The Green Room

Room Stories

2012-01-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up feeling what I like to call the "expression itch" or the need to express myself non-verbally. I combed through Decor8 for a visual pick me up. I feel like home decor is an easy way to quench my artistic impulse when I don't have time to say, make a dance, shoot a short film, or write freely.

The color+texture of the rooms can tell stories of their own, and sometimes, when I get the itch bad, I'll allow myself 15 minutes to re-arrange something in my home. It's like an instant download from your brain into something tangible and visible, which is great for clearing some mindspace when all of those big ideas get in the way of getting stuff done!

PS. How awesome is that pink on pink??? SOMEBODY'S got a tendency towards neutrals with a pop of color!

*All photos from Decor8

Sh*t New Yorkers Say

2012-01-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have actually said most of these things at some point during the time that I've lived here. It's official, for better or for worse... I'm a New Yorker!

After leaving home for college, I never imagined that almost seven years later I'd still be in this city. It's true, I've traveled the world and will probably never satisfy my wanderlust, but the fact remains that I keep coming back to this place. It's been such a love/hate up/down roller coaster, and I think any New Yorker can empathize with that sentiment. At the end of the day though, no matter how much sh*t I talk about this city, I know in my heart of hearts that I'm right at home.

Lineposters

2012-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Confession: I spend an inordinate amount of time designing and picking out stuff for my dream apartment. Said apt has ridiculously high ceilings, lots of light, an eclectic mix of found and designed furniture, and plenty of wall space for cool art (let's not forget about the bathtub in the bedroom). I love these minimalist screen prints of city metro maps, and I think NYC or Berlin would fit perfectly in my imaginary home.

Heart v. Brain

2012-01-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this cartoon a few months ago, I had a little tiny bit of a chuckle before I realized it's one of those things that's humorous because it's true. UGH.

A few days ago during a conversation I was having with one of my bestfriends (let’s call her Bambie) the image popped back into my mind. Bambie wastelling me how happy she was to be seeing a really great new guy, but that shewas paranoid that even though he seems totally awesome, sweet, creative,caring, and warm, he’d turn out to be a complete lying a-hole like her previousboyfriend. “Stop projecting!” was my immediate response, which, like alladvice, is easier said than done.

A few days later, one of my close male friends was talking about something similar, hereally wants a relationship, but feels like it’s just too risky open himself upto someone after having been hurt before.

I started thinking about the times I’ve taken my past experiencesand projected them onto new relationships before they’ve had a chance to revealwhat they will be. Is it becauserelationships so often let us down that the self -preservation kicks in as soonas we feel even remotely excited or happy? Or do we ensure the disappointment andfailure of a relationship by projecting all our fears from past experiences onto brand newones? Both? Someone with all theanswers please read and advise. THX.

My Motley Family Xmas

2011-12-30T23:27:00.000-08:00

My family is a motley crew of Hindus, Unitarians, Buddhists, Jews, one Muslim and one Catholic. Every year since I can remember we get together at Christmas to celebrate family and friendship. On Christmas eve we have a poetry reading, where we sit around the fire and take turns reading classic children's poems that my grandparents grew up with, pithy contemporary poets, and everything in between (there are often original poems, occasionally a rap, and sometimes even a dramatic interpretation of scene from Braveheart!).

Afterwards, we eat spaghetti with "critter sauce" a tomato based seafood curry, and when everyone

has had some time to digest, we bring out the musical instruments. The jam session is usually my favorite part of the festivities--everyone grabs a drum, guitar, or even a book to bang on. Some of us are more musically gifted than others, but the spirit of it isn't really about how we sound. We sing Bob Dylan, Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire, Joe Purdy, and The Stones, and when we don't know the lyrics we make them up as we go along. I'm sure we're quite a sight to behold, but I never feel so warm and cozy in my home as I do when this motley festive bunch comes together.

Plus behind the scenes footage from Xmas Jam Sesh 2009! Harharhar.

Someone Great

2011-12-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

As is my yearly ritual, I spent the pre-holiday weekend in DC for my best friend Sarah DH's birthday.
This ritual generally includes dancing my face off, having a ridiculously good time, eating some latkes, and seeing friends I haven't seen in way too long. This time around was no different. My DC friends are some of my favorite people, and many of them will always be New Yorkers at heart. In one conversation my friend Paola confessed how much she misses NYC and that watching the video for LCD Soundsystem's "Someone Great" made her feel super homesick. It happens to be one of my favorite songs of all time, and I think the video is kind of a great sentimental snapshot of the city I'll always love the most.

Wonder Wall

2011-12-07T22:32:00.001-08:00

How great are these prints by Brooklyn based artist Jacqueline Schmidt? Emily Faulkner, an awesome choreographer I'm working with, has a set of nine in her home/studio where we rehearse, and I am always captivated by them. I feel like the images are a perfect balance of whimsy and earnestness, an expression I can relate to closely. In the midst of trying to be all grown up I am often overcome with childlike wonder. On a rough day I'll seek comfort in small things that spark my imagination: a colorful knotted rug, tea leaves floating in a glass pot, a rusting pastel car, a toadstool. Is that me looking so forlorn next to the kangaroo and mint mid-century rocker?

Ps. Bonus! The artist is also a modern dancer.

Please Sarah, We'd Like S'more!

2011-12-06T22:12:00.001-08:00

My very lovely (and brilliant!) friend Sarah Warren is now this fine city’s very first Butler of S’mores. You read right. “How can the life-long dream I've had of knowing a s'more butler come true?” You might ask. Well, it came true because s’mores are damn delicious, cockle-of-the-heart warming snacks and Sarah realized that there just aren’t enough of them in this neck of the woods err-lack of woods. Whether s’mores transport you to a cozy fireplace or raucous bonfire, now you can have them WHEREVER you want them, HOWEVER you want them. Yes, however you want them! With bourbon marshmallows and caramelized bananas, perhaps? Perhaps! You may not have reached that point of sophistication in your s’more eating habits, but this s'more butler has, and she’s sharing the dream.

Photos from S'more Bakery.

How to Have a Great Sick Day

2011-11-28T17:50:00.001-08:00

What I thought was my first common cold of the season turned out to be a full blown Strep infection, just in time for Thanksgiving! Luckily, my Wednesday afternoon rehearsal with the highschoolers I'm teaching was canceled (I adore them, but I was feeling so lousy!) and I finally got to relax. I bundled up in my snuggliest clothes, hopped onto my mom's gigantic couch, and let her make me some hearty chicken soup that I ate in front of the fire. Ahhh. I'll just go ahead and say it, if I have to be sick, there's no better place than Mama's house. This is what my ideal sick day looks/feels like (the small comforts really do make me feel better, especially when there's a onesie involved!):

1. Snuggly Onesie, Madewell 2.Cozy Socks, Madewell 3.Hot Toddy 4.Ginormous Fluffly Couch 5. Burt's Bees Honey Cough Drops 6. Season 3 of Bored to Death 7.Primavera Organic Cold Therapy Balm 8.A stack of comfy blankets 9.Chicken Soup by Real Simple

Like Crazy

2011-11-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

The trailer alone made me cry, so I should say RIGHT NOW, do not see this movie unless you are down with crying in public! But seriously, Like Crazy is a really good, terribly bittersweet first- love story. Long love story short: Timing is everything, location is everything, communication is everything...there are so many things that are everything! Can we make it work? Of course! I'm not sure! Gah, who knows?!
Do see, do bring a buddy, don't wear mascara :)

Manifesto of a Winter Warrior in Training

2011-10-31T22:57:00.000-07:00

I will not freeze.
I will not look haggard and worn.
I will not complain about the weather.
I will not let my body knot up and surrender.
I will learn to love the winter in all its quiet beauty.

Photo by Jan Tik.

Puppy Love

2011-10-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend with a very special little love nugget called Henry Warren. He is a miniature long-haired Dachshund who belongs to my friend Sarah and I just cannot tell you how happy he makes me! I have wanted a puppy ever since my cocker spaniel, Matsy, died when I was 19, but hardly feel ready for the responsibility. I live with (wonderful) roommates in a (charming) little apartment, and I love to travel. None of these lifestyle choices are ideal for a dog-owner, so I've realized that raising my own is something I will have to do later in my life. That being said, I'm just gonna put it out there... I think I'm a pretty fantastic puppy- sitter. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Henry's lil tail wags his whole hot-dog body into a stupor when he comes over to my place. The feeling is mutual :)

Top photo by Carly Blitz.

Heirlooms

2011-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

I got a little carried away with these at the Coop the other day, but I've always been a sucker for jewel tones and sweet juicy tomatoes! A perfect fall bouquet sans the gnarly decorative gourds I despise.

Drive. Do it.

2011-10-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

If bad boys, sexual tension, 80's jams, and Ryan Gosling holding babies are like crack for you, you should definitely not miss Drive. Just saying.

Q: Is there anyone as hot as Ryan Gosling in the entire world? A: Yes, Jake Gyllenhaal, it's a trick question.And now for some burning 80's musical fire:

Buddhism 101

2011-10-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

My dad keeps telling me he's "rapidly becoming a Buddhist". This is a little chuckle-y 101 for Papa Bak, via Devika Bakshi, one of my favorite people.

Hello!

2011-10-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend! If you need a little pumping up like I always do after a long week, listen to these:
Parcels of easy fun in shiny youtube wrapping paper. Tomorrow I'm headed to a secret lake house to film the next installation of Cassie + Jules- make- short- films- with- dance (temporary name), so I'm definitely gonna bump these a few times each on the road!

My Bollywood Days

2011-09-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Weather in Delhi does two things: rain very very heavily, or, become very very very hot and humid. The best thing about these two circumstances is that they are both ideal weather conditions for one of my favorite activities—going to the movies. Lucky for me, the Bollywood industry is probably the largest film Industry (definitely the most prolific) in the world, and the country’s independent cinema movement is also booming. If I’d wanted too, I could have seen three movies a day for every day of my trip and still not exhausted the supply. Since ostensibly there were other things I had to do, I just saw three films total: One Hindi indie called That Girl in Yellow Boots, about a young girl who works at a happy endings massage parlor to make enough money to track down her lost father, and two classic Bollywood films, Mere brother Ke Dulhan and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the latter a classic stag party adventure for three best friends before one of them gets married. (The same female lead, Katrina Kaif stars in both of these).
I appreciated my first Hindi indie, but my favorite of the three was the archetypal Bollywood flick, “Mere Brother Ke Dulhan” or “My brother’s bride” which my mom thought should be changed to “EYES” because of the amount of screen time dedicated solely to close ups of our main characters looking longingly at each other. During this movie, our main character, Kush, is on a mission to find a bride for his brother, Luv. He finds the perfect woman, Dimple, but after her engagement to his brother, Kush realizes hes totally in love with her! My favorite scene had to be when, as part of the plot twist to get the brother back with his ex so that Kush and Dimple can be together, the whole family takes a break from engagement festivities at a Government Authorized Bhang Shop (Bhang is a juice made from marijuana plants that is mixed into milkshakes) and everyone including the fat old aunties and uncles gets completely blitzed out of their minds and they all perform a big-stoned-happy-family song and dance number. It's not my Dadima's Bollywood anymore, that's for sure! Do not think, however, that this means there was one single kiss on the lips during the entire film, because there was not. Not a single kiss, but eyes, eyes, eyes!It's true that Bollywood films are cheesy and obvious. BUT. Bollywood has PERFECTED cheese and obviousness to such an extent that the movies are wildly successful in what they aim to achieve: a tangled love story fraught with family drama and some seemingly insurmountable conflict, resolved by an elaborate wedding and all loose ends neatly tied up, with at least 3 or 4 musical numbers to rival any Brittany or Beyonce video. It’s damn hard not to fall in love with them!

BTW is this guy the Indian Jake Gyllenhaal or what?!

Away is the only way

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first screening of Away is the only way a short dance film I made with friend and film-maker, Cassie Spodak. It all started with a conversation about dance, films, collaboration, and an idea about the act of traveling as a conduit for change. Dance is so hard to capture, and I constantly struggle with the fact that performance can never be the same twice (a beautiful thing, but also a frustrating one). This little project is a way for me to experiment with different ways of creating and sharing dance. I can't wait to make more! All feedback is welcome and encouraged!

Pretty Weekend in Los Angeles

2011-09-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

Me and my #1 host, the ferocious Sam Racanelli.
#2 host, but by no means less important, James P. Viola.
Sam and Jonny Mais. Arne.

These are some snaps from my labor day weekend in Los Angeles. If NYC could have LA's weather, I swear I'd never say another bad thing about my city, and I'd probably never leave.

Well, actually... my lovely west coast friends would have to come too.

Missing NYC

2011-09-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

People from other places have some not so wonderful things to say about New Yorkers. My travels around the world has proved this. Yes, we are hurried, driven by success, are mostly overworked and underpaid, and sometimes I'm sure we can seem cold. BUT, we are a wildly creative, loud, and responsive bunch, and we do care about one another in the grand scheme of things. Combing through pictures and videos from today's 9/11 memorial and hearing thoughts and remembrances from friends and family made me realize just how unified and sensitive we can be. This video, not related to the tragedies of 9/11, is just an everyday example of how New Yorkers will, in fact, take time to stop and appreciate random creative acts, and most of all, say something nice to their fellow residents just for the hell of it.

On the Subject of Robots

2011-09-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

How cool would it be to do an accent wall with this robot wallpaper? I think it would be perfect for a bathroom or a home office. In contrast to the stark, tron-esque neon and chrome robots of today (see below), these lil guys are kind of sweet and homey, aren't they? I wish I had a whole house to decorate! (photos via The Style Files)

Game Changing Tron Dance

2011-09-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Gah! This is insane! Daft Punk would be so proud of the geniuses behind Team Illuminate, a dance crew that seems to defy gravity and convention with their Tron-worthy neon glowing bodysuits. How awesome would it have been to have these costumes for the Mac Miller shoot? Thanks to Noam for sharing :)

Last Tango in BA

2011-09-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

Now that I've had a week to reflect on my month in Argentina, I think the thing I loved the most was (drumroll please)...the dance! SURPRISE, I LOVE DANCE! God, I'm so predictable. Salsa and partner dancing seems to come so naturally to Argentine people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Coming from the US, it's not often that you find great dancers who aren't professionals. In BA that was not so. Imagine my astonishment upon entering a nightclub where web designers, soccer players, newscasters, senior citizens, and otherwise self-conscious teens are all practically shimmying their shirts off in the same place like it's the most natural thing in the world. All of a sudden the dance floor becomes a circle of cheers as one particularly amazing couple, who appear to be in their forties, take the floor in a "dancing with the stars"-esque Salsa/rhumba duet. It is not choreographed. They are not professionals. These people just love to move their bodies!

In addition to the general spirit of movement that is so contagious in Buenos Aires, I happened to be there during the World Tango festival. I didn't go to any of the competitions, but there was Tango everywhere. It was ridiculously fun for me to ditch ballet and modern technique class for a while and start from scratch. Every week, my favorite Argentine and I would head over to La Catedral (that neat old Tango joint I wrote about a few posts back) have some wine and organic empanadas, and take a two hour class (only five bucks a pop!). One would think that being a dancer would make learning the Tango easier. It doesn't! I can fake the salsa and basic dancing with a partner if need be, but Tango is a different art entirely. Learning to follow was the hardest part. We spent hours just walking with our hands on our partners shoulders learning how to feel the difference between leading and following. Walk, switch partners, walk, switch partners, walk, walk, walk, walk. Now walk backwards! By the time I actually got to dance it was such a thrill, you'd think I'd never set foot on a dance floor. Dancing with partners who were more experienced was like floating on air once I learned to follow correctly. All of a sudden, I was dancing Tango! I'm determined to continue with classes once I get back to NYC. I may have had my last Tango in BA, but I'm not done yet:)

The Weary Traveler & Santa Fe

2011-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

I'm on to the next leg of my journey folks! Hopefully by some time this evening I'll be in LA with my favorite little Ital, Sam (of "nut up or shut up" fame). I'm feeling a little like a weary traveler after being on planes for over 24 hours now, and moving around this much tends to make me feel all mushy and sentimental. In addition, little known fact: I also happen to be one of those people who cries on planes... have you heard that segment on This American Life? WEIRD. Anyway! Here is a song I'm listening to on my travels. It's from Beirut's new album and it's called Santa Fe. I just love it.

Making Moves for Mac Miller

2011-08-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for Argentina, I got a last minute invitation to head to Pittsburgh with Rex Arrow Films to set choreography for the new Mac Miller video. I was amped at the prospect of working with Rex Arrow Films again after our collaboration on the new Theo Martin's video (which should be dropping shortly, I'm told). I met Mac about two years ago with Rex Arrow/Hype Wolfson on the set of his video for Got a Clue and was looking forward to working with him all grown up. Rex and Mac have come a LONG way since then and it's been super exciting to watch them both develop as artists and gain the recognition they both deserve. The energy on the shoot was unlike anything I've seen in all my dancing years. Everyone involved knew the potential we were working with and senses were heightened. I had 4 hours to teach the dancers some moves and then it was a whirlwind 48 hours of all day/all night filming, an exhilarating and at times really stressful experience! I'm primarily a modern dancer and choreographer and if you know anything about that world, its pretty much the complete opposite of being on set. The process for making and performing modern dance is often long and emotional and once the performance is over, it's like it never happened at all! It's so fleeting and sadly, there's hardly ever good footage captured. (This Photo belongs to Rex Arrow Films)

Working on set isn't like that. It's high pressure over a short period of time. Once all the choreography is made and taught to the dancers, sections are filmed from every possible angle, and then it's out of the choreographer's hands completely! The director takes over and makes something new with the material you've provided. It is nice to be able to step back and watch what happens, even though after hours of shooting it can be hard to see only seconds of your work spliced in. Still, there is something very rewarding about working with so many constraints, trying to come up with movement that is both creative and that also fits the needs of the video, and then just letting go. When the whole world is my oyster, as it is when I make my own work, sometimes the limitless possibilities make it hard to move forward. This simply isn't an obstacle on a video set, especially one with such a tight time crunch. You get in, work your a$$ off for two days and don't have time to over-think every little thing. You run from the set to catch an 11:00 pm bus back home in time for your cousin's engagement party and everyone stares as you board with neon body paint all over you and a semi-permanent afro left over from shooting. 30 hours later, your on a plane to Buenos Aires. BAM!

Three weeks later, I am seeing the fruits of the labor fully realized, and it's a pretty damn amazing sight. Yesterday the video was the #2 most blogged video after Lady Gaga! I think I just realized what my next goal is ; )

Special thanks to Mac, Rex, Noam, JON CHEN, Erin, Karen, Bethany, and my four lovely dancers for making this experience so rich and rewarding.

A Good Meal

2011-08-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

By Danny and Sarah's last day in Buenos Aires, we had all become experts at typical Argentine eating; very long and very glorious meals composed of meat piles, massive root vegetables, french fries, wine, beer, coffee, and dulce deleche to finish. We decided to have our last lunch at Caseros, a special little restaurant in San Telmo that Sarah discovered, and it was anything but typical. We applied our learned passion for endless plates of meat to the more delicate dishes we were served, organic pea soup with heavy cream, homemade spinach pasta with rabbit meat balls and black olive, roast chicken stuffed with vegetables, subtle and oh so soft-veal chops, and a sparkly mint lemonade to cleanse the palate before the dream-worthy caramelized orange and dark chocolate tower. We were oohing and ahing all the way to the airport, so satisfied. Truly, it was a good meal.

Choque Urbano

2011-08-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Soooo I've been in Buenos Aires for 5 days and I already feel saturated with Argentine culture. I came to BA for the first time exactly a year ago for two weeks and had the time of my life, so this time I've decided to escape the sticky heat of NYC and spend the month of August here. Being able to work freelance from my laptop when I'm not dancing or performing is key, but its hard for me not to want to spring out of bed each day and sightsee and tango and stuff my face with steak and ginormous root vegetables. The good thing is, Buenos Aires is VERY much a night culture, so I can work during the day and explore the city at night. So far I've been to an awesome tango lesson at a big old funky tango bar/ warehouse called La Catedral, attended an asado, or barbecue with some super friendly locals (barbeque takes on an entirely different meaning here, FYI... no flimsy burgers and hotdogs), walked around the cobblestone streets of the super chic neighborhood Palermo Soho, and eaten more meat than I usually do in a month. All wonderful. So imagine my bliss when yesterday my BFFAE Sarah DH and her boyfriend Danny arrived in BA to join me and my favorite Argentine for a week of adventures. Last night we went to see “Baila!” the new show by Choque Urbano or "Urban Crash" a popular performance company. I had heard great things, and when I finally got to experience the dancing and drumming explosion myself, I was enthralled. Dancers and drummers creating a techno underworld on stage? Hello my fantasy.

Moments of Clarity

2011-08-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

There are some rare occasions when I become acutely aware of my surroundings, my presence and energy in those surroundings, and I realize am truly living in the moment. There are only a few things that make me feel this way. Travel is one of them. When I travel I lose my hungry and perpetually unsatisfied what’s- the- next –best- thing- whats- the- next –thing- am- I- being- productive -enough-I’m definitely- not- being- productive- enough- New-Yorker- thing. I gain the ability to luxuriate in the world and I feel free to be exactly where I am and who I am at that moment, without worrying about what comes next. Seeing excellent live music can also do this for me (actually the Bon Iver webcast from his DC show had the same effect, he must be really damn good.) Finally and so thankfully, Dance. When I am dancing I feel an utter clarity, like I am really and truly awake and in this world. Is there something that makes you feel that way?

These photos were taken by my dear friend and massage therapist Yvonne Kawamura during a performance of Vain Combat on the Highline.

The Joys #2: Fresh Flowers

2011-07-24T09:13:00.001-07:00

I brought home these Zinnias yesterday and they are making my space oh so lovely! At $4 a bunch from the farmers market, these beautiful little bursts provide an instant dose of joy that wont break the bank.

The Joys #1: A Hawaiian Love Story

2011-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

"Me time" is always important, but after a week like I've had, it was especially necessary for me for me to surround myself with The Joys, or simple things that make me really happy. Two days ago I saw this video that my friend Lani made of her beyond-adorable baby girl, Carmelita. I had the pleasure of staying with Lani, her husband Eze, and Carmelita at their home in Hawaii this year, and I have never seen such a beautiful happy family! I cannot stop smiling when I watch this video, and it instantly brings back those soothing tropical vibes of days spent outside with wonderful people.

Dadaji

2011-07-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

This is how I will remember my beloved Dadaji. Peaceful, reflective, and dignified. Immaculate even in the early morning, holding a cup of tea.

Summer Splash

2011-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

It's summer time in the city and everyone I know is seeking (or planning to seek) refuge near water, no matter how grungy or glamorous the source may be. Lucky ducks! They have a whole stream all to themselves. I've never seen a lil famblee of ducks so close up in real life, so when I caught sight of them I was enchanted! It really was quite amazing to watch the call and response between the mother and her chicks. She would honk and the chicks would stop whatever water game they were playing and swim or hop right back into her radius of warmth and protection.

Beginners

2011-06-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

I think I just saw my favorite movie of the year. I'm hesitant to write about it. It was so honest, subtle, and smart. I laughed a lot... cried a little too (not really a biggie I cry at most movies, so sue me) and I just can't stop thinking about it. Go see it and tell me what you think! Still not sure? I have two words for you: Ewan McGregor.

My Boys

2011-06-17T14:29:00.001-07:00

Friday was the last day of classes for the semester at the dance school where I teach. My charges are all pretty much the most adorable things ever, and they bring a lot of joy and humor to each week. I teach 6 short classes a week, 5 of them are hip-hop classes for boys, and one is ballet and tap for girls. All of my days are different, with various rehearsals, classes, administrative work, freelance writing, all finely balanced in order to make this artist-life possible. I like all of the work I do, (actually love most of it), but teaching those little munchkins brings something to my days that the other stuff doesn't. The kids remind me to marvel at the world, to ask the first question that pops into my head about whatever subject I'm randomly thinking about, and to make up wild stories about Silver -Surfers rocket-mobile with no middle or ending, just because it's fun. Mostly, they remind me to laugh. I mean, look at them. Adorbs.

Dunch

2011-06-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Or Linner, whichever you prefer. This one really hit the SPIZOT. Today's a scorcher and I definitely needed some light, fresh nourishment after a sweaty rehearsal, preferably something I wouldn't have to turn the oven or stove on for. Leftover chicken is key. Balsamic chicken salad with avocado, tomato, Mozzarella, peppers, onions, carrots, and my favorite ginger miso dressing. And of course, some spicy ginger brew.

Bon Iver in Summer

2011-06-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

There is something so nostalgic and bittersweet about Justin Vernon's music. For me it's like looking through a photo album of my childhood. There's a photograph in my mind of my family on a hike, my parents napping after slicing peaches for my brother and I with a swiss army knife... listening to Bon Iver brings it all back. Sandeep and I were lucky enough to score tickets to his concert in August, which I really think will be spectacular. This new track "Perth" just came out, and as per usje, it delivers those shimmery heartachey goods.

Peonies

2011-06-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

Oooooooh. So pretty in mah livin room! Thanks to Jbloch for recommending the decorative stones in the bottom of the vase :)

Rockaway

2011-05-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

After the winter and rainy spring we've had, my body has been craving sun and sea. When I heard it was going to be 90 degrees on Memorial Day, I decided to plan a trip to Far Rockaway for an NYC beach excursion including Rockaway Taco. The NYC beaches are kind of ridiculously cool (how could a beach 40 minutes from Manhattan not be?), I wouldn't be surprised if 10 years from now the projects were completely taken over by expensive condos. After the glorious day I had there with my roomies, friends and interesting strangers from all over the boroughs, I'm actually considering investing in some beach front property. Who's in?

Rockaway Taco is also featured in an article I wrote for Refinery29 here.)

MTV Dreams

2011-05-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I teamed up with Rex Arrow Films to set choreography on a music video for the very talented gentleman, Theo Martins. I've been doing more and more film work and I'm starting to feel like that's really where it's at. "It" being my imaginary future, that is. I don't think I'll ever give up making work for the stage and live performance, but I am learning that the process is a tumultuous one, physically and emotionally. Choreographing for film is a totally different experience, and the film environment in general has its own special energy. I love being on set, directing dancers, and helping to create a cohesive aesthetic for each shot...sometimes in only a couple of minutes. I had about a week and a half to work on the moves for the video (NOT a lot of time for said job) but my dancers were super capable and smart, which always makes on- the- spot changes easier. The vibe of the vid is inspired by Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistible", but I'd like to think I was able to mix in a little bit of "Single Ladies" sexiness, too ;) Stay tuned for the preview!

Homemade Sushi

2011-04-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

I would probably eat Sushi 5 times a week if I could, but unfortunately it's suuuuper expensive, especially if you have a healthy appetite like me and my roomies. Making it ourselves took about 2.5 hours total, but it was really fun, and for about $12 per person, we had an enormous sushi feast for six (and plenty of sake to go around). It didn't hurt that we had a couple of people on the sushi team that actually knew what they were doing, but the fact is it would have tasted just as delicious even if our rolls hadn't turned out so darn pretty. Everyone loved it so much, we decided to try and do a homemade sushi night twice a month at our apt- needless to say, I'm into it.

Sandeep, Forgive Me

2011-04-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Sandeep, hates it when my brother and I post stuff on our blogs that he would rather keep just for us. But I think in this case we would all be really amped if the band Braids blew up big time, because they are that good and I want it for them. Let me 'splain. Last night Sandeep and Carly and I went to Music Hall of Williamsburg to see Toro y Moi. We thought the show was going to start at 9:00, but when we got there we found out that Toro y Moi wouldn't go on until 10:45. Having NO desire to sit through two bad opening bands, we talked about bailing. BUT THEN Adventure came on, and they were rad. We decided to stay. And then, Braids happened. We all looked at each other as if we knew were seeing something awesome. Like, Arcade Fire good. Meets Do Make Say Think & The Cranberries & Joanna Newsome & Yeasayer and all THAT kind of good. Toro y Moi was excellent too, but Braids definitely stole the show. A delightful surprise! This NY Times article about them is right-on too.

Do the Charleston

2011-04-10T09:58:00.001-07:00

What did you do last night lovely people? I don't usually work on weekends, but last night, I spent the evening doing the Charleston dressed as a flapper at the NYU Stern Business School Gala. I was there with the Tze Chun Dance Company, to perform for the guests and to try and teach them some swing dance moves for the 1920's theme of the party. Apparently business school students aren't the BEST dancers, but they sure did enjoy the performances. It's nights like these that really make me love my job: VIP room, free champagne, and I get to dance all night long. It seemed like people were intimidated by the Charleston at first, but once we broke it down, half the ballroom was giving it a whirl!

post-show partum

2011-04-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the honor of performing at St. Marks Church, alongside my brilliant choreographer Douglas Dunn, no less. St. Mark's, or Dancespace, as it's called now, is a prestigious venue where I've seen a handful of performances since I was about 12 years old, so it was a big weekend for me! One of the highlights was being on stage (well, just off to the side) for Douglas's solo to the song, "Goodbye" by Emmylou Harris. He is a remarkably captivating performer...I could watch him just walk around the stage for hours. Seeing Douglas dance his own specific movement to such a heartbreaking song had most of the audience tearing up, to be sure. The end of a performance always seems to bring with it a post-show letdown, no matter how short the run. This week I've already jumped right into two new exciting projects, one with Daniel Gwirtzman, and another with the Tze Chun Dance Company, but I am definitely missing Douglas's cast, and feeling the inevitable sadness of the show's end.

Ranunculus

2011-04-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Having fresh flowers in my home increases my happiness almost disproportionately. I think Ranunculus might be my favorite, (along with Poppies and Peonies) they are just so whimsical and otherworldly, aren't they?
Ps. These are the first snaps from my brand new Canon Rebel t2i!

Today's Inspiration: Special Delivery from Japan

2011-04-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend my father surprised me with two tickets to see the piano prodigy Aimi Kobayashi play at Carnegie Hall. She is 15 years old now, but I saw her play first when she was 7. It was and is surreal to watch her, as if she is receiving the notes from somewhere else. I've actually never seen anything like it.

And on a completely different note, but also from Japan, I am super into this music video by Genki Studio, it's definitely inspiring me to choreograph some site specific moves in industrial locations!
via Black Eiffel

Wanderlust: Paris

2011-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

I've been daydreaming a lot about traveling, plotting my next escape with the fervor of a prisoner. Until then, I'll have to get my fix elsewhere... I think a romcom set in Paris (and featuring a pile of my favorite actors) might just hit the spot.

via the glorious Little Brown Pen.

1Q84

2011-03-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

GAH I really cannot wait for Murakami's "hypnotically addictive, mind-bending ode to George Orwell’s 1984"(Random House). Who could, with a description like that?

The book came out in Japan in May of 2009, but we'll have to wait for it Stateside until October. WOMP WOMP. Now I have no more excuses to put off the pile of nonfiction on my bedside table that includes but is not limited to: Freakonomics, In Defense of Food, and Game Change which I've been procrastinating on for about 2 years. As interesting as I'm sure they are, non-fiction never fails to make me snorey, and also what could possibly be more exciting than "hypnotically addictive" and "mind-bending"? I can tell you right now it's probs not freakonomics whatever the hell that is, a book that defends inanimate objects, or anything having to do with Sarah Palin. BUT I'LL TRY GOSH DARNIT I'LL TRY.

Cover design by Chip Kidd.

What my brother, the writer, gave me for my birthday:

2011-03-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Julie Bakshi was once a tiger-faced cupcake child. Now she’s a ferocious supernova woman. The authority on everything raucous, whimsical, and wild, she eats ballet bitches for breakfast and picks her teeth with their tiny ass bones. Her motto? “It’s my birthday, and I’ll do what I mother fucking want to.” And today it really is her birthday, so everybody better watch the fuck out. Happy birthday, JB. Be wilder.

-Nick Bakshi

I love you brudder!

It's My Party

2011-03-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again friends, my favorite holiday of the year: MY BIRTHDAY! If you're reading this, you are probably my room-mate, or related to me, which means you already know how much joy birthdays bring in my life. If you are new to The Green Room, feel free to reference last year's b-day post to get a better idea. Now, what with all the excitement of this occasion, there is an element I often overlook or ignore, which I like to call the birthday blues. No matter how great a birthday is, or how much fun I have, there are definitely a few moments during the birthday week when I am struck with the nostalgia for years passed, the idea that we're all getting older and everything changes, and the inevitable self-reflection...where was I last year? Five years ago? Am I where I want to be today? The answer to the last question, thankfully, is yes! I am where I want to be. But the fact remains that sometimes all of the things birthdays bring up can be overwhelming. I felt a little lame for experiencing the birthday blues in the midst of all my bday happiness and love from friends and fam, but today I heard this song and I realized, it's my birthday, I can feel how I wanna feel!

History Repeating

2011-03-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

I was totally fascinated with this series from Argentine photographer Irina Werning. I'm gonna give it a more serious shot (pun intended) soon, but here's a first pass at my very own.

My Very Tiny Now Famous Yoga Spot

2011-03-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Looks like New York Magazine has been reading the Green Room (wishful thinking is so key here people). After my headstand post a few weeks back, I saw that my tiny little amazing yoga spot, Dharma Yoga had been TOTALLY blown up in NY Mag's "Best Of" issue. I'm shad about it. Shad is when you are mostly sad but a little bit happy about something. (Shappy is when you're mostly happy but a little bit sad). You know???? It's like, this really great space, with amazing teachers, but the classes were already packed, so just IMAGINE what it's going to be like now! If I wanted to have people sweating all upons me while I hyperventilate from claustrophobia I would have chosen BIKRAM instead (or one of those mangy music festivals on Gov's Island...those are REALLY SWEATY and panic inducing!). mreh.

Up House

2011-03-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Remember how great the movie Up was?
I'll admit I totally cried during the first 15 minutes (gimme a break, that montage of Carl and Ellie was ridiculously sad for a kids movie) but man, that insane flying house really turned my mood around! That sh*t was outta this world!

And...

Now it's real.

That sh*t is very much in this world! CRAY CRAY!

See how they did it:

All pics and vid from National Geographic Channel and originally from here.

Tsunami Relief

2011-03-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

For anyone interested (hopefully all of us) please see the resources listed on GOOD, a website I trust and respect.

HOW TO HELP

Sparks

2011-03-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

I heard this song while I was decompressing via an episode of Skins. That is correct. I could talk about how WAY better the British version is, but I've got far too much work (and pride) and I'd kind of rather just listen to Jesse Woods' sadbutsweet album that I just bought for $5 after hearing this pretty song.

Thermochromic Fashion is Back From the 80's, and Better (For Your Health) Than Ever

2011-03-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

Remember Hypercolor clothes that changed colors from heat? (Yay 80's babies!) Fast forward past heaps of teased hair and leg warmers to 2011: Two fashion forward and enviro- conscious N.Y.U. grad students have taken the concept of thermochromic clothing to a whole new degree. Nien Lam and Sue Ngo have created "Warning Signs," a line of POLLUTION DETECTING(!) t-shirts and sweatshirts that change colors when they are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide. "Air pollution is kind of one of these things that's all around us," Lam told WNYC.. "You don't see it but it exists and it's invisible and we wanted to bring that to light." In a city full of exhaust fumes, gas stoves and second hand smoke, these clothes could literally save your life!

warning signs from Susan Ngo on Vimeo.

Upside-Down, Again

2011-02-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

When I was two years old, my mother taught me how to hang upside down on a rope ladder we had on our patio in Bombay. This might sound crazy to you, but she had clearly identified my need to invert and saw how much pleasure it brought me. When I was seven I started taking gymnastics, and within three years I was on the competitive YMCA team. I competed all over The States, hurtling myself over the horse in Georgia, swinging around on the bars in San Diego, walking over the beam (on my hands of course) in my home town Montclair, and flipping and flopping across the sprung floor in PA. I loved my gymnastics career, but later realized the competitive thing didn't ultimately make me feel fulfilled. I naturally drifted into the dance world, which eventually led me to discover yoga. I took my first class as a senior in high school, initially from a desire to stay flexible, but my practice was never consistent. In the past year-and- a -half since graduating college, I have fallen in love with yoga in a whole new way. I used to find it too hard to slow and pace my breath, and uncomfortable to sit still. Now I look forward to holding the poses, focusing on my breath, and especially, I look forward to inverting. In the years since I stopped doing gymnastics, I've spent far less time upside-down, and until recently I didn't even realize how much I missed it. When Lily,my favorite teacher at Dharma Yoga explained the myriad benefits of the headstand, I started to understand why I feel so empowered when I spend more time upside-down. The yoga headstand is my new favorite feel-good, anti-stress remedy, and it's really not that hard...go ahead, give it a whirl!

Greed

2011-02-25T11:59:00.001-08:00

Aka my girl crush fantasy.

Norweigan Wood

2011-02-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

You may remember how amped I was to learn that Haruki Murakami's Norweigan Wood was going to be adapted for the big screen. Norweigan Wood is one of my favorite novels, and so far it seems like the film is going to do serious justice. The best part is, it's coming out right in time for my birthday, which I'm telling you now is March 22nd, so don't forget ;)Thanks Sandeep for sharing!

The World, More Wonderful

2011-02-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

Stumbling upon street art is like finding a toy in a cereal box-- pure joy. It's as is if there are little happiness elves who make their life's work to bring small wonders to people everywhere without asking anything in return. These are some of my favorites, from French artist Felice Varini which I found among a collection of great stuff on UNURTH.

Lil Nicky Bakshi Blogs Big Time

2011-02-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

My lil brother Nicky Noodle Noggin (that's him in red... with the grill?!?!?) just started a blog, and it's really really rad and sometimes even witty. This is something I found on said blog that pretty much blew my mind. Nicky, you really do blog BEEG TYME.

Who are these magical creatures of the cold?

2011-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

They manage to look so cute and put together in the dead of winter, while I pile on every article of clothing I own and stick to my excuse that the more homeless I look the less likely I am to be harassed or abducted...still I freeze. Oh Jealousy.

All images from The Sartorialist.

Resolution #1: Stress Less, Sing and Laugh More.

2011-01-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

thanks to Sam, Abada, and Sandeep for sharing!

Que sueño!

2010-12-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

How dreamy is this Argentine apartment? I can ALMOST feel the warm breeze from bk.

I Heart Modern Art

2010-12-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

see more new math here.

Grandmother, fear not

2010-12-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I will get married after all. I saw Love and Other Drugs last week, or at least, I went to the theater and sat in a seat facing the screen. But as I wiped the dribble off my chin at the end of the film all I could remember was that Jake Gyllenhaal and I had eloped to a cabin in the woods where the only furnishings were a fireplace and a big bathtub and all we did all day was...
oh details details, I wont bore you.

Tuesday's Tune

2010-12-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Oh Regina, how very very lovely you are!

Cooped In

2010-12-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

Peeps. This morning, at appx. 7:45 am, I slipped on my fleece lined mittens and braved the cold to walk a block and a half to the Park Slope Food Coop for my first shift as a new member! If you don't know, the Park Slope Food Coop is pretty famous for an establishment of its kind: a member run grocery store providing local, seasonal, and organic items, in addition to a great selection of beer and household goods, for mostly wholesale prices. The Coop has mixed reviews from it's members, ranging from straight up proselytizing, to deep hatred. After my first frosty experience there with a very unpleasant snub-nosed man in the office, I was worried I had gotten in over my head, like Alana Joblin Ain, who made the Coop sound like Nazi Germany in her 2009 NY Times article. This morning however, I had quite a different experience. I was welcomed by the upbeat and jovial Alexis, my team coordinator, who paired me with the lovely shelving expert Shira (put things on the shelves, and make it pretty). Everyone I encountered this morning was not only pleasant, but downright freaking nice! I found my 2 hour and 45 minute shift very therapeutic. Though I was happy to make conversation with the other workers, I found it relaxing to zone out as I organized row after row of tea, and let my mind wander as I piled the forest of avocados into a sloping mound. I'm sure my relationship to the Coop, as well as my attitude towards my monthly work shift will change over time, but for now I'm not the least bit upset about being all Cooped up.

Superhero Sunday

2010-12-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday folks!

Gallim Dance Company Final w Interview from Andreas von Scheele on Vimeo.

I had to wake up early this morning to help work a very elaborate birthday party for twin 3-year- olds at the awesome dance studio where I teach. The theme was "Superheroes & Dance" so me and the other three teachers corralled the kids into super hero freeze dance, super hero circle dance, and even a super hero obstacle course! Organizing and teaching little kids always makes me smile, but being around so many Manhattan parents wears on me, and makes me thankful for having grown up in the 'burbs. As the teachers and the party staff were cleaning up after the superman-cake explosion, I was bonding with one of the staff members, Caroline, over this very topic. We got to talking, and as it turns out Caroline dances with one of my very favorite dance companies, Gallim Dance. I admitted that I sometimes watch the company's videos online for inspiration. I love all their work, but this commercial they shot for KSwiss really highlights their versatility, individuality and gorgeous athleticism.

Nut Up or Shut Up.

2010-12-03T15:08:00.001-08:00

a new and very useful phrase by Sam. Thank you.

For usage, check out this clip.

Dreaming of Dancing Outside in Summer

2010-12-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Matthew Westerby Company from Litchfield Performing Arts on Vimeo.

This sultry number is from the last performance with The Matthew Westerby Company in Waterbury Connecticut. Doesn't it just make you dream about Latin America on a hot summer night? On a freezing, dreary day like today, I may just allow myself to dream that little dream! Performed by Dylan Baker, Amanda Matea, Matthew Westerby, and myself(in purple!).

IT'S HERE.

2010-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Find more artists like Hollywood Records at Myspace Music

mind crushingly awesome.

Dogs V. Cats

2010-11-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

A very affectionate and adorable cat has taken up residence at my mother's house. If you know me, you know that I am NOT a cat person, I have always been seriously allergic and just not altogether smitten with the cold-hearted nature of many of the cats I've come across. Minou (that's French for "kitty-cat") however, has won my heart. The only problem is, as much as Minou loves to play and be fed and petted- she won't come inside the goddamn house. It's starting to freeze here on the Beast coast, and I'm afraid lil Minou will not survive the winter outside. Her stubbornness only confirms what this article I saw in the UK Telegraph says: that dogs are smarter than cats (sowwy Sawah!). Oxford scientists confirmed that the more social an animal instinctively is, the more brain growth that animal will exhibit. Dogs, who are descendants of the extremely clannish wolves, show more social/ family oriented behavior, which makes them smarter. If anyone has tips on how I can get my small brained, but very sweet lil Minou inside the house for winter, please share!

Happy Friday

2010-11-26T16:02:00.001-08:00

I'd sure like to try some of this chartreuse soft serve found on the fun blog Oh Joy!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A Man's Motivations

2010-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

My brother, Nick Bakshi, is a writer- a really good one in fact. Sometimes he'll send me drafts of whatever he's working on and then we'll bounce ideas off of each other. After reading the last draft of a novel he just started, I called him and said,"Brohemian, I need to understand your motivation, I need to know what's behind all this in order to talk about it further." A few days later he sent me this- the key to understanding why men do the things they do, make the art they make, and apparently even why Facebook was created...it's all about the bi*ches.

I want the world...

2010-11-22T13:55:00.000-08:00

or at least this awesome chandelier of it.

Found on black eiffel

LE LOVE

2010-11-21T21:51:00.000-08:00

We all need le love.

The Books

2010-11-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Last night, Bock and I saw the ingenious sound/video group, The Books, at Carnegie Hall. The duo, plus guest Gene Back, play gorgeous intricate string arrangements over found sound samples, accompanied by pitch perfect spliced video segments. The result was an endearing display of human truisms. A little boy on a talkboy tape recorder threatening his little sister, found video clips of people golfing mixed with sound and video from '80s inspirational self help videos... their art is inspired by people in all of their ridiculous, hilarious, and beautiful splendor.

Ps. Check out this crazy spoonbox contraption that Nick Zammutto (guitars & vocals) made. It's for sale and I want one!

Miraculous Neon Trees!

2010-11-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

Avatar may have been set in the future, but people, glowing trees are real on planet Earth and may one day replace streetlights everywhere! Apparently when Taiwanese researchers put gold nanoparticles into Bacopa Caroliniana plants, the chlorophyll in the plants produced neon light! The combo also caused photosynthesis to happen more rapidly aka more carbon was consumed from the atmosphere and air was purified faster. Wowie zowie.

Read more on Gizmodo!
Photo by Romana Klee.
Thanks to Rex for sharing!

Fink

2010-11-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

Tammy came over for dinner two nights ago and I told her to DJ while I made us some kale and pasta with chicken sausage (one of my favorite meals of all time). I asked for something soothing and chill. She played me Fink, which I loved. His whole album, Distance and Time was perfecto for relaxing with a friend and un verre de vin rouge.

Slow Fall

2010-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling pretty sappy the past few days. Autumn almost always makes me really nostalgic and reflective, which can be positive in a lot of ways, but it's also bittersweet. A year out of college I still mark the new year by the school calendar, so I suppose that has something to do with it. When I think back on the past year, I realize absolutely EVERYTHING in my life has changed. The one steady thing, my rock, has been dancing, and I've been lucky enough to able to work with two really amazing companies this year, Douglas Dunn and Dancers, as well as the Matthew Westerby Company. Next week I'm going on tour with the Matthew Westerby Company and we've all been spending a lot of time in the studio preparing. When I went in yesterday, I was feeling kind of blue, but after a few minutes talking with Matthew and the dancers and I felt instantly lighter. No matter how tired I am, no matter what I'm going through-- going into the studio and rehearsing with these companies never fails to bring me so much joy and fulfillment. In gratitude to my job and all of the wonderful people I get to work with, I am posting this video of Matthew's gorgeous and heartbreaking duet "Slow Fall".

BK Safari

2010-11-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Last fall, my instinct to create a nest was so strong that I actually brought beautiful branches in from outside, ordered these sheets and hung a pretty mid century painting of an owl on the wall. This fall, I started to feel a bit cluttered and decided it was time for a change. I wanted cleaner lines and black and white accents to contrast with my saffron/ burnt orange wall. I ditched the branches and within a few hours, had transformed my room into a mini modern safari lodge. I just found these fantastic animal busts at anthropologie, made of repurposed cement and old pages from French books- I can't wait to get one to complete my wild little room!

DEREZZED!

2010-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Seeing Daft Punk live at Keyspan park in 2007 was hands down the best concert experience I've ever had and one of the coolest things I've ever witnessed in my life. NO I'M SERIOUS. Ask anyone who has seen them live, the french robot duo understand how to move the masses, both literally and figuratively. Obviously I am stoked and seriously geeking out about the soundtrack that DP has recorded for TRON Legacy, coming soon to theaters (argh!!!I can hardly contain myself.) Here's the latest trailer with their newest track, Derezzed. YEZZZZZ.

Snaps from Kerala

2010-10-23T19:45:00.001-07:00

My dad and I traveled from Delhi to Kerala for a little change of scenery. I'd never been, and it was so different from North india I hardly believed I was in the same country. The pace is slower, as southern regions of many countries are. It's cleaner, greener, and the people are friendly and warm. See more on my flickr.

Thanksgiving

2010-10-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

When my brother was in Africa in June traveling for several weeks, he wrote my family some very beautiful emails describing his everyday discoveries and observations. When I say "my family" I am talking about: my mom, dad, my brother Nick, my cousins Sandeep, Jyotin (and now Devika and Gokul since they've moved to the East coast) and Glam and Grandpa. When Nick started writing to us, we sort of collectively started replying to all. We were all in different places in the world and it felt really nice to hear updates from everyone- even the most mundane things. Jyotin wrote to us about the grind of working at a hedge fund in Connecticut, my mom wrote about decorating her house in Montclair, dad sent us pictures from hiking in Germany on a beautiful day after work.

I think we all really enjoyed these updates, and the practice stuck- we have more or less continued the family emails, whether it's a long letter from one of us describing our travels, or a snapshot with no text, or a link to an interesting article. Today my dad sent us all this video with the text "My gift to you this morning". I found the sentiment and the video very thoughtful, and my Grandpa quickly responded with the following statement, "This reminds me that almost all we can do as individuals is live our lives with dignity and ethically as best we understand ethics. Bad things are happening all around us and it often seems like we have no control (and maybe we don't). Anyway, I love you all,and look forward to seeing you all at thanksgiving".

I felt very grateful for these snippets of reflection from my family, and today, I am actively taking a minute, or two, to really feel thanks for them.

It looks so simple!

2010-10-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

The cloud came in

2010-09-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Read more here.One of my favorite stories about traveling in India is from my trip with Sarah and Olivia in 2005. We were in Raniket, a hill-station in the Himalayas, where my Uncle Bunty and Aunt Bindu have a beautiful house made of stone. In the daytime, you look out over the mountains and are instantly awed by the view. Then, the sun comes out and you realize that what you were seeing before were mere foothills, and that the crisp white peaks towering much, much, higher--the ones you thought were clouds in the fog, are the real mountains. One night, when Sarah, Olivia, my cousin Devika and I were getting ready for bed, a white ghost floated into the room through the window. We stared at it in awe, feeling chilled by its presence. After a few moments of stillness and utter disorientation, Devika shouted "it's a cloud!". Of course! It's only a cloud that just floated into our bedroom, how could we have been so silly. Wait a CLOUD JUST FLOATED INTO OUR BEDROOM?!?!?! It was almost as unbelievable as the ghost idea! As the cloud floated across the room out and out through the opposite windows, I had the feeling I had just seen something I might never see again. However, apparently now inside-clouds are on public display, ever since architect Testuo Kondo got a team of scientists to MAKE A CLOUD inside his building!

Hazelton

2010-09-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

My brohemian Sandeep shared this new track from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, and I am feeling it in my heartpiece!

Seriously?

2010-09-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

WTF?!?! I cried! I laughed! All these conflicting feelings! But mostly I was just SERIOUSLY amused. Happy Monday! And thanks to Hans for sharing.

Not All Who Wander are Lost: Delhi, India

2010-09-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Namaste from Delhi, where I am here taking care of my grandparents (Dadiji and Dadima), whose home in the mountains was almost completely knocked down last week by a landslide. They are fine, though Dadaji's asthma is sometimes debilitating in the rain, and most likely their mountain home (where they live during the Delhi summer) will make it through the end of this year's late and disastrous monsoon. That being said, my Indian grandmother has much much more pressing concerns, such as my imminent spinsterhood. It's true kids. In her humble opinion, 23 is pushing the limit of marriageability, and the simple facts that I have a career as a dancer (immodest!), have held hands with (lets not even get into dating) more than one man (gasp!), and I don't live with my parents (licentious!) paints a pretty bleak picture of my future in her mind. Sometimes I get a gust of strength and courage and prepare long speeches about the empowerment of women and how times have changed, how I may not even WANT to get married (god forbid) and all the reasons why her fears are just downright ridiculous. But then I imagine the perplexed and hurt look in her eyes, her dreams for me shattered, and I just shrug and say "you're right Dadima" and smile reassuringly. In honor of my Dadima, I am posting these lovely videos from what looks like a dream wedding: simple, beautiful, personal, and creative(also I am in love with the Beach House song from the second vid). It's clearly missing Panjabi classics like the groom on a horse and the dhol drummers procession, which I wouldn't miss out on for the world- but other than that, IF and when I ever decide to get married, I think something like this would be worthy of all of Dadima's nights spent worrying.

Max, Margaux, & The Marvelows from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

Max & Margaux from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost: San Francisco

2010-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

SF is gorgeous, but DAYUM is it hilly! After all that hiking, plus walking uphill both ways everywhere (is that even possible? you ask? oh yes mes amies. oh yes.) my a*s was really whipped into shape! Back in the nice flat grid of NYC, I was finally able to recover from vertigo and work on some photos. Despite the sore glutes and dizzy spells, it was a glorious labor day reunion of three best friends from high school. Olivia Micou Cerf, Sarah David Heydemann, et moi, the three musketeers of MHS, were brought together as a trifecta for the first time since our absolutely INSANE post high school graduation adventure through Southeast Asia (our "Hello-world- we're- going- to do -stupid- things- in- you!" trip, as Olivia calls it). Though brief, this trip to SF was, as expected, filled with wonderful surprises including but by no means limited to: three attempts to watch the magical animated film MADAGASCAR, my first in-n-out burger, and lets not forget about the NUDIST HOT SPRINGS. A wha?!?! Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed for the latter.

Norwegian Wood

2010-09-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

If you asked most of my friends and family who or what has inspired me the most creatively, they would probably be able to tell you that it is the work of author Haruki Murakami. They would know that because I created an evening length dance-theater piece my senior year at Barnard inspired by his work (with the very talented producer Julia Bloch), but also because I recommend and gift his books to the people I love. Murakami writes in spirals, and he creates parallel universes in which people are like us, except that they are more connected to things from which we are often detached: dreams, ghosts, spirits, states of being. I couldn't be more excited about the upcoming screen adaptation of his novel Norwegian Wood, it looks like it's going to be magical!

Thanks to Rex for sharing this :)

Also, this song is so pretty.

2010-09-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

and the lyric so bittersweet! It. Hewts. Ow.

found on Black Eiffel.

Bed Bath and Beyond

2010-09-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

When I grow up, I do not intend to live in a practical home. Instead, my house will be a whimsical nest. I'll have big spherical copper wire birdcage hanging from the ceiling, swings instead of chairs, a book corner with a library ladder, a beautiful little garden designed by my brilliant mother, and last but certainly not least, I will have a bathtub in my bedroom. There. I said it. Getting back into rehearsals and dancing everyday has reminded me (and not subtly) how much my body craves a hot bath at the end of each long day. Having trouble picturing such a thing? I'm talking about the bathtub in the bedroom, pervs! Well, here are some ideas:

Art out of Light

2010-09-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

In the fall of 2008 Eric and I went to the Guggenheim to see the Louise Bourgeois exhibit there. Whether it was the rain, or my aching knees, or just another bout of hanger- on our way out I was impatient and was not particularly interested in the Jenny Holzer exhibit For the Guggenheim, being projected on the museum's exterior walls. It's funny how two years later, on a Monday afternoon, I was struck by what an absolutely beautiful and terrifying concept it is to make art out of light. I looked through her massive portfolio, which spans across continents as well as content: from famous poetry to her own prose, from truisms to dadaist musings. How I could have walked away from these beautiful words being hurled onto the walls of my city escapes me. I hope that by the next time I come across her work I will have mastered the art of "be here now" enough to be able to appreciate it in the moment.

Little by little, and also by great leaps.

2010-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Trying to settle back in to life in NYC after a month away is like trying to do yoga on the branch of a very tall and wobbly tree, while its hailing toxic shit from the sky and an army of people are trying to ax down the tree from the ground, one annoying blow after another. You are hyper aware of the potential for danger and disaster, it's almost impossible to get into the flow because there is so much distraction, and it is very, very hard to find your balance.

Over the past week, however, I stumbled upon two things that have actually done wonders to ease my mind, and make my subway rides far less anxiety inducing. The first is the Irish folk group Lunasa, whose sound is both soothing and exhilarating, particularly in this song, Morning Nightcap:

The second thing is the poem below, by Pablo Neruda. It strikes such a chord with me in this moment, and I could read over and over and over and over.

October Fullness

Little by little, and also by great leaps
life happened to me, and how insignificant this business is.
These veins carried my blood, which I scarcely ever saw,
I breathed the air of so many places without keeping a sample of any.
In the end, everyone is aware of this:
nobody keeps any if what he has, and life is only a borrowing of bonse.
The best thing was learning not to have too much either of sorrow or of joy, to hope for the chance of a last drop, to ask more from honey and twilight.

Perhaps it was my punishment, perhaps I was condemned to by happy. Let it be known that nobody crossed my path without sharing my being. I plunged up to the neck into adversities that were not mine, into all the sufferings of others.
It wasn't a questions of applause or profit.
Much less. It was not being able to live or breathe in this shadow, the shadow of others like towers, like bitter trees that bury you, like cobblestones on the knees.

Our own wounds heal with weeping, our own wounds heal with singing.
but in our doorway lie bleeding widows, Indians, poor men, fishermen.
The miner's child doesn't know his father amidst all that suffering.

So be it, but my business was the fullness of the spirit: a cry of pleasure choking you, a sigh form an uprooted plant, the sum of all action.
It pleased me to grow with the morning, to bathe in the sun, in the great joy of sun, salt, sea-light and waves, and in that unwinding of the foam, my heart began to move, growing in that essential spasm, and dying away as it seeped into the sand.

-Pablo Neruda

Marcel The Shell With Shoes On

2010-08-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like this.

Thanks to my loaf Olivia Cerf for showing me :)

Buenos Aires

2010-08-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Buenos Aires, where it's winter time but people salsa/tango/merengue/rhumba like it's hot hot hot! I am here visiting my dear friend and collaborator Julia Bloch, my other dear friend and collaborator Jake Slovis, exploring a new city because I haven't done that in far too long, and absorbing inspiration from the Argentine dancing culture. I've only been here for 24 hours, but I've already witnessed the musicality and sensual movement awareness that seems to be an inherent characteristic of the porteños (residents of Buenos Aires). Today, Julia and her room mate Nati are taking me to La Boca, the Tango district, where apparently people dance Tango in the streets! I don't have pictures yet, but, in honor of The Dance and The City, I leave you with some contrasting images from New York. These photographs are from The Ballerina Project.

The Joys

2010-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Photography is a medium that pushes me to take a step back and to truly appreciate my surroundings. I am realizing that for me, being happy has a lot to do with being present and allowing myself to take the time to witness what I like to call "the joys". Here are a few of the joys from the last two weeks:

I'm a Fan

2010-07-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm clearly a fan of the World Cup. I am also a fan of Brooklyn, and I think it's really awesome that the city has taken the time and common sense to set up a public viewing space for fans to come together to participate in this global event. I'll be at the Dumbo Archway under the Manhattan bridge on Sunday to watch the final as my 2nd fave team (Nederlands) takes on Spain, and I encourage any and all of you to join in the festivities. It's not often NYC gets it's act together like this, so I'm definitely trying to take advantage!

Thanks to Time Warner Cable, the City of New York, NYC Department of Transportation, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s Office, NYPD’s 84th Precinct, New York City Council, Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.

Cooking Dinner

2010-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Cooking Dinner Vol. I from William Hereford on Vimeo.

Rex is finally home from his film-making adventures (yay) and his first endeavor was to cook dinner for me! I was feeling under the weather when he got back, so he made me this amazingly hearty soup with lots of really healthy greens in it. I'm usually the one experimenting in the kitchen, but Rex said he was inspired by this gorgeous video, Cooking Dinner Vol.I an atmospheric and elegant spin on the quick cooking lesson. I'm hoping his next attempt will include that succulent roasted duck!