Virtuoso/JAPA Halloween/Fall Strut

 

By Dancerina Starlight

 

 Are you like many who steal a thoughtful memory or two from some great events that captured your warm Summer 2023 months? This past summer was busy and fun for dancers at Virtuoso.  From their summer showcase, "Into the Woods," Adventurous Dance Challenge, Intensive Summer Dance Camp, Summer World Dance, Steampunk Showcase--just to name a few, how can anyone easily remove such indelible memories? And, these dedicated dancers haven't slowed down - with their commitment to dance, Fall was greeted with the same dance energy and fancy feet welcome!

On Saturday, October 28, nine Virtuoso dancers embraced harvest season and all the other spooky "stuff" that comes with this time of the year.  With Sexy to spooky costumes, they participated in the 2023 VIRTUOSO/JAPA HALLOWEEN/FALL STRUT, coordinated by Delaney Jenson and had a blast! 

 

Choreographers were Rose (Day-O), Morganna (Quid Pro Quo), Sagia (Zombie Zoo), Sultry (Spooky Scary Skeletons), Dancerina (When Fall Comes to New England), Ravyn (Dolls), Janji (If I only Had a Brain), Sarah (Witchy Woman), and Cassy (Somebody's Watching Me). They came with their individual and collective energy and dance spirit to strut their Autumn dance numbers. A strut is a choreographed dance made in the Smooth Dancer.  It allows guests to join the dance via each dancer's inviter - affording everyone present to dance as a whole group.  No stage sets or dance movers are needed (Delaney Jenson 2023).

Approximately forty guests braved the spook and footloose with choreographers. The song selections meshed well as choreographers and guests cheered each other for doing a great job!

Rose, like Dorothy, longed to go home. It seemed support dancer, Maestro, Morganna's four-legged accompanied dancer appeared to only flaunt his beautiful, thin black velvet fur and green eyes, but nonetheless captivated everyone with his presence. Sagia kept company with the zoo zombies. Sarah, flew off in thin air on her fancy broom. Sultry insisted her bare bones were all she needed to live. Autumn leaves gently blew and flew here and there as Ravyn played with dolls. Janji needed to be convinced she had a brain, while Curious Cassy's laser eyes penetrated the darkness with her self-made effects! The strut concluded with great free-styling from Ravyn!--Myriad talent, energy, synergy, spirit, and togetherness in the name of dance.  

These dancers discovered each other while being professionally trained at Journey Academy of the Performing Arts (JAPA)--Classes of 2021 and 2023 and while enrolled in any of many dance classes.  

 

While they continue to broaden their dance perspectives in varying spaces, they remain linked to their source, JAPA.

Klark Harvy, JAPA Principal and Performance Director of VIRTUOSO,  established the group to inspire talented people to come together for full show performances, and as guests, solos and groups, at the Virtuoso Theatres, and special events (Klark Harvy, 2017). Of course, Principal Klark showed up wearing his Principal face and fun face, dressed to impress the zoo zombies!

Vice Principal Delaney Jenson works very closely with Principal Klark on all levels at JAPA and Virtuoso. She teaches all of the Spot On Tools and gives presentations in some areas of dance. 

 

Through the mentoring program, she assists students in dance and personal development.  She coordinated the Halloween/Fall Strut and showed up splendidly sexy and ready to direct as she keeps her pulse on her next project.

What's on the rest of Virtuoso's 2023 calendar - well, the work almost never ends. The company multi-tasks with on-going dance project management. Currently, the company is preparing for Oliver, a very complex and moving program scheduled for December as well into 2024 as well as preparing to dance on Veteran's Day, and perhaps a Holiday strut.  

JAPA is a learning institution for dance, personal development, and life. There is a balance of professionalism and human consideration in both worlds.  For further information and consideration, please contact Principal Klark Harvy or Vice Principal Delaney Jenson. Virtuoso membership is by Director invite only.  

Dancerina Starlight

Interview With Ina Garnier, Producer at The Déjà vu Ballet Troupe

 
By:  Michael (Bubblesort Triskaidekaphobia)

On Sunday, the Déjà vu ballet dance troupe performed the Tempest.  The set design, costuming, choreography, effects, and music all came together beautifully, to tell the story of Shakespeare’s last play.

After the show, I caught up with Déjà vu’s producer, Ina Garnier, for an interview, where she shared with me her process for creating ballet in Second Life, her thoughts on how ballet is best experienced, and how the Déjà vu ballet troupe is directly effected by the war in Ukraine.

Prospero summons a storm

(Note:  This interview has been edited for length, grammar, and clarity)

Michael (Bubblesort Triskaidekaphobia):  Thank you, for talking to me on such short notice!  Just so our readers know, English is a second language for you.  Your profile says you are from Gdansk, in Poland?

Ina Garnier (lna carpaccio):  Poland, right.

Michael:  Oh yes, Poland is right next to Ukraine.  I love the Ukraine support at your show!  I noticed the flag giver on the stage and the t-shirts at the front doors.  One detail I noticed was that during the show, when firestorm showed me stream title notifications, every track was named Deja Vu - Glory to Ukraine!

Ina Garnier:  Yes, I announced at the opera house at the beginning of this war that Deja Vu would be playing in honor of Ukraine.  That's why I changed the titles.  One of our dancers is now in Ukraine.  She is not with us, but this is not the only reason why we support Ukraine.

Michael:  I hope she will be ok.  We are all hoping for the best in Ukraine.

Ina Garnier:  The issue is very close to me.  Ukraine is our neighbor.

Michael:  That must be difficult.  Do you meet a lot of Ukranian refugees where you are?

Ina Garnier:  Yes, there are a lot of them in Gdansk

Michael:  I hope things work out in the end.

Ina Garnier:  I hope too

Top: T-Shirt Giver at Royal Theater front Steps.  Bottom: Ukraine flag giver, front and center, on the stage.

Michael:  What is your title at Deja Vu?  Producer?

Ina Garnier:  I am a woman-orchestra, that's what we say.  That is, I deal with everything:  producer, director, choreographer.  I also do decorations and some costumes.

Michael:  That sounds like a lot of work.  How did you get involved with dance?  Were you a dancer and choreographer before you came to Second Life?

Ina Garnier:  In real life, I used to run a neighborhood theater for children.  It was called the Cheese Keyhole Theatre.  I have long been passionate about ballet, music and theater.

Michael:  Tell me a little bit about your process.  When you decide what play to put on, what is the next step?  Recruiting dancers?  Choreography?  Costuming?  Set design?

Ina Garnier: The first step is always an idea.  Then I make set design, and costumes, and I choose the music.  Then I devise a choreography.  These are not always adaptations of ballets that exist in real life, I often make up my own stories.

Michael:  That is interesting!  So, you begin with the set and costumes and then do the choreography.  That makes sense, because it's probably easier to choreograph things as they will look with full costume and set design.

Ina Garnier:  Exactly.

Michael:  What tools do you use to choreograph?  Do you make your own animations?

Ina Garnier:  I am using the animations available in Second Life.

Michael:  Do you use any in world tools to put the animations together?

Ina Garnier:  I also use Spot On Choreography tools, so that I can set precise paths, on which the dancers can move, and match time the animations.

The full cast takes a final bow

Michael:  Are your dancers all actual people, or bots, or mannequins?

Ina Garnier:  Sometimes I use alts, if I need more people than there are in the troupe.  There are 14 people in the troupe.  Alts are also a reserve in case someone breaks down, so I don't have to cancel the show.

Michael:  Most of your dancers are actual people, then.  I'm surprised all the dance and theater companies use so many real people.  It seems to me like alts, or mannequins, would be easier.

Ina Garnier:  For sure, the alts do not argue, and are extremely disciplined.  They always obey my will.  It is different with people.

Michael:  Tell me, when you block the scenes out, as a choreographer, do you block them out with the idea that the audience will see the stage the same way we would see it in real life?  I mean, in Second Life we can violate the proscenium arch.  In other words, we can move our camera to extreme angles and zoom in on dancers and things like that.  Do you think your audiences would get more from your performances by keeping a straight angle, looking directly at the stage?  Or maybe you would prefer we move our cameras around during the show?

Ina Garnier:  It would be best if the people watched my performances as they would in real life, but one of the special qualities of Second Life is that you can see from everywhere, without any problems.  It is up to the people where to look, and what to see.  If someone is curious, they can watch us stand behind the scenes, between acts.  I often see photos taken from the back of the stage, that kind of spoil the fun a bit.

Michael:  I can understand how that would be annoying, if you choreograph as you would in real life, and then the audience does unexpected things that can't be done in the real world.

Ina Garnier:  Yes, but I understand people.  They want to know what it looks like from the back when I'm in a real theater, as well, so that curiosity is not that much different than in the real world.  I'm also interested in how it really works, when I see a performance.

Michael violated the proscenium arch to get a more dramatic angle, and get closer to the performers.  You can’t get angles like this in real life.

Michael:  How far in advance do you usually announce your next show?  Do you usually put it on the google calendar a week before the show, or a month?

Ina Garnier:  Sometimes, I manage to plan for a month in advance, but sometimes at the last minute.  There are different situations, and it is not always possible to plan far in advance.  Sometimes, I just don't have time to do something, and then I have to change my plans.

Trailer, from when the Polish National Ballet’s 2017 performance of Chopiniana & Bolero

Michael:  Tell me a little bit about your show next week:  Chopiniana & Bolero.

Ina Garnier:  This double ballet is an unusual performance.  The first part to the music of Fryderyk Chopin, the second is Bolero by Ravel.  The first part is calm, romantic, and the second part is growing, and dynamic.

Michael: That sounds wonderful!  I’m looking forward to seeing it.  Also, I noticed on your Facebook group that you repeat shows now and then.  That's really nice, because if I miss a show, I can wait for it to come back around.  How often do shows rotate?  I mean, if I missed the Tempest yesterday, how long do you think I might have to wait, before you perform it again?

Ina Garnier: I don't repeat them systematically.  I just sit down and think about what to repeat. I have a total of 24 ready-made performances, so there is a lot that can be repeated throughout the year. But I also do new ones.  It only takes a bit longer than a week to put a new show together.  Sometimes it can take several months to put together one new performance.

Michael:  Oh yeah, I can imagine it would probably be impossible to do a new play every week.  I hope you do Prometheus again some time, though.  That's my favorite play.

Ina Garnier:  Prometheus is difficult, because there are as many as 30 avatars in it, so I don't repeat it too often.

Display found in the Royal Theater’s basement, displaying fliers from previous performances.

Michael:  Let’s talk about dance groups in Second Life.  Your Deja Vu group is wonderful, and I think everybody should join it, but if somebody is new to ballet in Second Life, are there any other groups they should look for, to connect with the theater and dance communities in Second Life, to learn about new shows?

Ina Garnier:  There are a lot of dance groups and theaters in SL.  If you are interested in this topic, there are a few places you can look for more information.  One group is called Keep Performance Alive, and another is called Dance Queens.  Both of them advertise a lot of shows.  Dance Queens also has an online calendar of dance shows.

Michael:  One last question:  If somebody wants to become a Deja Vu ballerina, is there an application process for that?  How would somebody get involved with joining Deja Vu?

Ina Garnier:  Just write to me, I will talk to any one candidate

Michael:  Thank you so much for a wonderful interview!  Is there anything else you would like our readers to know before we finish?

Ina Garnier:  I cordially invite everyone to our shows!

Michael
 

CATS at Theater On The Hill

By Gemma Cleanslate

I had my tissues out again Sunday at the Theater on the Hill.  The premiere of the musical , Cats, opened at 12:00. I have seen Cats in real life so many times, but love every minute of it and would go again. The cast at TOTH were dressed as real cat avatars, which is a little different. In real life shows they are humans made up beautifully to look like cats.  The dances and movements were choreographed so well to match the music. If you do not know the back story of Cats I recommend you visit the web to learn about it. This will give you the insight to what is going on.  https://www.catsthemusical.com/about-the-show/the-story

There are many individual cats to meet in the show and the music leads you to understand each one. There are some very special ones that grab your heart. 

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set amongst a larger- than life junkyard playground and is alive with our favourite feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy,

"Well, of all things i
Can it be really?
Yes! No! Ho! Hi! Oh, my eye!
My mind may be wandering, but I confess
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy!"

"Remark the woman
Who hesitates toward you in the light of the door
Which opens on her like a grin.
You see the border of her coat
Is torn and stained with sand,
And you see the corner of her eye
Twists like a crooked pin."
 
The music is delightful, fun in some places and so poignant in others. Every  time I see a performance it is almost like I have not seen it before, always surprises. There was a page in the theater handing out champagne, cookies, juice, soda and other goodies.

There will be several other opportunities to see the show. Do not miss it ! The TOTH will present it again next Sunday at 12pm and again on October 21 at 1 and perhaps again. Perhaps you will see me there! The music is so enticing and the movement of the cast only enhances it.

Oliver Elton is the person behind this show at the TOTH. All SL cats should come as well as the nekos and all furries and humans will love it even if they are not cat friendly. The usual ending to the story was not there but I did not miss it. Everything about this Second Life show is well worth a visit.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pure%20Luxury/194/128/37  

Gemma Cleanslate

Reader Submitted: "Cheap Thrills" by La Performance

By Isabel (Alysabelle Resident)

La Performance started in 2007 by Jie Loon . She is by far the creative inspiration and their mentor. "La Performance" the show is two to three times a year depending. The following people were instrumental to me in writing this article and a special thank you to Jie Loon , Aspen Wrigglesworth , Alazi Sautereau,  without them it wouldn't have been possible.   .

'The opening of dance-show 'CHEAP THRILLS' was held on Sunday ... December 4th 2016 Started at 2.30 pm PST at the Tai Location. Once you arrived at 'La Performance'  you notice a few petal baths  for petite and as well regular avatar size.There is also a bee lounger and also a balcony swing slightly in midair and the countless sofa and sofa chairs .I was privileged to attend a couple of dress rehearsals and the final one Friday before the show on Sunday  . As an audience member the last three years I clearly had no idea how much work was involved behind the scene in preparation of La Performance . The backdrop scenes are extremely creative and visually appealing.  Aspen Wrigglesworth is the producer of "Cheap  thrills" and choreographed at least two dances with the collaboration and input by all the dancers for this particular show. The dancers don't use pose balls they learn how to move and memorize their specific placement, each dancer has their own choreography. It truly takes skills and the dancers rehearse three months before each show approximately three nights a week for two hours.

The music this time is by Demi Lovato, Barei, The Weekend, Saint Motel, ZZ Ward, Sergio Mendez, Sia, Toni Bennett/Lady Gaga, Giacinto Scelsi . Each dancer as their own choreography to learn individually.

These are dancers this year Alazi Sautereau, Aminata Potez, Aspen Wrigglesworth, Bia Nikitin, EchoDancer, Eva Bohemian, Falkon Wickentower, Feli Ibanez,  Janie Broome, JenniferMay Carlucci,  Kenny McDee, Lausard Wildcat, Lulee Babenco, Marili, Randy Thor, Sue Trallis,  and Zimp Rexie) . .

At the start of the show  Alazi Sautereau who is the MC narrates in local  welcoming everyone and mentions as well that its the 18th show by la performance . For that particular show 'Cheap Thrills" is directed by Aspen Wrigglesworth choreographed by her and the teams of dancers. Then she explains camera maneuver for best viewing:) and other technical issues and of course she thanks everyone for showing up and to enjoy the show. . I personally would as well recommend arriving twenty minutes before the show begins for a choice of seating .There is a 30 second delay to regroup between performances to change outfits and the scenery .The show itself " La Performance last approximately one hour."

 There is no tip jar they don't ask for any Lindens they dance for the passion of dancing and for the ' Thrill ' of those who are watching in the audience.

At the end of the show it's important to note that once again the wonderful  Alazi Sautereau thanks everyone for supporting ' La performance' and ask to remain in their seat for a special performance dedicating the last dance to dancer Line Rayna who touched the hearts of many and the dancers dance to Ave Maria by Scelsi. It was one of her favorite dances.  And a very beautiful dance it was indeed. At the very end of the season they have ask the audience if they would like to join the dancers to dance a sort of after party event:) It last approximately an hour . I did so personally the last few years and its fun , one of the dancers will send you a dance hud for you to accept . I think it runs about an hour the after party  . Next year 2017 is their 10th anniversary as well. .I personally can't wait to see what the next ' La Performance' will offer.

Bravo!  Aspen Wrigglesworth and all the dancers and the MC a job well done:). I have attended 'La Performance' for approximately three years now. I personally love dancing and it takes everything out of me not to jump out of the chair and dance on stage with the dancers each time I attend and there is no exception this time around.  And once again I have been transported to a time that I knew someone that use to dance modern and classical ballet passionately as you all do . And each time I am there I can't help but smile of pure joy ,  Its extremely creative and fun to watch ' La Performance' It doesn't matter what age you are , its worth seeing . On a personal note : Jie Loon I will never forget three years ago you invited me on stage alone as we danced you explain the details that go into a show for “ La Performance” . It was  a moment in time I will never forget . Thank you:)Pick up a Playbill at the show. 

The following dates 12/4/16 till the 12/11/16  at the same timeline , 2:30 Pm PST  will be held as well at the Tai Location  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tai/228/126/3547

 The second location will be from the 12/18/16  1/15/17  and  1/22/17  at 2:30 PST -- at the  Mediterraneo Location . http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mediterraneo%20OC/209/150/3652

 And the last show on the 1/29/17 at 2:30 PST  will be back to the Tai Location.

Below is the“ La Performance ' website

http://www.la-performance.org/show/569/cheap-thrill

 ÎsaЪeĻ (Alysabelle Resident)

Mysteria at the Oval Theater

By Gemma Cleanslate

I spent Monday at the Oval Theater watching their new show, “Mysteria.” The invitation said, “Let your imagination soar as your reality merges with a world of wonder and whimsy in an enchanting production that is sure to leave you spellbound” and it did. It is a perfect description of the performance.  The show is an eclectic collection of scenes ,  each with dance and song.

Othon Weiland-Nootan (Othon Weiland) greeted everyone as we arrived and settled ourselves in the comfortable seats around little tables, set in groups of four in the theater. It has seating on several levels so it is very perfect for viewing the stage from all angles. The scenery is a show in itself. Each scene has a setting that fits the performance going on and each is fabulous.

The choreography is an art that must take so much time to prepare with so many styles of dance.  The music is a fitting choice for it or vice versa . It all works beautifully.  The costumes are beyond description. The entire performance is over an hour but flows so evenly with costume changes going on behind the scenes with pleasant break music for the short changes. The entire cast is to be applauded for all their work with many appearing in more than one scene in various roles .

I am happy to tell you that the show will be performed two more times. July 21st and 23rd at 1PM SLT so you will not miss it. Enjoy! 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Devils%20Cave/145/80/21

Gemma Cleanslate

Body and Soul

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

I have been trying for weeks to get to a performance of ‘Body and Soul’ on a Sunday afternoon. I finally made it and am so glad I did. It is spectacular! The music and the dancing and the staging are all amazing. The costumes were to die for. This is virtual modern dance. 

 

 

Jie Loon is the founder of this dance group in Second Life, “We use virtual technics to elevate a system of dance-art. We don't try to copy real-life techniques. We try to find a social organisation and communication between virtual avs in front – real human beings behind – in an open cooperative way –We are in a dynamic process - and we are coming from all over the world … And there is no business in it – we all together do it for fun … with help of friends – and hope that audience will have fun too.” is the mission of the group as stated on their website which will tell you all about the group and its work. 

 

 

The music for each dance guides the dance itself. Alazi (Alazi Sautereau), the announcer greeted us at the beginning of the performance and gave us directions to help us watch each dance comfortably. She told us that ‘Body and Soul’ is the 15th show by “la Performance” since 2007. And then the opening number to the music of Aretha Franklin began. Various dancers performed in each scene to other music as it went on. There were eight different dances performed in this show. It was well received by the audience as applause broke out after each scene and at the end. I enjoyed every bit of it and hope you will too. 

 

 

There will be two more presentations on the next Sundays at 2:30 . The website will give you so much information about the group and its history and also the landmark for the next two weeks . http://www.la-performance.org/

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Performances at Club Image

 By Grey Lupindo

Last week my neighbor Celtic Infinity invited me to attend a dance performance at Club Image, located at Club IMAGE, Laem Singh (198, 29, 2021).    The Sunday morning performances, which are held every week, are suitable for all residents.   The dancers and audience are predominately Japanese, but there were other nationalities represented, too.  Performances start at 7am SLT.

        On the Sunday that I attended, Daylight Savings time had just gone into effect within most of the U.S., but not in Japan.   The time change caught a few people off guard.   In addition to the time issue, SL was having a few technical issues.   But even with these difficulties, the performance was amazing.

       As curtain time drew nearer, Misse Tigerpaw (misse.tigerpaw) greeted everyone and explained about the time issue.   She has been a resident since December, 2007.  Misse is one of the Image dancers and was to be the featured performer in the second act that morning.   She reminded everyone to have a seat and make sure their music was turned on.

         The show began with two dancers, a particle light show, and a lively mix of music.   The first song was “Call Me".  The performance was great, with a snappy beat, high energy dancing, and lots of particles.  The songs that followed were varied and well known. 

        The transition to the second act began with a storyboard of “Little Red Riding Hood” that included pictures of Misse Tigerpaw in costume.   The background music included Sarah Vaughan’s “A Lover's Concerto”, Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E”, and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”.    Then the London Philharmonic Orchestra began playing “Enchanted Forest” as Misse Tigerpaw began her performance.   She performed a stunning and beautiful ballet as Little Red Riding Hood.   There was fire and ice, a blood moon rising, and even some wolves.    

           After her performance, due to technical difficulties, the order and scheduling of the Image Dancers was changed.  Diawa Bellic was the next dancer.  She has been a resident since 2008. Her talent and professionalism was awesome and overcame the minor technical difficulties SL threw at her. 

      The final act was a group performance of six Image Dancers, including Terri Wardell, Misse Tigerpaw, and Diawa Bellic.  Unfortunately I was unable to confirm the names of the other three dancers.   Their performance, set on a busy urban street, was fun and energetic.     

      Nearly 40 residents watched and cheered the performance.   At the end the performers exited the stage and received more congratulations as those who attended left the theatre.  

       The Image Dancers put on a great show that I heartily recommend.  If you go, plan to arrive early so you can get a good seat.   There is no change for the performance.  However, pictures of the dancers are on the wall and serve as a tip jar for anyone who wishes to donate.    Don’t worry if you don’t know Japanese or have a translator.  Celtic gave me a translator so I could understand the chat better, but I didn’t need it for the show.   Music and dancing are universal.  

Grey Lupindo