Showing posts with label Dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dance. Show all posts

Friday, June 5, 2015

Nominate a Special Dad for an @NYBG Father's Day Concert + Frida Al Fresco Experience in New York City! #FridaNYBG

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Neon Sign at Cantina in The New York Botanical Garden

I think we all know by now and can all agree that Dad does not want a tie for Father's Day right?

Tired of the same old Father's Day Gift Ideas?  How about an experience instead?

Since May I have been sharing my coverage of Frida Kahlo: Art. Garden. Life at The New York Botanical Garden. I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the experience to date. (I already made one for the Mastercard Priceless Experience with Chef Aaron Sanchez that occured at The New York Botanical Garden, if you missed that one click HERE). 

Remember when I told you all this coverage was leading up to something special for YOU? As promised, I come with a Special Giveaway!

Do you think Dad would like an experience that combines nature, art, music, and dance in a very special setting with a fun concert too?

I shared my coverage of the Media Day for the exhibition, but what I haven't yet shared and will do so now is the opening weekend of the 'evening version' of the exhibition called 'Frida Al Fresco' where the Garden comes alive after hours!

There is MUSIC:

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert
AboveContemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers are Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden in conjunction with the Frida Kahlo - Art. Garden. Life Special Exhibition

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Above: Look who joined in on the fun, a dancing Frida!

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert, Alberto Villalobos
Above: I asked The Villalobos Brothers to sign my CD! Left: Alberto Villalobos.
 Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

Above: Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

There is ART:



Paper Mache Mask Sculpture designed by Alberto Villalobos of The Villalobos Brothers on display at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Did you notice these masks were onstage during The Villalobos outdoor concert in the photos above? There is a very significant reason for that, this mask was designed and created by Alberto Villalobos himself. (By the way he also handcrafted one of the violins being used in the concert also!) I can see why they are 'Artists in Residence' - for both their artistic and musical talent it seems! Color me blown away!

7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”)
Above: In addition to the Paper Mache Masks, there was also a 7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”) on display, but I wasn't able to nab a shot of it.

There is DANCE:

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden. They finished their performance to great applause! I took video, as soon as I upload it to YouTube I will be sure to add it!

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition
























Above: This dancing Frida performed alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache. Do I get props for capturing this motion without blur or what?

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition


Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




























Above: The person behind me who saw the preview of this shot on my camera was blown away as I was literally holding my camera up above the crowds head to get this shot! I may have been on my tiptoes the whole time so the fact the camera didn't pick up my movement and I didn't get much shake in the shot is something I have to admit that I'm kinda pleased with myself about. Maybe my calling is really to photograph dancers?

There is FOOD and DRINK:

Above: Warning, the lines for this truck are usually a bit long, but the food is prepared fresh, and is so worth the wait! Don't pass up a chance to grab some eats from La Casa Azul Food Truck! If you can't stand the wait try the Hudson Garden Grill which has a special menu in conjunction with the exhibition.

Above: This pic was actually taken with my phone because I posted it to instagram. I got quite a few likes for this one, you guys really love your food! I highly suggest the fish tacos from La Casa Azul Taco Truck!

On Father's Day there will be a special 'Canciones de mi Padre' (Songs of My Father) concert - the top selling non-English album in American History and this special performance of her landmark album of traditional Mexican folk songs will be performed under the stars by The Villalobos Brothers and Humberto Flores at The New York Botanical Garden and I want YOU to take your Dad!

MY TAKE:

I have been enjoying the exhibition and love that no two experiences have been the same. Frida Al Fresco during the evenings was such a fun and laid back way to meet new people and if you check out the event schedule they are truly mixing things up so that each visit will really offer up something unique for the visitors. 

I wanted to give you a few tips to maximize your experience:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Paper Dresses are in Ross Hall, Ross Hall doesn't stay open late so if you are going for Frida Al Fresco during the evening, but want to see the Paper Dresses, plan to arrive a little earlier so you can hit Ross Hall first!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photography is NOT permitted in the Art Gallery

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Large Backpacks will not be permitted on the grounds and there is no coat check, so please plan accordingly

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - La Casa Azul Taco Truck is AWESOME, the food is prepared while you wait that is why the average wait time can be very long, so if it is not to crowded when you arrive, HIT THAT before a line forms.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your advanced admission includes a complimentary cocktail which you pick up at the Cantina. The Cantina is to your left when you walk past the ticketing. Same tip applies here as above, if it's not to crowded when you get there, get your drink then so you don't end up losing time in lines.

WIN IT:

Nominate a Special Dad (can be your Dad, Grandpa, your Husband, Your Brother, Uncle - the choice is yours) by telling us what makes him special. Is your Dad gone? If you would like to take along a special Adult Grad instead, tell us something about your special Grad.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. The Frida Al Fresco evenings tickets come with a complimentary Modelo Especial Draft Cerveza (beer) OR a Jose Cuervo Tradicional Margarita. (Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to Frida Al Fresco (one winner and one guest) which will allow you to enjoy the Father's Day Concert as well 2 copies of The Villalobos Brothers "Aliens of Extraordinary Ability" CD - one for you and one for your dad (this will be sent to you directly). It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Who will you nominate to win this special experience? Your Dad or an Adult Grad? Why should your Dad or (adult) Grad win?

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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.

Monday, April 20, 2015

{#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:


New York Botanical Garden introduces Ballet Hispanico BHdos

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

BHdos Rehearsal Director Nicholas Villeneuve shares about the history of BHdos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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
















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


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

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, and his dance partner literally in mid air dancing 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.

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

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

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 set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

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 are a powerful presence onstage during the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

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: 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!

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!

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 join in the final program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba

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


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?)

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

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

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


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

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!


AboveBallet 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!

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

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

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers take their final bow!


AboveBallet 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.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Move over Dancing With the Stars, it's time for your child to shine in the Curious George Dance Contest!


If like me, you enjoyed the first episode of this season's Dancing With The Stars this week, and have been running around the house dancing since, I'm sure your child has been watching and imitating you!

As many of you remember last year I became a 'Curious George Moms' Brand Ambassador and helped host a twitter party for the Curious George Mother's Day/Dia de Las Madres episode (you can read about that HERE if you missed it the first time) and as Curious George was so special to me as a child, and I enjoyed sharing his antics with my niece and my nephews I jumped at the chance to share his latest adventure with you all.

First of all my apologies, my goal was to get this post up yesterday for you guys so I could let you know about a twitter party that happened earlier today, but I didn't come out the hospital feeling well enough so yesterday was a completely internet free day for me as per doctors orders. (I probably shouldn't be on today either, but I won't tell if you won't!)



Our friends at Curious George are back to share a new fun campaign they are working on where your child has the chance to be the star! Curious George is hosting his first ever 'Curious George Dance Contest'. Send in a video of your child doing their best monkey moves along to the Curious George theme song for a chance to win!

For more information, please visit: CuriousGeorgeDanceContest.com



CONTEST DATES: Video Submissions are due by April 2nd.

PUBLIC VOTING PERIOD: April 16th to April 30th.

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: For the name of winner, available after May 8 2012, visit www.curiousgeorgedancecontest.com

Four Great Reasons You and Your Child Should Spend Some Time Dancing Together:

1. Dancing Promotes Creativity - It encourages Self-Expression, done in early childhood it helps to develop creativity and creative problem solving will serve your child for life.

2. Dancing Strengthens Social and Emotional Development -  It helps a child express themselves and communicate with the world around them.

3. Active Learning - Children glean a greater understanding of spatial development via dance.

4. Dancing Promotes Fitness - The same Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Strength, and flexibility you gain from dance your child does too!

Does your child love Curious George? Does your child love to dance? Then grab your video camera and film your child dancing to the Curious George theme song for a chance to win. And if your child is already expressing hollywood aspirations, having their dance video featured on a Curious George DVD will help put them on their way that's for sure!

My nieces and nephews are too old to participate in the contest, but I just might get them to dance to it anyway and film them! (Hey our parents have dance videos of us, we should have some of the next generation too, to blackmail them with, ahem I mean reminisce with them about when they get older!)

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FTC Disclosure: I am a 'Curious George Moms' Brand Ambassador. My participation in this program comes with additional incentives. This post was sponsored in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and WGBH.

Images Disclosure: CG (R)& (C) 2012 Universal Studios and/or HMH. All Rights Reserved. FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY.