Friday Video Feed: Get Yo Freak On

It's Friday!  Let your freak flag fly!

Katie Miller: Master Classes, December 1st

Katie has worked with such icons as Britney Spears, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Celine Dion, Liza Minneli, and many more.

December 1st:
12pm Jr. Jazz (ages 7 to 12)
1pm Jr. Lyrical and Technique
3:30pm Musical Theater (all ages)
4:30pm Advanced Lyrical (ages 13 and up)
6pm High Heel Choreography

$20 per class
20% off 2 or more classes.

For more information, please visit www.breakouton4th.com or call 520-670-1301.

Gotta get up and try.

"Movement has always been a necessary part of my life...like breathing or eating.  Movement, at my very core, is an external expression of all that I think, dream, and imagine.  I remember being a young child, and how I was always happiest when dancing.  Even in car rides, or at school, I would dance a complete piece of choreography with my fingers, and still get similar satisfaction.  And now as an adult, movement is vital to connect with my creative consciousness.  I'm always amazed with the high frequency bliss that results from even a few minutes of moving about.  Of course, being an artist, if the movement does not feel right, it can also put you in the worst of moods.  What i've learned in my experiences so far as a student, professional dancer, and choreographer, is to really trust in the movement that is created by one's self.  That is truly a part of being in flow.  That is also a huge part of experiencing the gift of movement that is uniquely yours." - Nick Florez 

Nick Florez has been working with pop star Pink on her new video "Try". BreakOut cannot express how excited and proud we are for Nick's latest accomplishments and honored to have him tied into our BreakOut Studios community. We wish him the best of luck with his new journey. Check out the amazing choreography done by Nick in the video below. Life Moves .. Move with it. 

Friday Video Feed: The Songs

A little late in the game with this one, but Ben Howard turns a bubble-gum pop song into art with his cover of "Call Me Maybe".

This is my relationship with my iPhone.  Don't look at me.

Timely in that Lucas Films was recently bought out by Disney.  Prepare for further massacring of the trilogy.

Wayne McGregor: On Misbehaving Beautifully

Wayne McGregor CBE is a British choreographer of contemporary modern dance. His work is highly distinctive in its vocabulary of movement, for its integration of dance with film and visual art, and for his active interest and incorporation of computer technology and biological science. He is the Artistic Director of Wayne McGregor Random Dance, Resident Company at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London; the Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, appointed 2006; and the government’s first Youth Dance Champion, appointed 2008. In 2004 McGregor was a Research Fellow in the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge.

McGregor is a frequent creator of new work for La Scala Theatre Ballet of Milan; Paris Opera Ballet; Nederlands Dans Theatre of La Hague; San Francisco Ballet; Stuttgart Ballet; New York City Ballet; The Australian Ballet of Melbourne; and English National Ballet of London. He served as Movement Director for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Letters to BreakOut

We've been lucky enough to receive some of the most beautiful and touching letters about how BreakOut Studios has touched so many lives.  This video is one of three where we share these inspirational letters.

Move Forward: Prima Ballerina Olga Aru

Lana Wachowski's Visibility Award Speech

"Every one of us, every person here, every human life presents a negotiation between public and private identity."

What Goes Around: Gaultier's Homage to Music Legends

Jean Paul Gaultier's 2013 Spring/Summer collection at Paris Fashion Week, inspired by 80s pop stars like Madonna and Boy George.

Our Ghosts by Jean-Pierre Vidrine of Tucson Ghost Tours

by Jean-Pierre Vidrine

Tucson has been around since 1775. That’s longer than the United States of America has been the United States of America. In all that time, Tucson has accumulated a lot of history. A lot of history means a lot of stories . . . including ghost stories. That’s where I come in. As a Ghost Host for the Tucson Ghost Tour, I excel at telling ghost stories. Think of me as a sort of Crypt Keeper, only a tad more handsome.

The fine folks at Breakout Studios on 4th Avenue have asked me to share some of my spooky yarns here. I’m sure you’ll understand that I don’t want to spoil any stories that I tell on my tour. Fortunately, though, Tucson has a lot more in the way of haunted locations than the nine or so buildings we do visit. There’s nothing to stop me from telling about them.

I thought I’d start with something a little close to the dance studio. No, dance students, you don’t have to worry. I haven’t found out about any hauntings in the studio. But, across the street is a place that most people would not be surprised to find out is haunted. Founded in 2004, the Surly Wench Pub is a big part of Tucson’s Goth scene with its black facade and ghoulish artwork inside. The pub is also host to burlesque acts.

The building’s history goes back a lot farther than 2004, however. Some people even still remember it as “Choo Choo’s” and “Night Train,” names it had under previous owners in the 1970s and ‘80s. Reportedly, certain previous owners were involved in the drug culture of the 70s, and they were known to throw wild parties.

Today, employees of the pub testify to seeing shadowy figures moving about the place. Some have even reported seeing glassware fly off the shelf. More than one person has said to have felt uneasy in the pub’s basement where, incidentally, there is an actual coffin.

A team of paranormal investigators reported strange audio evidence, cold spots, and even feeling touched. The team was still reluctant to commit to saying the pub was definitely haunted, though they’ve expressed interest in returning.

Now, my Ghost Tours are walking tours that take place downtown. One night, while driving to the Tour’s meeting spot, heavy rains and road closures forced me to take a detour from my usual route. This detour took me down North Granada Avenue. I was rather stuck by the nice buildings on that street. Even in the heavy rain, they were beautiful structures. Had I remembered the words of my Supreme Ghost Hostess, Renee, in her book Southern Arizona’s Most Haunted, I would have realized that I was very near another haunted Tucson location: The Manning House.

Construction began on the Manning House in 1907 by a man named Levi Howell Manning. This was after he served for two years as Tucson’s mayor. Before that, he had worked in the electricity industry. From the small fortune he made selling his interest in the electric company, Manning built the Santa Rita Hotel and helped bring the trolley to Tucson. By the way, the Santa Rita Hotel is (sort of) one of the stops on the Tucson Ghost Tour.

The house was the home for Manning and his somewhat large and extended family. Manning died in 1935. Since then, the house that bears his name has been through different renovations and different owners.

People have witnessed the apparition of a man pacing up and down the hallways holding a candlestick. More than one person is sure that this is the spirit of Levi Howell Manning himself. And, he’s not alone. The apparitions of a young girl and a gentleman have been seen having a leisurely stroll in front of the building.

The kitchen faucet and appliances being turned on and off by unseen hands have unnerved more than one individual. Possibly, though, no one was ever more unnerved in the house than one particular party guest who had gone to the restroom. While freshening up, she saw more than her own reflection in the mirror. She actually saw another face floating behind her. She outright vowed never to return to the Manning House.

If you liked these little histories and spooky tales, you can hear more. Go to Tucson Ghost Tour to make your reservation. This humble Ghost Host will gladly guide through haunted downtown Tucson.

Friday Video Feed

A Day in the Life: Homeless Comedian, Dave Stone

"Dave Stone is a great young comedian from Atlanta who just made the move to LA. To save money and because he’s on the road a lot, Dave lives in a cargo van that he customized. Follow Dave on Twitter @davestonecomedy."
- Modern Comedian is a weekly documentary series shot, edited, and produced by Scott Moran.

Help BreakOut Studios Grow!

Happy New Year!

by Craig Wilson

Well, okay, that may be the mindset of just us sports nuts, but I would have to believe it also is the same feel for most everyone. Whether you are starting a new season of school, dance team, or any other athletic venture, it’s time to be excited for the possibilities. This is a fresh start, a clean slate, no holds barred, and, yes, it’s time to rock and roll, folks.

With that being said; here is my usual over zealous thoughts on the upcoming Wildcat Football season. Talk about “new beginning,” we have new coach Rich Rodriguez at the helm replacing coach “wildman” Stoops. Rich (Rich Rod) comes in with a 120-84-2 record. In his most recent coaching stint prior to Arizona, he was at Michigan for three seasons where things took a bad turn only two years after his hiring when Michigan was sanctioned for violating practice rules. Because of this, and not such a good win/loss record, he was dismissed in 2010. 

In 2011 Rich Rod was a TV guy for CBS. Here is the good news, Rich Rod is a very good coach and surrounds himself with fantastic assistance all over the field. His brand of football will be much like Oregon with non-stop action on the offense side of the ball. This no-huddle, “spread option” play will be a blast to watch. The idea is to keep the defense on its heels and constantly wondering what is going to happen next. 

Here is the reason for my optimism, our quarterback Matt Scott is for real. Matt has been in the background of NFL quarterback Nick Foles for four years. After red shirting last season Matt is ready for his moment. If he stays healthy, he will be an impact on our conference. He is a runner, passer, and fits perfectly with the new offense scheme. You heard it here first, folks, all-conference quarterback. My other biggie is Ka’Deem Carey at running back. Again, with this style of play, I’m going out on the limb to say he will break one thousands yards this season unless I’ve just gone Wildcat hopeful crazy.

When this article comes out we should have one win in the books against Toledo but the following week will be a monster test when Oklahoma State comes to town..yikes, they were in the running for National Champs last year.

On a finishing note, everyone needs to learn the Haka, a traditional Maori war dance from New Zealand. The Arizona Football team will perform the Haka in front of the student section immediately before kickoff at all home games in 2012. 

Bear Down y’all.

The Doors of School

 by Sam Quinn

Life is a series of doors.  One must have the courage, determination, and maturity to open them and endure what the other side has to offer.  My summer door is closing and the doorknob to my senior year of college is beginning to turn and open. What is on the other side of that door? Multiple hallways leading to new paths and beginnings, alongside of an array of emotions and obstacles.

My mind has yet to grasp the idea of entering my last year. The “real world” is so close, yet that upcoming road is something that has not yet been paved. Looking back on my entire academic experience, there have been ups and down, good and bad and am lucky to have been through it all. As I sit here reflecting and writing, I cannot even think as to where time has gone. The early school doors opened and closed in a blink of an eye, and, honestly, I do not remember much except that I was a brilliant finger-painter and struggled with the simple ways of math. (Dancers only need to count eight anyways, right?) The high school door swung open, tossing me into a sea of labels and obstructions that ultimately lead me to find my true self.

Going back to school is not just another time of learning useless information that you memorize to pass tests. It’s not another year to look back to see what you could have done differently and to be more prepared for the future. It is a time to live in the present, absorb all that is accessible to you, and to grow  as a student and person. After high school, it took a minute to figure out what I truly learned over four years. I thought about it and realized that I had done it all wrong. I came to realize that school is just one big giant math equation. There are a bunch of positive and negative elements jumbled all together. On the other side of the equal sign is the cumulative answer to what one should learn through all your years of school. And that single lettered answer should come out to be an F standing for fail. Without failure, we have not learned anything. It is okay to fall down multiple times, as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving. School is all about learning from your mistakes. In my eyes, that is the one lesson that teachers cannot teach you.  

And the door to my senior year is beginning to open. I am anxious to see what obstacles I can encounter. I am eager for the future. Most of all, I am ready to conquer rejection. Not only in the dance world, but also in life. Through failure comes success, and with success comes happiness. So look to the future, open your doors, close them and don’t look back. If your door does not have a smooth paved road lying ahead of you, keep trudging along. As the saying goes, one door closes and another one opens.

The Start.

by Sam Quinn

Came across this commercial while watching the Olympics. I thought the message was beyond perfect and can relate to everyone and anyone. Remember to always cherish the start, as it ultimately will determine the outcome of the end. Be the best you can be forever and always. Life Moves, Move with It.

My Relationship with Movement

by Todd Wilson

Cirque Inspiration: Alex Mizzen

Alex Mizzen’s background has left a wonderful imprint on the artist we find today. As a trained gymnast and a graduate from the National Theatre Ballet, Alex worked as a contemporary dancer, honing her skills and performance before embarking on the circus arena. Performing across many different countries the delight she now finds is in the collaboration of these two art forms & witnessing the magic that unfolds when they do.

Simplicity

by Sam Quinn

Simplicity, by definition, is the quality or condition of being plain or natural. I should ask: what exactly is normal nowadays? I guess normal could be defined as constantly refreshing your Facebook to see the same six people posting random quotes and pictures making fun of "Call Me Maybe" (yours truly is guilty as charged). Normal could be defined as regularly molding yourself into the couch watching reruns of "Jersey Shore" or "Dance Moms."  Normal could be defined as sleeping late, maybe going to the gym, followed by a night of caloric pizza and possibly underage drinking. The definition of normal has simply changed over the years. 


Remember the days when we did not all have cell phones and we spent our days recklessly playing outside with friends? Remember television shows that we all found exciting and actually still watch when re runs are on? Remember when Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and all that fun social media did not exist? Let's think about our lives then. Simple. Fun. Easy going. Care-free. Drama-free. 

Nowadays, we thrive on technology and social media. When was the last time you simply sat outside and watched the sun set? When was the last time you took a walk with an old friend and just talked? When was the last time you had true alone time, no cell phone in hand, no lap top on, and no Facebook chats popping up? For me it’s hard to remember. Do it. I challenge you. Embrace your surroundings. Try a day without your cell phone to cherish the truth the natural environment has to offer. Don’t let the simple, beautiful moments of life pass you by. Life moves, move with it. Just like old times. 

August 4th, BreakOut Youth Company Auditions!

Facebook Event Page

The BreakOut Studios Team consists of 13 of my best friends, there is no other group of people that I would rather spend my time in the studio with. Despite the wide range of ages and levels, there is an incredible amount of support for one another that is present, and that is a rarity amongst competitive dance teams. To be on this team is to have constant reassurance that there is someone who will never see you as anything less than wonderful. Growth is inevitable when you're a member of this team, both as a dancer and a human being. Emotional freedom and expression are equally as stressed as technique by the fantastic instructors we are surrounded by. I absolutely love every moment I get to spend with the amazing people I call my team, watching everyone grow and flourish has been the driving force behind my years on the BreakOut Team. I could not possibly be more thankful for my exposure to the true meaning of dance, and that would not have been possible without BreakOut Studios.
-Jeze Zankich 

The Breakout Studios team is unlike any other around. This was my first year and I am truly blessed to have found this studio and be apart of it. Everyone here is so welcoming and focused on learning in a positive atmosphere. You learn so much about yourself as a dancer and it is a place where you can just be yourself- no judgements. I am so thankful for everyone here and all of their help and I can truly say, after all the search, this is where I am suppose to be. Everyone should come experience this and become part of this huge family.
-Faith Chapman  

I love team because it helped me to see that as long as I am comfortable I'm my own skin then it doesn't matter what others think. The atmosphere hear let's you truly be yourself so you can find yourself.
-Britta Bozarth  

Team is a place where I can be my happy bubbly self even if im really not feeling that way. It pushes me and pulls the best out of me when I need it the most. It's an unforgettable experience and I created many life long friend ships. I learn something new everyday that I can use in dance and apply to my own life. I could be having the worst day and everyone including the teachers make me smile. Anyone would love being apart of this team,it's an honor.
-Imani Wilson  

 BreakOut Studios is a great place to dance, but even better place to be on a dance team. The staff and fellow team members are nothing but supportive and fun to be around people. You could be the worst dancer or the best, and they will treat you the same. At BreakOut, everyone gets that moment of spotlight. Everyone gets fair treatment and everyone is equal. They care about helping you improve as not only a dancer, but person as well. Throught my year at BreakOut, on team, I can honestly say, that I made real friends and had real good times and laughs with everyone. I opened up and realized it is more than okay to be yourself. Team is an honor and is worth every mintue of classes and pratices. Being a part of team is a great experince that everyone should try out for and be a part of this loving dance family. If you want to have a great time dancing, laughing, and growing, BreakOut Studios' team is the perfect place for you.
-Ashley Zambos

Beautiful Photos of Pomak Brides in Bulgaria

Pomak weddings are three-day traditional celebrations including feasts, dancing, and display of the brides dowry. On the third day of the wedding, women at the bride's home cover her face with a thick layer of facial cream. Then they stick sequins into the cream and cover the bride with a red veil. Holding a mirror in her hands, the girl closes her eyes and steps across the threshold of her father's house to take the hand of her future husband.

Various theories try to explain the meaning of this exotic ritual. Some believe that the mirror protects the bride from "evil eye," while others claim that it connects her to her dead ancestors. Anthropologists believe it is yet another variation on an initiation rite in which a girl becomes a woman and her social status is changed forever. As far as the bride's white face is concerned, Ribnovo locals have their own legend: In earlier times boys would go with their fathers into the mountains to herd sheep, only returning to the village when they were ready to get married. Since this rough lifestyle afforded them only minimal experience with women, they somehow had to learn to be gentle. Thus, the groom's first task after the wedding – then as now – is to carefully wash his wife's face with milk.

Original Article

Because I Can! - Deitrich Benjamin

Contact Deitrich Benjamin at: www.standfirmfit.com (520) 272-7593.

Dan Savage: Return to the Scene of the Crime

by Jolie Roberson

Warning: may contain some offensive language!

I love this story by Dan Savage about the death of his mother and the relationship he has with Catholicism.  Dan Savage is an American author, media pundit, journalist, and  newspaper editor.  He is most notably the writer for Savage Love, an often hilarious and always very frank relationship and sex advice column.  He and his husband, Terry Miller, started the "It Gets Better" project to help prevent suicide among LGBT youth.  

Gravity Defying Land Art: Cornelia Konrads

Cornelia Konrads is a modern German painter, sculptor and designer who works in the genre of land-art. Cornelia often uses the illusion of weightlessness in her on-site installations.

Forming and Fragmenting

originally found at CargoCollective.com

Forming and Fragmenting is a series of imagery by Andre Wee that depict portraits that exist in an eternal state of transition. It is however, uncertain as to whether these figures are in the process of “forming” or “fragmenting” due to it existing in such an undefined state. This inability to define, ironically labels these entities as beings that embody the idea of a limbo. An experience of being of two different states at the same time and yet, not belonging to either.

Team Auditions: August 4th!

Company Description

Our company members are given the benefit of taking as many classes as possible without financial limitations. To work in small groups with dance professionals right here in Tucson on technique, choreography, auditioning and much more. Giving the dancers a unique opportunity to have have a true pre-professional dance experience. We would like to invite you to audition for the BreakOut Studio's Scholarship Company!


BreakOut Scholarship Company will act as performing arts group, styles will range from ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Performances will be used as an opportunity to be showcased throughout the community. Performances will include but not be limited to UA Showcase, Winter and Spring 4th Avenue Street Fair, Flowing Wells High School Tucson Dance Showcase, and Life Moves Showcase, as well as any other performance opportunities. Life Moves workshops will also be highly stressed, advanced
students will travel to LA to take classes at the EDGE, and we will attend Hollywood Connection competitions and conventions.

Our Purpose

The purpose of the team is to develop the whole dancer. This will be done by teaching self-motivation and self-discipline. By using both of these, each student will be challenged to find who they are and what they can become.

Image

BreakOut Scholarship Company members are the most visible representatives of BreakOut Studios. One’s
behavior greatly affects the overall image of the entire company. As a company member, you must always
make choices that reflect positive qualities. You will be held to the highest standards of respect, dignity, and integrity.

Important Dates

A year calendar will be provided at the beginning of the season, and a monthly updated schedule will be given as well. A two week notice will be given for any extra rehearsals or events when available. Attendance is required for all classes, performances, conventions,and competitions. 

Technique Classes

In order to be the best dancers we can be, it is critical for each scholarship student to attend technique classes. We require each member take their minimum class requirements in Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap and
Hip Hop. Dancers who are not able to attend their required classes can take make-up classes.

Rehearsals

A calendar with all scheduled rehearsals will be available at the beginning of the year. A revised schedule will be given if needed. The directors reserve the right to add practices when deemed necessary and whenever possible, you will be given at least two weeks notice. The majority or team rehearsals will be held Sunday
afternoons. Conditioning, strengthening, and technique will be part of all rehearsals and classes.

Company Expenses

• Company monthly fees of $125
• Costumes for each dance
• Life Moves Workshop Weekends
• Special Trips (EDGE)
• Competition Costs

For more details:

520-670-1301

info@breakouton4th.com

facebook.com/breakoutstudios

Your Monday Inspiration: George Chamoun

A word from the artist:

THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS. IT’S THE RESULT OF A WORKSHOP IN FINE ARTS WITH THE THEME “ICONS” (COMPUTER ICONS/CELEBRITIES/FASHION ICONS/RELIGIOUS ICONS, ETC). 

I CHOSE TO WORK WITH MOVIE ICONS FROM TWO DIFFERENT ERAS. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN A LOT ABOUT IDEALS, PATTERNS AND ANATOMY. I NAMED THE PROJECT ICONATOMY FROM THE WORDS “ICON” AND “ANATOMY.” 

I HAVE WORKED WITH A COLLAGE TECHNIQUE, BUT IN A COMPUTER, WHICH FOR ME IS A FIRST. I AM REALLY PLEASED WITH THE END PRODUCT AND I WANT TO DEVELOP THIS CONCEPT FURTHER.

George Chamoun