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RG Dance Projects is a newish modern dance company with impressive dancers, headed up by choreographer Ruben Graciani, himself a dancer who performed with Mark Morris from 1994 through 1999.

Friday night, Graciani’s group of dancers presented to a sold-out house, three bold dances. The most impressive piece was the final offering of the evening, We Fall Down, We Get Up. Backed by twelve men and twelve women in a vocal chorus, Emily Craver, Jacob Goodhart, Stephen James, Emily Pacilio, and Leslie St. Jour gave an all-out passionate and focused performance of final redemption and salvation.

“This work is an exploration on one’s boundaries; both those we create for ourselves and those we inherit.”

The dance begins with the dancers rolling, tumbling, crawling onto the stage in a simulated desert landscape. The singers are delivering a wall of celestial, religious chanting that underscores sympathy and salvation for the burden of the human condition. All is heavy and weighty for the dancers–they stumble and help each other.  A red ribbon is strung across the stage in various ways symbolizing prisons and barriers that confine the dancers. Images of squalor, dust bowl-suffering, depression era poverty in the Deep South is echoed in another country bluesy tune–Everything I Got I Done and Pawned.  The dancers get up and fall down, struggle and wilt to the floor– sometimes a bit too long and bit too much. The chorus re-enters with spiritual fervor.

This continues in duets between man and women, man versus man, until in a resolution of wild and harmonious freedom, Indian tabla drumming and sitar strings release the group from their oppression, and ecstatic moments of flying, represented when Emily Pacilio, climbing upon crouched bodies  hurtles through the air with confident liberation, is caught, and repeats the move three times; it increasingly becomes a powerful moment of triumph. Ms Pacilio danced with passion and committed energy here, as well as in Swing and Miss.

“This work is an exploration on one’s boundaries; both those we create for ourselves and those we inherit. I am thinking about how much control we have over the expression of our identity, if some of identifying markers are more or less inherited and permanent.” Graciani.

All the dancers gave their utmost with great energy and conviction. Art isn’t easy–getting an idea conceptualized in movement as metaphor requires the luck and inspiration of a great poet.  There are so many gestures, leaps, twists, turns, and falls symbolizing an idea, that putting it together in a dance is truly difficult. Seeing a piece only once is a challenge, since pieces grow in color and depth as you closely observe.  Rapture, the second dance of the evening wasn’t as successful. The elements were there, the back projection of emotive images, water, clouds, lovers on a wharf, but the choreography didn’t convey the intense message the title suggests. In the Westbeth space, your vision was drawn more to the images on the wall than to the dancers on stage; the dancers became obliterated. Also, the choreography had the dancers strangely chaste, while those on screen were engaged.

Swing and a Miss spoke of the vagaries of love.  In a speedy piece, the choreography was in a classical modern dance mode that had clean and precise lines with first, four dancers in a group, pairings of each man and woman, and lastly, a piece for two women.  Wary approach, wary avoidance. Another peek, another retreat. Love is dangerous, love has pitfalls. The costumes were fun in fiery red and yellow unitards that conveyed robustness, ready and reporting for battle.

We Fall Down, We Get Up

Performances

May 17th @ 8pm and **May 18th @ 3pm & 8pm

Featured here is 3rd Place Winner in the Classical Dance category, Yui Sugawara, age 19,  who danced her piece called, “Exit,” at the 2013 Youth America Grand Prix  which took place in Hartford, CT.

For their latest pop-up art installation this Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 7-10 pm, ShoeboxLA will present Cathy Weiss: I, Remember…

Mounted as a multi-media installation Weiss touches on memory and words, light and shadow, spirituality and physicality and the remembrance of her father.

Now in their second season…Started in September, 2011 by artists Sophia Allison and Paul W. Evans, ShoeboxLA gives Los Angeles artists an opportunity to do one-day, site-specific exhibitions outside the traditional gallery setting. Locations change for each show but the space remains the same. Blink and you’ll miss us…

by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

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Sure Mother’s Day was ONLY this past Sunday, but we couldn’t help thinking, “What about Dad?”

It may be a fact that Father’s Day is a less celebrated, less expensive holiday.  And certainly most dads say they don’t care, need, or want a lot, if anything at all.  But we know they think it’s super cool getting recognized. So this year, we’re posting early and getting edgy.

Of course we’re not saying he needs anything like a makeover.  We just think it might be fun to change it up a bit from golf balls, iPads and electric drills, for what makes him feel as hot as the day he met your mom.  I mean, how do you think you got here anyway?

According to Wikipedia, Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. Its first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910 in honor of her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, a single parent who raised his six children there.

After hearing a sermon about the newly recognized Mother’s Day in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. And although, over the years many presidents attempted to introduced bills to recognize it as a National Holiday, it wasn’t until 1972, that it became permanent, when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.

That’s a long time to wait for a Thank You!

Check out a few of our favorites:

For the Outdoorsy/Active Dad 

A K-WAY Manfield Cotton Plus Jacket.  Waterproof, permanently breathable and windproof.  Perfect for super hot Dads who love to walk, hike and enjoy their “days in the sun.”  Comes with a hidden hood in the collar for a little extra cover on windy days.

Available in Olive, Sand, Charcoal and Black. $195

Don’t Fear The Flowers

All those spring time jaunts occasionally have a kick.  And if he’s like most dads we know, he’ll never admit to feeling uncomfortable.  But he can get a little Allergease without taking a pill.

For The Preppy Dad

Some things just work and even if your dad’s not a book worm, he might need to have a Vineyard Vines staple handy to add a bit of whimsy to an ordinary day. A Bonefish Printed Silk Boe Tie $45, is the perfect Average Anonymous man-ccessory that won’t step too out of bounds and yet add color to his wardrobe.  Regular straight tie versions come in yellow, blue and pink. $75.

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For The Sports fan Dad

He was never cuter.  And it probably really WAS that certain something he wore on the first date with the Mrs. that showed off his svelt bod and totally awesome muscles.  For $19, Dad can have that vintage look back without feeling over the hill in a Junk Food Clothing NFL New York Jets inspired limited edition throwback tee. Featuring hard-nosed style and relaxed fit. 50% Polyester 37% Cotton 13% Rayon. Other teams available.

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For The Traveling Dad

He likes to play it loose.  He’s a travelin’ man whose made a lotta stops and already owns the heart of one lovely girl – your mom. In the meantime, get him something he’ll really use whether he’s a weekend warrior on the courts or likes to stuff and go for a day trip.  The Converse Canvas Duffle League Play Bag $29 is no frills simple, masculine and hip. Other styles and colors available.

So does Gwen Stefani, Halle Berry, Leny Kravitz, Steven Tyler, Diddy, Kanye and Kim.

They retreat to a 5,000 sq. ft. sanctuary, hidden by green vine, on one of the most trafficked streets in Los Angeles, Santa Monica Blvd., off the radar and without any outside view to the public. A buzz is required for entry.  Inside it is a warm refuge.

And there they find the divine…

CHURCHBoutique, hub to the serious shoppers and celebrities who want quality without having to walk into a Barney’s or Maxfield’s, opened to the public in Sept. 2009 as a  creative collaboration by Rodney Burns and David Malvaney, housing exclusive high-end, avant-garde fashion, accessories and jewelry collections from the best emergin designers around the globe. The environment showcases meticulously curated art, sculpture, antiquities and designs from emerging and established artists and designers, with the likes of a permanent installation wall by Retna.  It’s the biggest kept secret in West Hollywood…until now.

WE JUST THOUGHT IT WAS TIME YOU WENT…

Always! in the sparkling world of Dawn Smart’s Dore Designs.

by Tracey Paleo, Gia On the Move

When it comes to dancing like a champion, there is no difference between costume and couture except for one element – Time.  “I’ve been drawing my […] off for the last three days.  In the Ballroom Dance world, we create a new line every single day.”

A visit to this year’s 2013 Emerald Ball held at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton was a sumptuous treat of eye-opening insight into what being a dress maker for high level competitive performers is really all about.

The Emerald Ball happens to be one of 5 events all year round where Dawn Smart showcases the full collection of her unique, stand out Dore Designs that are created and crafted at the “atelier” level.  Here, clients pay a hefty sum (starting at $3500 and as much as $6000) for a show dress to begin with. But catering to her contest entry to pro/am division winner devotees, following THEM from event to event, is what has become the cornerstone of the Dore brand.

She’s very much a modern century couturier in the lines of Balmain, Givenchy or Dior, turning out custom drawn, designed, fitted and sewn gowns for each client in person, most of the time on the spot, during competition breaks, when dancers have precious moments to spare.

Dawn Smart of Dore Designs

Listening to her clients Dawn translates elaborately described illusions to material works of moving art. Painstaking patterning and penciling new gowns and dresses, from start to finish during private sessions and working on every detail: every pin, feather, sequin, and Swarovski crystal placement, every peep and coverup section, every slit, etc. is part of the “noticeable” edge that Dawn gives her star performers.  And for as many days as a competition lasts, Dawn will sketch her fingers to the bone until the perfect raiment is envisioned.

In addition, Dawn provides what may be the ultimate resource for gown and dress making: bolts of European purchased silks that are completely dyed in a single color.  There is never an occasion where she will mix and match color lots.  Every finished design is uniform in each color block in pigment and shade from head to toe.  She does however, make all of her garments here in the USA and overseas every detail, which is why her clients trust her utterly for flawless presentation.

Dawn also provides another completely unique service.  For each dancer, a customized dressmaker form of her client’s measurements is created.  So, should a lady with a truly demanding travel schedule or one with a last minute glitch, need a gown immediately, one can be shipped long distance without being fit in person.  She won’t have to go through the distress of wondering whether or not she’ll be able to properly Waltz or Rumba in front of judges.  A show woman can be confident that she will never experience an uncomfortable seam scratching against her body, fabric bulging in an odd place, losing a stitch and most of all not being able to shimmy or sache across the dance floor should a weight change have occurred.

It might sound like it is an incredible poo-pooing extravagance that most people cannot afford, but Dore Designs’ has a near cult following with fans around the globe.  Plus her gowns have made numerous appearances on, “So You Think You Can Dance,” and New York Fashion Week. So strong is Dawn as a powerhouse of creativity, client hand-held support and even sponsorships on the circuit, she is now in preparation for Dore Designs appearances on several up and coming reality shows (which of course we can’t mention yet, even though we already have the “skinny” on one of them!).  The power of competitive dance glamour!  She’s a lady “On The Move” and we love her!

Real die hard glitterati will want her gowns for a night at the Opera, the Ballet, a Black-tie wedding or an elegant charity gala.

My wonderful friend, mentor and former director Midge is starting a new family today on Mother’s Day.  It’s a family investing in its roots by travelling to Italy.

I love this idea.  What an inspiration!  Check it out.  Consider subscribing!  I’ve already done that (jealously of course – lol).

and..

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Reblogged from hovercraftdoggy:

Cool and Colorful Sparkle Palace Cocktail Table designed by John Foster

for more great Art, Architecture, Design and Photography works, come follow us now on Facebook and Pinterest

Read more… 6 more words

The ʻMomtract,” is a loving and legally binding gift to bring mothers and children closer together this year. Created by Simon Philion and Richard Langhorne  the Momtract gives a mother back the power she woefully lost as her children aged.  It is an online service that allows sons and daughters to contractually forsake control over one part of their lives.  If you don’t meet the terms of the agreement, SHE CAN SUE!

Filed under: Media, Movies ]]> http://giaonthemove.com/2013/05/10/shes-got-the-power-what-your-mom-really-wants-for-mothers-day/feed/ 0 giamedia3 momtract http://giaonthemove.com/2013/05/08/masterpieces-of-art-and-music-of-iconic-film-presented-by-the-golden-state-on-saturday-may-11-2013/ http://giaonthemove.com/2013/05/08/masterpieces-of-art-and-music-of-iconic-film-presented-by-the-golden-state-on-saturday-may-11-2013/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 20:00:21 +0000 GiaOnTheMove http://giaonthemove.com/?p=11136 Continue reading →]]> On Saturday, May 11, 2013, Varèse Sarabande Records the largest label dedicated solely to film music, is celebrating 35 years of releasing film music.  To mark this special occasion will be a star-studded anniversary concert performed by the Golden State Pops Orchestra, conducted by Steve Allen Fox, at the Warner Grand Theatre 478 W. 6^th Street in San Pedro, CA, hosted by Varèse Sarabande’s producer Robert Townson.

The 35^th Anniversary concert will include music from Hans Zimmer, Michael Giacchino, John Powell, Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith, and Alex North. Hollywood’s leading film composers will be in attendance, several of whom will guest conduct. Oscar winning composer Michael Giacchino will conduct the world premiere of his music from the upcoming film Star Trek Into Darkness.

In addition to a concert celebration of the music of Varèse Sarabande, the Art Deco Gallery will house a display of paintings used in Varèse Sarabande album covers. The exhibition features original film artwork by Bob Peak, best known for his iconic movie posters including My Fair Lady, Apocalypse Now, and Superman the Movie. His son Matthew Peak, who created numerous Varèse Sarabande album covers, will also be featured.

The Art Deco Art Building gallery, located at 741 S. Pacific Building, will be free admission for the general public from 3:30 to 7:30 the day of the event. To purchase concert tickets here:

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The concert is part of a global series of Varèse Sarabande events taking place throughout the year. The 35^thAnniversary global concert series kicked off in February in North America at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, CA. This performance was a tribute concert to Alan Silvestri, whose films scores include Captain America, Back to the Future, Forest Gump, and Castaway, selections from all of which were performed by the Golden State Pops Orchestra, a year-round orchestra specializing in film music.

Upcoming shows include a Star Wars Musical Tribute on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Additional concerts in Poland, Spain, and Austria take place this summer, and other European and U.S. concerts will be announced for the fall.

Varèse Sarabande is the most prolific film music label in the world, boasting more than 1500 soundtrack albums with 60 to 70 titles added each year. Releases of classic scores are handled by Varèse Sarabande’s imprint, Varèse Vintage.

.One lovely day in April (long before the official opening and ribbon cutting on Monday, May 6th), I got a little email to ask if I might want to take a private gander at some very luxurious extensions, illusion falls and clip-ins at an ultra modern, 1,800-square-foot space, complete with a styling salon and a private room for the ultimate VIP experience on the second floor, (aka hush hush celebrity hangout!) all conceived and designed by the masterful artistry of Flora Shepelsky, craftswoman behind the exclusive brand Design by Flora. 

As the fantasy of vibrant, perfectly coiffed, frizz-less, hair haze loomed in my mind’s eye, the “I’ll never be bristly again” prospect willed me to quickly type back, “YES! I will attend!”

Gia On The Move gets the royal hair treatment with a custom “topper” during a private sitting from Flora Shepelsky at Design by Flora, 300 S. La Brea Ave in Los Angeles.

So off I was on the yellow brick road over the rainbow to see the Wizardess of Wigs.  I landed at 300 South La Brea Avenue (@ West 3^rd Street), where the corner shop, which will now be the West Coast Flagship, beamed style right out to the street in all directions like a beacon, calling to it lovers of luscious beauty.

Like Dorothy permitted entry into the Emerald City, I was ushered in for the royal make-over treatment starting with a grand tour of an enormous  store house of hundred’s of fully customizable pieces in every length, color and style and luxury clip-in hair extensions.  I simply couldn’t wait to try a few on and the lovely Flora obliged by applying style after style on my head.

Getting totally carried away with a new look in Black!

Known by women worldwide for its use of the highest quality of all natural, virgin European hair, Flora’s patented wigs, falls and toppers are worn by celebrities, socialites and fashion-forward women of all ages.  Flora also lovingly and respectfully caters to women with thinning hair, hair loss and also ladies who want cover ups for religious reasons.  Everyone receives not only as much time and attention they need for choosing the right tresses and tufts but also a perfectly fitted, lightweight, virgin hair “art piece” that is seamless enough to pin back and ponytail.  And that’s a rare experience.

Flora Shepelsky creator of Design by Flora

In addition, I was wowed by a confetti-like array of fabric bolts, ribbons and straw ready to be formed into customizable hats by Sherel’s Hats & Accessories Sherel’s is a favorite stop of Katy Perry, Hilary Duff, Blake Lively, Betsey Johnson, Mischa Barton and the cast of The Carrie Diaries.

Creating the best of both worlds, these two New York fashion houses have joined forces to create an upscale hat and wig boutique catering to women with discerning tastes.

For more information, please visit www.designbyflora.com. You can also follow Flora on her Facebook page.

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Find out more about Flora’s partner Sherel’s Hats & Accessores at www.sherels.com

We still can’t decide what part of Harry Styles caught our attention first.  Was it just the British Invasion Boy Band Teen heartthrob hair mass?  Or was it his being spotted in a super cool Vintage Kiss Inspired Junk Food Tee ($38) outside a local restaurant that made us melt like butter? Bashful -and we love it!

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