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