NEWSLETTER: fire breathing

ALOHA!

"All right already!" Don't you just want to shout that out loud for no particular reason aimed at no one in particular? Sometimes it just bees like dat, but especially right now with the economy eating itself like a maniacal, cannibalistic pacman AND the election right around the corner AND a sudden influx of drivers returning to the road since oil prices are plummeting. (For the last time: the price of a barrel of oil has scant little to do with the price of a gallon of gasoline on the exact same day.) We are all feeling a mix of euphoria, impending doom, and just a touch of hamster. Yes, hamster. You know, running around that wheel for no particular reason, greedily nibbling that kibble in a corner so no other hamster can get at it...There's just enough of that vibe to make everyday discourse damn near disasterous. Advertising companies like Yahoo are starting to fail, large retailers are going belly up (hello, Mervyn's?!) More financial mergers are happening and foreclosures have not been stopped. The UC system just announced no raises as had been planned. The Sant'Ana Winds are broiling even the beach areas. Time to lift it up! If you hold fear in your heart and focus on what you fear, you will help it manifest. Hold delight, grace and forgiveness in your heart, dance A LOT, and focus on a society full of people ready to make a difference for the good of ALL. Every morning, get up and just sit still with a smile on your face and imagine your day amplifying that sensation of smiling. Thankfully, there are lots of offerings out there to smile about, a number of which require some cash, but we are cutting up those cards because we need to become the solution ourselves.


Afrologic. Afrological. Afrologica. How big is you 'fro?
Multiple, fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in the service of lifting it/us all up.
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, get your community on.



BLOWIN BACK DA 'FRO this week are new subscribers! Hellooooo there! Not to mention a li'l sumpthin sumpthin for those SYTYCD freaks out there, some trips down memory lane and a lot of opportunities to DIY, which ain't QED but well worth the effort IMO. yeah, i can't stand texting english either. What should we call it? "Acronize?" "Digitese?" Whatever. You need to check at least one of these out.


THE MUSIC CENTER, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Night Spot, Miami City Ballet
Thursday October 23rd - Friday 24th 7:30 PM, Sunday October 26th @ 2 PM; $30 - $120
MIAMI CITY BALLET performs the West Coast premiere of NIGHTSPOT, a Twyla Tharp and Elvis Costello collaboration. Big budget, big tour, big names, big ballet. be aware, that Night Spots is not evening length. There are 2 Balanchine pieces, Symphony in # Movements & Tarantella, and a Christopher Wheeldon piece, Liturgy.


ECHOPLEX
1154 Glendale BLVD, Los Angeles CA 90026
Underground Dance Masters: Final History of a Forgotten Era, film by GS Media Group
October 24, Doors @ 8 PM, all ages
This film will likely shake you up if you think you know hip hop. I've seen a few versions, and Thomas Gùzman-Sanchez is adamant about undoing our reliance on easy, sloppy terms and quickly shifting memory. The last bit has gotten him into a whole bunch of trouble. People have the right to forget; does not necessarily make them liars. That said, his reliance on television variety shows to help set a timeline for the evolution of "break dancing" is just sheer genius. The battle for truth still rages on though, so you can expect a lot more films on the topic from a number of "OGs" round the globe. Go check this one out and you will get to see many of the masters in the film, throw down live. Kenny Ortega hosts the jam after the film. No price given for admittance...and I cannot find an actual mention of the event on the Echoplex website; sera que no existera? They sent me a press release directly. For a review copy or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Tom Sachelle, Public Relations (818)727-1979



SEA AND SPACE EXPLORATION
4755 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042
Exchange Rate: 2008 hosted by the Audacity of Desperation Exhibition
Oct. 26, 6-8 pm; then watch the election returns on November 4th alongside performances
Featuring performances by: Danielle Adair, Dorit Cypis, Liz Glynn, Adam Overton and Sara Roberts
I have to admit to not feeling the title of the exhibition, but the concept sounds very wonderful. The event here is one of many around the globe, all focused on the US Presidential election. Elana Mann helms the project. Check out their home page.


AVENUE 50 STUDIO, directions
131 N Avenue 50, Highland Park, CA
The Black/Brown Dialogues: Inspiration House Poetry Choir #4
Saturday October 25th, 7 - 10 PM
Hosted by Peter Harris, this evening of poetry is going to rock you and move you. If you remember his radio show back in the day on KPFK, Inspiration House, you know this will get you lifted. Featuring Music by Maria Elena Gaitan, cello; Robert S. Hilton, slide harp; Curtis Robertson, Jr., acoustic bass & Spoken Word by Peter J. Harris, Amalia Ortiz, Francisco Letelier, Imani Tolliver


THE NEW LOS ANGELES THEATRE CENTER
514 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Saturday October 25th & 26th, 3 & 8 PM on both days; $35, though discounted tickets may be had
The Limón Dance Company presents: Lament for Ignacio Santos Meijas and The Moors Pavane
Truly, this tour is a dance history course unto itself.


HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY, directions
6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Dia de Los Muertos
Saturday, November 1, 4- 11 PM; To watch the altars going up, October 31st, 6:30 - 10 PM; $5, children under 10 are free, bring exact change or you ain't gettin in...
Woooo. Nothing quite as invigorating as a rager in a cemetery. You absolutely must go to this event at least once in your lifetime if you claim to live in Los Angeles. Parking is catastrophic to say the least, so get your walking shoes on and use a Melrose St. bus. Gate entry on Gower is less busy than on Van Ness. Check out booth #9, my friend Trisha Casasola's spot. Her family turns it out. Bring a warm jacket--it's colder in the cemetery for some reason (spooky!), a flash light, plenty of dinero for drinks and food and a blankie to sit on. This thing is huge. MUST GO.


HIGHWAYS
1651 18th St., Santa Monica, CA
Also has it's own Dia de Los Muertos performances, shrine making and cemetery visitation.
October 31st - Nov 2nd
Calavereando looks like a great time of imaginative theater, Nov 1, 2, $20/$15 on Sat @ 8 PM; $15/$10 on Sun @ 3:30 PM, $5 for Santa Monica residents. Check the link above for more details.



Missing something from a previous newsletter, like all those awesome dance performances happening at 10 AM at the Music Center? Check out the archives. Add a comment while you're at it!



as promised for the So You Think You Can Dance fanatics:
THE EL PORTAL THEATRE
5267 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood
Sonya Tayeh Presents, Battles
Thursday November 6 & Friday the 7th, 8pm, $25 @ www.elportaltheatre.com or call 866-811-4111. Get your tickets now...this show will sell out!
Last year's show was one night only and completely oversold according to Grover Dale. This year a second night has been added. I checked some of the footage: the work has a certain ferociousness that is appealing, the ballet fits some of the time. It was definitely surprising and engaging. Go see it if you can and take class with her at Millennium. She LOVES to move, get others moving and be moved.


HERRICK INTERFAITH CHAPEL
Occidental College,1600 Campus Road,Los Angeles, CA 90041
N'Ap Kenbe/We're Holding on: Hope in the Eye of the Hurricane
Saturday, November 8, 8 PM $10
Marshall Dance Company and the Occidental College Department of Critical Theory and Social Justice present an evening of performances to benefit Haitians affected by hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike with Special Guests, Troupe Jaka, straight from Haiti. Elizabeth Chin would love to see you there. SO do come and help a great cause.


UPCOMING
Urban Bushwomen & Compagnie Jant Bi present "The Scales of Memory" at UCR November 14th. get tickets NOW!

Caseboldt & Smith present California Touring Project @ Diavolo Dance Space, November 21-23, tickets are on sale.

UCIRA, State of the Art conference @ UCRiverside, Nov 6 -8. Panels, performances & a party, too. Mission Inn is the conference hotel. Pat Payne is staging an instigation you don't want to miss.



ONGOING CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Don't forget about the Cuban and Haitian workshops coming up. Cuban song and dance hit this weekend, Haitian follows after Halloween. Check it out in last week's newsletter.

Kinky Stretch with Gregory Barnett has started at The Open Space. Get details on that as well as other ongoing classes on the dance map.

Viver Brasil is still hosting Dona Cici. Study Afro-Brazilian dance at a great depth...


CALLS
itch is looking for submissions. get your subscription if you have not already. The launch party for issue 8 was a good time. Red Cat lounge has just the right levels of swanky and boho geek. itch # 9 is Before/After: a small book of predictions, outcomes, and paradigm shifts
they consider all kinds of writing and images. submit@itchjournal.org. also, respond to issue #8, which can be purchased through their website.





LOVELY!
OH MY GOODNESS. Thank you to all of you who came out to Asphalt Sea this past Saturday. The performances & projections were magical and the Techno Hillbillies laid down some cool acid jazz riffs. Tiffy G burned up the side of the buildings with her VJing. It got me to thinking: perhaps we all need to get ready for the return of the rent party, not that we was raising some rent money (boy did we not) BUT, we did elevate all who came. With purse strings a-tightening, it is more important than ever to make art for the people, by the people and with the people. Art that can literally keep a roof over somebody's head. Art that can help heal the void of consumerism. Art that relieves the symptoms of affluenza and poverty. Art that informs you. Art that makes you laugh & puts a song in your belly. It's time y'all. Get Up Stand Up. Shine your light.

i love you!
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: twists, spirals, & pivots oh my!

ALAFAIA!

Sending you all calming love and light as we weather some serious storms! Goodness! I just want to know: where did "they" get 86 BILLION dollars and the arts can't even get a serious national fund from which to beg money? And how will the clean up of Ike be covered with that money floating off into bankrupt financial companies? What agency will fund dispossessed homeowners who now likely will not even be able to vote in November? Yes, we make and consume art in this economic reality. It is the material condition within which we work. It determines so much, that we often miss it. Like, for example, the rise of hour long dance classes and 3 hour long anti-classes. In one hour, a consumer can feel like they have done something without getting bogged down in the complicated details of how the class will probably not bail them out of their fat bodies, but rather a systematic approach to shifting eating, sleeping and working habits in addition to that precious one hour (multiplying it by 3 times) would do the trick; in effect they need to regulate. On the other end of the spectrum, classes that can best be described as "Gatherings" endure for 2, sometimes 3 hours without so much as one correction on alignment, one tasty tidbit about finding your center (although often the metaphorical center will be invoked). "Students" roam free, dance with abandonment and likely hurt in unimaginable places once the ecstacy, I mean joy, has drained from their system. Hmmm. Me thinks that this financial market thing is not unusual or out of the blue. It seems like we have been living this moment for some time, completely denying and accepting our predicament simultaneously: we desire the stability that an inhumane work ethic brings but want to live in the moment, at specific times. Yikes. Last week I felt the need to tell you to hold to the credits, this week I feel compelled to say the wheel of history has rolled back around, but this time, it is not a repeat. However, it will likely be by the seat of our pants.

Afrologic. Afrological. Afrologica. How big is you 'fro?
Multiple, fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in the service of lifting it/us all up.
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, get your community on.

BLOWIN BACK DA FRO this week are the facts: everybody is trying to get their house in order, cleaned up, cleared out and ready to go for the soul-stix, I mean equinox. Y'all missed a lovely end/beginning with itch on Tuesday--get your subscription--and dancer types gathered last Sunday to chart a course. Other facts that actually got my ears a wee singed is the collapse of goodwill in the name of international cooperation. As you know, I work with Viver Brasil on their board and they just had a horrific time trying to get a visa application read, just read, even after expedition, to bring the lovely Dona Cici here for the Festival of Sacred Music. Yes, sacred. The facts are, that art and politics have long ago collided, but now you REALLY know, and will ACT accordingly. SO get out there and bring the big bag of love with ya (yeah, i'm preachin)


Lots of openings and one time gigs tomorrow/today! Start it off with a trip to the park.
PARK(ING) DAYLA
Friday, Sept. 19th
Yes! It is here! I plan to go and have tea in a number of these sites. Likely, I will make it after school gets out to downtown, but I will start in the AM in Santa Monica. Join me, e-mail afrologic@gmail.com if you plan to go to either of those spots or text WATA to 41411 for updates on my location. Check Park(ing) DayLA's live map for possible impromptu parks near you!


FORD AMPHITHEATRE
Backhausdance
Friday Sept 19th, 8:30 PM; $25/$5
I did not mention this group last week...but they will dance on grass! What a perfect way to end a day of strolling through park(ing)s. Tickets almost gone, allegedly.


MUSIC CENTER
Dance Downtown
September 19th, 7 PM FREE
Now if you end up downtown for the tea party, likely we will go dance disco at 7 PM, for FREE. Kiddies welcomed, so this might be where I end up. DISCO! Last one of the season, first come first served.

MILES MEMORIAL PLAYHOUSE
1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
September 19-October 5, 2008
Fri-Sat at 8:30pm / Sun at 3pm; $30 for opening night/ $20 general, discount for groups of 5+

Finally, I have ticket info! Good grief, good thing I delayed sending this as ticket info has changed. Well, the show is about craziness, so this is the pre-quel. She got a "go see" from Flava PIll, so watch out now! It opens tonight to sparkling cider fanfare! I am waiting for their Obama Fundraiser on the 21st--all proceeds to the O.


DIAVOLO LAB
6188 Moulton, Los Angeles
LA Contemporary Dance presents an Open Rehearsal
Friday, Sept 19th, 8 - 11 PM
It's a showing, wait it's a cocktail party. Don't you love that word? Cocktail, hmm, goes good with dance. Not sure, but a $20 donation is requested and you can do your best LA chic/slouch fashion statement, or bust out a vintage cocktail gown or smoking jacket. That'll teach them! Show up and help them get the Fall season off to a solid financial start.
Take a sneak peek at a rehearsal for our upcoming October repertory concert with original choreography by Kate Hutter and Kevin Williamson, while of course while enjoying an open bar courtesy of LACDC!

$20 suggested donation, reservations required, 323-883-1948. Free parking!



Looking for something mentioned last week? Check over in the archives.



PHYLLIS STEIN GALLERY
207 W. 5th Avenue @ Spring ST
Saturday, Sept 20th, 7 - 10 PM, FREE?
Artist in Residence Performance/Happy Hour
Come meet Mecca Vazzie Andrews and Sara Paul Occampo as thy host with Phyllis Movement Movement, VUM and Big Swell. Music, performance, drinks, art, a fine evening.

18th STREET ARTS COMPLEX
SOMA FEST is just about over. Classes are a wee pricey, but with anywhere from 3 -5 years for certification in these intricate techniques, we understand the price schedule. Tonight, check out...
HIGHWAYS PERFORMANCE SPACE
1651 18th Street, Santa MOnica, CA
Friday, Sept. 19th - Sunday 21st, $20 gen/$15 student DRC discount
"conscious embodiment in performance" (um, i hope you don't phone it in when on stage, but maybe they mean, nothing repetitive without thinking), a show featuring: Christie Svane, Kirk Andrews, Lionel Popkin (go Lionel, cause he uses his name), Jamie McHugh, Stefanie Cohen, Craig Ng, and Teri Carter, the hostess with the mostess. Show repeats with different cast on Saturday night, both at 8 PM; then Sunday at 3 pm.

THE OPEN SPACE
209 S. Garey ST, Los Angeles, 90012
One Step Ahead Fundraiser
Saturday, doors at 7:30, show at 9 PM,; $15 suggested donation
Marissa Labog wants you to come out and shake it! She just launched One Step Ahead, a hip hop nation exploration and has invited Rodney Mason of Rome & Jewels fame to come and share the space as the raise the roof and the company. Check it out.


ELECTRIC LODGE
1416 Electric Avenue, Venice
MAX 10, featuring Simone Forti and Rae Shaolan Blum performing "icebergs"
September 28th, Saturday, $20 at the door as this is a fundraiser for the full season

If you've ever been to an Anatomy Riot and wondered, "whose grandma is that?" you should go see her dance! Simone Forti is grandma to all of us; and the coolest type: the one who knows just how foolish and crazy you really are so she eggs you on, knowing you will stumble across something wonderful that she can't wait to see. Forget candy in a purse! Every time I see her, I am just filled with gratitude. This past Tuesday at the itch launch party, she blew us away with her writing as well. There are so few true Elders willing to walk among us, don't miss the opportunity to see one do her thang. And Rae can D A N C E, so you don't want to miss the young thang work it! bonus: there are two slots which will be raffled off to audience members to perform...


ONGOING CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
A new stripper-inspired class has just joined the Tuesday line up at The Open Space. Gregory Barnett presents dancing with your pole, I mean pole dancing as you likely often have seen it and thought , "i love to swing!" Just kidding. Check out the dance map for directions. Class begins October. Follow this link to the Open Space for more info.

Please, don't forget Viver Brasil's sponsored workshop for the Festival of Sacred Music at the 18th Street Arts Complex, Sat Sept 20th at 1 PM. $10 gets you choreography, song instruction and a SHOW. If you feel so moved, please leave double after the event. This one will be awesome.


LOVELY!
So this is sooo bloody late, that I have to apologize. Mil desculpas! I've had quite the week--likely I should've danced more! But the writing task that got in the way our/my weekly love offering to you is almost complete, and hopefully, I'll see you soon in a new studio space. I do have a show coming up that I am curating with Pat Payne in October; part of our VISCERA thang. So if you are not on Face Book, get on there and join our group! While you're at it, look around for groups that strike your fancy. Hot ones I recommend: Viver Brasil, Lula Washington, itch, LA Contemporary Dance, The Open Space, R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance), House of Wong and Phyllis Stein Art. SInce you are already in the business of donating your money to industry(86 billion from where?!), why don't you actually do it on purpose and "tithe" to your favorite group? $19.99/mo, every month. Just do it. At least you know you'll get a good return on your money.


in love and wishing you an abundant and expansive Autumn Equinox,
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: engage your core

Hi there (with a big hug)!

Kiddies are back in school and the beach is once again returning to the creatures that live there year round--marine, plant and human. In six days, scientists buried deep beneath CERN will turn on a machine to help them see beneath the Mother's Veil, or more commonly known as Dark Matter. The Republican Party is wrapping up its convention and the Democrats exploded from Denver last week feverish to get back into the White House. Hurricanes return to the same location like they were on an exact time table while old Cold War rivalries do the same. Fall. And recover. Finding the subtle shift in our core to keep the whole thing upright and perambulating. This seasonal change will have all the intrigue and excitement of a great spy movie, so stay tuned till the credits for the big surprise.

Closer to home, we enter the season of Grand Visitors, but don't let those season ticket holders fool you: there is plenty to see locally and I hope to keep bringing you info at least info on the bit I know. I had a fantastic time going to shows and events this summer and look forward to doing the same this fall. If you have pieces that work the skirt in particular, let me know, as I am teaching a course on the skirt and looking for people to match my students with! Onwards...


Afrologic. Afrological. Afrologica. How big is you 'fro?
Multiple, fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in the service of lifting it/us all up.
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, get your community on. New reviews are up! Go check 'em out and get into the conversation.


BLOWIN' BACK DA FRO' this week is the official start of Fall in underground LA: ANATOMY RIOT, the wrap of a GREAT summer dance series at the Ford, and a new find.

FORD AMPHITHEATER
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood CA 90068
Friday, 8:30 PM; $32/$5
Sans Detour
Catch Me Bird and Baker & Tarpanga Dance Project team up to bring you an evening of dance rarely presented on one bill: aerialist work and African experimental dance. This dance series at the Ford has been simply inspiring. Grab your fiends and get their early to have a couple of bottles of vino before you head in to be , well, inspired. One more brilliant show to go after this one. Car pooling highly recommended.


THE ELECTRIC LODGE
1416 Electric Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Intersection Dance Project presents Interfacings
Friday, September 5th, 8:00 PM; $25
This appeared to be an open jam at first glance, but I think that it is an actual dance event with collaborators coming in from all over. From their Face Book listing:
"Intersection Dance Project seeks to bring artists of all disciplines together for the collaboration and the production of dance. The Southern California premier will unite dancers and musicians from cities across the country including Seattle, Chicago, New York, the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Among them the intersection Dance Ensemble, Penny Hutchinson, Double Vision, Alexandria Yalj, Dena Bermann, Eathwalk Dance Company and Jennifer Bondy. Collaborations are artistic, energetic and intellectual in order to promote the common vision among dance in the art world." Tickets are available on-line. Alexandria Yalj has recently been working hard to make the LA Dance scene memorable. If you are looking for something much smaller and visceral for Friday, this would be worth checking out. But I'm gonna have to check out the people dancing on ropes. It looks as if this might go on for a while, so...who knows, I'll likely pop up at the end since it's in my neighborhood.

ECHOPLEX
1154 Glendale BLVD
Bootie: La's Monthly Mashup Bootleg Party
Sept 6, 9 PM - 2 AM; $10, 21 and over ONLY
Why list? I want you to arrive for the midnight stage mayhem of R.A.I.D. aka Random Acts of Irreverent Dance. Check out their MySpace Page, and learn how to Command the Dance!

THE OPEN SPACE
209 S. Garey St., Los Angeles Ca 90012
ANATOMY RIOT #26
Monday, Sept 8, 8 PM; $10 suggested donation
Meg Wolfe & Show Box bring you another fantastic, mind-bending segment in this DIY performance adventure. I'm on the bill this evening as is Ms. Wolfe herself so come on out and watch us dance smarter, not harder, LOL (that was an age euphemism in case you didn't catch it). Also on the bill, several excellent dance deployers and movement machinationists (i just made that word up, quote me): Melina Bielefelt, Won-sun Choi, Sarah Leddy, Hannah Schwadron, Anna B. Scott, Rosie Trump, and Meg Wolfe. I'm presenting a Work in Progress: Stream. Looking forward to seeing you!



UCLA ACKERMAN GRAND BALLROOM
308 Westwood PLaza, LA
Celebration of Life: A Fundraise for Esalen Institute
Sunday, September 7, 2008, 6- 10 PM
$25 suggested donation, more if you've got it like that and feel it that way
If you've ever been to a 5 Rhythms class, you know that this event is likely going to lift you right off the ground. Come out and help steady a place of respite for many of us soul-workers. Donna De Lory. Eyedentity, Suzanne Teng &gilbert Levy,Bob Bayobey Wisdom, Christo Pellani, Bolonatha & Russell Feingold, and Caroline Harvey. This is an open dance jam of sorts. Come and be moved.

Looking for something mentioned last week? Click over on the left for the archives.



LOUNGE @ REDCAT
631 W. 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
itch # 8: PORNOCRACY Launch Party
Tuesday, September 16, 6 - 9 PM; readings begin at 7 PM
I will be reading a selection from my piece in itch #7, and there will be many other folks doing the same thing from their entries over the last two years. It should be a blast. I hope to see you there. And please, subscribe already!


And what else? Your inboxes and mailboxes are likely littered with mailings about the companies coming to town. As we get closer, I'll post up, but a lot of those tickets are l o n g gone. But you never know!

Stay tuned for a special edition of AFROLOGICS to make sense of the upcoming Festival of Sacred Music, opening on Sept. 12th at UCLA....



ONGOING CLASSES & SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
+There's an upcoming workshop based in Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed work led by Hector Aristizibal on Sept. 27 - 28. The price is $200, and any money the organizers make above their costs will be donated to Sojurn, a safe house for victims of domestic abuse. Call Fred Kahane at 310-396-1325 for further info, and also make checks out to him. $50 saves your spot. Mail to 1122 Marco PL, Venice CA 90291. If you have been looking for a way to push your art making passion into the possibilities of wider social engagement, this will be a significant experience for you.

+SOMA Fest LA is back again! Sept. 16 - 21 at the 18th ST. Art Complex in Santa Monica. The schedule has been announced so you should make your way over to their website to peruse the offerings and buy your packages now.

+Mama Camara has asked me to tell you to hold the following dates for the Debbie Allen Dance Academy African Dance Conference: October 1- 5, 2008. There will be an on-line registration process as well as an updates page. So save the date!

The Class Map is getting rather interesting! Viver Brasil is BACK! And they are bringing the heat of Bahia with them for the upcoming Sacred Music Festival. I will need to do a supplemental for that, but until then, head over to their regular classes because some FANTASTIC visitors are coming into town for the Dance Arts Academy Tuesday night offerings. Don't miss it!!!!

Now, go check out that dance map and find your new favorite thing to do! "I command you!" That's what my daughter says. She just turned 3. Help.



GIG FOR YOU
This comes via Face Book, so if you are interested look for Emma Kayee on there:
"I'm looking for about 20 jazz or street dancers to take part in a TV show we are making for a major UK channel. The show is a celebration of the TV show and film 'Fame'. We are going to be filming in L.A on the 19th September in and around a dance studio in Hollywood." She did not mention pay, but it is likely not union, so if you know folks, let them know. Get on Face Book!!


LOVELY!
I cannot lie: I am very hungry right now, and it is impairing my writing skills! There is much to say about any number of things, but I'll leave you with a kiss on the forehead and a pat on the shoulder, with a deep look in the eyes, full of gratitude. As always, it is so wonderful to share this with you!.

in Love,
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: right on time

How DO?

The last weekend of summer is here, and even the weather is lamenting the fact! But there is much to make this last week a memorable one. Although most of the speeches have been redundant and a bit mind numbing, the Democratic National Convention is currently THE show to watch, no matter where you are on the planet. How wild is that? Obama takes the stage this evening amidst growing and ever expanding totalitarian turns in policy by the Bush administration and those Republicans still marching arm in arm with the nihilistic activities. So I would like you to beware spreading yourself so thin in "fight back" pose, that you drain your wallet and enthusiasm for the presidential campaign. Too numerous to tick off here, I just want to alert you to a few areas in which the Bush administration is seeking to drain dollars away from the drive to get "change" in the White house: you have until TOMORROW to tell the Bureau of Land Management that you don't want an open gold mine in the California desert. Yup, I did not make that up. From demanding that aerial wolf hunting in Alaska continue, to making weird new rules about family planning, a lot of energy is going into redirecting YOUR energy. Choose wisely, get active locally, and find your center: all great dancing emanates from core strength.


Afrologic. Afrological. Afrologica. How big is you 'fro?
Multiple, fractal, improvisational, polemical, but always moving with spirit and in the service of lifting it/us all up.
That's the Logic of the Afro--sign up, get your community on. New reviews are up! Go check 'em out and get into the conversation.


BLOWIN BACK DA 'FRO is my daughter's third birthday (!), the final weekend of a venerable community festival, opportunities to strut your stuff and the arrival of September. Where did August go?


GRAND PERFORMANCES
California Plaza, 300-350 Grand Ave, Los Angeles
Get yourself there either Friday at noon to a rare treat. The Garrifuna Women's Project is in town and you can experience them for free. The Garrifuna are an African community in Belize who escaped from their captors when the ship bearing them into slavery wrecked. Still going strong. Check it.

AFRICAN MARKET PLACE
Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo RD, LA 9016
Tickets on-line or at the gate $8 for adults; $5 children
I actually slept on this. I have not been in years and getting info on the line up and times is very very difficult. I happen to know that Maia will play on Saturday around 5 PM with the world renowned Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. Check out this clip of her being interviewed on Spaceways Radio on KPFK. On Sunday, Brazil is to take over in a meaningful way, but I can't tell you how exactly. Wish I had more details, because there are some amazing artists and dance troupes that come through. It is mostly a market, so if you're not into shopping, might not be your cup of tea. But if you like traveling without having to go very far, this is a great way to get out of town.


THE HOTEL CAFE
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood, Ca 90028
TONGUE & GROOVE
Sunday August 31st - 6:00 to 7:30pm; $6
A monthly offering of short fiction, personal essays,poetry, spoken word + music produced by Conrad Romo. This month featuring the following: Chiwan Choi, Chris Kerr, Doug Cordell, Pat Payne, Derrick Brown 'Born in the Year of the Butterfly Knife', Nancy Pimental and musical guest Scott Huckabey.


Looking for something mentioned last week? Check the archives to the left.


HOLLYWOOD BOWL
September 3, 8 PM, tickets from $1 - $95
Bossa Nova at 50
With a fantastic line-up including new voices and old crooners, Bossa Nova at 50 is a sumptuous show not to be missed. Make sure you take a dancing partner with you or be open to dancing with your neighbor!


FORD AMPHITHEATER
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood CA 90068
August 30th, 10 AM, $5/kids free
DAFRA West African Drum and Dance Ensemble takes the stage. Bring the kids!

Then that night:
Mantra Theater presents Legend of the Chao Phraya: The Siamese River of Life, this promises to an exquisite show of dance, music martial arts and theater. Well worth the ticket. $30/students & children $5.

Friday September 5th, 8:30 PM; $25/students & children $5
Sans Detour
Catch Me Bird and Baker & Tarpanga Project team up for an evening at the Ford. B&T will present "Disorder inside Order," based on the true story of a journalist caught in a political firestorm. Catch me Bird unveils Silk, the latest installment of the reality performance series. Let's turn out and have a blast. Anyone want to picnic before hand?

SHAKTI'S ELEMENTS
717 Broadway Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
September 5
Presents Raga Lounge. This is a monthly gathering at my old studio, but this time around, they are looking for performers. So scroll down to get info on how to make their scene memorable.

THE OPEN SPACE
209 S. Garey ST., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Monday, September 8th, 8 PM
Meg Wolfe/Show Box presents ANATOMY RIOT #26!
A low-tech, do-it-yourself high octane night in an easy going space. Always a surprise!
On the bill: Melina Bielefelt, Won-sun Choi, Sarah Leddy, Hannah Schwadron, Anna B. Scott (me!), Rosie Trump and Meg Wolfe. Come on down!




ONGOING CLASSES
There is a new family-centered African diaspora dance class starting! Creative Seeds will host Tati on Tuesdays, likely at 4:30 - 5:15, beginning Sept. 15th, 10 weeks long. This is a course, not a drop in class. $150 - $300 one to 3 children.
The number of classes on the map have increased! So check it out.



GIGS TO GRAB
This item section I forgot to put into the actual newsletter. There are two opportunities to perform in the LA underground. Check 'em out.

THE OPEN SPACE
Spontaneous Combustion. Get in the studio for 24 hours with the other artists and see what performance you can make.
Participant's meals provided plus a share of the door.

All interested parties should submit an electronic resume, bio, and link to a work sample in the form of a photo, audio file, or video along with a list of instruments, items materials etc. they would be bringing into the space if applicable. We are currently accepting submissions to OpenspaceLA@gmail.com for the first group of combustibles...Th-Fri (Oct. 2nd-3rd) Deadline for submission Fri Sep.12th 2008. Participants not selected for this S.C. will be considered for future shows. Thank you for supporting TheOPENSpace

SHAKTI'S ELEMENTS
Tova is looking for artists to come and perform at an open mic style Raga Lounge, their monthly call to the dance floor. I don't know if there is pay, but check it out if you aren't headed to Sans Detour. Contact Tova directly, tova@shaktiselements.com.



UPCOMING
itch #8: Pronocracy is having its launch party in the lounge at the REDCAT, Tuesday, Sept 16th.
Michael Franti at the Hollywood Bowl, Sept 22nd. Tickets on sale now.



LOVELY
Well goodness. Go and listen to that speech already! I hope to see you soon!

in love,
-Anna

NEWSLETTER: 'whine yo waist'

Alafia!

June gloom covers Venice with the sun breaking through ever so often for a peek. I'm loving the clatch of wild parakeets that have established residence in a large eucalyptus tree on my way to the library--mostly because it is not on my street! Boy are they loud! But AI did want to talk to birds and trees last, which I accomplished and in the process, got a listen to my own body. And it said: we (the billions and trillions of cells) love you, but the mass of us in what you call a lower back need a break.

And so it is.

In the meantime while I heal--it actually even hurts to stand and do the dishes--I continue to search for a studio with a floor that springs a bit. If you have any leads, please pass them my way! it is summer, so I have a bit more time.

Something exciting coming up: if you are in the market for an unusual sumer vacation, I am teaching 4 days/week for 5 weeks at UCR beginning in late July for Summer Session. It is an Intro to Dance course which I will offer as an Intro to African Dance. Should be hot. really really really hot. Class is in the AM, so that leaves plenty of time to wander the air conditioned halls of the mall. That's how we do in the 909! well, 951 now.

I'm still cranking the newsletter and thought I would give a shout out to a series of new newsletters, blogs and listings that have come my way and BLOWIN' BACK THE 'FRO. Dance in SO. CAL is POPPIN!!! SO thank yourselves for keepin the torch lit.

Afrologic. Afrological. Afrologica. How big is your 'fro?
Multiple, fractal, improvisational, polemical but always moving with spirit and in the service of lifting it/us all up. That's the logic of the Afro.

Meg Wolfe is gettin chatty y'all! The Dance Ninja is dangerously close to putting out a newsletter herself, in addition to being one of the masterminds behind...

ITCH. If you have not checked out this 'zine, you simply must. Do it now. The link will take you to their MySpace page, but you can find copies all about town, LA that is. #8 PORNOCRACY is open for submissions. They editors ask: "When have you felt like a whore for hire, little more than meat for the choreographer to beat?" These gals is SERIOUS, and really funny at the same time. SUBMIT!

Joel Smith of Caseboldt & Smith has just launched a blog Political Moves, that is bracing in its humor and spot on in its analysis. Go, baby! His first post, a review of Christine Suarez' (wait, do I put an s there?) wetspots left me wondering if us critic types bought up all the tickets. This first post points to a great blog in the making, and you gotta love his deconstructed goatee.

An Earful of Dance is a smart little idea that I am hoping gets more juices flowin soon. Please check out their posts, or better yet, offer to join them in conversation about a dance performance coming into town. There are several interesting offerings this summer, so join them around the microphone.

If you don't get it and you gig on the industrial scene, you are really missing out by not having a subscription to Grover Dale's Dance Blast. You can sign up on his web emporium, Answers4Dancers. Sometimes he has some very amazing labor analysis goin on. Yes, there are dancer walk outs, Virginia!


Now, you ask, "this is all cute, Anna, but is there something for me to actually leave my house and go and see?" Well, yes, yes there is. Freebies first?

GRAND PERFORMANCES
300-350 S. GRAND AVENUE, LOS ANGELES
Saturday, JUNE 14th 8:30 PM, FREE
The New Socrates Wannabe
David Rousseve is at the California Plaza Saturday night! Get there early, carpool or take the bus. And bring your own snacks.


THE MUSIC CENTER
135 North Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-972-7211
Dance Downtown
WHERE: Music Center Plaza
WHEN: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
ADMISSION: FREE First come, first served.

DJ/LIVE MUSIC from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
BEGINNER DANCE LESSON at 6:30PM
Dance floor provided. Dancers of all levels are encouraged to attend.

JUNE 13 Cumbia featuring Grupo Moderno


FORD AMPHITHEATER
"The Groove Divine," J.A.M. Sessions
June 17th, 7 - 8:30, FREE DANCE CLASS
Dance with Viver Brasil in one of LA's hidden treasures. I LOVE the Ford. Great vibe, and we have discovered that the stage is built over a creek! Now how is that for water dances?
The fantastic teaching team will be there to get you into the bahia groove and special guests José Ricardo and Rosangela Silvestre will be there too! I hope they dance for Oxossi and Logum Ede--could not be a better locale for dancing for the divine hunter and his mermaid warrior child. Oh, and parking is free, too! Y'all bettah pack that stage...

TOMORROW NIGHT, I said TOMORROW NIGHT,
DJAVAN plays the Ford..and it appears that there are still tickets. If you are looking for some seriously sexy and groovy Brazilian music, romantic even without speaking the language--no, i am not making that up--you MUST go see this show. Get the early with your own picnic and really be in the mood by the time he takes the stage with that mellow voice of his. Careful, you are likely to leave with a complete stranger.

and now, something quirky, because you know how I am, by now at least ;->

REDCAT
Toys and adult themes, can you say, 'Hasbro Nation?' Move over Transformers.
June 14, 2008
TOY THEATER FESTIVAL (FOR ADULTS)
When the world's most remarkable practitioners of the art of toy theater and miniature puppetry come together in Los Angeles, expect clever manipulation of objects and brilliant table-top theatrical epics. Featuring Alejandro Benitez, Laura Heit, Great Small Works, and new work by collaborators Paul Zaloom and Lynn Jeffries. redcat.org/season/0708/the/toy.php


Coming a bit later this month...

SKIRBALL
2701 N. Sepulveda BLVD, LA, CA 90049
"Rammed Earth," Tere O'Connor Dance
Thu- Fri, June 26th & 27, 8PM; Sat June 28th 7 & 9 PM; Sun June 29th, 7 PM
$20, general; $18 members; $15 full time students
enter 99522 at on-line purchase and get %15 discount

By all accounts, this choreographer is a must see. You must, however, get on the road "way early" to make sure you can get into your seat because there is a no late seating policy in strict effect at the Skirball. So maybe they should provide a Helicopter shuttle. I do hear that they have a parking lot shuttle, though. Meg Wolfe said, "Go see this show." Told you she was getting chatty.


Look for a DISPATACH on:
RELAY:RACE
Dance Picnic at Ozone Park
African Dance Classes
Summer Intensives: Fareta is open for early registration! Kongo Camp; DANCEbank has listed instructors;ALUMETA is coming to LA; Regina Kleinjoski starts in a few weeks--much to talk about, needs its own blog entry. Check for it on Afrologica and my Face Book page.


Looking into July, so you can get the tickets as some of these will sell out SOON



THE UNKNOWN THEATER
Eleven Missing Days
Meg Wolfe/Show Box
with Faye Driscoll & Arianne Hoffman July 3 - 6; with Sam Kim and casebolt & smith July 10 -13th

More from Meg Wolfe: Faye Driscoll ( July 3-6th) and Sam Kim (July 10-13th) come to town. Driscoll has been hailed as “1 of 25 to watch out for in 2008” by Dance Magazine; Kim's solo Avatar "is part of an ongoing challenge to question deeply rooted assumptions in dance culture, which includes kicking the hegemony of recognizable techniques and systems". ; ; ; They will be presenting work at the Unknown Theater, on a shared program with me and L.A.-based artists casebolt and smith, and Arianne Hoffmann. I am super excited about these shows and know you will be too.

I am very excited. I will buy tickets with my "Stimulus package." Stimulate LA Dance!

JOHN ANSON FORD AMPHITHEATER
"The Gift on the Water"
Viver Brasil, July 5th

In their 6th season, Viver Brasil pulls out the stops and offers a program full of unusual and provocative pairings and collaborations: cellos with atabaques (drums); capoeira with release technique; African deities with trap drums--this show demonstrates the power of water to create the perfect solution. Pun intended. Get your tickets now!! This show always sells out and with gas prices as they are, this is a great way to "travel" somewhere for the July 4th weekend. I will be there, hosting in the VIP section. Wanna join me? We are always looking for some wonderful donors. (i am on the board)

SANTA MONICA PIER
GLOW, dusk to dawn festival
July 19th

I have to say, that I am saddened to have missed this open call, but really excited to stay up all night participating in this very lovely event as a spectator-maker. BUT! If you connect with Viver Brasil and their Water Series, you, too can perform at the Glow festival!


AFROLOGICA
so...if it so pleases you, become a member of my on-line community, AFROLOGICA, so we can connect off-line. I love the 'net, but nothing beats hanging out at a show, or even making one! It is housed at www.ning.com, so you will need to sign up and sign in. Reviews, podcasts, YouTube recommendations, live calendar with eventual push to hand held device written by YOU and me...working smarter, not harder to connect artists and their audience.

LOVELY!

SO the dance class and summer intensive section will be back next time with a listing of African Dance classes--still in compilation mode--My class will be back in a week or so, right after my back is liberated from the car seat. Be expansive and beautiful in your deeds and words this week.

in love,
-Anna