Nora Chipaumire

A University of Minnesota guest artist, Nora Chipaumire was greatly received as a guest choreographer for this years University Dance Theater.  Her work, "Dark Swan," featuring 8 men from the university dance program, was a highlight of this past weekend symposium, Continuously Rich: Black Women in Cultural Production.  If you missed it, don't worry, the work will be re-staged during Dance Revolutions at the Souther Theater, December 11th & 12th.  Check out an excerpt from this incredible moving work:

Looking Back at Fashion Dance for Life

Check out this video with highlights from Eleve's first Fashion Dance for Life!  Special thanks to Stephen Thorkildson and Gabriel Hostetler for the camera work. 

The Sweet Life

Most people would agree that the "Sweet Life" consist of having tons of money, the most extravagant houses, cars that go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds flat, and being that person that everyone wants to be!

What if you could embody all that is the sweet life and put it under one roof! You would get a Riyo Production- The Sweet Life fashion show which took place at the elegant OM restaurant. Models walked down the runway wearing designs from Ariel Simone, J &K Concepts as well as upcoming designer Ayah Ahmed. Overall the show was ok.

Jeantrix ended the show with their unique out of the box designs. Nyce and Homm created the brand in 2003. It started off as a sneaker line, but by 2004 clothes were added to the Jeantrix name, the rest is history. They have been featured in Elle, Life and Style, and Harlow magazine. These two men have a creative eye " the next level of fashion is here, and Jeantrix is its name".

Check out their one of kind designs!

Here is a picture with the designers themselves Nyce and Homm

Photographs by Kou Photography

Fashion Dance for Life

Yesterday was the day that dreams became reality. Fashion Dance for Life was no longer just notes in our notebook. It was a fully produced evening at the Lab Theater. We had an amazing turnout and completely blew our audience away as our dancers and models lit up the stage. We created awareness on the topic of HIV/AIDS while showcasing some of MN's most promising artists. This sho, as well as many more to follow will bring HIV/AIDS education to the forefront. No longer will we stand around and do nothing, FDFL is hear to bring local talent together to fight for a world that will be free of HIV/AIDS! Here are some amazing photos from the event by Brad Wolfs and David Mendolia!

   

The Final Dress Rehearsal

It wasn't until today that is hit me, I am about to produce a fashion show. Can it be, my dream has finally come true. I am now the one calling the shots  not taking direction from some one else. So many thoughts raced through my head as if I was a driver in the Indy 500! I began to get pulled into so many directions Jaron this, Jaron that, what next, the list was never ending. I began to ask myself is this what I really want, can I really see myself as not only a producer but as the CEO of a company! I took a step back to breathe.

Than I remembered "success means having the courage, the determination, and the will power to become the person you want to be". This is what I have always wanted, and this is what I want to be.

As we wrapped up our final rehearsal, I just looked at the process we made. I am truly lucky to have such a wonderful cast. They took direction well and really put their heart into what they where doing. Fashion Dance for Life is truly going to be inspirational! :-)

Check out the pics below!

Don't forget the show is in two day, see you there!

-Jaron 

Tickets On Sale Now!

For Tickets to Fashion Dance for Life Click Here!

Coming September 24th, 2010!