ALLIANCE: Part 1 - Lauren Cox

Meet Lauren Cox, an intelligent, talented and compassionate soul. The loving energy she brings to every rehearsal and performance is electrifying!

On April 6th and 7th, Enforced Arch is presenting their latest work, 'ALLIANCE' Art & Activism, which features past and current pieces by creative directors James Koroni and Tracey Katof. Lauren Cox is a member of this project and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her join us on this unforgettable adventure! After rehearsal this past week we had an opportunity to ask her a few questions...

Enforced Arch: How do you as an individual live the 'ALLIANCE' of Art & Activism?

Lauren Cox: By simply living as a consciously healthy mind, body and soul.  I am a strong believer in leading by example and so by feeding myself knowledge, compassion and acceptance I can offer others the same thing.  There are so many issues in today's world, if we all took full advantage of our time, space and experience our similarities and needs would be more important than our differences.  I choose to act through art by telling a story and being honest and committed.

EA: What part of the rehearsal process or subject material did you find most inspiring?

LC: I am constantly impressed by Tracey and James' abilities to express the emotions of others.  The entire process was insightful and causes you to think beyond your own experience and thoughts.  It takes you to other space entirely, sending you on a journey that each time digs deeper.  

My favorite part of this process is being able to discuss these issues with my fellow dancers so we can collectively use that as a driving force.   

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

LC: How deeply rooted animal cruelty is in our society, or even the mistreatment of our Earth.  When you think you've edited out your own negative influence on your surroundings there is something more to do.  It can be overwhelming but as long as you are making an effort to be aware of all sides you are of good ole' positive change.

For TICKETS to ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism, click here: EnforcedArch.com/tickets/

ALLIANCE: Part 1 – Lauren Cox ALLIANCE: Part 2 – Charles Alexis Desgagnes ALLIANCE: Part 3 – Katherine Roarty ALLIANCE: Part 4 – Alexandra Shieron ALLIANCE: Part 5 – Klara Beyeler ALLIANCE: Part 6 – Clara Lofaro ALLIANCE: Part 7 - Julio Hugo Penagos

Dancers As A Force For Change

James Koroni of Enforced Arch was interviewed by Dance Advantage. Here's a spotlight from that interview and a link to where you can read the rest:

Dance Advantage: Why did you create the Enforced Arch community?

James Koroni: All my life I have had a strong desire to sing, dance and entertain everyone. All of which was an attempt to brighten someones day.

As an adult I went through two devastating losses – each breathing new life into my love of performance art – - the death of my brother and later the loss of my father who both died of cancer.

It wasn’t until I felt the severity of my fathers illness that I knew I needed to change my own life. After he died I sought the truth behind the causes for cancer and I found an abundance of resources, including The China Study, linking many causes of cancer to our diets. This sent me on a a course of research that changed my life forever. The first step I took was adopting a vegan lifestyle, not only for my brother & father, but also for my health, the environment, and all of the animals suffering for our dinners. This discovery has filled my life with great intention.

Every moment following that day has contained yet another opportunity to inspire change through my lifestyle and as a dancer/choreographer. Dancers have a unique ability to speak to others and I value those who use this talent to create awareness.

READ MORE HERE!

ALLIANCE: Tickets Available NOW

For tickets VISIT: EnforcedArch.com/Tickets/

'ALLIANCE Art & Activism' By Creative Directors, Tracey Katof & James Koroni.

Enforced Arch is thrilled to present this two-night limited engagement at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center where they will be presenting their latest work, ‘ALLIANCE’ Art & Activism.

Enforced Arch is a performance arts community of intelligent communicators who use their unique talents to bring life to environmental and social issues. In their spring performance at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center they will be presenting a collection of past and new works honoring the 'ALLIANCE' of art and activism. For Enforced Arch these performances mark the first presentation of works by creative directors, James Koroni and Tracey Katof.

In addition to the dance presentation two exceptional recording artists, Clara Lofaro and Mandy Lee will accompany Enforced Arch on stage. This show will also be the official launch of the title piece ‘ALLIANCE’ which is a video art contribution by Joshua Katcher, performed by founder James Koroni. You won’t want to miss this!

In the past year, Enforced Arch has been invited to share their work in cities such as, Washington D.C., New York City and Paris, and has addressed issues such as Childhood Sexual Abuse, Animal Rights, Environmental Awareness, the It Get's Better Project, and Domestic Violence. Each piece challenges audiences to “speak up” against issues that affect society.

“This is more than just an event for me, it’s an identity, a lifestyle, not just a two-night limited engagement”, says James Koroni, Founder and Creative Director of Enforced Arch. “Some people think creating work inspired by social, environmental and ethical issues is difficult. What’s difficult for me is not creating it.”

Vaute Here!

I had a lovely time at the Vaute Couture Launch Party! This wonderful evening included their SPRING COLLECTION Debut and live art installations by Joshua Katcher, Julie Gueraseva, and Jess Evelyn Leroy.

With Eco Cocktails by Liquid Roots, with Puro Verde Tequila, and Sweets & Bites by Lagusta's Luscious, Sweet & Sara, the V Spot, the Regal Vegan.

Be sure to stop by the store and get yourself a cozy, eco and fashionable winter coat made by, sweet as pie, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart!

LOCATED AT: 234 Grand St. (& DRIGGS), Brooklyn, NY 11211

Sparkle In Her Eyes!

Burlesque Goddess and Enforced Arch 'Mover' Bettina May is featured in Freshkills first single off the album "Raise Up the Sheets", out March 13th, 2012 on Bat Rabies Alert/The End Records.

Produced and Directed by Tim Murray Cinematography by Daniel Trapp Edited by Joel W Henderson Additional Production and Styling by Bettina May Animation by Thomas Smolenski Motion graphics by David Ahuja

Visit Freshkills on Facebook too: Facebook.com/freshkills

Tonya Kay with Neil Patrick Harris

Here we have our talented 'Mover' Tonya Kay in a hilarious sketch with Neil Patrick Harris at the 38th Annual People's Choice Awards.

I'm always impressed with her range of performance abilities. What can't she do!? She's a dancer, a model, a burlesque goddess, a danger expert, an actress and now she's doing sketch comedy with the stars! Well, she's a star too and I say, "Do not stop Tonya Kay, I love it!" If she wasn't so amazing I'd tell her to join the same 12 Step program as Neil Patrick Harris.

Watch the video, you'll see what I mean:

A Successful Fundraiser

If you missed the party do not worry! There is more fun to be had at our show in April!

Special thanks to MixTape Dance Company and all the performing artists: Jenn Friedman, Laura Snell, Clara Lofaro, Tonal Emersion, Mandy Lee!

Thank you for all the supportive contributions from Lovella Salon, Jenn Friedman, Clara Lofaro, 'Terri' Vegan Cafe, Tracey Katof & David Orr.

If you missed the party and would like to support Enforced Arch in the production of 'ALLIANCE' Art & Activism click HERE!

Here's a glimpse of last night!

Let's Party

How often do you get to drink your heart out, win prizes, listen to free music, hang out with sexy dancers and support the arts community? Well, at least once, this dream of yours will all be possible at the Enforced Arch & MixTape Dance Company Fundraiser!

Enforced Arch and MixTape Dance Company are presenting their latest works on April 6th & 7th at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center. Attending this fundraiser and bringing out all your friends will help us make this concert a big success!

LOCATION: Flannery's BAR - flannerysNY.com ADDRESS: 205 West 14th Street TIME: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM DATE: Thursday, February 23rd

FEATURING LIVE MUSIC BY: Clara Lofaro, Mandy Lee, Jenn Friedman & Laura Snell, just to list a few!

AUCTION PRIZES: $100 Gift Card to Lovella Salon Three free dance classes with MixTape Dance Company One-hour voice lesson with Laura Snell Free Headshot session with photographer David Orr At Home Pilates with personal trainer Tracey Katof & more...

EVEN MORE INCENTIVE... You won't want to miss this evening because our final raffle will send one lucky person home with a cash prize!

Enforced Arch 'Alliance' IndieGoGo

In our spring performance with MixTape Dance Company at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, Enforced Arch will be presenting a collection of past and new works sewn together honoring the 'Alliance' of art and activism.

These performances on April 6th and 7th mark the first presentation of works by the Enforced Arch creative directors, James Koroni and Tracey Katof. After only a year in existence Enforced Arch has traveled to D.C. New York City and Paris to perform. Enforced Arch has "spoken" for issues such as; Childhood Sexual Abuse, Animal Rights, Environmental Awareness, the It Get's Better Project and Domestic Violence.

We will continue to expand upon our already existing platform that keenly fuses Art & Activism but we need your help! In order to produce this show financially, we need all the support we can get. Everything from renting the performance venue, rehearsal space, costumes, etc. all cost a great deal but in the long run will help us spread awareness. Any amount, great or small is put to good use and is very much appreciated!

To make a donation click here: IndieGoGo.com/Enforced-Arch-Alliance

Thank you for your support!

Best,

James Koroni Creative Director & Choreographer JamesKoroni@gmail.com

Tracey Katof PR Director & Choreographer TraceyKatof@gmail.com

"Inspiring performers everywhere!" -The Discerning Brute

"James Koroni uses his love of dance as a form of activism through his creation and curation of Enforced Arch, a group of performers who are using the power of their movements to create dialogue about big issues like animal welfare and social justice." -VegNews Magazine

Spring Performance Audition Notice

Enforced Arch is a dance and performance community of intelligent communicators who use their unique talents to bring life to environmental and social issues. We utilize transmedia and performance art to shed light on crucial issues. In our spring performance at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, we will be presenting a collection of past and new works sewn together honoring the alliance of art and activism. Auditions are coming up very soon, details below!

Enforced Arch Spring Performance - Seeking 18+ contemporary male and female dancers with experience in street styles. Be prepared to dance and bring your headshot & resume.

LOCATION: Pearl Studios - STUDIO 1206 - 500 8th Ave.  New York, NY DATE: February 6th, 2012 TIME: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

IMPORTANT DATES Monday, February 6th, 7:00 PM: Audition Wednesday, April 4th: Dress Rehearsal Thursday, April 5th: Tech Rehearsal Friday, April 6th: Performance Saturday, April 7th: Performance

CONTACT: EnforcedArch@gmail.com

Grant's Safari

'Grant's Safari' is a multi media movement performance presented by Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. For Autism (M4A). For the launching of Autism awareness month, Javanna Productions' dancers will use movement to explore the mind of an autistic child. In 2005, Grant Johnson was diagnosed with Autism. Mover Nicole Johnson (19), Choreographer and Creative Director, is using the fascinating elements of her brother's disability to create a one hour hip-hop and contemporary movement piece. Despite his disorder, Grant Johnson (12) has a profound talent for naming and recognizing wild and exotic animals. Therefore, 'Grant's Safari' will be narrated by Grant Johnson himself.

On March 31st the dancers will serve as Grant's safari and he will serve as the audience's guide. The proceeds of this event will be donated to Autism Speaks and QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community). President of Autism Speaks, Mark Roithmayr and general manager of QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community) Jason B. Schmidt, are proud supporters of these teen dancers and their past socially responsible performances.

Javanna Productions' M.O.V.E. For Autism was established in New York city by choreographer and NYU sophomore Nicole Javanna Johnson. In efforts to raise funds and awareness for her brother's disability, Nicole Johnson produced the first of many M.O.V.E. For Autism Showcases in the Spring of 2009. Since then, the company has raised over $15,000 for larger non-profit organizations such as Autism Speaks and QSAC (Quality Services For The Autism Community).

Nicole Johnson seeks to call attention to the fascinating abilities of autistic individuals and demonstrate that autism is not something to be afraid of, but something to be inspired by. The movement piece is being performed by dancers from Canada, Bolivia, Spain, France and the US. All of these dancers were selected from Broadway Dance Center's Training Program. This international group of dancers are launching Autism Awareness Month in a way unlike any other dance company.

'Grant's Safari' March 31st at 7:00 P.M. Professional Performing Arts School 328 West 48th St New York, NY $20.00 Admission

For more information click HERE!

Dance 4 Oceans

Dance 4 Oceans is an environmental nonprofit group that raises public awareness about one of the most serious environmental issues, plastic pollution in the ocean.

Much like Enforced Arch they utilize dance as a means to spread awareness. They do this by reaching out to different communities or schools and invite them to create programs where the participants learn dances and make recycled crafts. During all the fun activities they also clean local beaches, host educational movie screenings and listen to easy to understand speeches about plastic pollution.

Their programs will inspire and support people to take personal responsibility by keeping our environment safe and healthy. They show people what hidden damages have been done in the ocean from plastic pollution. They educate adults and children how to reduce plastic trash from their residence and community.

Their ultimate goal is to create a leader in each community or school that is dedicated to propelling their programs forward and inspire new leaders to come.

Become a fan of their Facebook page HERE!

Give Me Some Space

I wanted to share these two websites with the Enforced Arch community. They are very helpful when searching for affordable rehearsal space in these two metropolitan cities.

We Are Family

I have grown to understand that having a community is a very important and integral part of a dance. Many of my lifelong friends have come from my past and present dance communities. Olivia Sparkuhl is one of those cherished individuals and she is currently visiting me this week in New York City. Her personality is much like mine in that we seek cozy spaces to indulge ourselves in good company and conversation. Our friendship began in one of these cozy places, on the dance floor in Los Angeles where we both attended Santa Monica College. Although we had our differences, we met them humbly and challenged one anothers' preconceived notions of the world. This helped us evolve artistically, emotionally and physically.

Now that she lives in San Francisco we have found other ways to inspire one another from afar through skype, the telephone or browsing one another's professional work. Although our friendship has changed, the potential to inspire one another has only grown exponentially. Her experiences influence my own and our knowledge of each others dreams and aspirations have helped keep us focused.

It may occasionally seem overwhelming to have someone or some community know you intimately but these raw and genuine relationships will only help propel you to achieve your lifelong goals.

All the images took place at CHAMPS Family Bakery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where you can get some seriously delicious vegan food. I didn't have a chance to eat any of the goodies but I certainly took some photos to give you an idea of what wonders can be had at this Brooklyn joint.

Photography by James Koroni & Rachael Gentner

Fight for the Future

Tell Congress not to censor the internet NOW! - fightforthefuture.org/pipa

PROTECT-IP is a bill that has been introduced in the Senate and the House and is moving quickly through Congress. It gives the government and corporations the ability to censor the net, in the name of protecting "creativity". The law would let the government or corporations censor entire sites-- they just have to convince a judge that the site is "dedicated to copyright infringement."

The government has already wrongly shut down sites without any recourse to the site owner. Under this bill, sharing a video with anything copyrighted in it, or what sites like Youtube and Twitter do, would be considered illegal behavior according to this bill.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, this bill would cost us $47 million tax dollars a year — that's for a fix that won't work, disrupts the internet, stifles innovation, shuts out diverse voices, and censors the internet. This bill is bad for creativity and does not protect your rights.

A few of the many:

WIKIPEDIA

GOOGLE

CRAIGSLIST

THE DISCERNING BRUTE

Moving Men at Dixon Place

Moving Men is a evening of new works curated by Jimmy Burgio. This ongoing dance series at Dixon Place provides an opportunity for choreographers to create new works using only male dancers. The latest evening of works was on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 PM and featured pieces by: James Koroni, Sarita Lou, Julio Penagos and Inaki Baldasare.

Here are a few photos from that evening

Photography by Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com

A Home / A House

Written by Mover, Anneliese Kappey This short film is meant to tell only part of a story. Presented originally as part of Daily Psongs, MixTape Dance’s new show that premiered last fall, A Home/A House gives depth to the story’s main characters and their relationship with one another. In the show you see their first meeting, his dealing with newly found love, her longing for a real relationship, and their coming together. The piece that shows this sweet and loving development between them is called Silence I Can Enjoy (an homage to “Enjoy the Silence”, by Depeche Mode), and is set to Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe.” In the world of Daily Psongs, the minute these characters commit to being in each other’s lives the world around them gets more profound. In the safe arms of young love, they set out to learn a lot about themselves, while inspiring others around them to do the same. Right before this short film is presented, the audience is allowed into the characters’ minds through a piece called A Warning. A Warning enters another world, not that which is inhabited by the characters in Daily Psongs, but rather one that is populated with these characters’ psychological makeup. The audience is cued into what’s to come, while the two main characters involved in this romantic relationship seem surprised, but ready. As the man in this love affair lies on the floor in a trance, the woman leaves. What happened and how we got here is explained in the short film. What you see in this film is Silence I Can Enjoy, this time set to a different song. The audience is meant to recognize the movement, to know that they have seen this previously. These images exist in the man’s memory, and while the film is being shown on the screen his character is woken up onstage to confusion and memories of togetherness. The second half of this short film, when she takes a walk to clear her mind, is presented onscreen only. Some viewers feel this short is beautiful, but very sad. The story doesn’t end there though! When performed live, Daily Psongs tells the whole story. This short film was a first time large-scale collaboration between David Orr and I. Without his knowledge on how films are made, and his ability to tell me “no” whenever needed, this movie would not exist. Enjoy!

Short dance film by: Anneliese Kappey and David Orr With: Danilo Barbieri and Lara Jean

Double Shadow

Moving Men at Dixon PlaceTuesday, January 10th @ 7:30 PM

Double Shadow, by creative director and choreographer James Koroni and contributing choreographer Tracey Katof, is a commentary on the separation of masculinity and compassion. The masculine character in mainstream culture is a brute, the bread winner and of course, emotionless. These stereotypes are limiting and oppressive. Double Shadow presents the masculine character, exposes it's struggles to survive with unrealistic expectations and offers viewers an opportunity to witness individuals who aren't afraid to be seen as compassionate or sensitive.

DOUBLE SHADOW IS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE James Koroni will instead present works created by the Enforced Arch community.

Moving Men is a evening of new works curated by Jimmy Burgio. This ongoing dance series at Dixon Place provides an opportunity for choreographers to create new works using only male dancers.

Join Jimmy Burgio Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 PM to see brand new works choreographed by: James Koroni, Sarita Lou, Julio Penagos, Inaki Baldasare, and MORE!

Dixon Place 161A Chrystie Street between Rivington and Delancey New York, NY 10002 F to 2ND AVE, B/D to GRAND, J/Z to BOWERY, 6 to SPRING, M to ESSEX

To purchase tickets online click HERE!

Double Shadow Photography By Joshua Katcher of TheDiscerningBrute.com Dancers from right to left: Bud Burdick, Julio Penagos, Pierce Buttons Cady-Penny, Ali Pacino, James Koroni

TREMENDOUS!

Enforced Arch made the FINALS! We need your help. It only takes 10 seconds to vote and it's just ONE CLICK. Visit the link, scroll down, select Enforced Arch and click vote. Thank you! VOTE HERE!

MOVEATHON in Washington Square Park

Mover, Nicole Johnson is an extraordinary individual! This past weekend she organized a successful MOVETHON that had more than 20 dancers in participation and an audience of more than 200 passersby, not to mention the additional viewers that tuned in online! What a spectacular experience!

This event was no ordinary event, their efforts create awareness and raise funds in support of rural Cambodia. If you haven’t heard of her organization, Javanna Productions, it is a student driven non-profit organization which presents a yearly effort entitled M.O.V.E (Motivation Opportunity Vision Entertainment).  In this effort, preteens, teenagers and young adults are encouraged to be productive, creative and develop a stronger sense of community within their neighborhoods while raising funds for a cause. This year’s effort is titled M.O.V.E for Cambodia. They are working with the Bernie Krisher Rural School Project Foundation to build a school in Cambodia. This project is inspired by Sheryl WuDunn’s and Nicholas Kristof’s novel “Half The Sky”, a moving novel about women turning oppression into opportunity.  The accounts and stories of young people described in this book inspired this team of M.O.V.E. representatives to get a move on.

Check out their M.O.V.E. For Cambodia page & make a donation HERE!

Special thanks to the Broadway Dance Center ISVP & Training Program Leadership!