Frame By Frame {Closing Weekend}

Hey friends! It's your last chance to catch Frame by Frame, the closing show for Project:Motion's 24th season! It's such a fun, diverse, accessible show--all inspired by film. My first choreographic project in Memphis closes the show with a kooky-pants animation inspired piece. We've worked our tails off and would love to share our love of dance/the arts with you! Please come support local dance in Memphis!

Where: Evergreen Theatre at the corner of Belvedere and Poplar in Midtown

When: 5/27-5/29 Friday and Saturday @ 8PM Sunday @ 2PM

Discount student rush tickets are available at the door

Sunday's performance is buy one get one free!

See you there, come say hello!

xoxo

Dancity-Do

On a happier note...

Photo by Meilssa Anderson Sweazy via Facebook

Remember that FRAME BY FRAME resumes this weekend!

xoxo

Rejection {F. YOU-macher}

**The interesting thing is that I originally wrote this post in early April. I decided not to post it because a woman called me before I could hit "publish" attempting to clear my issues up. Despite the nice phone call, no progress has been made and I am still fabric-less. Hence, a rant**

{Insert epithet of choice here} !!! Probably nothing I've done in the last year has been harder than getting a hold of this effing Schumacher Dragon fabric (which should absolutely not be the case). Not to mention that I am beginning to gain an impressive track record of unsolicited order cancellations/returns. F'realsies, I ordered AND paid AND said it was fine if I had to wait an extra month while it was back-ordered even though I called to check the inventory beforehand and was told it was in stock (pause. big inhale) and they STILL cancelled my order out of nowhere. They (Insider Fabric) insisted that I merely needed to replace the order and all will be fine but I had my suspicions. I can't win. So after an awkward online "chat with one of our representatives," I received a really nice phone call and apology. The order was reinstated although back ordered (once more) and would be shipped on May 20...hrm... May 24 I receive an email of an additional back order and a promise date of June 10. &^%!!@ I understand if you don't have it, but please stop making promises you can't keep. Since October have I been calling, tracking, paying, and placing orders but (surprisingly) yardage I have not. Only empty hands, broken promises, and cancellation emails. Okay, so I have some yardage, but I practically broke my neck for it and it's still not enough for the chair project and I can't (for the love of god) seem to get that last yard seriously, friends its 3 feet--although I'm ordering two just in case. Scratch that, I would order two if it wasn't impossible. Like it's in the stars that I'm doing something wrong or it's not meant to be or something stupid like that. The damn chair has been at the upholstery shop for over two months now (I won't be surprised if they ask me to pay them for storing it). This has moved beyond ridiculous and now I'm just pissy about the whole thing. It's too bad I really like the combo I've already had going...

SO I reach out to you my savvy and stylish friends. What fabrics are you loving/craving oooobbbbbseeessssssssiiinnnnggggg (and yes, that was a snarky jab at bloggers. Yeah, I did it, I'll totally go there) about?  Do you have two yards you're holding out on me? I'm so tired of this, I'm ready to get this done. Click here if you need to refresh your memory on the chair I'm talkin 'bout.

Help.

Dragon: 13

Sissy Jupe: Fail

You Know What This Is {It's A Celebration Bitches}

Image from Pinterest

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with Kanye. But seriously, do you know what today is?

DARILNG'S LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today I can't commit to a full post about everything this signifies for us, but it feels epic, surreal {insert adjective of your choice here}. And when I say us, I mean that his work and commitment has been a huge catalyst for so much for us together, although the success is his :). I'm so proud of Darling, beaming actually. He has officially completed his service with the Teach for America 2009 corps as well as 2 full years in a KIPP charter school. That's wicked intense y'all. I'm tired just typing it. In spite of dealing with much tragedy and difficulty right from the beginning of this journey (and by beginning I mean the moment when the announcer says, "On your mark... get set..."), he stuck it through: we moved to Memphis, we got our dog, and in a fundamental way, we began a new life together... After an honest personal evaluation and reflection, I can say that if it had been me, I don't think I would have been able to stick through it the way he did.

It is insane. It has been life changing. It has taught us both as much about ourselves individually as it has about us together. And things are going to continue to happen, non-stop. That's the thing about this guy, he overdoses on stress and adventure. He brings that into my life and its something I love most about what we share. 

Peekie, I love you. I really am so proud of you. Thank you for everything you do for me, you take good care of us. I'm sorry that I have dancing all weekend but I will make it up to you I promise. 

All my love,

Capeetie

xoxo

Roll Camera!

...Final dress rehearsal tonight...

Did you get your tickets yet?

Also, Memphis Flyer is already talking about the show, check it out!


I just can't believe it's show time!
And also, can I just say my dancers/costumes/lights look A.MAZ.ING?!
My can sew better than your mom can :)
No, but seriously.
She Rocks!


And also, wish luck!

Adam West Knows...{Today}

Still the funniest gif. ever, also feeling like I can relate, costume and all.

Le Sigh

Why is it that leading up to a performance everything happens at once?

Rule of Threes? Nines? Twelves?
It's like showing up to a traditional Italian family dinner with a dessert plate and still trying to eat a full meal.
Pile it high.

Inhale. Exhale. It's busy, and I'm googley-eyed but it's gonna be so good. I just gotta hold my shit together.

xoxo

Sneak Peek {Dancey Edition}

Here's a peek into our final rehearsals.
{Trench coats = my piece}

Heads up, all that beat boxing is going to be live and its supa' cool when paired with tapping!!
My goal is to not get spell-bound by it and remember my steps.

+++

My mom is coming into town this afternoon! Don't worry, I'm not manic about it like last time, it was super chill and Cash loves having her around! Aside from dancing plans, we're totally going to check out the flooded river and indulge in some ballin' food! Mom has been a collaborator for 2 pieces in the Frame by Frame show, whipping up costumery that's seriously incredible. I'm excited that she'll have the opportunity to watch me perform with Project:Motion and see Memphis in the spring. Hope to show you some photos later this week!

xoxo


Remember Frame By Frame opens this weekend!


May 19, 20 8PM; 21 2PM
May 26, 27 8PM, 29 2PM


@  Evergreen Theatre on the corner of Belevedere and Poplar in Midtown Memphis

The Cat's Mee-ow

My, my! We had a ball at the fundraiser. Everyone came dressed to the nines and I danced my Thoroughly Modern Emily pants off. Blame it on the fringe, I swear! The Side Street Steppers (pictured above) rocked my socks off with their Old-Delta banjo and washboard sound! Much love to them for coming to play for us. Another shout out to Good Golly Photography who captured the evening beautifully with both candid and photobooth shots. A third "w00t" goes out to ASOS for finally getting my order right. The dress I'm wearing is the first online clothing purchase I haven't returned (if you've read this blog for a little while you realize this is a personal win!). There were so many people who got involved in order to make the party/fundraiser a success, it's amazing to see a community of good people coming through. I say it over and over, but I'm telling you Project:Motion is the greatest group of people to be involved with. Amazing, amazing friendship and support thrives and is to be found there. Peeps I hope to always be connected with. The fundraising committee deserves major kudos and a huge thank you. I had so much fun! If you couldn't make it, please know that any size donation is always accepted here.

xoxoxo

A good looking group if I may say so

So here's the part where I begin to plug for the upcoming Frame by Frame show! (You're going to hear about it for the next two weeks so make my job easy and just come!!)

Y'all it's going to be a really strong performance, I'm bout proud and excited to be a part of it.

I'm so happy with my piece and the journey it has gone on.

Tech week begins tonight and the show opens this weekend.

Show your love

Buy your tickets here



Photos via Good Golly Photography, Facebook

The Google

Did you catch the Google animation today celebrating the birthday of Martha Graham?

Wicked cool.

High Tide

But I'm nice and DRY!

Thank you, friends, for your sweet inquiries. Please send your love and prayers (whatever your thing is) to folks here. Although most of us are fine, there are those who need some good juju.

Irony is not dead.

On higher ground than my profile pic...

Images via friends' Facebook pages and the Commercial Appeal
For more photo galleries click here

P.S. It seems silly now that I pointed out the high tide here.

P.P.S. From Vegan Crunk Blog (I think she says it well):  parts of Memphis are flooded since the Mississippi River has crested at its highest level since 1937. But the national coverage makes it look like the whole city is underwater! Not so, my vegan friends. Most of the city is not underwater. About 900 homes were expected to flood before the river crested today, but most are in northern parts of the county or on a little river island called Harbor Town. I hope those people are back in their homes soon and the damage is minimal.

I've had a few friends from out of town express concern, but I'm totally fine in my Midtown home — far away from the muddy Mississippi. And most of our tourist attractions — Graceland, Soulsville, Sun Studio, the National Civil Rights Museum — are high and dry. Only Mud Island River Park, which is on an island in the river, is underwater. Most of the city is situated on a bluff, positioned pretty high above the flood stage.

Imagine That

Patsy Cline, 1962

Anything sadder than an old country song?

It's featured in Frame by Frame and has me captivated every time.

Smokin'

Although I'm typically a no-makeup gal I'm finding that a swipe of bright lipstick makes me feel fancy. This is my new (first?) favorite shade of red: MAC Ruby Woo - B11. It's not moisturizing (so beware if your lips are dry) but is super long lasting! I'm almost tempted to venture out into girl-world...

Stanky

Oh Memphis...

This is most definitely a screen shot from an article on the Commercial Appeal's website. Yup, as in the official city paper of Memphis. Wez jus' b keepin' it real mayne.

Relax {Just Do It}

It may be the approaching season, the feeling in the air that school's about to let out and long summer days are about to begin. It may be that Darling is headed to Philadelphia tonight and will be there for the next week, leaving Cash and I to fend for ourselves. It may be that the show is coming up, tech week is next week (!!) and all the finals and decisions and last-minutes are happening and it's coming together. It may be anticipation of my mom flying out here next week. I'm not entirely sure why, but I've continuously got this nervous, anxious feeling lately. When I get anxious, I talk too much. And then I feel embarrassed that I've said too much or said it out of turn or whatever the case may be, so I back track and try and talk my way into covering up what I previously said... needless to say, it's a vicious cycle. Do you do this? It's a bad habit that I don't care to admit to. But I do recognize it, so, don't judge to harshly. So all that is forthcoming... I'm not worried per se, just...anxious? Today is dedicated to shutting my mouth and relaxing a little. Enjoying the ride rather than anticipating and stressing over every detail of what's coming. It's all gonna work out. Everything's gonna be alright.

From Gams to Glam

Remember tonight is Project: Motion's 1920's-themed fundraiser. $25 at the door. Free featured drink every hour. $3-cocktails and nibbles. Location? Well, that's a secret. But it's somewhere between the Madison Hotel and Main (*cough* Live From Memphis *cough*). Look for the speakeasy sign out front. The password isn't swordfish. Or is it?

Remember we will feature a host of diversions, including:

• Live music by the Side Street Steppers;
• A photobooth run by photographer Molly Kennedy, in which visitors can have their photo taken with Charlie Chaplin and The Kid;
• Prohibition-era cocktails and wine for $3, plus a different free drink every hour;
• A "tea station," courtesy of Starbucks, for the teetotalers in attendance;
• A silent auction of items including locally made art and jewelry, tickets to Grizzlies and Redbirds games, tickets to theater events, restaurant gift certificates, wines from Fredric Koeppel's personal cellar, and more;
• Hourly lessons on 1920s-era dances (ahem, Sissy Jupe is your Dance Mistress y'all)
• Catering by local chef Michael Nabors;
• The premiere of a locally made short film featuring the Project: Motion dancers; and
• Later in the evening, music by DJ Jason Witnesse Sims.

Thank you so much for your continual support, hope to see you there!

Text via jack lab and chris davis

To Memphis With Love

 

Image via NYTimes

This NPR interview from today's Morning Edition has me feeling all kinds of love for Memphis today. I'm awfully fond of the Memphis sound, Booker T is inextricable from that, and music and memory tend to sync up, intertwine, in my own mind. Memphis is historically a town of much conflict. Damn near everyone I know here has a love/hate relationship with this place; however, love is exactly what this town needs and love, when received, is received beautifully. I hope to never take my time here for granted. For me, Memphis is not home, it is not the place I will put down roots; but Memphis has been the catalyst for many changes in my life and myself. I feel I've learned a lot thus far. In spite of some rough patches in different facets of my life here, there is never a loss of beauty and soul. A rich, thick spirit pervades here, it's in the air. There is a place for the tempo, landscape, people, art, food, and heart of Memphis in my heart for always. 

I hope to always have friends here.

xoxo

Hot Feet

Hip to the Jive {Gams and Glam}

It's fundraiser time friends...

Friday, May 6th, come to Live From Memphis (next to Madison Hotel) downtown and get Hip to the Jive with Project:Motion! Dapper up or dress down, but don't miss our Cat's Meow Speakeasy, featuring The Sidestreet Steppers, DJ Jason Witnesse Sims, delicious hooch (each hour features a free drink...the others are only $3) and yummy nibbles. Put your money on a silent auction item for your chance to get great art and catch the premiere of "Merde" the newest film short from Adam Remsen featuring Project:Motion dancers (me!).

My role for the evening is Dance Mistress, which means I'll dawn some fringe and teach you how to Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Black Bottom. Bring your swagger, it promises to be a swank, good time. Plus you'll be supporting local art/dance in Memphis. Win/Win.

 Use code "Argyle" for $5 your ticket

Click here to purchase!

Before & After {DIY}

Yellowstone National Park

Canyonlands National Park

knob detail

I recently refinished a pair of nightstands we inherited from Darling's childhood bedroom. Ditching the dingy white paint for a high-gloss, peacock blue and kid knobs for classic crystaline seemed to be just the right touch for these two beauties. My original plan was to paint the door fronts in a teal contrast; last minute, I opted for these national parks maps we had stashed in a drawer. From our small map collection, we chose places that were the most meaningful to us. I think it's a fun/alternative way display what was otherwise just taking up space! They're certainly not perfect (there are a few things I would change about the application process if I had a chance to try again) but overall I'm happy with the way they turned out!

Conflicted.

 Image Via Max Wagner

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that"

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Let's Go Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies beat the San Antonio Spurs on their home-turf at the FedEx Forum Friday 4/29, 99-91. This was the fourth time in NBA history that a Seed 8 team beat a Seed 1 team in the first round. An est. 150,000 people roamed downtown Memphis simultaneously for various other happenings. We went there.

The cool girl behind this new mural is also a collaborator for the Frame by Frame show. Multi-talented, she is.

  

Eating an Elephant

 Image via Melissa of Seen Memphis

If I am to approach blogging as some sort of journaling activity, I feel perplexed as to where I should begin. At what point do we talk about the death of Osama Bin Laden and what that means for our President,  our country, the world? It's a huge deal. It would feel weird to post today and not recognize the historical significance, even if I don't want to expand or post too-political discussions publicly. When do we talk about the part where there are tornado sirens daily around this neck of the woods? About the destruction and death in Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas? About the flooding of the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers? When do we talk about the Memphis Grizzlies wins, about the missed music festival, about the refinished side tables, about upcoming happenings? 

So where do you take the first bite?