This month Disney’s “Peter Pan,” will join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, when it releases on Digital and Movies Anywhere on May 29 a...

This month Disney’s “Peter Pan,” will join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, when it releases on Digital and Movies Anywhere on May 29 and on Blu-ray June 5. With a little faith, trust and pixie dust, families can let their imagination soar on this epic adventure to Never Land.

Speaking of pixie dust, one of my favorite “Peter Pan” characters is Tinkerbell! So when I was invited to interview Mindy Johnson, author and historian of “Tinker Bell—An Evolution”, I was ready to learn all the behind the scene pixie stuff! That little spark of light and sound brought so such fun to the story.

For those of you who don't know Mindy, here's some background info.

Award-winning author, historian, educator, musician, and preeminent expert on women in early animation, Mindy Johnson’s latest groundbreaking book Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, (Disney Editions) redefines our collective history. This essential volume casts a light on the thousands of unsung female artists behind the creative and technical advances within the animation art forms of the Twentieth Century.

Mindy’s critically acclaimed book, Tinker Bell – An Evolution (Disney Editions) was honored with rare consecutive Family Choice Awards.

Now onto my interview with Mindy about Tinkerbell!

Mindy, as a historian and author, can you tell me about the research you did for Tinkerbell

Mindy Johnson: That was quite an adventure. When I was first diving into it, I met with some of the researchers at the Animation Research Library. They said "we have a binder that has a lot of fairies. We're not quite sure, but we think their Tinkerbells"

That was mystery enough for me. I was fascinated. I've always loved the Tinkerbell character anyway. But to see these different versions, that were so far from what we know and love as Tinkerbell, was fascinating to me. So that spanned a 7 year odyssey of literally going through JM Barrie papers and connecting the dots on this character and how she developed.

The different explorations being done for her was roughly a 15 year time-span that Walt Disney was experimenting. Her hair style changed, along with the prevailing fashions of the day. But going back even to J.M. Barrie development of the character, her original name was Tippytoe. How she was formed in the play as a little flash of light, was one of the challenges that Walt Disney and his artist were exploring in embodying her for the first time. So it was a fascinating journey.

There's been many changes to Tinkerbell over the years, do you keep up with that or is your version of Tinkerbell separate?

Mindy Johnson: That's an interesting question. I'm always fascinated with how we interpret this character. Because she embodies so much. She's the instigator in the original play. And her role shifts a little bit in the books. But she's a constant presence. It's been great fun to see how the story of Peter Pan and Neverland and the many wonderful characters are a terrific platform to work within to find the before stories and all these other side off shoot stories.

I love seeing how she has expanded a little bit. She can be portrayed a little bit more modern or as J.M. Barrie's original envision of her.

If you could give Tinkerbell a power now in 2018, what power would you give her?

Mindy Johnson: I think she does in many ways *wink* and unify many people. Maybe a wee bit more of that. She teaches us to laugh at ourselves at times. She gets over dramatic with a lot of things but then can quickly turn on a dime with her emotions.

J.M. Barrie stated that she's so tiny she's only capable of one emotion at a time. Walt and the artist of Disney sorta took that idea and tried to find ways to convey her as a pantomime character. So Mark Davis and the various models that he had to work with, including Cathy, helped him to shape and define her.

He designed her to be a little girl from the waist up but a woman from the waist down. So she embodies quite a bit for being so tiny. I think for today's superpowers, I think she's already got what she needs.

Do you think Tinkerbell as a female character, has a relevance for females today?

Mindy Johnson: Absolutely. Like I said, she was a real instigator for the original films and play. But I think she spoke her mind and was tough. As tiny as she was, she could be right in the mix of the lost boys and pirates.

From the generations of reactions I've seen from readers and audiences, I think that's the reason why both men and women embrace and love her. Which is why you see her carried out through the parks and early television. I think that still hold true today.

I so agree. Tinkerbell is still greatly adored by many, who will enjoy watching her in The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition of “Peter Pan”.


Celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Walt Disney Animation's Peter Pan, available on Digital and Movies Anywhere May 29 and on Blu-ray June 5. Joining the Walt Disney Signature Collection, relive the animated classic with more than two hours of bonus features and new never-before-seen extras.

The “Peter Pan” Signature Collection edition offers over two hours of classic bonus features plus never-before-seen extras, including the latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office,” which explores Walt’s love of flying and the company planes; a nostalgic reunion between Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Wendy) and Paul Collins (the voice of John); and new “Oke” renditions of the classic song “You Can Fly” and deleted song “Never Smile at a Crocodile” accompanied by on-screen lyrics and the film’s unforgettable animated characters.


In “Peter Pan,” fantastic adventures await the Darling children—Wendy, John and Michael—when Peter Pan, the hero of their stories, whisks them away to the magical world of Never Land. After flying with Peter and the delightfully impish Tinker Bell past the “second star to the right and straight on till morning,” they explore the enchanted island and Peter’s secret hideout with the Lost Boys, and leap into high-flying battles with swashbuckling pirates and the infamous villain Captain Hook.

“Peter Pan” is the seventh title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations.

To learn more, visit - www.movies.disney.com/Peter-Pan

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PeterPan and www.Facebook.com/TinkerBell
Instagram: www.instagram.com/DisneyAnimation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyMovies

Knowing how to swim is one of life's important skills. Especially for the African American community. We're drowning out there! And ...

Knowing how to swim is one of life's important skills. Especially for the African American community. We're drowning out there! And why? African American children cannot swim. Which leads to adult who can't swim. Again why?

A few years back, I wrote an article for BabyCenter titled "Why more African American kids need to learn how to swim". In that article I explored some of the excuses and legit reasons why black families aren't swimming.

Note: I received a free YMCA NYC class for the purpose of this review. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

I'd hope in the following years things would have changed. It literally hurts me to see they have not.

According to the CDC, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and the second leading cause of death for children 5 to 14.

According to a 2017 study from the USA Swimming Foundation, 64 percent of African American children cannot swim, compared to 45 percent of Hispanic children and 40 percent of Caucasian children. Additionally, 79 percent of children in families with household income less than $50,000 have no or low swimming ability.

Again why, why why?! I'm sure some will still argue finances or accessibility. But there are free and low cost options for families to learn how to swim. So I think it's more about motivation. You have to want to swim. You have to understand that knowing how to swim can save a life.

I *want* to save a life. I want to save my son's life and I want to save my own. Heck, I'll save yours also if I can. But to do ANY of that I have to know how to SWIM.


I confess, I didn't fully learn how to swim as a child. So I had to start all over as an adult. Was it embarrassing? Yes it was. But I soon over came that embarrassment because I had a goal. Save lives and set an example.

To help me reach that goal, The YMCANYC provided complimentary swim classes with a coach. One for me and one for my son.


My swim session took a bit to get started because I had to get use to being *in* the water. I was nervous. I had to let go and learn how to use my body to move while surrounded by...water. I feels hardier and scarier then it sounds.


But my coach was very understanding. She talked me through it. Let me take some time. Then when I was ready to let go, she encouraged me. And I started to learn how to swim. And it felt great! I was SO excited and proud!

But I wasn't the only one. My son was also proud of me. And beyond excited to see me in the water. He even joined me for a bit before it was time for his one on one session. It was nice to be in the water with him.


To say that his session when much smoother then mine is an understatement. HA! My son was eager to get into the pool and learn all the swim things. He learned how to breathe, float, kick and move in the water. Unlike with me, the swim coach had no problem encouraging him.



As I watched my son, I reflected on my own swim lesson. I felt so good, I took the first step to learn how to swim. It wasn't something "I can't do" hanging over me anymore. I can do it. Heck, I just started doing and can continue from there.

It's a great feeling and I hope more families, especially black ones, see the need and take steps to learn. There are resources to help and support your "learn to swim" goals!


The New York City’s YMCA wants families (and individuals) to enjoy their time in the water this summer! And with drowning being the leading cause of death for children, particularly with the minority population, the YMCA wants to ensure both children and adults have the skills and confidence to know how to swim – while also being safe!

For over 100 years, the YMCA has been providing high-quality swim instruction to children and families to prevent drowning and build a love of the sport. In 2017 alone, New York City’s YMCA helped 31,000 people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds learn to swim and develop water safety skills.

In fact, more than half of our 2017 swimming participants were people of color. In addition, to ensure everyone can participate in our programs, the YMCA provides financial assistance to those in need to help cover the costs.

To increase accessibility and enhance instruction, New York City’s YMCA joined Ys across the country to update its swim lessons in January 2018. The enhanced program accommodates varying abilities to build confidence as swimmer’s progress between levels.

“Teaching children to swim and be safe around water is one of the most important life skills parents can offer their children,” said Joann Donnelly, Vice President of Healthy Living for New York City’s YMCA. “New York City’s YMCA is a proud partner for thousands of families to build strong swimmers and confident kids.”

The YMCA of the USA introduced the concept of group swim lessons in 1909. Now, each year in more than 2,000 pools across the country, the Y teaches more than a million children from all backgrounds invaluable water safety and swim skills.

To learn more about New York City’s YMCA swim lessons and water safety classes, visit www.ymcanyc.org/swim

One of the reasons Marvel Studios’ Black Panther was an amazing movie is because of the villain. Michael B. Jordan played Erik Killmonger an...

One of the reasons Marvel Studios’ Black Panther was an amazing movie is because of the villain. Michael B. Jordan played Erik Killmonger and offered such a multi layer villain, that you kinda wanted him to win. Kinda.

Curious how Michael B. Jordan got into the his character Erik Killmonger? Or want to know his thoughts about this epic new superhero saga? Then read this interview with him to celebrate the home released of now available on Digitally HD, 4K Ultra HD, Movies Anywhere, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand .

What went through your mind while reading the script for Black Panther the first time?

The first time I read the script, I was really excited. When I sat down to read it, I made sure I’d done everything I needed to do for the day. I put my phone away. I got fully prepared. And as soon as I started to read it, I remember being overwhelmed with emotion. I felt proud and excited that this movie was being made.

Did you always dream about being part of the Marvel Universe?

Oh, yeah. As a kid, I was always playing make believe with my friends. We’d play around in the living room with sofa cushions and stuff. Back then, I always wanted to be a superhero or a comic book character. Now, I get to do it as an actor. I’ve got this great character and I get to be the villain. I love this stuff.

How would you describe your character in the movie?

Erik Killmonger is smart. He grew up in Oakland, but he wants the throne of Wakanda. He cares about a lot of the same things that T’Challa cares about, but he has totally different ways of getting them. Technically, I feel like he’s the villain of the movie – but if we’ve done our job right, people can empathize and see his point of view. Some of the best villains are characters where you can see where they’re coming from and you can understand their pain.

[Black Panther director] Ryan Coogler and me took a lot of time and patience to try and figure out how we could achieve that with Killmonger. We spent a lot of time on the back story. We really focused on getting him as 360 as possible.

How much fun is it to play the bad guy?

Over the years, the characters I’ve played always tend to be good guys, so it was fun to play a guy who doesn’t give a damn about anything. He’s unapologetic about who he is, which is exciting to play. It’s fun to have no boundaries; to have no ceiling, and to do things by any means necessary. I really enjoyed playing the bad guy.

What was the first set you walked onto?

The first set I walked onto was the Tribal Council room, which is where Erik challenges T’Challa for the throne. It’s the scene where he walks into the room in handcuffs and he shows everyone who he is. That was the first day I walked on set. That was the very first scene I shot, and it felt like the first day of school. I was really excited. I couldn’t wait to get to work; to get to go on set with all my friends, Ryan Coogler and our cinematographer, Rachel Morrison.

It was really exciting to get back to work with them, but it was also my first time working with Chadwick, which was also exciting. It was a really, really intense scene – but I loved it. We jumped right into the deep end on the very first day and we really went for it.

What was the atmosphere like on the set of Black Panther?

Ryan Coogler’s sets are definitely a lot of work, but we also have fun. We had to enjoy ourselves while we were making this project. Ryan always keeps things loose and collaborative. He’s always cracking jokes and we always end up having a good time living out our dreams. It was great.

What does it mean to you to make a movie like this now?

I feel like it’s the perfect time. I feel like there are so many things that had to happen for this movie to be possible, but I understand that this is a business.

Chadwick Boseman had to have the career he had up until this point. Ryan Coogler had to have the career he had in order to get to this point. I had to have the career I had. Lupita [Nyong’o] had to have the career she had. Danai [Gurira] had to have the career she had.

Many things had to come into place for people to think, ‘Okay, cool. This is something we want to invest in. This is something that we are going to get a return on.’ We needed a Disney, or a Marvel, to get behind and legitimize this project. A movie like this is very, very expensive to make – but if it doesn’t work, we may not get another one. You know what I’m saying?

That’s real, so a lot of things had to fall into place in order for this to happen. I feel like lots of television shows helped, too. You’ve got Atlanta. You’ve got your Insecure. You’ve got Masters Of None. You’ve got so many different shows going on right now, so people are finally feeling comfortable to embrace the culture.

At the end of Black Panther, Wakanda opens up to the world. What do you think of that message of the movie?

I wouldn’t say Wakanda is completely open to the world, but I feel like they are more into being involved in world activities. They are interested in being more social and I feel like there’s something to that, because it’s important for nations to understand one another.

I think that opening up communication between people with differences or people with different perspectives, different ethnicities and different nationalities is a good positive message. Maybe you don’t have to completely assimilate with somebody to understand somebody’s point of view, but I think communication and openness is extremely important.




Through the 4K Cinematic Universe Edition of “Black Panther,” fans will experience the adventure in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Disc extras include never-before-seen commentary from director Ryan Coogler; deleted scenes; outtakes; and several making-of featurettes, a roundtable discussion with “Black Panther” filmmakers and writers; a featurette tracing the countless connections between heroes, characters and storylines within the Marvel Cinematic Universe; and an exclusive sneak peek at “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”

SYNOPSIS

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” T’Challa returns home to the hidden high-tech African nation of Wakanda to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king, following the death of his father.

But when a man named Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) appears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he’s drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Pitted against his own family, the king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and embrace his future as an Avenger.

The film features a fierce group of Wakandan women, including Nakia (Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o), a War Dog and Wakandan spy; Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s little sister and tech wizard; and the Dora Milaje, the all-female Wakandan Special Forces led by Okoye (Danai Gurira).

They team up with reluctant ally CIA agent Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) to help T’Challa defend Wakanda against the forces threatening to destroy it.

The extraordinary ensemble cast of “Black Panther” also includes veteran actors such as Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett as Ramonda, T’Challa and Shuri’s mother; Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker as Zuri, the spiritual leader of Wakanda; and Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue, an illegal arms dealer; and standout performances by Academy Award® nominee Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi, Royal Counsel to T’Challa; Winston Duke as M’Baku, the formidable leader of the Jabari tribe; and Emmy® Award-winner Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu, a Wakandan War Dog.



BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray:

• Director’s Intro
• From Page to Screen: A Roundtable Discussion - Delve into the film’s making
• Crowning of a New King – Explore the world of “Black Panther” in all its color and complexity
• The Warriors Within – Get to know Wakanda’s women and the actors who portray them
• The Hidden Kingdom Revealed – Wakanda’s diverse people
• Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology
• Deleted Scenes
• U.N. Meet and Greet
• Okoye And W’Kabi Discuss the Future of Wakanda
• T’Challa Remembers His Father
• Voices from the Past
• Gag Reel
• Exclusive Sneak Peek at “Ant-Man and The Wasp”
• Marvel Studios the First Ten Years: Connecting the Universe
• Director’s Commentary

Digital Exclusives:

• In World Wakanda Tourism Ads
• Come to Wakanda “Before”
• Come to Wakanda “After”

Black Panther is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available). Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will fully experience the sights and sounds of Wakanda.

The action in “Black Panther” is intensified through a musical score by GRAMMY®-nominated composer Ludwig Göransson and soundtrack curated and produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar Kendrick Lamar and Billboard Magazine’s Executive of the Year Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. “Black Panther: The Album” topped the Billboard 200 chart for five consecutive weeks and the end-credit track, “All The Stars,” featuring Lamar and SZA, spent nine weeks in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

For the latest Black Panther news, visit -www.movies.disney.com/black-panther
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/BlackPantherMovie
On Twitter - www.twitter.com/theblackpanther

Last year we saw MOMIX 'Opus Cactus' and enjoyed it so much. The MOMIX performances really are spectacular, so I'm excited to s...

Last year we saw MOMIX 'Opus Cactus' and enjoyed it so much. The MOMIX performances really are spectacular, so I'm excited to share that they're returning to New York City's Joyce Theater from July 24 - August 12, 2018 to premiere three new works: Daddy Long Leg, Light Reins and Paper Trails.

MOMIX, the company of dance illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton, are known for presenting works of astounding beauty and exceptional invention. MOMIX productions combine the wonders of the human form, nature, music and life; using lighting effects, outrageous costumes and unbelievable props to enchant audiences of all ages.

This season in New York City, the company will show “MOMIX,” a self-titled production featuring hits from their expansive repertory, along with the New York City premiere of three works. Created for MOMIX’s 35th anniversary, these works exemplify the company’s unique aesthetic.

• Daddy Long Leg, the audience witnesses the high jinks of a comic trio of gauchos with one extended leg from the Pampas plains of Argentina. 
• Light Reins rods of shifting light invoke unique patterns that caper amongst the dancers. 
• Paper Trails makes use of paper as both costume and sculpture.

“MOMIX” will also feature a mix of the company’s most popular works over its almost 40 year history.

MOMIX at The Joyce Theater NYC: July 24 - August 12



MOMIX PROGRAM

**Note: With descriptive notes from Founder and Artistic Director, Moses Pendleton**

“PLEIADES” (MOMIX in Orbit)

The Pleiades were seven sisters from Greek mythology that became stars and were also a notable group of French Renaissance poets. We open with a dreamy female trio and their double-headed batons that bend and spin. It’s a dance of light, an invocation.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: The Company
Music: “El Hadra – The Mystik Dance”
Courtesy of Aquarius International Music

“TUU” (Classics)
This is an intimate duet for a man and a woman becoming one and two. Sans tutus.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: Tim Acito and Solveig Olsen
Music: “One Thousand Years,” by TUU, from the album One Thousand Years

“MARIGOLDS” (Botanica)
First they are flowers, who become women, who dance samba to the rhythm of a tabla, then fold back into flowers.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: The Company
Music by: Suphala, “Destination” from the album The Now

“POLE DANCE” (Opus Cactus)
Three men, three poles, strength, and extension that is suggestive of a Native American warrior dance.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: The Company
Music by: Adam Plack & Johnny (White Ant) Soames, “The Hunt (In Respect for Food)” from the album “Winds of Warning.” Courtesy of Australian Music International.

“BATHS OF CARACALLA” (ReMIX)
There’s a famous painting by Joseph Severn of the poet and writer, Percy Bysshe Shelley entitled Shelley composing ‘Prometheus Unbound’ in the Baths of Caracalla. We imagined women waving banners that become petals, and even towels, a dance that is more like a three-dimensional painting than a dance.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: The Company
Music: “Reverence” by David and Steve Gordon on the album Buddha Lounge

“DADDY LONG LEG” (35th Anniversary Creation)
I woke one morning from a dream in which one of my legs was longer than the other. My prosthetic nightmare became a comic trio of gauchos from the Pampas plains of Argentina. The longer leg allows for extra elevation. More levels at which to live.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton and Tim Latta
Assisted by: Jonathan Eden, Steven Ezra, Morgan Hulen, Felicity Jones,
Cynthia Quinn, and Brian Simerson
Music: “Santa Maria” by Gotan Project

“LIGHT REIGNS” (35th Anniversary Creation)
It is a raining of light. How does a firefly make its own light? It’s all chemistry.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: Jennifer Chicheportiche, Amanda Hulen, Nicole Loizides, Sarah Nachbauer, Cynthia Quinn, Rebecca Rasmussen, Heather Magee Spilka, and Jocelyn Wallace
Music: “Alchemy” by Deuter

“PAPER TRAILS” (35th Anniversary Creation)
We wanted to try for the effect of a 3D movie screen; to sculpt with light and with projected images, and to make moving paintings on crumpling paper.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: The Company
Music: “Good Bye Brother” by Ramin, Djawadi: “Progeny” by Yvonne Moriarty, Gavin Greenway and the Lyndhurst; “Sorrow” by Klaus Badelt and Lisa Gerrard; “Wisdom Work” by Byron Metcalf.

INTERMISSION

“ECHOES OF NARCISSUS” (Botanica)
It was the saintly, mystical voice of Lisa Gerrard that set the mood for this piece. In place of Narcissus we imagined a woman in love with her reflection who is pulled up and away from her own image by “love from above,” as the song Space Weaver goes, only to disappear into the pool at the end. This solo from “Botanica” was one of two in the program originally choreographed for the Russian ballerina Diana Vishneva.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton & Cynthia Quinn
Music: “Space Weaver” byLisa Gerrard

“SNOW GEESE” (Lunar Sea)
We found the illusionist possibilities of black light so appealing that we made an entire evening’s theater out of them (“Lunar Sea”). This is one section that imagines flight.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Performed by: Jennifer Chicheportiche, Seah Hagan, Amanda Hulen,
Heather Magee and Sarah Nachbauer
Assisted by: The Company
Music: “Treasure” by Elliot Morgan Jones and Nick Woolfson from the Waveform release Terra Firma

“DREAM CATCHER” (Opus Cactus)
The sculpture at the center of this dance was created for MOMIX as an evocation of the webs that some Native Americans wove to filter their dreams. It’s not a circus act, it’s a story about a man and a woman caught in the same dream.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: Craig Berman and Brian Sanders
Sculpture Design and Construction: Alan Boeding
Music: “Mountain Walk East,” by NOMAD from Nomad*
Courtesy of Australian Music International

“SPAWNING” (Classics)
Salmon spawn after fighting their way upstream, where they quietly lay their eggs and soon after die. The eggs become salmon and in their turn, will one day swim up the same stream. Peter Gabriel’s “Mercy Street” caught that cycle of life and death for me.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: Lisa Giobbi, Diana Horvath, and Cynthia Quinn
Music: MERCY STREET by Peter Gabriel
Used with permission of Cliofine Ltd.(PRS)/HIDDEN PUN MUSIC, INC. (BMI)

“TABLE TALK” (Classics)
I wanted to get into the head of the electronic group, Massive Attack, and see if we could make a table talk. Fred Astaire danced with a broomstick. Our dancer partners with a table.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: Karl Bauman
Music: “Safe From Harm” R Del Naja, A. Vowles, G. Marshall (KA Massive Attack)

“AQUA FLORA” (Botanica)
Early morning sunlight shining on a dewy cobweb was the inspiration; and in Deval Prema’s “Moola Mantra” we found a spiritual voice to express that vision. This is a piece commissioned by ballerina, Diana Vishneva. She danced a version of it along with 50 other ballerinas at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi.
Choreography: Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn
Assisted by: Nicole Loizides
Prop by: Michael Curry
Music: “Gayatri Mantra” performed by Deva Premal
*Aqua Flora sponsored in part by Brandon Fradd in honor of Dancers Responding to AIDS*

“IF YOU NEED SOME BODY” (ReMIX)
Bodies come in many styles. We all need one, or two, or ten or twenty. The mannequins allow us to double the size of our company for the final number and they move as quickly as the dancers themselves.
Choreographed by: Moses Pendleton
Assisted by: Sam Beckman, Steven Ezra, Cynthia Quinn, Rebecca Rasmussen, Brian Simerson, and Jared Wootan.
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach


PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

Performances Tuesday through Sunday.
Mondays are closed.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.
Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM.
Saturday matinee shows at 2:00 PM, and evening shows at 8:00 PM.
Sunday matinee shows at 2:00 PM, and evening shows at 7:30 PM.


For the schedule for MOMIX programming, visit www.MOMIX.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/OfficialMOMIX
Twitter - www.twitter.com/momix
Instagram - www.instagram.com/momixofficial
YouTube - www.youtube.com/momixofficial

After several weeks in their classrooms studying American history, more than 15,000 NYC area high school students had the opportunity to exp...

After several weeks in their classrooms studying American history, more than 15,000 NYC area high school students had the opportunity to experience the musical HAMILTON, through a special integrated curriculum about Alexander Hamilton and the nation’s Founding Fathers, during an all-student matinee performance at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

HAMILTON producer Jeffrey Seller – who devised the education program in New York in tandem with HAMILTON creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Rockefeller Foundation, the NYC Department of Education and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History – said upon it’s inception,

“Today, one of our greatest dreams for HAMILTON came true – sharing this musical with 1,300 high school students whose participation in the study program and reactions to the performance were unlike anything we’ve experienced before. We look forward to building on this educational program all over America.”

In addition to seeing a performance of HAMILTON, students participated in a Q&A with members of the HAMILTON cast.


The students also performed an original work they created based on their classroom studies – songs, rap, poetry, scenes, monologues – on Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre stage in front of their peers.

The Rockefeller Foundation provided an initial grant of $1.46 million that funded the educational partnership in New York City. After the resounding success of the partnership in New York, The Rockefeller Foundation committed an additional $6 million to the effort to support the national expansion of the program.

The HAMILTON Education Program underscores the Foundation's commitment to nurturing the vitality of American cultural institutions and the role of the arts as a catalyst for social change.

HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.hamiltonmusical.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/HamiltonMusical
Twitter - www.twitter.com/HamiltonMusical
Instagram - www.instagram.com/HamiltonMusical

For in-home release of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, we’ve uncovered 10 stellar secrets from the making of the epic super hero saga. 1...

For in-home release of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, we’ve uncovered 10 stellar secrets from the making of the epic super hero saga.

10 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLACK PANTHER

SUPER HERO SECRET #1 - THE COMIC BOOKS WERE A HUGE INSPIRATION FOR THE FILMMAKERS

When it comes to the inspiration behind the story of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, director and co-writer Ryan Coogler admits that he delved deep into the history of the acclaimed Marvel comic book series. “We pulled from all of the comics,” Coogler explains. “When you watch our film, you will probably see something from every writer that has touched T’Challa’s character in the Black Panther comics. Everything from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s initial runs through to Don McGregor, Christopher Priest, Jonathan Hickman and Brian Stelfreeze. We grabbed from it all. Each writer left their own mark, so Agent Ross [played by Martin Freeman in the movie] came from Christopher Priest’s run and the character of Shuri came from Reginald Hudlin’s run. Each run left something for us to pull from, but we pulled from absolutely all of them.”



SUPERHERO SECRET #2 - THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL ON SET WAS MIND-BLOWING FOR THE ACTORS

“It was incredible to walk on to the Wakandan sets,” enthuses Danai Gurira, who plays Okoye in the movie. “Our production designer, Hannah Beachler, was amazing. I remember walking into the Tribal Council room and thinking, ‘This room is stunning.’ The floors were see-through. There were massive, beautiful panther statues. The throne was very African. The entire décor was very African. It was an amazing experience, which was very rich for my character because I stood there and I thought, ‘This is like nothing else on the planet and it’s my character’s job to protect it.’ Hannah pulled from lots of awesome traditional African esthetics. You don’t get to see it in the movie, but she also designed T’Challa’s office, which was another amazing room on set. We shot some scenes in there, which were left out of the movie – but the office was constructed and it looked amazing.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #3 - THE PRODUCTION TEAM TOOK A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA TO RESEARCH THE MOVIE

“We took a really important trip to South Africa to do a ton of research for Black Panther,” reveals production designer Hannah Beachler. “We went up and down the country, which helped immensely when we started to create the sets. It was incredible to see all the colors, the textiles and the way things were built. In the end, we shot a lot of plates and second unit footage in South Africa. We shot footage in Uganda, which was used to show the farm land and open space of Wakanda. It was beautiful. We also shot at Victoria Falls in Zambia. When the fighters come flying through the falls and get to the challenge pool; that flight through the falls is Victoria Falls. But when you get to the challenge pool, what you see behind them is a bit of Iguazu Falls, which is in South America. We smashed the two together because we wanted a horizon.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #4 - SEBASTIAN STAN WAS ONLY ON THE BLACK PANTHER SET FOR ONE DAY

“The tag scene with Bucky [played by Sebastian Stan] at the end of the movie came as a wonderful surprise to me,” explains Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri in Black Panther. “I was so happy when I read about it. Props to Ryan [Coogler] for adding it to the movie. This scene was shot quite late in the production, but I really enjoyed it. It was a beautiful day on set and I thought it was a great way for us to find out where Bucky had been hiding in Wakanda. We shot the scene in a forest area somewhere in Atlanta, but it only took a day. Sebastian was really great to work with. He’s a good chap.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #5 - THE IN-HOME RELEASE IS PACKED WITH DELETED SCENES AND OUTTAKES

Marvel fans can delve deeper into the wondrous world of Wakanda with the exclusive bonus features packaged with the in-home release of the movie. Not only are there behind-the-scenes featurettes and never-before-seen outtakes, but there are also a number of deleted scenes. “There are a couple of scenes with Okoye and W’Kabi [played by Daniel Kaluuya] that I would love people to see,” explains Danai Gurira. “There’s a scene between Okoye and W’Kabi, which takes place after Killmonger tells us what he’s going to do with the kingdom. Okoye is very disturbed by her man seeming to positively respond to Killmonger. There’s also a scene where W’Kabi and Okoye go head-to-head. Okoye pushes W’Kabi to a place where all the rage he had towards T’Challa comes out. I hope some of those moments end up in the deleted scenes.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #6 - LUPITA NYONG’O HAD TO LEARN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES FOR THE MOVIE

“The African language that we speak in the movie is Xhosa, which is a Bantu language from South Africa,” reveals Lupita Nyong’o, who plays Nakia in Black Panther. “It has the clicks which my native tongue does not have, so I had to learn it for the movie. I worked very closely with a dialect coach to get it right. I also speak Korean in the film, which was a doozy. A week before we shot the scenes in South Korea, they finalized exactly what Nakia was going to say, so all week I kept practicing the lines over and over again. However, I slipped up from time to time. At one point, the Korean extras laughed because they told me I’d said something about a barbecue by mistake – but we got there in the end.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #7 - LETITIA WRIGHT DISCOVERED SHE’D WON HER ROLE IN A RATHER UNUSUAL PLACE

“The audition process was really interesting,” admits Letitia Wright. “I sent over two tapes from London and I didn’t think anything would happen – but then I got a call asking me to fly out to Los Angeles for a screen test. That’s where I met Ryan [Coogler] and Chadwick [Boseman, who plays T’Challa]. Thankfully, we had an immediate connection. I went home and I didn’t hear anything for a couple of weeks – but then I was called back for another screen test. This time, I flew to Atlanta and they put braids in my hair – and I knew I just had to have fun with the audition. I remember thinking, ‘Man, if this happens, it will be very special for me.’ A couple of weeks later, I found out they wanted me for the role of Shuri. I was standing at a bus stop in London when the call came through. I went crazy! I was screaming at the bus stop! I was overjoyed to be part of this epic movie.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #8 - CAST MEMBERS HAD TO TACKLE A GRUELING SIX-WEEK BOOT CAMP

Before the cameras started to roll on Black Panther, cast members flew out to Atlanta to prepare for the movie’s awe-inspiring action sequences. “The boot camp lasted six weeks,” reveals Danai Gurira. “It was really helpful to get athletically conditioned for the film shoot, although we also got into the specifics of the movements of our characters. We learned fight choreography, as well as different techniques of how our character was going to move on set. It was intense, but I learned a lot. Okoye is the general of the army and the head of the Dora Milaje, so the way she fights is very traditional. Her movement with the war spear comes from very ancient movements of the nation. It was really interesting to learn.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #9 - THERE WERE RAP BATTLES BETWEEN THE ACTORS ON SET

An exclusive gag reel has been created for the in-home release, which is packed with comedy bloopers and slapstick slip-ups from the set of the movie. “There were a lot of funny moments during the filming of Black Panther,” recalls Letitia Wright. “Even though the shoot was a lot of hard work and there were some incredibly physical scenes, we always found moments to have fun. We had rap battles in between takes, or we organized dinners and bowling sessions. There was a day where we did a Get Out challenge, because we had [Get Out star] Daniel Kaluuya working with us. Who won the rap battles? To be perfectly honest, I think I was the best. I was up against a lot of people, but their rapping skills were terrible.”



SUPER HERO SECRET #10 - LOOK CLOSELY AT THE MOVIE’S KIMOYO BEADS FOR HIDDEN QUALITIES

Hannah Beachler admits she had a ton of fun working on the high-tech gadgets for the movie. “The Kimoyo beads are my favorite,” the production designer admits. “I really pushed the design on them because I knew the beads needed to be something really cool. The Kimoyo beads were originally introduced in the Black Panther comics – but Ryan [Coogler] loved the idea of using them for communicating in the movie. If you look closely at the beads, you’ll see there’s a prime bead, which is given to you when you’re born in Wakanda. There is a little peak on the prime bead, which makes it stand out from the others. All the beads’ symbols light up, but the prime bead lights up completely. A Nigerian language – nsibidi – is used for the symbols on the beads. You’ll also see nsibidi writing on columns of some of the iconic buildings in Wakanda, too.”

To celebrate the release of Marvel’s Black Panther on Digital HD, Blu-ray/DVD and 4K 4K Ultra, I'm sharing some fun facts, behind-the-scenes bonus clips and printable activities. Wakanda Forever!


With these BLACK PANTHER activities, you can learn about the technology and African animals of Wakanda.

But it doesn't stop there, you can learn how BLACK PANTHER was inspired by Africa.....

Marvel Studios' Black Panther | Inspired By Africa (Bonus)



.....and the Beauty of Language there.

Marvel Studios' Black Panther | The Beauty of Language (Bonus)



Through the 4K Cinematic Universe Edition of “Black Panther,” fans will experience the adventure in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Disc extras include never-before-seen commentary from director Ryan Coogler; deleted scenes; outtakes; and several making-of featurettes, a roundtable discussion with “Black Panther” filmmakers and writers; a featurette tracing the countless connections between heroes, characters and storylines within the Marvel Cinematic Universe; and an exclusive sneak peek at “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”

SYNOPSIS

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” T’Challa returns home to the hidden high-tech African nation of Wakanda to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king, following the death of his father.

But when a man named Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) appears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he’s drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Pitted against his own family, the king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and embrace his future as an Avenger.

The film features a fierce group of Wakandan women, including Nakia (Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o), a War Dog and Wakandan spy; Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s little sister and tech wizard; and the Dora Milaje, the all-female Wakandan Special Forces led by Okoye (Danai Gurira).

They team up with reluctant ally CIA agent Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) to help T’Challa defend Wakanda against the forces threatening to destroy it.

The extraordinary ensemble cast of “Black Panther” also includes veteran actors such as Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett as Ramonda, T’Challa and Shuri’s mother; Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker as Zuri, the spiritual leader of Wakanda; and Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue, an illegal arms dealer; and standout performances by Academy Award® nominee Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi, Royal Counsel to T’Challa; Winston Duke as M’Baku, the formidable leader of the Jabari tribe; and Emmy® Award-winner Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu, a Wakandan War Dog.



BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray:

• Director’s Intro
• From Page to Screen: A Roundtable Discussion - Delve into the film’s making
• Crowning of a New King – Explore the world of “Black Panther” in all its color and complexity
• The Warriors Within – Get to know Wakanda’s women and the actors who portray them
• The Hidden Kingdom Revealed – Wakanda’s diverse people
• Wakanda Revealed: Exploring the Technology
• Deleted Scenes
• U.N. Meet and Greet
• Okoye And W’Kabi Discuss the Future of Wakanda
• T’Challa Remembers His Father
• Voices from the Past
• Gag Reel
• Exclusive Sneak Peek at “Ant-Man and The Wasp”
• Marvel Studios the First Ten Years: Connecting the Universe
• Director’s Commentary

Digital Exclusives:

• In World Wakanda Tourism Ads
• Come to Wakanda “Before”
• Come to Wakanda “After”

Black Panther is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available). Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will fully experience the sights and sounds of Wakanda.

The action in “Black Panther” is intensified through a musical score by GRAMMY®-nominated composer Ludwig Göransson and soundtrack curated and produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar Kendrick Lamar and Billboard Magazine’s Executive of the Year Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. “Black Panther: The Album” topped the Billboard 200 chart for five consecutive weeks and the end-credit track, “All The Stars,” featuring Lamar and SZA, spent nine weeks in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

For the latest Black Panther news, visit -

On Facebook - www.facebook.com/BlackPantherMovie
On Twitter - www.twitter.com/theblackpanther

It's not everyday you get to see Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber, used in the Star Wars films. But I was able to get a pe...

It's not everyday you get to see Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber, used in the Star Wars films. But I was able to get a peek during a quick stop at Lucasfilm Headquarters in San Francisco while on the Disney*Pixar COCO film junket.

Note: Disney and Pixar invited me on this all expense paid trip for the Disney*Pixar COCO Event. While I will share different events and activities during the trip, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.


To start, the group greeted Yoda, who stood watch outside Lucasfilm Headquarters. The calm feel of the fountain really helps set the mood and gets you ready for the fun inside!



Once inside the Lucasfilm HQ lobby, I got a up close look at various Star Wars memorabilia, statues and even met R2D2. It just happened that we were wearing the same colors.



It was a unique experience being able to see items from a film that has became legendary. So glad we made the quick stop!

When 'National Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day' aka 'Take Kids to Work Day' happened, I was excited to bring my son ...

When 'National Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day' aka 'Take Kids to Work Day' happened, I was excited to bring my son to work with me. I planned to WOW him with my adult real job skills and inspire good work habits.

But of course my plans didn't go as I hoped.

First, a change in my plans for the day meant I had to go somewhere else before going to work. Since it was an adult only thing, my son went to school.

I thought about getting him after my morning plans but, it would have made even more late for work. Being late to work is not a good "worker" example to set with my son sooooooo

I just went to work. Alone.

But after work I decided to take my son to an event I had to stop in that evening. Since it was a food focused event, I figured we could take pictures together, talk about blogging and still have a "work" moment.

Nope. My son grabbed a seat, then a donut, turned on his iPad and left me to do the "work" at the event.

So much for take MY kid to work this year.

Have you taken your kid to work with you?