Dance Iquail Celebrates 5 years with performances at the Kumble Theater, LIU Brooklyn

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DANCE IQUAIL returns to the Kumble Theater at LIU Brooklyn

May 10-12, 2013

The company kicks off its 

Fifth Anniversary Season with two World Premieres

DANCE IQUAIL opens its 5th Anniversary Season with performances at the Kumble Theater at LIU Brooklyn, May 10-12, 2013. The contemporary dance company will present SWEET SURRENDER (World Premiere), choreographed by Iquail Shaheed and INWARD FLUX (World Premiere) by Christopher Ralph. The program also includes THREAD (Company Premiere) by Elizabeth Gillaspy and Shaheed’s THE ORDER (2012). 

Iquail Shaheed, a Philadelphia native and Harlem resident, created DANCE IQUAIL to challenge cultural and ethnic barriers, to provide opportunities for inspiring dancers and to empower underserved youth. Shaheed’s early life experiences directly inform the work he creates, the dancers he selects and his choice in guest choreographers. Having faced the harsh realities of a childhood overshadowed by parents struggling addiction, LGBT bullying and financial hardships, it is of paramount importance for him to use dance as a catalyst for change in the inner-cities. The company features extraordinary dancers with deep connections to the company mission. Shaheed works tirelessly to keep the company’s roots planted solidly in both in New York and Philadelphia.  Throughout the year, the company will make appearances and engage in community activity in both cities. 

DANCE IQUAIL will perform May 10 – 12, 2013. Tickets: $30/and $17 Students & Seniors. Performance schedule: Fri-Sat 7:30pm & Sun 3:00pm. Special Mother’s day program Sunday featuring student performances. Tickets: 718-488-1624 or kumbletheater.org. 

More information www.danceiquail.org. 

The Kumble Theater is located on the LIU Brooklyn Campus, located at Flatbush Avenue, between DeKalb Avenue and Willougby Street. 

Keiko Voltaire - A TORCH for her mother illuminates the path from dancer to costume designer

Evidence, A Dance Company in "TORCH"                                                                                                      photo: Ayodele Casel

Keiko Voltaire has had a long career in dance. A Japan native, Keiko was a dancer and dance educator (serving as the director of the dance department at Tokyo School of Music prior to relocating to New York City. Keiko trained  at The Ailey School and performed with Earl Mosley among other choreographers before transitioning into wardrobe supervision and costume design.

Recently, thatgirl caught up with Keiko as she prepared for the premiere of Ronald K. Brown's TORCH, for which she created the costumes.

thatgir006: How did you transition from dancing to full-time wardrobe supervisor and costume designer?

Keiko Voltaire: In 2004 Derrick Minter, who was the Rehearsal Director for Ailey II, called and asked me to help with wardrobe for the touring company. I went to the interview and got the job! I didn't go to school for fashion design, my mother taught me how to sew when I was a young girl so I could make things and I knew how to take care of clothing. Everything else about the job I learned on the road with Ailey II.

TG: What other companies have you worked with?

"TORCH" costume for male dancer

KV: After Ailey II, I started getting lots of work through word of mouth. I worked with Martha Graham, David Parsons and Elisa Monte during their seasons at The Joyce Theater. I have been doing this for 9 years now, working non-stop. I am currently the resident wardrobe supervisor for Lar Lubovitch Dance Company and Jose Limon as well as working with Evidence.

TG: Your clients must have been very happy with your work to recommend you to others.
KV: You have to be good. You must be on time. No complaining. If you're not good, you're done. Not that I am saying I'm perfect, I have made my mistakes! Like with Earl Mosley. He is another person who has given me lots of opportunity and helped my career a lot. In the beginning, I made some costumes for Earl that weren't exactly right to say the least but he kept calling me and asking me to design over and over again. That was invaluable.

TG: How does it feel to work with dancers and not be dancing any longer yourself?
KV: I am happy. I don't want to go back to that life. My lifestyle is more comfortable now. When you are auditioning, your life is in the hands of others. I didn't like the way I felt when I wasn't picked. But, having been a dancer helps me when picking fabrics and when dealing with different body types. When there are challenges I think, "I can make this" because I know how it feels. I love fashion as well so this is perfect for me! 

TG: Let's talk about TORCH. 
KV: Ron (Ronald K. Brown, Artistic Director, Evidence, A Dance Company) told me about the piece. It's very deep. Beth (Beth Young, dancer, Evidence supporter and friend of Ronald K. Brown),  Mrs. J (Denise Jefferson, former director of the Ailey School), and Dr. Johnson (Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson), founder of the Howard University dance program), everyone passed away from cancer. Right away I said, "I can do this". He looked at me (as if to say you haven't even seen the piece yet). I said, "My mother passed away from cancer."

TORCH costume detail: 神:God / 美:Beauty / 悼:Mourn

TG: How did you create your designs?
KV: He told me the colors were white, yellow and green. Then I just started drawing. But the piece was hard for me, I didn't know exactly what to make. I didn't want to make costumes like the other designers that have worked with the company but I wanted to keep Ron's taste... but I wanted to put myself into it. Then, one day in DC it came to me at 4:00am. I decided to add Japanese characters. These characters are very natural for me. I chose the characters for God, Beauty, and missing someone.

Keiko (left) and her Mother

On the Amtrak coming back from DC I was drawing the sketches (my mom taught me how to draw and to sew) Dahlila (Evidence Technical Director, Dalilah Kee) took a picture of me. When I got home I looked at the photo and I realized that I look just like my mom. Her spirit is in me now!

TG: Thank you Keiko, we are looking forward to seeing your costumes on stage! Now we have a few thatgirl006b quick questions for you.

"TORCH" costume for female dancer

TG: Brooklyn or Manhattan?
KV: Brooklyn

TG: Trains or Airplanes?
KV: Airplanes

TG: Who's most fashionable, Gwen Stefani or Rhianna?
KV: Rhianna









See Evidence, A Dance Company perform TORCH this weekend at The Joyce Theater. For tickets: www.joyce.org or call Joyce Charge 212-242-0800. For more information about Evidence, A Dance Company visit www.evidencedance.com.


xo,
thatgirl

The Party, Alton Fitzgerald White + Evidence, A Dance Company

News! Winter Romance    Alton Fitzgerald White   @ Metropolitan Room       When: Monday 02/04/13 7:00 PM Ticket Price: $20.00 - $115.00 Show Type: Adult Contemporary 2 Beverage Minimum         CLICK HERE for tickets! ! Alton's second album, Disney: My Way!, is available on iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon! Selecting from the enormous catalogue of classic Disney songs, Alton has put together an album of his favorites which will certainly include some of yours, including songs from Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and more. Visit his website to learn more about the album, hear sample tracks, and watch videos of the making of the album. Alton Fitzgerald White can currently be seen on Broadway playing the role of Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King. For more information about the show and to order tickets, please visit: www.LionKing.com Get  Sneek Peek  Here "Trouble" - Crystal Monee Hall with the Hustle @ Rockwood Music Hall Evidence in NYC FEB 2013   Hello Darlings,  New this week:     Get your dance on TONIGHT!  The Party   @ The Liberty   Sunday, January 27th 8:00PM - 12:00AM    The Party, a new basement party featuring different  artists each week, is a celebration of art, music and  dance.   Resident DJ: JSTN (Justin Johnston) keeps the party people moving.    Featuring Singer/songwriter Crystal Monee Hall! (8:30pm set)   RSVP to join the VIP Club for drink specials and  free downloads from our featured artists.    The Party - Every other Sunday - The The Liberty NYC       Evidence, A Dance Company performs in NYC  @ The Joyce Theater February 12th-17th Arcell Cabuag & Annique Roberts photo: Ayodele Casel Ronald K. Brown and Evidence, A Dance Company returns to  the Joyce Theater February 12-17, 2013 with two programs, including the world premiere of TORCH (dedicated to the life  and memory of dancer Beth Young), and a guest appearance by  Matthew Rushing (courtesy of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater).    Evidence, A Dance Company's unmistakable aesthetic is rooted in traditional African dance, urban social dance vernacular and contemporary movement.  Founded by Ronald K. Brown in  1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company's repertory reflects the mission to promote a deeper understanding of the  human experience and to provide sensory connections to history  and tradition, spirituality, community responsibility and liberation. Performances will feature music by: Fela Kuti, Francisco Mora, BaleFolclorico Cutumba, M'Bemba Bangoura,The Staple Singers, Aretha Franklin and Wunmi Olaiya. visit: www.joyce.org for program info and performance times.

Experience NYC during the holidays!

Nothing beats New York during the holiday season! If you are lucky enough to be visiting our fair city this year we are sure you will agree. In the spirit of giving, we have decided to do a series of posts sharing our top picks for best NYC experiences this holiday season.

This week we have Broadwayjayb's top pick, one from thatgirl herself and drum roll please... one from Chondra L. Profit, Sarabi in the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King!

Broadwayjayb picks:

The Ride - Times Square
He says...
"Guaranteed to be the most fun you will ever have on a bus in New York City. The Ride will reignite your flame for New York City and remind you why New York City is the greatest city in the world!"

thatgirl picks:

Top of the Rock - Rockefeller Center

She says...
"Absolutely stunning views of the city! The trip up to the top is an experience in itself. Stop along the way to take photos in front of drops that suggest that you and your friends are actually sitting upon the top of the Rock, enjoy adult beverages, snacks and if you're lucky, a bit of live music in the cafe at the top! An absolutely fabulous way to spend a few hours! Not to mention the proximity to great shopping and steps from the famed Rockefeller Christmas tree and Radio City Music Hall, home of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the fabulous Rockettes. Enjoy darlings!" 

Chondra Profit picks

Inside The Lion King: A FREE Anniversary Exhibit - Bryant Park

She says:

"This year, The Lion King celebrates 15 years on Broadway. What an exciting time to be a member of the cast!! Every aspect of the show is magical on its own. The attention to detail and the care taken to support the incredible vision of the creative team enhances the audience's experience. The costumes and puppets are a great example of this. Exhibit visitors will be able to interact with them and will see first hand how challenging it is to manipulate them thus, how hard my fellow cast-mates work 8 times a week tell the story through song and dance and very intricate puppetry. I enjoyed it and I hope everyone else will too!"

Follow Chondra on Twitter!
Check her website

Enjoy!

xo,
thatgirl

thatgirl's Quick Hits #002 - Movies

Broadwayjayb

Anna Karenina Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * * *
This is one of the most beautiful films  with extraordinary Art Direction,
Cinematography, Costume Design, Makeup, Choreography and Direction.

Argo  Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * * *

Ben Affleck directs his second film with patriotic tenderness. This is the film
to beat at The Oscars!

End Of Watch Own It On DVD January 2013
* * * * *
Jake Gyllenhall and Michael Pena show the importance of Brotherhood in this
gritty and wonderfully executed cop drama! Perfection!

Flight Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * * *
A wonderful film that asks the most important question of each of us. Denzel dazzles
as airline pilot William "Whip" Whitaker.


Hyde Park On Hudson  To Be Released On December 7 2012
* * *
Bill Murray  plays FDR wonderfully. It's delightful to see the characters of  King George VI and Queen Elizabeth last seen in last year's Oscar winner "The
King's Speech" recreated impeccably by Samuel West and Olivia Colman. Two Oscar contenders.

Life Of Pi  Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * *
Suraj Sharma is magnificent in this film. Mr. Sharma never acted a day in his
life before this film but delivers a performance like a seasoned veteran. The
meaning of this film is a bit muddled, but to watch what he does alone on screen
for 2 hours is extraordinary .

Middle Of Nowhere Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * * *
A beautiful film about how far one is willing to invest in oneself or choose
over her marriage. An incredible debut from Emayatzy Cornealdi and a show stopping
performance and Oscar worthy performance from Lorraine Toussaint!

The House I Live In Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * * *
One of the most important documentaries in American History. It speaks about the American Drug War and the corrupt prison system and horrible social cycle that keeps our world in a downward spiral.

The Other Son Playing In Theaters Nationwide
* * * * *
This is the most touching and beautiful film of the year. The story of two boys switched at birth. One child is Palestinian and the other Israeli. Each boy is reunited with his parents of conflicting countries and conflicting views. This movie is perfect in every way!

Jason E. Bernard - is a native New Yorker from The Bronx. Jason began seeing theatre at the age of 4 and at the age of 17 made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award Winning musical " Bring In Da' Noise, Bring In Da' Funk". Jason toured the world for 10 years with the international dance show "Riverdance". He has performed with Cois Ceim Dance Theatre  in Ireland and was a  member of the original companies of "Cotton Club Parade" City Center Encores! and Kris Johnson's " Jim Crow's Tears". To date, Jason has attended over 1,000 shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Concerts and counting. He has all the Playbills to prove it! :)

Visit JasonEBernard.com  

Follow Jay on twitter @broadwayjayb

thatgirl's Quick Hits #001 - NYC Theatre

Broadwayjayb

THEATRE

Blue Man Group  Playing At The Astor Place Theatre
* * *
Innovative, and Fun. Although the show hits some cliche notes you get to live a
childhood or adulthood fantasy in one of the last scenes.

Chaplin  Playing At The Barrymore Theatre On Broadway
* * * *
Never have I ever seen a show designed completely in black, white and gray that
looked so cool. Rob McClure is a standout and it's great to see Chaplin's life
back on stage.

Cyrano De Bergerac  Playing At The American Airlines Theatre On Broadway
* *
Tony Winner Douglas Hodge is great in the title role. However, this production
hasn't "sniffed" the good bits and never rises to the occasion.

Dead Accounts  Playing At The Music Box Theatre On Broadway
* *
Norbert Leo Butz is a wonderful theatre actor and always dazzles. Katie Holmes
returns to Broadway in an ok performance in a so so play.

Fuerza Bruta   Playing At The Daryl Roth Theatre
* * * * *
A 90 minute standing theatrical experience that pulsates with Brazilian rhythms
and fantastical experiences that will soothe you soul and make you say "WOW" and "AHH". Recently extended get your tickets today!!

Giant Playing At The Public Theatre
* *
This musical clocks in at 3hrs plus and tries to tackle too many story lines.
Kate Baldwin, Brian d'Arcy James, Bobby Steggert and Natalie Cortez are superb.

If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet  Playing At The Laura Pels Theatre
* *
Oscar Nominee Jake Gyllenhaal makes his New York stage debut in this poignant, but quirky play.

Murder Ballad Playing At Manhattan Theatre Club
* *
This new musical tries to be innovative and nouveau but doesn't quite hit the
mark. A+ performers

Newsies  Playing At The Nederlander Theatre On Broadway
* * * *
A 1990's classic film turned nicely into a Broadway Show. Corey Cott steals the show
as Jack Kelly The leader of The "Newsies" who take on the big guys and shut them down.

Once Playing At The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre On Broadway
* * * *
This Oscar winning film is beautifully transferred to the stage. The standout
performances of Tony Winner Steve Kazee and Tony Nominee Cristin Milioto are not to
be missed.

Radiance  Playing At The Bank Street Theatre
* * *
Well directed , good lighting, great performances , but the forced sentimentality
and the level of nostalgia it aims is never quite met.

Roost Playing At P.S. 122

Poorly directed with a script that can use lots of rewriting. The actors work
with what they have.

Scandalous  Playing At The Neil Simon Theatre On Broadway
* * *
Lots of critics are out for Kathie Lee Gifford, but she actually does a
great job on her Broadway Debut writing the book, music and lyrics!

Sorry Playing At The Public Theater
* *
Sorry is stale and redundant, but it's worth seeing because these actors don't
miss a beat in working organically off of each other.

The Exonerated  Playing At Culture Project
* * * * *
The heartbreaking stories of falsely imprisoned Americans. This production is
superbly written and directed. The rotating cast of celebrity and hard working
theatre actors are extraordinary!

The Mystery Of Edwin Drood  Playing At Studio 54 On Broadway
*
The Misery Of Edwin Drood as I call it falls flat and hard. This British
musical never presents any mystery and I never really cared to know what, where
when, or how the mystery unfolds. The only reason to see this show is to see Theatre Legend Chita Rivera!


The Piano Lesson Playing At The Irene Diamond Theatre At The Pershing Square Signature Center
* * * * *
August Wilson's Words , August Wilson's Characters And August Wilson's Joy And
Love

The Twenty Seventh Hour Playing At The Public Theater
* * *
It's incredible to see a show with top notch New York actors, flawless lighting design,
and wonderful set.

War Horse  Playing At The Vivian Beaumont Theatre At Lincoln Center  On Broadway
* * * * *

Heartbreaking, magnificently directed, no cost spared on this production. You'll
actually see why a show costs $150 + . In addition you'll cry your eyes out in
the last scene!

***** Super Hot! ------> * Not so Hot



Jason E. Bernard - is a native New Yorker from The Bronx. Jason began seeing theatre at the age of 4 and at the age of 17 made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award Winning musical " Bring In Da' Noise, Bring In Da' Funk". Jason toured the world for 10 years with the international dance show "Riverdance". He has performed with Cois Ceim Dance Theatre  in Ireland and was a  member of the original companies of "Cotton Club Parade" City Center Encores! and Kris Johnson's " Jim Crow's Tears". To date, Jason has attended over 1,000 shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Concerts and counting. He has all the Playbills to prove it! :)

Visit JasonEBernard.com  

Follow Jay on twitter @broadwayjayb

Camille A. Brown - Dancer/Choreographer - Powerhouse

Camille A. Brown photo: Matt Karas

thatgirl caught up with choreographer Camille A. Brown while in transit between numerous rehearsals in NYC. She is rehearsing her own company, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, in her first evening length work, "Mr. TOL E. RAncE", setting a new work for The Juilliard School's New Dances: Edition 2012 and rehearsing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as they prepare for their yearly engagement at New York City Center including performances of her "The Evolution of A Secured Feminine". She tells us that her most recent work (for Juilliard) is inspired by the movement of a whirlwind. It's no wonder considering the fact that her life seems to be moving at a dizzying pace these days and shows no sign of slowing down!

TG: Name one thing that you do very well but you enjoy the luxury of having someone do for you.

CB: Ha! I feel like I do everything and the things that others do for me are because I can't do them myself. I actually enjoy doing the things I do very well. 

Let me get out of work mode... driving. I LOVE to drive (do long distance sometimes), but it feels great to be driven around. This doesn't happen often so I live in the moment!

TG: How is setting works on other companies different than on your own company? What things do you enjoy most about each?

CB: I definitely have more of a process with my own company. There's more freedom. I can choose our rehearsal times and determine when I want the work we're creating to premiere. At most, I get 3 weeks to set a work on a company. I have to have a plan, get in, and get out. But sometimes the commission comes before the plan. That's when I embrace (I always do but more so here) the space as a living organism. The process creates the piece. 

Things I like about each:

Other companies: Because I'm constantly working with different bodies, it challenges me to try new things. It's always great to meet and work with new people. There are dancers who I've seen on stage and have looked forward to working with them in the studio. You really get to know a lot about a person. I love it.

My Company- It's my heartbeat. The dancers know me. I can be vulnerable, and share ideas. I can laugh, cry, whatever I need to do. They are in full support and vice versa. I  can also challenge myself conceptually because I have the time to do it. I can bring in teachers (dance and theater), to work with us- really take the time to hone my craft as a creator and theirs as performers. 

TG: What was the event in your personal history that has influenced your work the most?

CB: Life as a whole. The lessons I've learned- people I've met. They all lay the foundation of what I chose to say as a choreographer. 

TG: Tell us a little about "Memories" the work you recently set on Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

CB: "Memories" goes on the list as one of my favorite pieces. 

I remember first seeing Complexions in 1996. The way their bodies intertwined blew me away. I had no idea 16 years later I would be invited into the space to create movement for this magnificent company.

 "Memories", is a duet that is inspired by the vividness of memories. Memories of my college days, childhood, and grandparents. Time has moved on. I will never be that same person again, but can remember every detail about her. 

The dancers in this work are reliving their past, but consciously moving forward. It is not interactive in nature, but the dancers share the same space. The common denominator is that they are both remembering times past. They laugh, they cry, they contemplate...they live. 

TG: Share something that you believed when you were very young that you have found to be true now that you're older and wiser?

CB:*Adolescence is not the end of the world.

    *No one cares what pieces you were or were not in back in your college days.     *I in fact have the ideal body.

    *No one can tell me who I am and who I am not.

    *Life can surprise you. 

TG: One dance you wish you had choreographed or performed.  

CB: Wow! Dance: I would have to say my ultimate is Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal." I would've tried to pop something dancing so hard! 

Choreographed: This is a hard one because if I choreographed it it wouldn't be the same? How do you compare based on inspiration?

TG: Best MJ inspired dance moves -  Usher, Chris Brown or Justin Timberlake?

CB: Chris Brown- I think movement wise he takes the most risks. What made Michael Jackson unbelievable and untouchable was that he embraced EVERY aspect of dance. He would pop and lock, then bust out a pirouette. I have seen Chris Brown do the same. 

TG: Twitter or Instagram?

CB: Twitter. I like reading people's opinions on current events--especially when America is focused on the same thing i.e. the election. Some of the most intriguing, heartfelt, hilarious, stupid posts ever. LOL

TG: Does your work leave you any time for recreation? If so, what is your favorite way to unwind?
CB: Hanging with friends, watching tv... A vacation sings in the distance! 

TG: Bonus Question - Mad Men: Don Draper or Roger Sterling?

CB: Neither! Both womanizers :-/

The cast of "Memories" backstage at The Joyce Theater

Samantha Figgins*, Norbert de la Cruz III*, Mark Caserta*, Gary Jeter*, with musician Nick Demopoulos

*Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Follow Camille on Twitter 
Like her company Camille A. Brown & Dancers on Facebook

xo,
thatgirl