Models for our MAY DAY CARNIVALE event!

Just wanted to share some of the fittings of our beautiful models at Village Vogue in Milford.  The owner, Karen donated the outfits they are wearing for this event.  The theme, as you know, is A MAY DAY CARNIVALE and all these models are going to be on 16x16 platforms around the ballroom posing as "living decorations"while photographers take their pix.

Their makeup will be done by six pro makeup artists (who can't wait to make very exotic and bright "masks" on their faces) The team of hair stylists (four of them!) have created headdresses and other great things for their "look". We also had a person who runs a jewelry line volunteer to accessorize them.

A team of 10 photographers will be busy shooting their photos with the guests during the first hour or so of our event making everyone feel that they are at an "Opening Night" type of event.

Can't wait!  http://www.nptheatre.org/nptevents/carnivale/  While we have sold all the tickets that we set as our goal you can still join us by clicking above to be a part of the fun and party!

Pix of a few of the 16 models getting fitted at Village Vogue. 

Make your bow go!

I get this question from parent's of my students or the students themselves a lot:  "How to I get rid of Stage Fright? or Nerves".   And my answer varies depending on the experience level of the student or performer, but on the whole, it's "Just get out there and perform more" and "Stop thinking about yourself and communicate the text or the message".

I find that the minute you stop focusing on yourself and 1. realize that this is not brain surgery  and 2. think about the words and the "scene" you are in, you may still be nervous (and you should be) but it doesn't affect your performance as much.

I do say that if you are not nervous when you perform you should quit because it means you don't care. But those nerves can sometimes be distracting if you aren't fully immersed in the song and your emotions and getting the message out there.

Or as my mother and her mother used to say "Just make your Bow Go".

The story goes like this:  My mom is not only a lovely singer but also a violinist.  And her mom was a local piano teacher in Duncan Falls, Ohio.  Even though her mom was not an "degreed" teacher, her words of advice to her daughter (my mom) who was so nervous one time in a recital that she was shaking were, "Just make your bow go".  And my mom did. We still say that to each other and remember Grandma when we do.

So simple...just make the bow go.  Take a step.  Open your mouth.  Breath low.  Sell the song.  Take your pick of simple ideas that you can use as a mantra to get your nerves in perspective.

The only other option is to quit.  And is that really an option?  Push through the fear and just think about the mission and not yourself.  I need that advice now too because the "fear" of this big event, May 1st, is sometimes overwhelming.

 Make my bow go.

So whatever your fear is, dance with it and keep your "partner" in perspective.

May 1st Models!

Just had a first fitting today for one of the 15 models (!) for our May 1st Carnivale event.
Cara Cama, Miss Stamford, was lovely and tried on a couple dresses. She's going with the purple one and white gloves.  The lighting in the pix below isn't great but it's an adorable dress on her.

The models will all have their fittings at Village Vogue in Milford in the next week and then our 6 professional makeup artists will design the makeup specifically for the model's face and outfit. Then the hairstylists (4 of them) will have headdresses and headpieces that will go with those outfits.

We also have a jewelry designer who is coming to add the final touches.

Then once the ladies arrive on May 1st and get into their outfits/makeup/hair we will rehearse them as our "living decorations".  They will pose around in the ballroom on platforms while the guests are eating and drinking. As if they are at a photo shoot.  We have 10 "paparazzi" shooting their pix as well as the guests.  Want to make it feel like an "Opening Night" for everyone.

Every 5 minutes the models will walk to the next platform.  We give them about 3 minutes so that they can schmooze with the guests they pass while walking to the next spot.  Cameras flashing, pictures being taken with guests, and then they are back on the next platform and posing.

See below for Cara's outfit. Adorable!

Another big announcement is that one of our Honorees, Paul Bogaev, just signed a contract to music produce the Broadway show, Pretty Woman!  That will be a big deal to announce that night.