MARTHA GRAHAM TOURS ITALY: Interview with JANET EILBER, Artistic Director of the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance - by Rachel D. Vancelette
The groundbreaking techniques and style have earned the Company acclaim from audiences worldwide, could you tell us which masterpieces will be performed during your tour in Italy?
Our programs in Italy will include a great variety of dances by Martha Graham and others that highlight Graham's long creative career. In Spoleto, we will present Errand into the Maze, a masterwork from 1947 which is one of Graham's famed Greek works. It is based on the Greek myth of Theseus who traveled into the maze to fight the monster Minotaur. Graham sends a woman on this journey and the confrontation is perhaps a metaphor for a psychological battle. This ballet has a musical score from Gian Carlo Menotti that was commissioned for Martha Graham. The Spoleto program will also include the Italian premiere of the Lamentation Variations. Three important choreographers choreographed the variations in order to commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City on 9/11. The variations are each inspired by a film of Martha Graham dancing her iconic solo, Lamentation. The Lamentation Variations will be performed at all performances in Italy. Other masterworks on the programs include Chronicle, a work created in 1936 in response to the rising fascism in Europe; El Penitente (1940), a dance based on Bible stories and the religious rituals of the natives of the American southwest; Diversion of Angels (1948), a dance which is simply all about love.
Regarding the stage settings, are there any contemporary artists engaged in presenting a new perspective to stage sets and/or surroundings during the tour?
Our selection of Graham masterworks include the stage sets of renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Noguchi collaborated with Graham for over four decades and together they revolutionized the use of space and sets on stage. Audiences will be intrigued and inspired by the Noguchi designs that are included on many of our programs.They are as evocative now as when they were designed.
Interview Continued...
martha graham tours italy
Voluptuous Panic at Watermill at Vogue Italia:
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No More Lazy Days of Summer.. The Parks Kick Up the Exercise Movement Craze
No sleeping late on Sunday for 1000s of New Yorkers and visitors as New York is welcoming all ages to their parks this summer to learn and practice free Tai Chi, Yoga, Hula Hooping, Pilates and more. Flocking to sweat it out with fitness gurus offering free instruction, all ages are rushing to join in the fun enjoyed by their favorite celebrities.
From above, Central Park, Bryant Park and smaller parks may on any day look like a patchwork quilt, with colored exercise mats dotting the grass for those enjoying their particular obsession. Michelle Obama, Marisa Tomei, Beyonce and more are using and popularizing the new heavier wildly adorned hula hoops, fueling
the fitness push. Rain or shine it seems that Pilates has an endless following with stars such as Liz Hurley, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna all swearing by their workouts and fans are jumping
on the trend. Devotees of Yoga follow celebs such as Bianca Jagger, Barbara Streisand and Cameron Diaz with Oprah insisting her staff do yoga once a week.
Master coaches and fitness gurus such as Michael Feign can be heard yelling instructions to large crowds on any given day holding out hope they can overpower the couch potatoes and resisters who would rather be at a donut shop or sleeping in. So if you are thinking of strolling through the park this summer, dont be afraid- you may stumble over a celebrity and be overcome with the sudden need to buy a colored exercise mat. Lazy days not so much!
By Rachel D. Vancelette
Published 08//09/2010
Getting Nail'd Again in Tribeca at Vogue Italia:
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http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/from-new-york/2011/01/getting-nail-d-again-in-tribeca
LaChapelle's American Jesus Hits New York
David LaChapelles late night after Carnival Party at the Bowlmour, a bowling alley/nightclub, was full of outrageous drag queens in wild costumes with an over-the-top fun house type theme that lasted late into the morning hours. The dinner held at the Standard Hotel was a much tamer environment, a yawn for some, and included noted guests Cynthia Rowley, Jan Holzer and Alberto Mugrabi. The wildly lavish and exuberant closing down/after party ushered the invited through a literal fun house on 2 floors with booming DJ and dance floor. The VIP section filled with some of LaChapelle's noted friends and muses such as Amanda Lepore, who has regular Wednesday parties at the venue. Guests were given tickets to play games at booths such as Who-darted, Fish-pong, or Put-a-ring-on-it and men then draped themselves in the stuffed toy prizes adding to their look.
LaChapelle's latest exhibit at Paul Kasmin Gallery American Jesus is based on pop cultures recent most tragic figure and longtime friend, Michael Jackson, who LaChapelle sees as an innocent martyr who was persecuted unjustly. Shown for the first time in NY, the series of work began over a decade ago and includes 3 large scale photographs of Jackson reflecting his martyrdom. The controversy over art versus heresy still is hotly debated in many circles. Known for not just pushing but tearing away boundaries in his depiction of many well known artists and celebrities, he is unapologetic about his creative process which draws on an immense lexicon of historical references, current events and pop culture.
The late pm/am party, however was worlds away from critique and drama as the revelers partied away in the
Mardi Gras-like Fun House atmosphere.
Published 07/15/2010
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
Prince Harry Tumbles (but wins) in New York
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Mr. Gormley, Please Don't Jump!
Published 06/04/2010: Click here for more
When Camping out Pays Off: Apple New Iphone
7 am found excited shoppers lined up at The Fifth Ave and Soho Apple Store in NYC feeling the rush of being first to grab the New iPhone 4 released today.
Hoards of techies and dedicated fans of the old phone lined up overnite around the world to be the first to experience the beautifully streamlined new toy with strong video and multimedia capabilities. The big draw seems to be the New Face Time application, now allowing face to face on the front camera through cellular networks, as well as the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously.
Skype is rumored to be signing on which will change the face of phone technology forever. The question remains if a new outrageous price will be another surprise and if the complaints are real that although the GPS is improved, the battery life is short and drains the phone because of all the new glitzy features. For now no one seems to care if the jury is out, as camped out fans head out to play with their upgrade, not seeming to care if special services come with a big price tag. The jury is out!
Published 06/24/2010
Photo Credit: Ylinka Barotto
Oscar de la Renta Masters of Ceremony at El Museo Gala
Glamorous, hot hot hot Latin energy filled Cipriani 42nd St for El Museo de Barios Lifetime Achievement Award honoring Placido Domingo. The room seemed to be filled with every flavor and color (lots of red gorgeous ball gowns) for the candelabra filled evening with dinner and great rhythmic sexy dancing lasting late into the night.
Barbara Walters, recovering from heart surgery, passed her heartfelt letter dedicated to Placido to Oscar de la Renta , who took her place as presenter and referred to her as Santa Barbara, an inside joke among dear friends. One would never know Domingo was himself recovering from cancer surgery as the two giants in their fields took the podium and their authentic friendship showed.
Carolina & Reinaldo Herrera, Benicio del Toro and Marilyn Horne were on the honorary committee and the Latin power house guests included Tony Bechara, Yaz Hernandez, Angel Sanchez and Narciso Rodriguez, all coming for the awards and also to pay homage to the man who is saying farewell as Director of El Museo, Julian Zugazagoitia who is moving to the Nelson Atkins Museum.
Rachel D. Vancelette
Published 05/27/2010
Palcido Domingo and Oscar de la Renta
POSH AFFAIR's Gala Kicks off the Hottest Sale in Town
The premier dinner gala honoring designer Carolina Herrera and 1st Dibs founder Michael Bruno at the Plaza Hotels Oak Room hosted by Vogues Hamish Bowles, Amy Fine Collins and Lorry Newhouse kicked off the 4 day shop-til-you-drop sale event where celebrities and notables donate 100s of guilty pleasures. Designers Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga and Manolo Blahnik are a few who donated to the fashion philanthropy fundraiser aiding Lighthouse Internationals fight against vision loss.
Pre-dinner cocktails had guests clustered tightly in the Main Atrium of the Plaza dressed up in classic designs. Observers wondered why everyone was looking mostly down at the floor as they mingled until it was noted the bling for the evening was not jewelry (except for a couple of Judith Leiber bags) but dazzling footwear.
Laughingly dubbed Insider Trading began before the gala at a High Tea held earlier where buyers were not allowed, but guests secretly began check lists for items they wished to capture, new and gently worn. Competition will be fierce, hoping for a slinky Kim Cattrall dress, maybe a dashing tweed from Hamish Bowles or a pearl Chanel bag donated by Filipa Fino.Jokes are told about donors who give items they clearly dont wish to part with, then race back to buy, only one of this years many shopaholic strategies that may or may not work because this years fest includes a simultaneous online sale run by 1st Dibs.
Published 5/12/2010
Carolina Herrera
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New Museums Spring Gala
Sounds and tastes of Brazil permeated the evening at the wear anything but black Spring Gala. A Brazilian boardwalk themed cocktail area with projection screens and fluorescent lighting created a unique artsy texture in the massive space, while guests drank caipirinhas and traded gossip avoiding topics about the wobbling art market in the spirit of the evening. Guests relished the best of Brazilian cuisine, a Neuvo Churrascaria menu and a performance by Latin Grammy Winner Vanessa da Mata. Hosted by Lisa Phillips, Toby Devan Lewis, and Saul Dennison with chairs Shelley Fox Aarons, Mitzi Eisenberg and Charlotte Ford, Sothebys auctioned a Vik Muniz portrait for $160,000. Brazilian Actress Alice Braga and Calvin Kleins Francisco Costa were honorary co-chairs as the group recognized Mary Heilmann, a preeminent artist, and collector and philanthropist, Maja Hoffmann.
The Gala After Party with over 400 served up DJs and a NYC band of Brazilian expatriates, Forro in the Dark whose beat-heavy, hot sultry street music along with singer Maluca got the party on its feet recreating the feel of Rios beach boardwalks.
Guests included luminaries in art, fashion and media. Among the crowd were former White House secretary Desiree Rogers, Leelee Sobiesky, Brazils next top model Fernanda Motta, Danko Steiner, Julie Henderson, Adam Kimmel, Anh Duong, Yvonne Force Villareal and Leo Villareal, Amanda and Christopher Brooks, Baroness Marion Lambert, Kenny and Terza Scharf, Allan Schwartzman, Jeffrey Deitch, Hannelore Knuts, Ana Steiner, Rivane Neuenschwander, Cecilia Dean, Ana Steiner, Co-Chairs Christopher Bollen, Alex Gartenfeld, Aurel Schmidt and Lorenzo Martone among others.
4/23/2010
Political Dance Project:
Martha Graham Dance Company 2010 Gala
Writhing, stomping and leaping, well sculpted costumed dancers and 33 chosen school students wrapped their gala performance around guests gathered at downtowns Cedar Lake to promote the launch of the Companys Political Dance Project. With dance companies gasping for air and grasping for funding, this preview of Grahams once controversial political dance form emphasizing the art as a weapon for change, also featured compositions by Isadora Duncan and Sophie Maslow.
Among the crowd of invited enthusiasts was Natoris founder, designer Josie Cruz Natori, creator of sensual high fashion lingerie, CBS 60 Minute reporter Leslie Stahl, and Newsweeks Anna Quindlen. Graham, herself a tortured alcohol-fueled creator of great scandals in her day, died in 1991 and would probably have wondered how her influential and revolutionary dance form could be surviving in the politics of this time and space. Grahams craft may be like a pair of great old shoes, very comfortable for many, but like a dancers nightmare - too tight with blisters.
Published 5/20/2010
Photo Credit: Rachel D. Vancelette
Rare Versace Metallic dresses hit New York!
From her elegant 57th St New York store, RARE VINTAGE, visionary owner Juliana Cairone has filled her store with museum quality vintage couture and frivolities (feel-good accessories) she finds traveling around the world.
Wednesday night, Juliana launched online with 1st Dibs for Milan Fashion Week with a unique 20 piece selection of Versace, including 10 extraordinary metallic pieces including a rare, breathtaking 1982 gold-tone dress similar to one seen at the MET. A selected few pieces similar in rarity and value regularly spend time traveling to museum exhibitions around the globe.
Seen on TVs Entertainment Tonight and in major magazines, displays of pristine, rarely worn glamorous pieces by Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Roberto Capucci, Loris Azzaro, Ossie Clark and more can be viewed in this unrivaled boutique, with stars from NY to Hollywood seeking her out for red carpets. Angelina Jolie, Eva Mendes, Keri Russell, Kyra Sedgwick and Rosario Dawson have all been photographed in her clothes and count on Juliana to dress them regularly. This month her special collection of Steven Sprouse brought NY elite and celebs out in droves to devour his pieces and sip champagne.
Top stylists are flocking daily to get the hottest piece into the hands of their celebrity clients. If you pop into this unrivaled jewel, coveted by stylists, actresses and serious collectors of fashion, you will be warmly welcomed and helped to walk away with just the right vintage treasure.
Published 10/2010
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Who: Celebrity & Fashion Photographer Albert Watson & Rolling Stone Publisher Jann Wenner.
What: In conversation about Watsons illustrious 40-year career shooting celebrities including Mick Jagger, Johnny Depp, Clint Eastwood, Eric Clapton, Steven & Liv Tyler, Prince, Mike Tyson, 50 Cent, and more. Highlights include discussion of specific Rolling Stone covers and images, in particular the famed Mick Jagger leopard double exposure that Watson photographed as a fluke. Said Watson, The leopard was all over Mick so we had to build a glass partition in the car. While this was being done, Watson decided to shot an old fashion double exposure, photographing first the leopards face, then tracing the outline on the viewfinder, and photographing Micks face. I wasnt even planning to develop the film, Watson remembered. I didnt think it was going to work. But the result is an iconic image that has become one of the most iconographic photographs of Jagger.
Where: Core Club, New York
Why: In celebration of the publication of UFO (Unified Fashion Objectives), a 40-year celebrity, fashion, and advertising career retrospective which was just released by PQ Blackwell.
Photo Credit: Albert Watson
Rx ART: Bringing Contemporary Art To Hospitals
Founder Diane Brown hosted a packed silent and live auction event last night chaired by James Franco, Terry Richardson and Rob Pruitt and called by Simon de Pury (making a special DJ guest gig). Over 300 joined such celebs as Cynthia Rowley, Bill Powers, Scott Caan, Paul Sorvino, Brian Donnelly, Charlotte Ronson and many more.
The auction and evening by PARTY, the fundraiser for the event, celebrated the nonprofits work installing high end art in patient, procedure and exam rooms of top healthcare facilities. Jeff Koons was recently placed in Advocate Hope Childrens Hospital in Chicago, and Rob Pruitt and Will Cottons work went to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, for example.
Promoting healing, inspiration and hope, RxArts Party brought collectors, key players in art and fashion and philanthropists to support a great cause, while sipping cocktails, gossiping, listening to music and walking away with goodies by Kiehls.
Laugh for the night James Franco's mimic of his character "The contemporary artist Franco" on TVs General Hospital.
Published 11/27/10
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