Enforced Arch would like to extend a special thanks to the following people who helped send the Anti-Fur performance piece 'Please, Don't Touch' to Paris. Our community has grown as a result and new opportunities have presented themselves. We created this video to thank everyone for their unconditional support. Enjoy:
Thank you; Amanda Lee, Andrea Rosa, Andrea Torres, The Anti-Fur Society, Beatrice Cox, Bettina May, Blossom Du Jour, Bonnie Erickson, Brooke B Toohey, Bud Burdick, Carly Fox Horton, Celine Orang, Clara Lofaro, CocoaV, Creadanse, Daphne Cheng, David & Nancy Dorius, Elizabeth Castoria, Esther Bell, Foodswings, Gavin Reign, Hope Kandel, Jasmin Singer, Jennifer Fox, Judith Vogel, Julia Hochner, Joshua Katcher, Kristin Mularz, Lauren Cox, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Marcia Fox, Margo Martinez, Marlena Pavich, Mary Sarsfield, Melissa Fornabaio, Michel Lambert, Michele Bernstein, Michelle Cohen Carpenter, Nicole Johnson, Nina Athanasakos, Pamela Elizabeth, Paris Vegan Day, Rachel Kay, Rebecca Hall, Shelley Ohmes, Stacie Adams, Tarik Daniels, The Gentle Gourmet, Vaute Couture, Vegan Paris Day, VegNews, Verité Catering, The West Cafe, Tracey Katof, Zachary Koval
Paris Journal 2011 Part 11
After a 6 hour flight from New York City, Carly Fox Horton & Tracey Katof joined me in Paris! Although it was a Red-eye flight, they felt excited to explore the city. Our dear friend, Celine Orang from Creadanse donated space for us to rehearse in later that evening so we left a little early to do some sightseeing! Fortunately our apartment at The Gentle Gourmet is in a beautiful neighborhood just minutes from L'Arc De Triumph so we popped over to snap a photo!
After we finished up there, it took just under an hour to arrive to the space where Celine greeted us. After two hours of rehearsal we felt plenty prepared to perform the following night at La Bellevilloise for Vegan Paris Day!
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Paris Journal 2011 Part 9
I'm thrilled to have two inspirational dancers, Carly Fox Horton & Tracey Katof join me in Paris tomorrow at noon (12h00). I've heard numerous people say that they are thrilled to see our performance at La Bellevilloise for Paris Vegan Day(PVD) and even more to see a marriage between art and activism in our performance piece 'Please, Don't Touch!' PVD wrote an article on the PVD website. You can read it, translated from french, here!
Paris Journal 2011 Part 1
Paris Journal 2011 Part 2
Paris Journal 2011 Part 3
Paris Journal 2011 Part 4
Paris Journal 2011 Part 5
Paris Journal 2011 Part 6
Paris Journal 2011 Part 7
Paris Journal 2011 Part 8
Paris Journal 2011 Part 9
Paris Journal 2011 Part 10
Paris Journal 2011 Part 11
Paris Journal 2011 Part 12
Paris Journal 2011 Part 13
Paris Journal 2011 Part 8
I took a visit to Repetto in Paris where they make high quality dance shoes, the only set back is they are primarily made of animal products. A 2006 report from FAO says livestock production is one of the major causes of the world's most pressing environmental problems, including global warming, land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity(source). How can we as a community speak up against this? For one we can write to our suppliers and request that they consider Eco alternatives.
Take a moment to tell Repetto about these concerns: Repetto Contact
Here's a few suggestions you can make for Eco & Animal-Free alternatives: Giardini Synthetic Leathers LORICA
Another way to make a statement is to wear responsible alternatives. Visit our ESSENTIALS page to peruse the list!
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Paris Journal 2011 Part 2
Last night Joshua & I took a stroll to the local bio supermarche (organic supermarket) where we picked up soy yogurt, fresh tomatoes & cucumbers, olive spread, an assortment of vegan deli slices and vegan cheese alternatives so we were set for today's homemade meals.
Our gracious host made coffee before we even woke up. As we sipped the fresh coffee, creamed with chestnut milk, we enjoyed soy yogurt with a dollup of rhubarb jelly. What a delightful way to start the day!
Then I explored the surrounding neighborhood near our metro station called Porte de Clichy. I found it interesting to see how cordially people interact. Although the pace is still quick like New York City, people acknowledge you when you walk into a store and pardon themselves when they bump into you. On my way back to prepare lunch I stopped into the same boulangerie (bakery), as I had the night before, to grab a fresh baguette. The gentleman recognized me and excitedly hopped out of his seat and reached for the whole grain baguette that I had previously ordered without me asking for it. To top that, he respectfully attempted to teach me how to ask for it in French! I already forgot how to say it but I will return tomorrow for yet another chance to learn!
Upon arriving home we had lunch. A french grain baguette, Vitaquell Creme Olive spread, Vegi-Cheezly & Taifun Papillon. I then chopped up crisp organic produce such as cucumbers & heirloom tomatoes to accompany our sandwiches.
In the evening I attended a debate on Ethical Fashion hosted by the American University of Paris (AUP) where Joshua Katcher spoke. Many points were made regarding fair labor, sustainability, animal rights, buying local, etc. I won't delve into it but if any of these topics interest you I recommend Joshua Katcher's website for Ethical Gentleman called The Discerning Brute. An exciting moment during his presentation was when he mentioned his Anti-Fur initiative PINNACLE: Reinvent the Icon, which encourages artists to use their creative voice to speak up against the cruelty involved with Fur production. During this part of Joshua's presentation he used my performance piece, 'Please, Don't Touch' as an example of an artists contribution. The AUP panel then walked to a charming french restaurant near the college to have dinner. Luckily there was one vegan penne vegetarienne on the menu! I enjoyed it with an organic glass of Rose.
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Have Mercy & Please, Don't Touch
Movers, James Koroni & Tracey Katof were invited to perform 'Please, Don't Touch' at Have Mercy!, a fashion event at Greenhouse NYC, organized by the U.S. Veg Corp. Check it out:
Have Mercy!
Compassionate 'Mover' Sarah Gross and business partner Nira Paliwoda of U.S. Veg Corp present fur-less fashion in their event at Greenhouse. (An eco-friendly TriBeCa venue)
“Have Mercy! (Fashion Event)” will feature new couture designs, vegan treats, music, dancing, and chocolate. Proceeds from the affair will benefit Mercy for Animals, a New York-based animal rescue organization.
Each of the fashion lines to be showcased bills itself as anti-fur and earth-friendly. Among them:
· Fraley Le, an award-winner from Chicago whose specialties include vibrantly colored evening gowns and cocktail dresses.
· Yane Mode, an edgy brand famous for its sleek drapings and soft jersey knits.
· Pretty Birdie by Stephanie Teague, who creates apparel and accessories from organic and sustainable fabrics infused with antique surplus and recycled materials.
· Sew Moe Designs, based in Asheville, South Carolina, offering handmade updated-vintage originals.
Weaving amongst the models, partygoers will find hors d’oeuvres from Verite Catering, dark chocolates from Rescue Chocolate, additional desserts from Bolaji Cuisine, functional waters from Balance, and other drinks from Mercy Beverage.
Entertainment is be provided by Enforced Arch's compassionate 'Movers' James Koroni, Tracey Katof and Lauren Cox. They will perform 'Please Don't Touch' an Anti-Fur piece choreographed by James Koroni that has been invited to perform in Paris later this month! Check out their video here: http://www.indiegogo.com/Please-Dont-Touch Also you can count on an appearance from vegan drag queen Honey LaBronx!
The backdrop for all of these goings-on is located at 150 Varick Street. The Greenhouse is New York’s first nightclub with LEED certification. Its walls are made of sustainable bamboo rather than wood, and the space is constructed mostly from recycled materials. It has the feel of a glitzy nature preserve with a huge waterfall and a ceiling made of live plants.
Tickets for Have Mercy! are $25 in advance (http://bit.ly.nTFf8p) and $40 at the door. The event will run from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Funds will be donated to Mercy for Animals, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices and policies.
MASTER CLASS Fundraiser
With choreographers James Koroni & Tracey Katof of Enforced Arch website! All proceeds go towards the 'Please, Don't Touch' fundraiser.
$20 - 2 hr class* Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 PM Location: Pearl Studios Nyc Studio K 500 8th Ave., New York, NY 10018
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Contemporary warm-up including pilates strengthening
7:45 PM - 9:00 PM Athletic & quirky Contemporary segment from 'Please, Don't Touch'
*The Enforced Arch community is searching for compassionate 'Movers' for upcoming opportunities. This is a great way for us to get to know you as a dancer and artist!
Tonya Kay, Vegetable Fueled x2
In my current hometown of New York City there really is no need to own a car but if I lived in Los Angeles it would be another story. Los Angeles is where compassionate 'Mover' Tonya Kay currently lives. Being environmentally conscious has always been a concern of hers so she found a way to have a hot car and avoid all the exhaust that comes with it by fueling her vehicle, the Grape Space Coaster, with Vegetable oil!
She was recently featured, along with the Grape Space Coaster, in a Pilot which was submitted for, accepted and aired on Speed TV last month! The Enforced Arch community would like to congratulate her on this success and also thank her for taking this opportunity to show that you can drive a hot car and avoid using environmentally and socially devastating gasoline as a source for fuel.
Check out her appearance on Speed TV here:
James Koroni's Birthday & Fundraiser
Our fundraising event on Tuesday evening went brilliantly. The turn out was outstanding! A crowd made up of friends, family, artists, activists, fashion industry professionals, dancers, choreographers, Clara Lofaro fans and of course the lure of Bettina May topped it all off! I could not have had a more splendid time. A special thanks you to all those involved including:
Bettina May , dough-nut stop till you get enough!
Clara Lofaro accompanied by Andrea Torres on Taps!
Lauren Cox & myself performing 'Please, Don't Touch' with Marlena Pavich's Anti-Fur pants!
The West Cafe in Williamsburg
Thank you to Cocoa V, Blossom Du Jour, Bettina May's PinUp Class, Foodswings, Tracey Katof, Bud Burdick, Carly Fox Horton, Joshua Katcher, Vaute Couture and of course thank you for being in attendance!
As for the fundraiser element, we raised just enough to send one dancer to Paris which means there is still more outreach to be done. We have created an IndieGoGo web page. If you know anyone that might be interested in our cause please send the following link their way:
http://www.indiegogo.com/Please-Dont-Touch
Here is the launch of our video:
‘Please, Don’t Touch’ focuses energy on a topic that sits at the intersection of social justice, ecology and design. Our ultimate goal is to to become effective conduits for empathy and creative tools for change. Through the use of live performance, transmedia and personal interaction, this project will impact the heavily guarded perceptions of fur iconography by shedding light on what isn’t revealed behind the glitz and glamor.
"Kill" the Paso Doble, Pass Killing the Bull
"In this dance Marko is gonna be a Matador. Who's gonna be going to fight the Bull and obviously kill the bull."-Dmitry Chaplin
"I am an animal activist so I am out to stop him!" -Janette Manrara
Last week on So You Think You Can Dance Janette Manrara, through Dmitry Chaplin's choreography, expressed compassion for animals and a disinterest in Bull Fighting. Why would one kill a bull? To proclaim masculinity, dominion over animals or for sport? Historically speaking, man would kill the beast to show superior intelligence or to establish power over their environment. Centuries later, in our modern culture, is it necessary to torture animals to establish and satisfy our egos? We don't need to abandon the rich history of our relationship to the environment. There is already an alternative form of art that is more of a spectacle and requires no killing. The Paso Doble is graceful and respectful to all parties involved. It represents our relationship with the "beast" yet requires no brutality and is absolutely breathtaking for the eyes to behold. Especially in this performance by choreographer Dmitry Chaplin with dancers Janette Manrara and Marko Germar! See for yourself:
A 2002 Gallup poll found that 68.8% of Spaniards express "no interest" in bullfighting while 20.6% expressed "some interest" and 10.4% "a lot of interest". (source) If an overwhelming amount of Spaniards have no interest in Bull Fighting then why does it still exist? For more info, click here!
Help Enforced Arch get an interview with Janette Manrara by LIKEing her Facebook page and telling her how much you want to see her join the compassionate 'Movers!'