(Not So) #Wordless Wednesday: YOU are cordially invited to a super lit Virtual "Happy Hour" hosted by @NYBG #OrchidNYBG #Photo and #Video

NOT SPONSORED!

Faceted Mirrored Vanda Flower Fountain - New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2020

Are you feeling a bit stir crazy?

Would an in-depth guided virtual tour of The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope put a little 'spring' in your spring?

I got the chance to attend the Media Preview Day of New York Botanical Gardens 2020 Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope. I normally host a giveaway for our readers to have a chance to experience the exhibit via Orchid Evenings. But with the self quarantine and social distancing that is being enforced right now sadly NYBG is temporarily closed, but they are hosting an amazing virtual Happy Hour which I very much plan to attend and hope you can too!

Experience this year's exhibition without leaving home, RSVP for Orchid Evenings Highlights: Happy Hour at Home here: https://www.facebook.com/events/147013020084720/

It will be held on Thursday, April 9th between 5PM -6PM RSVP RIGHT NOW!!!

Pour your own cocktail and get ready to not only enjoy Orchids, but to get off your couch and turn your favorite room in your house into a dance floor. Dancer/Choreographer Princess Lockerooo, accessorize with simple DIY floral decorations and Bronx Night Market will share Happy Hour Recipes and Marc Hachadourian, NYBG's Senior Curator of Orchids will share about the mysterious night lives of many orchid species.

Even though I had the chance to attend the Media Preview Day, I will also attend the virtual happy hour tomorrow and I hope my butterflies will too.

Here is a quick sneak peek (Photos and Videos):

Above: Jeff Leatham, Floral Designer, has worked with celebrities such as Oprah, Cher, and the Kardashians. His work is currently featured in the New York Botanical Garden's "The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope. Welcome Remarks from Jeff during the Media Preview Day.

I nabbed video of his closing remarks:

Above: So much love, work and man hours goes into The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden each year, Jeff hit the nail on the head when he said how truly amazing it is that this space is so utterly transformed from year to year into something new and entirely unforgettable. I am lucky enough to live near The New York Botanical Garden and have been visiting since I was a child. The creativity of the team and the visiting artists always amazes and inspires me.

Above: Jeff was posing for a different Photographer in this shot. You guys know how much I love nabbing shots that are not what I feel 'totally posed and perfect', I try to capture a moment a feeling, and I also love that it looks like the Orchids are pointing straight to his heart as he put so much love into this exhibit!

Above: This Vanda Orchid is super rare! You can press on this or any photo to see it in full size, sometimes my blog template tends to compress certain photos.

Above: This Moth Orchid Photo was actually taken at a totally different angle. I took some time to play with this one in Corel Paintshop Pro X9 as I loved the light and airy springtime color combo! (Currently shooting with Nikon!)

Above: Remember the Video I posted of The Three Graces Fountain inside The Enid A Haupt Conservatory at New York Botanical Garden on Instagram? (Refresh your memory: https://www.instagram.com/p/BuJumgmA8sK/) THIS is that same area made over for the new exhibit! Press this one to make it bigger! (and if you are not already, please follow Ascending Butterfly via Instagram, our handle is @Ascending1)

Above: You may remember a similar photo to this one (and the one above) contained in a brief video I posted on Instagram shortly after the media preview day here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gWH0nAQrs/

Isn't this passageway between exhibits awesome? It is an entire mood with its modern industrial vibe! 

I made a brief walking through the Kaleidoscopic Tunnel of Lights video below (pardon the ambient noise of people talking, I couldn't edit it out, so I sped it up a bit and added some background music):

Above: LED Lights transform this tunnel into a moving immersive experience!

MY TAKE:

As usual I took WAY more pictures than I could ever have time to Edit. I will definitely feature more soon.

I am saddened by the enforced quarantine keeping everyone from being able to immerse themselves in this amazing exhibit and experience Jeff Leatham's vision and creativity, but very happy about the Virtual Happy Hour!

I am hoping this Virtual Happy Hour will bring so many orchid and nature lovers together at the same time to celebrate the gifts that mother nature shares with us!

I love that NYBG is bringing the Orchid Evening Experience to everyone.

So this year I won't be able to host my annual giveaway of passes to the show, but now more readers who live in other states can get a chance to experience this for themselves.

Readers: If you are planning to RSVP please remember to use the link above to the RSVP Page, but I would love it if you took a moment to post here that you are attending!

Remember Butterflies: Please stay safe and stay home! 

And a special Thank You to all frontline, healthcare, law enforcement, firemen, truckers, delivery men and women who are essential personnel and are out there on the frontline every day!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway / Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fare - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

{#WordlessWednesday} Sometimes you just need a pretty place to sit! {#Photos} #NYBG

Find yourself a pretty place to sit today!

Couldn't resist snapping a shot of the artwork on the walls, but when I re-visited my pictures I couldn't help but notice just how 'zen' sitting there was (what I saw when I 'looked up' is a photo series for a different Wordless Wednesday Post!)

Above: For some reason there was never a time when the bench under this painting didn't have someone sitting on it, so I couldn't get a full shot with this one! (Just like I don't like people snapping shots of me just because it's a public place I don't do it to others!)

Which is YOUR Favorite?

Brownie points for anyone who can guess where specifically these photos were taken!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Bloggers feel free to link up by leaving us a comment with the URL to your Wordless Wednesday Photos as we'd love to see your pictures for this week, just remember, no giveaway links, WW only.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#MovementMonday} @BalletHispanico BHdos performance at #OrchidShow2015 @nybg NY Botanical Garden {#Photos}

I hope you got a chance to check out The Orchid Show: Chandeliers at the New York Botanical Garden, I absolutely loved it, and in case you missed it, you can check out my coverage of it HERE (just note that the giveaway is already closed).

In addition to being able to enjoy the Orchid Show this year, I also got the chance to enjoy a class in growing mini and macro Orchids (which I will share with you guys in a separate post) and a performance by BHdos, The Second Company of Ballet Hispanico.

BHdos are pre-professional dancers of Ballet Hispanico's second company, they serve as a 'bridge' of sorts between the School of Dance and the Professional Company, as well as the community and their own training careers. They work to bring Latino Culture to schools, communities and corporations through a 50 minute exploration of dance influenced by Spain and Latin America. The fully-costumed performances feature choreography from the current Ballet Hispanico repertory.

If you missed their performances in conjunction with the Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden, you can still catch them at The Joyce Theater from April 14th-26th, so act FAST! And for my readers who are parents, Ballet Hispanico's registration for their 'Los Explorers' Summer Dance (preschool) Camps for Ages 3-5 is open!

Here are my photo highlights from one of the April Performances Ballroom's Best: Tango, Waltz, and Cha-Cha - A Celebration of Ballroom Dances at New York Botanical Garden:

Above: There is an amazing line up of upcoming activities at New York Botanical Garden, I will definitely be back again very soon!

Above: BHdos Rehearsal Director Nicholas Villeneuve shares about the history of BHdos and highlights the dance Program (midway he also leads the audience in an interactive dancing lesson, that gets everyone dancing!)

First Section of the Program: Tito on Timbales - Cha-Cha-Cha Duet: Music by Tito Puente

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Above: Ballet Hispanico's, BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha From Left to Right: Amanda Esposito and Christopher Wilson.

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Second Section of the Program: El Vals - Waltz Duet: Music by Greg Nestor

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing El Vals - Waltz Duet

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing El Vals - Waltz Duet From Left to Right: Nicole Garcia, Nicolay Espitia.

Third Section of the Program: Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet: Music by Vincente Creco and Roberto Firpo

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, takes the stage for the Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, and his dance partner literally in mid air dancing the  Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet (I was super stoked on capturing the motion in this shot!)

Fourth and Final Section of the Program: Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba: Music by Israel Lopez, Ruben Gonzales, A.K. Salim, Perez Prado and Francisco Repilado.

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner are a powerful presence onstage during the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner were bringing Mambo and Rhumba too life! Making us all feel like we were sitting in a Club in Havana!

Above: Now that's a FACE OFF! Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner were bringing Mambo and Rhumba to life! Making us all feel like we were sitting in a Club in Havana!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson and his dance partner join in the final program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson and his dance partner look on at Nicolay Espitia and his dancer partner perform from the program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba (Isn't the effect of their movement cool?)

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner in mid air!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Left: Christopher Wilson and Right: Nicolay Espitia, in mid air!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers. I loved how the camera was able to catch the movement of their skirts and how they blend in with the flower on the wall, they sort of look like dancing flowers!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers. This time both teams are dancing simultaneously, not an easy feat as this is actually a pretty small stage!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers take their final bow!

MY TAKE:

Ballet Hispanico's BHdos put on such a lively performance, and the tribute to the musicians like Tito Puente in Program One entitled 'Tito on Timbales' was a touching tribute to those who know the musical legend 'El Rey Del Timbal' Sadly I think most people feel they have been exposed to 'ballroom' mostly because of the Television Series, 'Dancing With The Stars' but these dances have a very rich history, and so too does Ballet Hispanico, read about BH's founder Tina Ramirez.

Did you wake up this morning with a 'case of the Mondays'? I thought instead of a typical 'Motivation Monday' to start your day, we begin with a 'Movement Monday'. Just MOVE right now. Get up off your seat, put down your coffee/cafecito and pull up a you tube video on one of the dance styles featured above and follow along with it. Or use your favorite zumba video, or just pop your favorite Salsa song on and get to dancing! Move your way into a much happier Monday Butterflies!

How are you going to MOVE today on #MovementMonday, it's not just a Monday around here today butterflies, it's a movement, so start flapping those beautiful wings of yours!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to post our recap of the show, and all opinions are 100% my own!  We were provided access to show for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

I got the hook up for a great event tonight, wanna join me? Like #Food? Like #Tequila? Read On!

Arte Agave New York El Cuento Del Artista

You know when it comes to all things New York, fun, foodie, lifestyle and fab, Ascending Butterfly is on it! I am attending a special event tonight, and I've got the hook up to get you in at half price! So to all my New York/Manhattan Central, Food & Tequila Loving Butterflies this one is right up your alley!

 ARTE AGAVE - LA GRAN CELEBRACIÓN

A UNIQUE CELEBRACIÓN OF FINE AGAVE SPIRITS + CUISINE + ARTS INSPIRED BY THE RICHNESS OF LATINO CULTURE. 

• Over 100 varieties of Agave spirits to sample at over 20 Estaciónes de Sabor, including Herradura, Tanteo, Ilegal Mezcal, El Buho Mezcal, y mucho mas
• Savory Latino cuisine and treats from local culinary favorites including Hecho en Dumbo, Anejo, and La Newyorkina
• Live music and acoustic guitar performance
• Special gifts from Rolling Stone
• Performances by Flor de Toloache – the all lady Mariachi band 
• Hacer + Probar ("Make + Taste") – learn the art of making agave inspired cocktails
• Guitar giveaway valued at up to $4,500 from Martin Guitar
• Audiofly Listening Station and prize giveaways
• Y mucho, mucho mas (English: and much more!)

SCORE: Sounds good right? Hit HERE to get in at a steal, call this one a 'butterfly groupon'! :-)

Seriously with each ticket going for $85, getting in for $42.50 is pretty sweet indeed, see it pays to have familia' in high places! Remember, I'm an attendee not a host, so if you have questions, please hit up Arte Agave directly, you can get social with them @ArteAgave on Twitter and on FACEBOOK too!

Mariposas/Butterflies, will I see you there?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received by us to notify you about this event, this one is puro amor amigos!