How Igal Perry's Dance Company In New York Is Integral To Humanity In General

Photo Courtesy Of Cesar Brodermann, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company

"Peridance Contemporary Dance Company was founded by Artistic Director Igal Perry in 1984, one year after he founded the Peridance Capezio Center, one of the foremost training institutions in New York City. Perry wanted to provide a dance home in the city for artists from around the world, both in the Center and the Company. We are located in the heart of New York City, close to Union Square! We rehearse at our home studios, the Peridance Capezio Center.

We employ 10 dancers and three apprentices. All of our dancers are classically trained but are each also incredibly versatile in their movement vocabulary. Most of our current dancers get into the company by attending our annual workshop and open audition. Some also come into the company by first attending the two-year, pre-professional certificate program at the Peridance Capezio Center. Current company members Alexandre Barranco, Greta Zuccarello, Matteo Fiorani, and Sohye Kim attended this program before joining the company.

We are a repertory company, and our work spans many genres, which showcases our incredibly versatile dancers! Many of our works are contemporary and contemporary ballet, but we have also had improvisational, jazz, and flamenco works in our past seasons.

Our main production is our annual New York Spring Season: in this production, we premiere new works by Perry and guest choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Dwight Rhoden, Bryan Arias, Sidra Bell, and many others. This production serves as a springboard for future touring opportunities, in which we tour the works from the season to national and international festivals and venues.

We also have a contemporary version of 'The Nutcracker,' choreographed by Perry, that provides a fun, fresh version of this classic favorite to audiences each December.

Perry is heavily influenced by ballet and elements of folk dance that he grew up with in Israel. But the company is also deeply influenced by the dance culture of New York City: the culture of collaboration, innovation, diversity, and excellence. We invite many New York City-based choreographers to set work on the company, and each of them influences the dancers and the company culture in a unique way.

We believe it is critical: the venues, funding, and popular support for the arts in NYC are arguably more than any other place in the United States. (Although both studio space and funding is becoming more scarce.) But New York City truly has a culture of art appreciation: people support the arts here by coming to performances, giving money, or even participating themselves in recreational dance classes. 

And as a multicultural center, it also has a richness of diversity that shapes the arts and culture here. Peridance is an example of that: with international directors and many international dancers (half of our company!), we see the incredible benefit of having people of diverse perspectives and experiences working together in the arts. And that is what New York City is really all about.

Dance is a form of communication in a world that desperately needs to explore how to better communicate with others. It is a valuable resource for expressing ideas in a different way that makes them more accessible. Dance also has the power to carry powerful, overt messages - or subtle, thoughtful ones. It can ignite discussion as we seek to understand it and appreciate it. And in an often overly polarized cultural climate, this honest discussion and expression can unite and heal where society was once divided. A few of our works have socio-political thematic elements that allow us to speak to the current cultural shifts.

There is something very special about a group of people (most of whom don't know each other) coming together to watch a two-hour dance performance in the same space. That is a shared experience that has just been created between a group of people who may have had nothing in common before.

Humanity needs more shared experiences. Dance is a language that everyone can understand, and dissolves boundaries between people."

 

As told to MBF by Hannah Newman

October 17, 2017

Jade Harlow

Photo Courtesy Of Jade Harlow 

WHERE ARE YOUR RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I'm in Los Angeles and I've lived here for years.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born and raised in Las Vegas.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN? 
Its resiliency, the way the people of 702 have responded in the wake of this mass shooting. The community has really come together, to donate blood and offer whatever help was needed, when it was needed most.

WHAT WERE YOUR INFANT ASPIRATIONS? 
I always wanted to be an actor... or a mermaid. The latter wasn't an option.

WHY THESPIAN?
I just found the art and study of it to be rather magical.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
When I lived in Vegas, I attended the Las Vegas Academy, an arts high school like "Fame", and that led me study here in L.A. The list is so extensive that it would probably bore you're readers, so I'll spare them. But I use a combination of various techniques I've learned over the years. At the end of it though, it all comes down to giving specific directors what they ask for. You use the training, but bend what you've learned to accommodate their vision.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A ROLE AND HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR "MURDER ON THE CAPE" SPECIFICALLY? 
Usually start by reading the material multiple times, when applicable, you get your hands on and read as much source material, or research you can. Which was the foundation for what I did on "Murder on the Cape". But since the script was written from the point of view of someone whose story wasn't the front running, you just have to trust the writer/director who adapted that angle of the story to guide you in the direction that, that particular story services.

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED CINEMATIC GENRE?
I'm all over the map. My background has largely been drama, but I'm always looking for something that is character driven, regardless of genre and medium.

WHAT OR WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
My mom. Her strength, her grit, her sardonic humor... This apple definitely didn't fall far.

HOW DO YOU GET RED CARPET READY AND HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?
The red carpet is usually my least favorite part of what I do, so I'll reach out to certain designers I have a relationship with, try on a bunch of things and hopefully leave with a dress and self esteem intact. As a woman, unless you're really into that stuff, it's always a bit stressful. My taste is usually old Hollywood, with a touch of rock n' roll. My place reflects that.

HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE?
Calorie restriction, usually with the weekends off of a diet. Working out with a trainer minimum three days a week, I'll add some boxing to that and sometimes some tennis on the weekends to not go completely out of control.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
Water. I splash my face with water several times a day because I'm so greasy.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
Working out, studying, I'm a bit of a news junkie so, catching up on all that stuff... movies, TV, the same stuff most folks do, I guess.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND? 
I'll come home and want to unwind to the news, or if that has the opposite effect, I'll pop on a show I'm into and let that wash away the day.

Beauty Beast

Photographed By Dorota Porębska 

Basically, take cue from Sandra Najda and  plenish your wadrobe with anything black this fall.

Dorota Porębska

Photo Courtesy Of Dorota Porębska 

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
 I’m in France for a photo shoot.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
In Warsaw, Poland.

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR HOMETOWN?
That Warsaw is constantly changing. Also it reminds me of all the European cities that I love. My favorite time are the evenings, when the restaurants become crowded, you meet friends around every corner, there’s no traffic on the streets, but the center is full of life. You should visit and explore it!

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATION GROWING UP?
I definitely dreamed of becoming some kind of a freelance artist, although I don’t think I knew the meaning of the word.

WHY PHOTOGRAPHER?
Because it’s a magical art that draws from different fields like painting or storytelling. I found an outlet in photography, because I have a vivid imagination and I need to stay in touch with creativity.

WHY FASHION?
It was kind of accidental, like every good thing in my life. I felt in a heartbeat that it’s a wonderful thing and honestly, I don’t feel this passionate about any other type of photography. I love taking pictures of people, their emotions and all those amazing clothes.

WHAT OR WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST?
This is the hardest question. I think everything around me.

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE LOCATIONS TO SHOOT?
Anywhere that no one has been before.

HOW DOES YOUR AESTHIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER PARTS OF YOUR LIFE?
My aesthetics influences my way of thinking and lifestyle, allows me to express myself freely in everyday aspects of life. Thanks to it, I’m eternally devoted to my classic style of dressing. But from the other side, enjoy painting in an abstract way and redecorating my apartment all of the time.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY AND HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE?
I sleep a lot and take long baths. I believe in natural, primal rituals.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I travel a lot and surf. I often rearrange my apartment and take a lot of pictures just for fun.

HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND GROUNDED ?
It’s just part of my nature.

Why Kasia Skórzyńska Started Poland's Most Coveted Label, Kaaskas

Photo Courtesy Of  Kaaskas

"Right now I’m in my apartment in the Mokotów district in Warsaw - my favourite area. I just moved back after living in the center of the city for two years. Before that I lived here for five years. I’m so happy to be back!

I was born in Warsaw, Poland and raised mostly here. I spent four years in Brazil as a child. My mother is a diplomat and we moved there when she was appointed ambassador. It’s relatively cozy, not too big, but has a great vibe and lots of cultural things happen here. And it’s super green in the summer. Growing up I wanted to become an archaeologist. Then I was introduced to Sebastian Salgado photographs and everything changed. I dreamed of becoming a photographer for years. I still do sometimes.

A year spent in Lisbon on a free-mover program in the Art Academy there. That’s where I discovered that I will somehow definitely bind my life with art and the fashion design idea started to get more real in my head. Also it was a year of new friendships, journeys and a lot of happiness everyday. The best year of my life really. 

Why designer? It's a good question. I guess it’s a combination of the creative needs I have and the direct relation to day-to-day life - creating something beautiful that is useful for someone is the ultimate satisfaction for me. I graduated the fashion department of Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts.

I believe you can really find inspiration in everything, depending what mood and state you are in. For me, most of the time travels and exhibitions are the moments where some ideas click in my head. Also just observing people around me, the way they dress, move and live their life.

What moment I'm I having? A weird one. I spend quite a lot of time alone and think about how unpredictable life is. But it’s good, it’s like a self-discovery moment. Everyone should have these from time to time! Maybe it’s because I’m turning 30 this year and have the need to do some kind of a summary. Also I try to cut off social media as much as I can and clear my head from the noise it brings.

The term I feel suits my aesthetic well is “playful minimalism”. I think it definitely translates into colours, shapes and textures I use not only in fashion but in building my life in general - in the interiors, objects, smells and tastes I surround myself with. And also just the way I try to live. I really don’t need much to feel good and at ease, but I like to see beauty and joy in small things and actions - in the details of life. I think it translates pretty directly and that I’m quite consistent in that way.

I like to keep a balance between work and pleasure. I love spending time with family and friends, my dog or just myself! I have absolutely no problem spending a day on reading books, watching movies or spending time in the nature. I can’t say I’m a person that lives under constant mental work pressure and I’m happy with that. I try to treat work as one part of life, but the other one’s are just as important to me.

To unwind, I go to my dance or ceramics class or just for a long walk with my dog which is like a meditation session."

- As told to MBF
 October 19, 2017

Taylor Black

Photo Courtesy Of Taylor Black

WHERE ARE YOUR RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I am currently in L.A., and I just moved here from New York City in April!

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
On the North Fork of Long Island.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN?
I think that the best thing about my hometown is the beautiful nature and deep sense of a supportive, nurturing community. I grew up boating on the water, and enjoying the beauty of the area. The North Fork is home to beautiful wineries and wonderful shops.

WHAT WERE YOUR INFANT ASPIRATIONS?
As a child I dreamed about becoming a professional tennis player.

WHY THESPIAN?
I took acting classes as a kid and completely fell in love with it. I realized it was a wonderful way to express all the complex emotions inside of me.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND TRAINING?
I trained with Frank Zagarino on the north work as a preteen and then I trained for five years in NYC with Anthony Abeson. I also studied at Columbia University.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A ROLE AND HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR "ADDICTED" SPECIFICALLY?
The type of prep work always varies depending on the particular role. I spend a lot of time memorizing my lines, deliberating over the nuances of choices, hair and make up choices, etc...Getting into costume always helps me to fully get into character and what makes a character unique, flushing out their backstory, and considering things like the character's personal style, and clothing. 

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED CINEMATIC GENRE?
I wouldn't say that I have a preferred genre. I'm more interested in what is striking a chord with me emotionally at that moment. I look more at who is directing or acting in a film a film as opposed to which genre it falls into.

WHAT OR WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
I think we're all influenced every day by everything we are surrounded by. I'm influenced by where I grew up, where I went to school, by my husband, my family, my friends, my travels. They all form a collective influence, so it's really challenging to pick just one thing.

HOW DO YOU GET RED CARPET READY AND HOW DOES YOUR AESTHETIC TRANSLATE IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE? 
I love to do my own hair and makeup, and get as creative as possible! Makeup and skincare are two passions of mine. I love experimenting with new colors and new looks. I think my personal style is influenced by my travels. I love to buy things at local shops, while traveling, that remind me of my travels and the rich cultures. My fashion sense is not rigid or fixed. I love to experience and would never want to limit myself to one particular aesthetic. I guess it's the actor inside of me always wanting to experiment and try new things.

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HOW DO YOU STAY IN SHAPE?
I try to eat healthy in moderation, take supplements, and keep a steady workout regimen.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
I'm obsessed with all things Korean skincare. I believe in consistent exfoliation and lots of moisturizing. I wear SPF every shake day, even in the winter!

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
It depends! I love to play tennis, hike, or go horseback riding. I love to travel, go on road trips, cook, etc. Unfortunately, usually my days off are spent running errands, going to the gym and cleaning.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
At once, I love to diffuse essential oils, take a long shower or bath, give myself a facial, play music, and read.

Remember To Never Forget

Photgraphed By Kamran Ashtary

The History, Memory and Responsibility. October 4, 2017. Oświęcim, Poland.

The world knows it as KL.

Auschwitz.

If You Only Read One This Fall

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

Awareness

Photographed By Nganji Mutiri

Comedienne (not in photo), Nikki Black's breast cancer diagnosis changed the way she viewed herself and the world around her. Read more about her here.