Save Ballet BC

On this New Year's Eve, I rushed off to Queen Elizabeth Theatre just in time to make it for the last show at 1:30pm of the Nutcracker by the Moscow Classical Ballet presented by Ballet BC. I was not going to miss the last show of the year presented by Ballet BC. If Ballet BC staff doesn't come back in January, this show may even be the last show for a very long time.

The last show of 2008 was opened with an introduction by Simone Orlando, one of the Ballet BC dancers who was laid off. In November, Ballet BC laid off 38 staff and dancers in order to save money. It seems the only hope to bring back Ballet BC laid on the ticket sales of the Nutcracker and the generous support of the public through donations/sponsorship. Simone Orlando announced as of today that Ballet BC still needed to raise $200,000 in order to bring back the staff and dancers to continue production of "Carmen" scheduled in February and "A Streetcar Named Desire" in April. The attendance at the Nutcracker has been phenomenal showing the public support for Ballet BC. Simone said if everyone who attended the Nutcracker donated $15, it would help cover $200,000 to bring back the staff and dancers in January. The fabulous Ballet BC dancers themselves, eventhough laid off in November, generously gave their time to rally support, circulating during intermission collecting pledges and donations. Please visit Ballet BC website to make a donation to support your ballet: balletbc.com

I enjoyed the Nutcracker immensely today. The Stage, Costume design, Make-up, Sound, Artistic direction and dancers were beautiful. I even got to see breakdancing by grandpa, spanish dance, middle-eastern dance and asian dance in the ballet. I didn't realize the Nutcracker by Moscow Classical Ballet would have so many multi-cultural influences. The Nutcracker reminds us all that dreams do become a reality.

FOR THE LUV OF IT! CONFERENCE: JANUARY 10TH & 11TH 2009

This January 10 & 11 “For the Luv of It Pro!” and “For the Luv of It Youth”, live entertainment showcases take to the Granville Island Stage. Produced by CMC Entertainment, the shows will highlight the burgeoning talents of Greater Vancouver’s up and coming singers, musicians and dancers. With the goal of bridging the gap between entertainers and industry scouts, “For the Luv of It” gives artists a chance to show their talent, drive and artistic growth.

From it's inception 5 years ago until now, the shows have built up a loyal following of performers and audiences from all over British Columbia. Like the successes of TV shows ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘Canadian Idol’, ‘For the Luv Of It’ strikes the same chord by offering the same caliber of performers; and you can see them right in your own back yard! Keeping with their motto of “Create. Educate. Pay It Forward”, honorary scholarships from Vancouver’s most prestigious vocal and dance companies will be awarded to individual performers who stand out from the crowd.

And in addition to the performance showcases, “For the Luv of It” is offering free workshops on January 10 on how to make it in the business. Lead by top entertainment industry professionals, like Canadian music producer, Chin Injeti, and Promotions and Marketing Director, Oscar Furtado, the workshops are invaluable for anyone who dreams of making it big in the industry.

Now that's something to sing and dance about!

Here are the program details for the “For the Luv of It” conference weekend:

SATURDAY, JANURAY 10
FREE WORKSHOPS:
Confirmed Guest Speakers:
1-2pm Carla Catherwood (CMC Entertainment) – How to represent yourself as an artist and land representation
2-3pm Chin Injeti (Hastings Set) – Steps to landing a record deal
3-4pm Oscar Furtado (TandemTracks) – How to get your single on the radio
Venue: Granville Island Stage - upper lobby
Time: between 1pm - 4pm

Other Free workshops for dancers on January 9th and 10th offered by the Dancers Transitional Resource Centre at the Scotia Bank Dance centre. Click here to register today!
http://www.dtrc.ca/movetransit/vancouver.html

Cost: FREE!

PERFORMANCE:
For the Luv of It PRO performance
Venue: Granville Island Stage
Doors: 6:30pm - Show Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 plus service charge
BUY TIX HERE
www.vancouvertix.com

AFTERPARTY:
For the Luv of It! PRO AFTERPARTY
Venue: Backstage Lounge
Doors: 10:00pm to late
FREE for performers and $5.00 for public

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11

PERFORMANCE:
For the Luv of It YOUTH performance
Venue: Granville Island Stage
Doors: 4:00pm - Show Starts: 5:00pm
Tickets: $20 plus service charge
BUY TICKETS HERE
www.vancouvertix.com


Take this opportunity to support local talent in reaching their goal to take it to the top.

Thank you to our Proud Sponsors!
Ride with the Tide Productions, The Hastings Set (Chin Injeti), TandemTracks (Oscar Furtado), CMC Entertainment, Harbour Dance Centre, Triple Threat Dance Convention, Drive Dance Centre, Rockstar Music Corp. (Adam H), Exhale Studio, No Plan B, Omar Khan Photography, Street Groove Dance Convention, The Dancers Transitional Resource Centre, & The Hollywood Summer Tour

INFORMATION ON ALL THE AMAZING PERFORMERS WILL BE SENT OUT VERY SOON, FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THEM NOW, GO TO OUR WEBSITE
www.fortheluvofit.com


Create. Educate. Pay It Forward.

www.vancouvertix.com

Al Mozaico Flamenco year-end recital

I was flattered when Kasandra Flamenco asked me to photograph Al Mozaico Flamenco's year-end performance on December 14, 2008. How could I resist such an opportunity. This year's recital was especially important as it was dedicated to Al Mozaico's instructor and choreographer, Oscar Nieto, one of North America's most acclaimed flamenco dancers, who was recovering from colon cancer surgery. Al Mozaico Flamenco showcased such beautiful and colorful performances by the young and old. Age has no limit when it comes to Flamenco dancing. This form of dance is learned and executed by children, young adults and the young at heart. Kasandra Flamenco usually co-hosts this event with Oscar Nieto but this year is the first time she hosted the show on her own. She did an amazing job putting the recital together along with all the teachers and students. I am beginning to become a flamenco afficionado myself. I especially like all the beautiful costumes that come along with flamenco dance. A couple of dances were performed to pay tribute Oscar's own mentor, the late Lola Montes who died in May of this year. Lola Montes' choreography was displayed in two performances, "La Boda de Luis Alonzo" and "Cordoba". Al Mozaico hopes that these wonderful choreographies will not be lost or forgotten and will continue to be remembered through passing her work on from teacher to student. Flamenco is a fiery and passionate dance. I respect the way the dancers move expressing themselves through their arms, hands and intricate footwork. Eyes and expressions have such fierceness that one can't help but feel the energy of the dancers. Flamenco encompasses a dance of song, music and confidence to express oneself through the encouragement of peers and community.

Anu LOVE 6

On November 19, 2008, I went to the Roundhouse to see Anu LOVE 6 dress rehearsal. I felt so lucky I was able to photograph the performance during the rehearsal and experience this multi-disciplinary performance. Anu LOVE comprised of music, dance, storytelling and art beautifully melded together into a visually stunning performance. The sound of the guitar, violin, piano, percussions and custom-made instruments accompanied the artists, dancers and one lone lovely lady swinging from the ceiling as they start to tell a myriad of stories. To me, the performance seems to tell the story of birth, lovers, jealousy, anguish, motherhood and rebirth. A beautiful spirit seem to drift in and out, through the performers sometimes giving the recipient joy and other times strapping them down in an entanglement. At times, the spirit seems to give the individual what the person is looking for or needing. Everyone will take with them a piece of their own interpretation subject to their own experiences. I was happy I got to see Kokoro dancers: Jay Hirabayashi, Barbara Bourget and Espirito Santo Mauricio participate. They delivered a powerful performance using their body to convey their emotions, moods and different shades of love to the audience. Love for family, friends, lovers, neighbours and strangers seem to seep in and out of the darkness as the spotlight travelled around the circle of artists. Anu LOVE 6 brought the beauty of love out immersing me into a much needed sensory awareness.

Shallom Johnson

I met Shallom Johnson at the BC Fashion Week Generation Next Show. Little did I know that it would open up a door of opportunities in the fashion world in leading me to photograph my very first Vancouver Fashion Week runway shows. I knew Shallom Johnson was a dancer who was a fashion enthusiast. Later, I found out she was an artist, photographer and writer. Best quality I liked about her was her kindness and willingness to take a risk especially when I asked her if she wanted to do a photoshoot with me. The theme would be Wizard of Oz. Thank God for the kindness of strangers. I searched for fabric, designed costumes and did the photoshoot with her in a matter of two weeks. Her enthusiasm continues to inspire me. She is highly involved with the next upcoming Vancouver Fashion Week. She continues to dance on a contract basis. Her last assignment with Contradiction Dance made me think of one's everlasting struggle with leaving home and new beginnings. She also writes for Spade Magazine. She is an artist who uses her body, art and writings to express herself. One can't help but relate to her thoughts and feelings. She's a highly adaptable and creative person who changes with the seasons and people around her as she searches for inspiration in a variety of art forms.

Candy Girl Cabaret

My husband, Stanley Lau and I, had the privilege to do a photoshoot on October 6, 2008, for the Candy Girl Cabaret for their Christmas pictures. I got to hear a little bit of their Monday night practice after the photoshoot filled with Original Broadway Burlesque and Broadway Jazz numbers. New York Broadway dancer and choreographer Leigh Torlage created Candy Girl Cabaret, a triple-threat group of talented actors, dancers and singers. They perform regularly at Maxine's Hideaway.

Burlesque Beauties

On September 27, I had attended FMA Vancouver 2008: Sky 360 Charity Gala benefiting Make Poverty History campaign and WordLoveWorldLove project. One of the dazzling array of performances was the Burlesque Beauties. Their performance was fun and sassy exhibiting a new form of classy and entertaining burlesque style. Miss Kitty Kat, Miss Mia, Miss Victoria, Miss Chi Chi, Miss Roxy and Miss Baby Doll will give you a true evening of entertainment. Their motto is "Be Classy~Be Confident~Be Yourself". For more information on shows and classes, visit http://www.burlesquebeauties.com website.

on the MOVE conference for emerging dance professionals

On the MOVE by Dancer Transition Resource Centre is a conference for graduating dance students and emerging dance professionals. The FREE annual conference is held in collaboration with art service organizations across the country to provide you with the skills, resources and networking opportunities to transition into the professional world of dance. This year's conference in Vancouver on January 9-10, 2009 will be held at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St., Vancouver, BC.

Please visit www.dtrc.ca/movetransit/vancouver.html to register for the conference in Vancouver. Pre-registration is required and will close on January 2, 2009. The conference helps emerging dance professionals explore the many career options available to them and is a valuable resource for providing an overview of attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to build a stronger sense of community.