Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lauren Cox danced in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse. How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I believe just the existence of this play and the fact that survivors are speaking loudly about this issue sends a positive message to those suffering from childhood sexual abuse.   If those same people could see the triumph of Rich's journey it would offer more than hope but a doorway into the survival community, a community which offers support and guidance through the healing process.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

I played a sort of bad influence on Rich for most of the play, accompanying him on his drug trips, which was something completely new for me.  We were all called upon to actually feel what drugs offer, a sense of relief from such deep pain and rage, and through that process I understood just a bit about what was stolen from children and adults suffering from this abuse.  It is a heavy, unbearable and self loathing entity, something that eats away at your mental stability and growth leaving you to constantly question yourself.  It was amazing to be able to speak openly with the survivors about their attackers, processes of healing and strength.  I performed with and for them every show and we should all celebrate their resilience.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

Speak up because you never know who you will inspire!

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni

Keep Breathing

Andrea Torres choreographed 'Keep Breathing' on a group of talented dancers including herself, Joan Heeringa, Klara Beyeler, Paulette Lewis and Stephanie Bissonnette. They performed it at the M.O.V.E. For Cambodia Gala in NYC. This event focuses it's efforts on raising money to build a new school in Cambodia and bring awareness to current issues surrounding sex trafficking and drug addiction. 'Keep Breathing' symbolizes the pain and suffering these victims goes through but then shows that with a helping hand, like the M.O.V.E. For Cambodia benefit, together we can develop ways to end their suffering.

Love In A Tub!

Here is a promo for Love In A Tub!, a theatrical rockomedy that will be performed live as part of the 2011 New York International Fringe Festival. Love In A Tub! includes appearances from Mover, James Koroni along with many other talented artists.

Dot the Connective and “Rock & Roll” Joel Bassin Present:

Love In A Tub! Written by James Manzello and Oliver Wason Featuring ruthlessly stolen excerpts from a Restoration play by Sir George Etherege Directed by James Manzello, Oliver Wason and Joel Bassin

Featuring: Alexander Kikis as Colonel Bruce Chris Gizzi as Himself Dan Blondell as Dufoy Fufoy Drew Mendoza as Grandma Bevill Emily Kron as Graciana Bevill Hunter Cain as Aurelia Bevill James Koroni as The Coachmen/Ensemble James Manzello as Lord Genesis Beaufort Jimmy Joe McGurl as Sir Frederick Frollick Joshua R. Pyne as Lovis Bevill Marisa Parry as Ensemble Morgan Scott as Ensemble and Charlize Theron* (* = Not actually in the cast)

Costume Designer - Lui Konno Lighting Designer - Oliver Wason Production Stage Manager - Louise Hollander Stage Manager - Lauren Pope Sound Engineer - Fabio Blazina

More info at loveinatub.tumblr.com!

Sarah Gross

SARAH GROSS

Sarah Gross is a classically trained dancer who has performed with the City Ballet of San Diego, California Ballet, Columbia City Ballet, and Human Affect when it gave a special performance at the United Nations. A constant gym rat, she developed and has taught a unique workout routine called Ballet Burn. She has also run in several marathons, and is a Pilates instructor in Brooklyn. She derives her energy from twin passions: animal rescue and dark chocolate. Recently she founded the Rescue Chocolate company, which donates all of its profits to various animal rescue organizations.

"Being vegan is an essential part of my outlook on life. I have never had as much energy or stamina as I've had eating vegan. And I love the peace of mind I get knowing that what I wear, what I do, how I look, and how I move, are all based upon reverence for every living thing." --Sarah Gross

M.O.V.E. Summer Gala

Compassionate Mover, Nicole Johnson is the creative director of Javanna Productions, a non-profit organization that from 2010-2011 has hosted the effort 'M.O.V.E. For Cambodia.' In the past 8 months they have held 20 events, including spoken word nights, coffee house series events, movement classes, parties, large and small scale performances, workshops, discussion groups, visual art presentations, etc. Now on July 18th at the Connelly Theater they're bringing everyone together for a reflection of their past efforts and to see how they can complete their goal of raising $20,000 by September 2011. This money will go towards opening a school in a Cambodian Village and will mark the end of their journey as a national team of compassionate 'Movers.' Join them at the Connelly Theater for a night of food, entertainment and fundraising. Including visual art, a photo gallery, short film screening, M.O.V.E. showcase, and food!

To make a donation click here. For tickets to the M.O.V.E. Summer Gala click here!

Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni

  Mover, James Koroni, danced and portrayed the role of Teenage Rich in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here he shares his feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue offers victims a glimpse into the story of recovery. The predators only evil power is secrecy, which leaves a feeling of shame in their victims. Lemon Meringue breaks the silence. It makes childhood sexual abuse a topic that isn't so taboo and helps our community explore ways to make victims comfortable with sharing their secret. Then when they need us, we will be ready to nurture them through recovery.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

Teenage Rich, was a bridge between the adult and the inner child. One rehearsal with the Director, Terri Muuss, was exceptionally powerful because I was able to reintroduce them on stage. Both Adult and Young Rich felt closer to Teenage Rich than one another. I was there as a confidant and emotional support in that scene when they finally met one another. Metaphorically, I want to be available to play this role for friends or family that may have gone through this in their own lives but this time help them bridge the gap between the victim and the survivor.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that sexual predators may not be the stranger in the park but is more often the person who takes your child to the park. This doesn't mean you need to fear every caretaker in their life. There are ways to protect your children from predators. Teach them to trust their instincts, help them understand what is a good secret and what is a bad secret and don't feel bad about what inquiries you may have. You know your child more than anyone else.

I'd like to thank Terri Muuss, Rich Ryan, Athena Reich, Rhett Hackett and Keith Smith for sharing their stories with me and helping me be a better tool in liberating other victims. I love you all dearly and look forward to working with you again in the future!

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof

Compassionate Mover, Tracey Katof is not only the choreographer but also a dancer in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I hope that those who have been victims of sexual abuse will see Lemon Meringue and find some comfort in the fact that they are not the only ones and that there is help available.

What was the most difficult part of RICH’s story in Lemon Meringue to choreograph and why? (Considering you needed to explore the emotional turmoil of his process)

Depicting substance abuse was challenging because I had to consider why one would turn to it in the first place. Imagine that someone spirals into this cycle of drug use seeking peace, only to feel temporary false hope and then realize that the drugs cause them more pain.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned about the process of recovery. The pathway may seem overwhelming and challenging at times but recovery is possible and worth the journey.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Statement Tee-too.

It's time to make a difference with what we wear! This charming little gentlemen is wearing the boysdancetoo. 'Statement Tee' which is made from organic cotton and comes in both boys and mens sizes. I appreciate boysdancetoo. for encouraging boys to be proud of being dancers but I especially admire their goal to use ecologically responsible textiles while doing so! It's not enough to be a dancer these days, with so much suffering in the world we need to find a way to incorporate a sense of ecological responsibility. An excerpt from 'White Gold: The True Cost of Cotton.'

The cotton industry has caused an ecological disaster. The Aral Sea, once the world's fourth largest inland lake, providing people with water and much needed jobs, has shrunk to 15% of its original size. The salinity of water and soil has increased, and as desperate farmers apply more water to their fields, they exacerbate the problem. This leads to infertile soil and areas of salty desert contaminated with pesticide residues.

With the loss of jobs the people of Uzbek now labor day after day, including tens of thousands of children who are forced to pick the cotton harvest each year. Crucially, the suffering caused by this industry comes at the hands of the government. It is the Uzbek state, not the country's mafia that instigates the abuses connected to the production and sale of cotton turning its people into a slave nation.

For more information please visit ejfoundation.org

It may seem overwhelming to hear a story like theirs but this is an opportunity to make a difference in the world. By purchasing organic cotton you show that there is a demand for organic farming practices. This simple purchase counts as a vote and increases the demand. You can get yourself a boysdancetoo. Statement Tee-too.

This piece of boys dance clothing is brought to you by boysdancetoo. - the dance store for men.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton

Carly Fox Horton, a dancer from the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue, shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue can inspire other victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek healing and to believe that they have the power to live free from their past. I hope they can find encouragement from relating to Rich's journey.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

The most important part of the rehearsal process for me was the time that we took to sit down and talk with the people in cast who are survivors. Hearing from their own mouths what had happened to them, what it had done to their emotional, spiritual, and physical being, and then how they were able to pull themselves out of victim-hood to become survivors was truly remarkable and inspirational. These conversations also led to many sleepless nights as I wrestled with the knowledge of the great evil that had been done to these people and many other people in my life that are dear to me. Although it may be uncomfortable to face these demons, it is essential for healing and the prevention of future abuse.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that, whether you are aware of it or not, everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual abuse. The psychological component of this type of abuse causes victims to think and believe things that make it very difficult to seek help, and many victims do not have a loved one that they can trust. Victims often find that when they attempt to confide in someone, that confidant actually makes the situation worse by having an inappropriate reaction. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the effects of sexual abuse so that we all can give knowledgeable and loving support to the people in our lives who have been affected by it.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox