Cocoa Connection

In a New York Minute: Fall for Dance Festival

In a New York Minute:

Fall for Dance Festival

http://www.citycenter.org/ffd/index.cfm

September 28-October 8

The last week of September brings dancing to the streets of New York City when New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival comes to town. For 10 days (September 28-October 8) 30 dance companies from around the world will put on 10 performances at the New York City Center on 55th street. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the sheer joy of watching such amazing companies as American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet for only $10 - the cost of an entire day worth of performances.

This festival features companies like The Martha Graham Dance Company and Yi-Jo Lim Sun Dance Company Dance that normally would only come to the city once a year. It also features ballet companies, contemporary dance, swing dancing and tap. Along with the dance performances, each day features an assortment of panel discussion on topics surrounding dance such as "Inside and Out: Sexuality in Dance" and "Where is Ballet going?."  This festival is perfect for dancers, dance lovers, and all those who wants to learn more about dance. Come out next week, September 28-October 8 and spend a night out amongst some of the greatest performers in the world.

Perspective

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of 9/11.  Fashion is important to many of us, but we need to consider it in perspective with everything else sometimes.

I struggle with my feelings on advertising and fashion and with the idea of promoting consumerism.  Every time I recommend something I feel like I'm encouraging someone to purchase it.  At the same time I do not want to encourage that "gotta have it" attitude with which my generation has grown up.  It seems that we are part of the large consume-make-money-for-the-corporation machine most of the time.  I have no problem with money or making money, but the images set by fashion magazines and ad's basically cause people to consciously or sub-consciously question their self-worth and attractiveness if they are not like the people in the ads.  The message is basically that we need to buy or do more to attain what we do not have.

In the larger scope of things, fashion and beauty are not important.  Having the hottest shoes does not matter.  What really matters at the end of the day is whether we feel we have lived that day to the fullest and contributed to the world and ourselves.

As I revel in the creativity of designers this Fashion Week, I plan to keep these thoughts in mind.  I will enjoy the clothes but will not compare my body to a model's or wish I had money to buy a certain dress or think of all the beautiful clothes that I do not have.

Around Town in a New York Minute: Club Watch

Summer is still here and the heat is still sizzling in New York City, especially around the club scene. Nearly every block in Manhattan from Canal Street to Washington Heights boasts some type of pub, dance club or lounge to spend your Thursday through Saturday nights in (or if you are truly adventurous Wednesday through Sunday). The only frustrating part is, where to go and how to get in, because in New York its all about where you go and how many celebs are sitting next to you. Instead of listing the best clubs in New York City, I will list a number of websites that will get you on the guest list to some of the hottest parties in the city. Guest lists are the best way to get into any club because they offer you free or reduced admission and complimentary drinks. Most guest lists offer similar conditions such as a time span that within which the guest list is open, how many people can go be on your list an d what attire to wear.

http://clubplanet.com/

Clubplanet is my favorite site for clubs in New York. Not only do they give you the guest list for some of the hottest clubs in New York but they also give you a description of other clubs, lounges, pubs and bars in the city if clubbing isn’t your scene. It also posts guest lists for other cities around the US

Legacies: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Slavery

Legacies: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Slavery
(https://www.nyhistory.org)

The New York Historical Society has opened a second exhibit showcasing the work of young contemporary artists surrounding the theme of slavery in the United States. The first exhibit was 2000's “Without Sanctuary. Lynching Photography in America” a photographic exhibition that left every visitor with a searing life altering glimpse of the lynching of thousands of slaves during the1800s. Having seen just a glimpse of the photographs displayed in "Without Lynching", I was also left with similar feelings of anger, shock and pain. "Legacies: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Slavery"” the second installment in this New York Historical Society series, is an assortment of contemporary art pieces that deal with a reflection on slavery and the impact of slavery in our society today.

Around Town in a New York Minute

Around Town in a New York Minute
Harlem Week 2006

It’s been an exciting summer of 2006, but the summer is not over yet so here are some events around the city that should definitely be checked out.
Harlem Week 2006
http://harlemweek.harlemdiscover.com/

Harlem Week has become a staple in New York City for over 30 years. Harlem Week started as just one day dedicated to celebrating the artistic and historical beauty of Harlem and has expanded to a week long celebration of diversity amongst African Americans. This week long event hosts everything from a free book fair, showcasing the works of African American authors in all genres of literature and book signing.(http://www.harlembookfair.com/) to a fashion runway exhibiting the latest in young urban fashion by the newest up and coming designers.  This week long celebration is capped off with a concert tribute to Marvin Gaye, titled “Concert Under the Stars” Performances include legendary 70s R&B artists Ashford and Simpson and Freddie Jackson. Harlem Week is the perfect event for everyone young and old and highlights the accomplishments of African-Americans in all forms of media. Most of the events are free and all events are held in and around the historical Apollo Theater on 125th street in Harlem.