you ever long for the days when you could join hands with 7 of your best friends & skip in a circle with innocence and glee? No need to fear… just head over to Galapagos in Williamsburg for a Square Dancing, banjo-pickin’ good time. YES- that’s right, I said Square Dancing!!! No need to scratch your head in disbelief, this event really does exist & takes place on the last Thursday each month at Galapagos, but stuffy/snobby people need not attend- must be young at heart and willing to laugh your ass off.

Singer/songwriter with a sense of humor, Andy Mullen was our caller for the evening, stylishly crooning out commands such as ‘swing your corner’, ‘bow to your partner’, ‘do-sa-do’ and ‘promenade’. Mullen introduced himself personally to pretty much everyone that walked in the door. He started slowly so we could get into the ‘swing’ of things and brush up on our dance steps, as people kept trickling in through the door.

And, Mullen’s bluegrass band The Ridout Creek Ramble had a casual groove- no silly sequined matching outfits, just good ol’ live music. They had a fun sound that put a smile on our faces.

So, if your week’s been tense and you need to escape your own reality for a while, then come on down for a little square dance therapy. Doesn’t matter if you’re the crunchy veggie girl wearing your vegan cowboy boots, the big dude in your leather motorcycle bad boy boots or even the distinguished gentlemen in the polished oxfords cause any which way your toes will be tappin’ to the tunes. Everybody gets caught up in the frenzy of the hand clappin’ and the fancy footwork. Oh, and you might even accidentally let out a ‘Yeehaw’ or two, which is totally acceptable and most likely will be returned by a friendly dancer on the other side of your square.

Okay, so I must admit, I popped my head next door into Galapagos’ other performance space a time or two to peer at the woman in the painted on shiny silver pants and bikini top (she wouldn’t have been complete without her fuzzy black fake beard & mustache) screaming at the top of her lungs & asking the audience if she had a camel toe. I decided then & there to back it up and stick with the Square Dancing. (Plus that girl band was just kinda poopy- cute, though minus all the facial hair.)

Was Square Dancing crowded? NO. In fact, we just almost completed 2 full squares (that means 1 shy of 16 people- for you citified folk who might not know the laws of Square Dancing 101.) In fact, the cute banjo player even had to take me for a spin around the dance floor when I didn’t have a partner. Seriously though, why are more people not out frolicking like mischievous children in the backroom of a bar on a Thursday night participating in ridiculously juvenile activities??? Aaahh… happy times, I’m talking happy smelly kids in 4th grade PE class- SMILE.

Overall: This event was not square and the final ‘bow to your partner’ was at 10 PM, so you still have time to go home early to call your mother (or head out to your next party of the night!) If more people would go, it’d be even better- doors open at 7 PM, but ya can’t really get started till you get at least 1 full square. And, hey- it’s cheap at $7 a head.

When I think of the Galapagos art/performance/asymetrical haircut showcase/drinking space, squaredancing does not generally enter into the mental picture. I was, therefore, intensely curious about what I’d find. Upon arriving, I had to squeeze through smoking hipsters outside, then navigate my way through the barely legal art school kids watching the kind of band you would normally expect to see in a place like Galapagos (electro vagina rock?) and finally made it to the back room where the squaredancing is held.

Opening the door, in the center of the room a cultish circle of oddballs holding hands and on stage an extremely mellow looking quartet of pickers greeted me as I entered (literally! everyone said hi). Chugging half my PBR in one go as the bizarre beats from next door pulsed in the background, I thought maybe I’d made a mistake on this one. I could not have been more wrong. Within about 15 minutes I’d become a full-fledged member of the hand-holding cult and can honestly say that I had THE MOST FUN dancing that I’ve had in at least a decade. If my junior high gym teacher is reading, I’m sorry, you were right, those awkward weeks we spent learning to square dance did finally come in handy. Thank you gym teacher.

Easier than hopping on my old ten-speed, I was alamand-lefting and do-si-doing like an old pro within about ten mintues. The incredibly kind, talented, and patient members of the band walked us through each dance in slow motion, then sat back and twanged with glee as we rocketed through each dance at full speed. After only a couple dances, we’d worked up a bit of a sweat and were giggling like best friends at 3am at a 12th grade slumber party (or at least, this is how I imagine it would have been if I’d ever gotten invited to one). I’m not sure why, but tripping over myself, kicking my partner’s shoe into the next room, and totally messing up the grand ol’ right and left just made it that much more fun. Did I look like a jackass? Probably. But, I met some cute girls, heard some good music, drank some cold beer, and for the first time that I can remember, really did dance like I didn’t care who was looking.

I highly recommend this event to anyone that doesn’t take themselves too seriously and has the huevos to make it through the hipster gauntlet when getting in.

The thing about Sweet is that there’s a host (Seth Herzog) a revolving DJ friend, a bunch of guest comics and a mom. So it feels like you’re hanging out in someones living room and a bunch of guys are just taking turns telling stories.
That was especially true this Thursday at Sweet when the guests were Will Frankin, whose non-sensical ramblings only made sense to those who knew him, Jakob Lodwick, who brought a home movie of Mr God vs. Mr Gay, and Leo Allen, who was pretty much making things up off the top of his head.

This particular Thursday was special because it was also the host of the LVHRD Society’s ‘Dance Hard’ auditions. Judges Kristen Sloane of the NYC Ballet, John Viener of the Family Guy and actors Josh Charles, Sam Rockwell were brought in to decide among the seven contestants who would be eligible to move on the the real competition on September 12th. Unfortunately, it turned into a mass of ironic hipsterness. Only one girl (Sharon, in the video) could actually dance, and little did she know she would become the butt of several chauvinistic and racist jokes by Viener. After almost making another girl cry, the judges decided to send two contestants to the finals, Sharon and Drunky Brewster(pictured), who through her alcoholic haze was able to say English words, but not put them together in any kind of coherent sentence.

Any fan of comedy should stop by the Slipper Room on Thursday nights. It’s reminiscent of being in high school and somehow ending up at the house of someone you don’t know very well. Maybe you don’t get all the jokes, but over all you think it’s funny and have a good time. Sweet is the place where comics go to perform for each other.

The Interactive Telecommunications Program is having their winter show on Sunday and Monday. Prepare to be inspired. One of the projects that’s not to be missed:

“Smoke is a window display where a sensor detects cigarette smoke and transforms a recorded video of a solo dance piece. Designed to be installed in a window outside a dance studio or performance space, Smoke is motivated by and reflects upon the prevalence of smoking in the dance community.”

“Smoke is made up of a custom smoke sensor housed in a small device attached to the outside of a display window. The device senses a variety of gases, including cigarette smoke, and communicates the presence of the gas to a second sensor inside the window. A PC inside the window runs a custom application that alters the appearance of a dance video piece as more or less gas is detected.”

Smoke will be on display on the corner of Waverly and Broadway on Sunday from 2-6 and Monday from 5-9.