Russian Ballet Theatre's Production of Swan Lake

The Russian Ballet Theatre is on tour with their newly choreographed version of Swan Lake. The next performance in the NYC area will be at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn on November 17th, 2019.

I had the opportunity to catch the Russian Ballet Theatre's production of Swan Lake this past weekend at the lovely Nash Theater in Branchburg, NJ.  Everything about the performance offered a feast for the senses. The classical music, by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, is rich and engaging providing the perfect canvas for this lush production. Likewise, the set design and lighting took you convincingly from a boggy, moonlit lake to a bright and sumptuous palace ballroom.

The Hungarian Princesses dancing in the palace ballroom

This newly arranged ballet has humor, romance (of course), suspense and most of all exquisite choreography. Standout performances of the evening came from Vasli Bogdan (Von Rothbart) and the prima ballerina, Olga Kifyak.  Other high points included the "folk" style Hungarian, Russian and Spanish dances in the palace.  The impish court jester (danced by Mikhail Ovcharov) was an incredibly powerful dancer and stole many a scene with his pranks and antics!

Seating at The Nash Theater

With hand-painted sets and over 150 beautifully hand-sewn costumes, this was a first-rate production in every respect. Really on par with ballet productions I've seen at Lincoln Center in NYC. The theatrical makeup was done by none other than Irina Strukova, who has also worked on the sets of Crazy Rich Asians, Netflix, and HBO.  I already have my ticket to return to this theater to see The Nutcracker in December!  That production is by The Moscow Ballet.

Prince Siegfried and Odette

The Queen

Visit the troop online at RussianBalletTheatre.com  for upcoming tour dates and tickets.

Kurt Browning's 2013 ITNY Honoree Gala Performance!

This October 25th join the ITNY in honoring Kurt Browning and Sonia Rodriguez, The Best of Ice & Dance.

Chelsea Piers, NYC  Tickets are now on sale for this exciting 2013 Benefit Gala Performance featuring Kurt Browning and his wife, ballet dancer Sonia Rodriguez!

2013 Annual Benefit Gala and Performance at Sky Rink on Friday, October 25 at 7PM.

The evening will begin with a performance featuring the Ice Theatre Company in the world premiere of two new pieces - one by renowned dancer and Founder of the Miami Ballet, Edward Villella and one by Artistic Director, Douglas Webster. In addition our skaters, including US Men's Champion Ryan Bradley, 7-time British Champion John Kerr, World Team members Kim Navarro, Brent Bommentre, and 10 other world class skaters, will re-stage some of our major repertory pieces.

Kurt Browning will honor us with a performance of his iconic "Singin' in the Rain" routine.

Immediately following the performance guests will transfer to The Lighthouse downstairs on the same Pier for cocktails and a star-studded benefit honoring Kurt Browning and Sonia Rodriguez.

All of the evening’s proceeds will support ITNY’s New Works and Young Artists Series, an education & outreach programming for public school children in the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens, as well as all of ITNY’s 2013-2014 season's artistic programming. We will be producing a beautiful Benefit Journal with congratulatory messages for our honorees - contact us at itny@icetheatre.org if you would like to place an ad. Journal ad form.

Sarah Hughes and family in attendance at the 2012 Gala Event.

Tables: $4000, $6000 and $10,000
Individual tickets: $400, $600 and $1,000
*Tickets will be at the door for pick-up.  Please arrive at Sky Rink by 6:45 p.m. to pick-up your ticket.

Table setting at the Lighthouse Restaurant

For more information please call (212) 929-5811. To buy tickets online click here.

Visibly Fashionable: Vespertine NYC Vesp & Flashy Wear

Vespertine, NYC's NEW Vesp reflective vest in Lime. Singlet by Gore Bike Wear, Skort by Terry.

Bike Lane, NYC: Now that summer is here along with NYC Bike Share, the Bike Path & Greenways are humming with activity. These special areas seem to never quiet down as you can see people riding, running and skating along all times, day and night. Florescent colors make up some of the new Hi-Viz wear you are seeing lately in response to people wishing to be seen by motorists even during daylight hours.

Back of Vesp. Bicycle Helmet by Lazer

Vespertine, NYC had the idea of making reflective-wear which can easily pass for fashionable accessories. Their new Vesp, which I have been wearing over the past few weeks is perfect for use on the bike when you want to be seen. During the daylight hours, the florescent bright colors are visible from very far away.

Cycle-Ready Vesp: Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap and Synergy Organic Cotton Tank Dress

 At night, the 3M reflective materials reflect light like crazy, making it easy for cars to see you.
This is the description of the Vesp from the Vespertine NYC Website:

"This chic, light weight VESP is perfect for an early morning jog, a dusky walk, evening cocktails, a late night bike ride and everything in between. Bright colors and 360º of reflective material provide excellent day and night time visibility. A longer versatile roomy cut fits over anything from a bandeau top to a winter coat. A built-in stuff pocket means it stores breezily in your bag, car or locker plus the new mesh side pocket is perfect for your phone, keys, cash, etc...
The VESP Eco Lime is made from water resistant 100% Eco-circle recycled/recyclable polyester with the most reflective 3M Scotchlite Material on the crossing straps, signature V-neck, around the bottom edge and the adjustable tie closure."

Beaded Vesp in Citron showing its night reflections

Haute Reflecture
The idea of wearing light reflective garments is nothing new, but Vespertine NYC has taken this to a whole new level with reversible vests and other fashionable items that light up the night. All of their garments are made in NYC and the variety of pieces can easily grace any haute couture runway.  What's cool is the Vesp can go with you in your handbag as it stores in its own attached pouch.  I went shopping using my bicycle and when I stopped to go in the store, took off my Vesp and stored it in my Elements Shoulder Bag along with my helmet.  No one knew I arrived by bike but everyone could see me en route.

The Vesp stores in its own little pouch

Flashy Wear
Once again the Hi-Viz colors get the attention of motorists and pedestrians during the day and the reflective materials alert all to your presence at night. I also like to make sure to have lights on my bicycle and on me.  You can wear blinkies like these from Road ID. These Super Nova LED Lights are extremely bright and can attach to your shirt, helmet or zipper pull as shown below on my Carve Designs Zipper Line Hoodie:

Super Nova LED Lights on a zipper pull and my wrist for night-time flash

Be Seen at the Night Spots
So if you are out running, walking or cycling at night, you can add an extra layer of protection with a reflective Vesp and Super Nova blinkie lights. A sure way to be visibly fashionable.

C/O Vesp in Lime via Vespertine, NYC 

To Market with Basil's Cosa Basket & Vejibag

Basil NL Rear Cosa Basket and Vejibag shopping the Farmer's Market

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all of the in season, local produce on display at the Farmer's Market.  Even if you live in New York City, there is a program that allows local New York State growers to set up an open air market in the city limits. At our estate in rural New Jersey, farm stands and one of the largest Farmer's Markets on the east coast are all within cycling distance.  We also have a local Wegmans which carries a lot of fresh and organic produce.

To Market, To Market...
I really enjoy riding my bicycle and going to the farm market is just another excuse to take in the fresh air. That's why I have a Blackburn Rear Rack on my Nishiki Sport Touring Bicycle. It accommodates panniers, carry-alls, handbags and this super sized Basil Rear Cosa Basket. It slides on via a clamp system and locks on tight. The handles fold down and lock to keep the contents from flying out during the ride. Some people like front baskets but there is a lot less wind resistance having one like this on the back. The fact that it is mesh means that any tail lights you have will still be visible but I like to add a blinkie to the back of this basket for extra safety.

The Basil Cosa handles close down to keep your goodies from flying out.

Vejibag
The amazing editor of GaveThat.com treated me to a new bag of tricks this season.  There are a lot of vegetable storage bags for your refrigerator but the Vejibag is unique in that it is made of organic cotton.  Much better than plastic, it provides just the right amount of humidity for your vegetables to be totally slime-free until you eat them. I find the Vejibag is also a good idea for storing delicate fruits and vegetables, (berries, pears, carrots, etc.) en route from the market to your kitchen. 

My fruits and vegetables are all fresh and unbruised in the Vejibag

Summer Heat
This is especially so in the summer heat when your grapes can turn to raisins and your plums into prunes in the hot sun! The Vejibag is very simple to use.  Just wet it with cool water, wring it out and place your veggies inside for the trip home. A super way to keep them from bruising from the ride too. Given the right humidity, your vegetables will keep in the Vejibag for more than week with out going slimy.  This makes a lovely hostess gift for your next summer BBQ but be sure to buy a few for yourself before heading out to the Farmer's Market.

So chill!  Summer means the BEST fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies. VitaMix 5200 Power Blender

 

Fashion's Night Out 4th Anniversary

New York, NY:  Fashion's Night Out returns to help kick off Fashion Week in New York City on September 6th, 2012.  Celebrating it's 4th year, there will be lots of models, shows, open shops, parties, samples and mayhem on hand for participating fashionistas that night.  It's supposed to rain so if you are made of sugar (like me), check out your local indoor mall to see if they are celebrating this event there.  Here is a list of other Fashion's Night Out Celebrations across the country.

Kicking off Fashion Week!  Shirt: ExOfficio's Campista  3/4 Sleeve. 

Skirt by Ralph Lauren

Not in NYC this week?   Check your local mall to see if they are celebrating Fashion's Night Out or offering Fashion Week specials there.

Take a bicycle through the city and shop or just walk for Fashion Week!  Either way you'll have a super time while staying fit and saving gas. Check out this music video of fall fashion ideas for the cycling & walking set!