NOVEMBER 2014 Issue • 410
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SCANDAL SCENE-STEALER
MATTHEW DEL NEGRO talks about working on TV’s most buzzworthy shows like The Sopranos, The West Wing & Teen Wolf AMERICA’S GOT TALENT FINALISTS
ACRO ARMY
ATHLETE TURNED ARTIST
CHAD BROWNLEE
‘LESQUE IS MORE
BURLESQUE, BOYLESQUE, WE LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE! featuring BLACK DIAMOND BURLESQUE, THE GLAMAZONS, AND SOME OF THE HOTTEST & MOST TALENTED AERIALISTS, HULA HOOPERS AND DANCERS BLEEP 1
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CHAD BROWNLEE
From the hockey rink to the country music stage, Chad Brownlee is an artist to watch.
JOEY CONTRERAS
His first release was Broadway. His new release is more pop. No one puts Joey in a corner.
ACRO ARMY The “America’s Got Talent” finalists talk with BLEEP about performing at Radio City and about what’s next for the incredibly talented group.
MATTHEW DEL NEGRO
One of the hardest working actors around is currently on TV’s most buzzworthy show. We talk Scandal, The West Wing and more.
DAVID PAUL KAY
He left his home country to move to New York to start a new life. We talk with artist David Paul Kay about finding a new passion.
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n i p e e l inside: b BLEEP LOVES THE NIGHTLIFE Nightlife entertainment isn’t all fun and games. Actually, it’s a lifetime of training and discipline to make those high-flying, powerful routines seem so effortless. We talked with some of the best in the world about their art and how they fuse that with technique. 44 50 54 62 66 70 76 80
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TRAVIS TI TRO BLACK DIAMOND BURLESQUE PHILLIP ANTONY GLAMAZONS DAVIDE ZONGOLI LUNA BREEZE RHYS BOBRIDGE
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RYAN BRINSON Editor-in-Chief SARAH ROTKER Business & Audience Development Manager PABLO SALINAS Social Media Associate BEN HUMENIUK Cartoonist RACHAEL MARIBOHO Culture Editor FEATURE EDITORS: Nathan Robins WRITERS: Caleb Bollenbacher Hatley Moore Laura Seitter Alex Wright FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS: Florian Hubertus WEB CONTENT: Sheena Wagaman Eric Lehman
All articles and photos are the property of the writers and artists. All rights reserved.
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Letter from the Editor I reconnected with someone this weekend. Perhaps that’s a half truth. Rather, I allowed myself to genuinely connect with someone for the first time. Our social circles had intersected at various points and our paths had crossed as well, but honestly, we had never had a real conversation. This weekend, that changed and it was as if we became fast friends. An unlikely friendship to be certain, but a friendship that needed time and circumstance to be anything of worth. It’s amazing how the world works. People you never thought you’d have a connection with, in the right moment, it becomes effortless and simple. I’ve recently found myself connecting with people in a way I haven’t in months. The past two weeks have been full of a bevy of new friendships, seemingly out of nowhere. It’s been a refreshing change of pace from what can be, and has been, rather routine. We work, we eat, we sleep, we try to make time for an adventure or two, and we lather, rinse, repeat. But a discovering a new friend, much like discovering a new music artist, can be a breath of fresh air into our system. I don’t know about you, but I live a fairly widespread life. My friends are scattered around the world and we keep up with each other via texting and any number of social media platforms. But much in that same way, we live in a wide spread artistic culture now as well. You don’t have to go to London to see the greatest burlesque the city has to offer, or you don’t have to go down to Australia to see an incredible aerial artist steal the show. YouTube, Twitter and Facebook videos have made it simple to become a fan of a visual artists you may never have the chance to witness in person. It’s refreshing to see people around the world who are not only mastering their craft, but turning the technical into the arftful. It’s ironic that the fall serves as a time when the leaves are falling off and the grass is less green, yet I am feeling more refreshed and revitalized than I have all year. As my friend Renee put so eloquently, I “reboot in the fall. It’s when you reset and renew.” I feel that way about the art I’ve been experiencing as well. It’s a season of renewal for me and I hope it will be for you as well.
Ryan Brinson Editor-in-Chief BLEEP 9
BLEEPblips Broadway Takes on San Juan del Sur If you’re a fan of Broadway, there are some familiar faces on this season of “Survivor.” Two of the contestants on the long-running competition show on CBS include actors Reed Kelly and Joshua Canfield. Kelly made a splash on Broadway in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, The Addams Family and Wicked. Canfield was seen off-Broadway in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Now, we get to root them on from challenge-tochallenge and hope they come out on top on this season of “Survivor.” They get our vote, no matter what and we are looking forward to seeing what happens next for the duo.
Rock n’ Roll Debauchery’s Freakshow took over W42 and the result was a spectacle that Broadway and hair band fans alike could agree on. Performers included Justin Sargent (Spider-Man, Rock of Ages), Sean Matthew Whiteford (Rock of Ages), Alison Cusano (A Night With Janis Joplin), Elizabeth Urbanczyk, Angel Reed (Rock of Ages), Greer Gisy (In The Heights) and Adriene Couvillion. Aerial artists spun above the audience, The Glamazons took over the stage to get things started and dancers filled the stage. You don’t want to miss the next one. www.facebook.com/RocknrollDebauchery Photos by Bleu Rose Photography
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One of our favorite designers, creators and all-around visionaries, Kyle Brincefield, made a splash at New York Fashion Week this fall. We’ve got a glimpse at some of the hottest looks that you’re going to need to pump up your spring and turn it into the party it should be. In 2010, Brincefield started STUDmuffin NYC, a line offering one-of-a-kind customizable pieces, based on his love of urban street fashion. Each handmade piece takes on a life on their own, eluding a “look at me” vibe that allows the wearer to feel young, hip and fun, an idea he finds crucial to everything he creates.
When he was in BLEEP in May of 2013, he explained, “I’m really inspired by downtown New York City, the artists, the style, the East Village, the dirt, the grit and the glitter. I love originality, I love people with confident style. I live for people that walk out of their apartments in whatever they want without a care in the world.” To get the looks and see what else is happening in the studded world of Kyle Brincefield, head over to www.studmuffin-nyc.com Photos by Santiago Felipe
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Hailing from all over the UK (Blackpool/ Wolverhampton and London), Frixion combines pop, R&B and dance sounds to create the music their legions of fans are obsessed with. The guys fell in love with music at a young age, singing in school plays. Currently, they are prepping for a new tour in 2015 and have some exciting new opportunities in store that are sure to thrill their fans. FOR MORE ON FRIXION, FOLLOW THEM AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/FRIXIONOFFICIAL 12 BLEEP
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the intersection by
caleb bollenbacher
Like Wildfire I remember back when the prospect of another superhero film – let alone the whispered rumors of maybe three or four! – was something to be excited about and barely hoped for. Around the time I was getting into comics, heroes in bright colored costumes (or black leather if you’re the X-Men) were starting to make their way slowly to our theaters, and it did nothing but fuel my fledgling fandom. These days it’s hard to throw a dart at a calendar and not have it land on the release date for another blockbuster comic book film, and I couldn’t be happier. And it’s not even just the big-name properties either! Spider-Man and Batman have paved the way for previously unknowns like the Guardians of the Galaxy, and nearly half of DC’s recently announced slate of movies to be released the next six years. What excites me most about this isn’t so much the confidence Marvel and DC now have to experiment with lesser-known properties as it is the potential for enormous stories. The universe is expanding, and I can’t wait to fork over my popcorn money to see it. One of my most favorite things about the world of comic books is that the nature of the medium allows for long-form storytelling. That’s going to be a natural side effect with any sort of media that possesses staying power (for those keeping score, Batman has been solving crimes since the 1930’s). At long last, the small and silver screens seem to have caught up, and the box office success of comic book fare allows this new medium to more closely resemble its source material. DC made big waves when they announced ten interconnected movies to be released by 2020. Marvel has plans for eleven (not counting the SpiderMan, Fantastic Four, or X-Men franchises) in that same time frame, to go along with the ten entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe that we already have. And it’s not stopping there, either. What really intrigues me at this point is the interplay between television and Hollywood, how the big TV and film 14 BLEEP
studios are collaborating to create monstrous comic book universes that passably mirror the dimensions of the comic books they’re based on. “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD” and “Agent Carter” both directly tie into the big screen franchise, and several more original Marvel shows coming soon to Netflix are rumored to do the same, which allows for extra world building and streamlining of the various stories on the silver screen. If you can build backstory on a weekly TV show, why waste valuable run time in a movie? DC, which has so far been even more successful with their forays into television with small screen darlings like “Arrow” and “The Flash,” is taking a slightly different path, not choosing to tie their shows to their movies at present, but there is a caveat there. Geoff Johns, one of the primary architects behind the DC television and film universes, made everyone’s ears prick when he referred to the possibility of the shows and films being distinctly separate but also co-existing in a “multi-verse”. This concept is one that runs prevalent in DC’s comics: alternate realities with alternate takes on the same characters. It could mean nothing, but it could be a backdoor into plenty of crossovers. It’s a good time to be a comic book fan, but the party is hardly exclusive. What appeals to me most about this craze is that it means it’s a good time to be a story fan. The idea of a tale being confined to a two-hour movie or a season of TV is quickly going the way of the dinosaur, and I’m eager to see how that unfolds. In many ways comic book characters are our culture’s new mythology, and it seems that Marvel’s big screen success is going to have Promethean impact on the industry. They may have created a monster, but I think it’s more likely that they’ve brought us fire.
REEL LIFE
by Alex Wright
Thankful
Ahh the holidays. A time of family, traveling, giving thanks, gathering in plaid to consume pumpkin flavored goodies, assessing just how crazy your aunt has become in the year that has passed (mine believes that Choctaw Indians are coming out of the wall), and, of course, the questions about your life and career that are pummeled toward your unprepared face at a million miles per hour. My favorites include, “Sooo, is there a ring on that finger?”“Aren’t you afraid that you’re going to break off into the ocean with the rest of those California Dem-o-crats?” and, the tried-and-true, “When are we going to see you on the TV?” Oh, and “Have you met Kim Kardashian?” There is the inevitable look of disappointment on their face when I break the news: “I’m living in sin with my boyfriend, who is a Dem-o-crat, and when we break off in the ocean, I most certainly will not be sharing a life raft with Kim Kardashian. I have been on the TV, but unfortunately, not in a series regular way because the ABC pilot I shot wasn’t picked up (insert: explain to questioner what series regular, pilot, and picked up means), and I’m focusing more on theatre right now.” (Acknowledge their disgusted grimace towards the artform of the poor and bedraggled) “BUT, I did just shoot my first movie!” There is a glimmer of hope that once again flickers in their eye. “Wow! Did you get to meet Steven Spielberg?!?”… Um. No. But I did see him once eating a hotdog? Guess that doesn’t count.
in the artistic realm equals true artistic success and fulfillment, and the idea of someone wanting a life in the theater (not on the silver screen next to Megan Fox, blowing up cars with one boob hanging out, why not live that gem of an artistic life?!) is a life undeserving of thanks or happiness. There seems to be only two options: never being famous, leading to having to pan handle for money, and thus living a single and solitary life, devoid of love or happiness or recognition of talent of any sort. or, literally swimming in a pool of money and butterflies because Steven Spielberg discovered you when you made an appearance on a cheap reality show; this scenario, of course, includes a gorgeous husband and a lot of ethnically diverse adopted children. And a sassy maid. This is crucial.
It’s this kind of thinking that leads artists to a life of drugs, alcohol, and mental instability. We are programmed to believe that our entire identity, our worth as a person, is wrapped up in how commercially successful we are as artists. I would never walk into a business office, stroll up to someone in a cubicle, and tell them how small the odds are that they will ever be promoted to CEO, so please, for the love of all things plaid and fallflavored, do not ask me if I know how hard it is to be famous, and do not smile politely and nod with glazed over eyes when I tell you that my main goal for acting isn’t to be famous. It’s to be happy doing what I love to do. Would I like to be a series regular on a TV show? You betcha! Would I like to work with Steven Spielberg? Something about being an artist gives everyone Duh. Would I enjoy being friends with Kimmy? No else permission to tell you how to run your career. My comment. But, I’m thrilled with where I am now! Living father is a doctor, and not once have I seen someone try a life as an artist doesn’t have to fall on the extremes of to tell him how to remove a gallbladder. And here I am, poverty or the extremes of wealth. The gray area, the with folks ranging from family members to strangers I area of choosing your work, the area of creating work chat with on airplanes, making me question whether you’re proud of, the area of being constantly inspired or not my career is an outright failure because I’m not by your colleagues who are far more talented than friends with Kimmy, Kanye, and the rest of the crew. most of the crazies on TV and film today, that area… Of course, I know this is codswallop, but it does seem that area gives you a wealth of reasons to be grateful. I like most of society believes that commercial success have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. BLEEP 15
one to watch
A former ice hockey player, Chad Brownlee is making waves in country music and picking up a slew of new fans (not to mention a slew of awards) at the same time. His music is cool, honest and fun and he’s definitely
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WHAT SETS YOUR ALBUM “FIGHTERS” APART FROM YOUR PREVIOUS MATERIAL? It is definitely a slight evolution from my previous two albums but stays true to who I am as an artist. Each album I work on embodies the creativity that emanates through me at that particular time in my life. We put a lot of different colours into this collection of songs, as far as the vibe and emotions are concerned, but I wanted to take the listener on a musical journey from start to finish in hopes that something resonates inside of them. I am very proud of the way “The Fighter’s” turned out and hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SAY THROUGH YOUR MUSIC? I just hope to say things that resonate with the listener. I want the message and emotion that is expressed through my songs to light something inside that otherwise wouldn’t be lit. Music is one of those things that transcends through its melody and lyric, striking at the heart of what makes us human. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOU DIFFERENT THAN ANOTHER MALE SINGER IN COUNTRY MUSIC? Well, I come from a much different background than most in that I was raised in the sports world; a world of almost militant demand and commitment. It has broken me down, and built me back up into the person I am today. It has taught me so many lessons that I have carried into my life as well as my career as a recording artist. Also, working as a team is second nature for me so I understand the correlation between cohesiveness and success. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? Because I love it. Simple as that. I believe life’s too short to be doing anything you don’t enjoy. If you don’t believe in yourself and what you’re doing, how can you expect others to believe it? My purpose of pursuing music is to bring joy and inspiration into people’s lives but in order to do that I must first love what I do. WHAT’S COMING UP NEXT FOR YOU? I have my first cross-Canada headlining tour coming up in March of 2015. It’s called “When The Lights Go Down Tour.” I will be joined by this year’s CCMA Female Vocalist of The Year, Jess Moskaluke, and last year’s CCMA Rising Star, Bobby Wills. I am extremely privileged to have them come on the road with me! It’s going to be an amazing tour! FOR MORE ON CHAD, HEAD OVER TO WWW.CHADBROWNLEE.COM
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On October 27, a packed house gathered to hear the music of Joey Contreras. Sung by some of Broadway’s best including Lilli Cooper, Christoper Rice, Ben Fankhauser, Zak Resnick, and Marissa Rosen, Contreras played some of the new songs off of his new record, “Young Kind of Love.” We caught up with Contreras about the new direction of the record and what it’s like hearing his own music sung on YouTube.
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WHAT WAS THE FIRST MOMENT YOU REALIZED YOUR MUSIC WAS SUCCESSFUL OUTSIDE OF YOUR IMMEDIATE CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE? Honestly, it will always be in my memory as something because it was very weird and exciting. I had just graduated from college, before I moved to New York, and three or four people had put up videos singing my music. One guy was singing my song, “Love Me, Love Me Not,” in a musical theatre rep class in college. That was kinda the beginning of the whole experience of seeing people put videos of themselves singing my music on YouTube. YouTube is the radio for contemporary musical theatre writers. I haven’t heard my song on the Z100, but right now, YouTube is the new radio. Seeing covers of my songs on YouTube and whether they be in bedrooms or people playing the piano and singing or there are some show choirs. That’s the craziest thing to me because it’s this large group of people singing the songs and moving to the music. It’s always exciting and surprising. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS RECORD THAN THE FIRST ONE? It’s bigger. It’s poppier. A lot more people are involved. About 60 people. I had the luxery of being able to work with a lot more particular people on this record. My first record, I was very naïve. You wouldn’t be able to tell from the caliber of vocal talent, but this time around, I’m more talking about the musical perspective. I can bring in a drummer or a cellist who can give me a particular sound. Or I can bring in a guitarist who can really bring themselves into the song. This record is much bigger in sound and energy, it’s sexier and it’s more experimental and eclectic. What are you saying that others aren’t saying? I don’t think I am saying anything ground breaking or revolutionary. I think how I’m saying it is the interesting question. My point of view is what makes it unique and relatable and exciting. Everyone talks about love and relationships. I like Looking at the nooks and crannies of those emotions. Those can be big washes of emotion and I like looking at the detail of that. Less broad strokes and more detail. WHY WRITE? I think that music is the only way you allow yourself to feel things. I think when you put on a song, you surrender. It makes it okay to feel. There’s a reason why there is music that underscores a moment. It opens a door for you to feel something. It’s okay. I want to give people permission to feel what they’re feeling and not feel self-conscious. Whether that, “I want to get wasted right now,” or “I want to be really angry right now,” or “I really want to get over this break up.” If I can be that outlet for somebody, which I know I have been with the first album in some ways, that to me is the most gratifying and beautiful thing. It’s not about winning an award. It’s about getting that email from someone. I’ve had kids come out to me. That’s what music is about to me. It’s crazy and beautiful. That’s why I feel it’s important to write. “YOUNG KIND OF LOVE” RELEASES NOVEMBER 11. HEAD OVER TO WWW.JOEYCONTRERAS.COM FOR MORE! BLEEP 21
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THIS SUMMER, ONE GROUP SOARED, LITERALLY, THROUGH EACH ROUND OF THE NUMBER 1 RATED SHOW “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.” EACH TIME ACROARMY TOOK THE STAGE, THEY WOWED MILLIONS AND ENDED UP FINISHING IN 3RD PLACE. BLEEP 23
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Acroarmy is made up of USA Gymnastics National Team members Davis gathered them from 5 different gyms around the country where they have been training with their individual coaches for years. Athletes from Realis Gymnastics Academy in Riverside Calif., Aerial Tumbling and Acrobatics in San Jose, Calif., West Coast Training Center in Livermore, Calif., World Olympic Gymnastics Academy in Frisco, TX, and Emilia’s Acrobatics Gymnastics and Cheer in Baltimore, MD were able to take the talent show by storm because, “these coaches and the years of training they gave these athletes helped prepare them for a journey like the AGT one we just took,” choreography and mentor Arthur Davis said. A two-time World Champion acrobatic gymnast himself, we talked with Davis about performing on the stage at Radio City Music Hall and the future of the group. YOU AND SHENEA BOOTH, KNOWN AS THE DUO REALIS, MADE THE FINALS OF THE FIRST SEASON OF “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.” WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO AUDITION FOR AGT AGAIN, THIS TIME IN A DIFFERENT CAPACITY? Ever since I did the first season of the show, I know they’ve been looking for different acrobatic groups around the country. The timing wasn’t right, but this January, I thought I’d give it a shot. As soon as I said yes, everything started falling into place.
ACROBATIC GROUPS? These are all really high-level acrobatic gymnasts and they train year-round. The level of skill that’s available because of how hard they train is higher than any other acrobatic group. WHAT’S NEXT FOR ACROARMY? We have a lot of corporate and professional performances coming up all over, even in places like Dubai and India. We’ve sewn a lot of seeds with the show and we are taking advantage of what we were able to do. We also have some opportunities to perform on awards shows and collaborate with some of the other artists on AGT this season. There’s a great opportunity here and people haven’t seen this sport that much. Now that it’s been put out there, we have the chance to really showcase this artform. I’m going to be working with the troupe yearround now so we can create complicated, beautiful shows. It’s a great group of kids and we are trying to take advantage of every forum possible. The more different forms you can take, the better. WHY IS ACROARMY IMPORTANT? I think what’s important about the group is that they’re aren’t just a performing group. They perform with such heart and integrity and that’s what people take away. Working with people on a day-to-day basis and trusting people is a very human thing we can all relate to. FOR MORE AND PERFORMANCE DATES, HEAD OVER TO WWW.ACROARMY.COM
AFTER ONE OF THE GROUP MEMBERS COULDN’T PERFORM, YOU ENDED UP STEPPING IN AND PERFORMING ON THE STAGE AT RADIO CITY. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? I was hesitant at first because I had been retired for about five years now and performing with them was kinda a double-job. But when I embraced it, getting to create with them and perform with them was really special and it was an honor to perform again on the show. I loved it. WHAT DO YOU FEEL SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER BLEEP 25
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FROM THE SMALL SCREEN TO THE BIG SCREEN, MATTHEW DEL NEGRO IS ONE OF THE HARDEST WORKING ACTORS IN THE BUSINESS. WE CATCH UP WITH HIM TO TALK ABOUT STAGE, SCREEN AND YES, WORKING ON A LITTLE SHOW CALLED SCANDAL. YOU’VE WORKED ON SOME OF TVS BIGGEST SHOWS LIKE “THE SOPRANOS,” “THE WEST WING,” “CRIMINAL MINDS,” “THE GOOD WIFE,” “HAPPY ENDINGS,” “RIZZOLI AND ISLES,” “TEEN WOLF,” AND “UNITED STATES OF TARA.” WHAT DO YOU DO TO FIND YOUR CHARACTER WITHIN THE WORLD OF A SHOW THAT ALREADY EXISTS? It’s always a little bit varied depending on the role. The one general thing I like to do is start with a jumping off place. What are the characters’ main struggles, what are they going through – what am I going through in my own life that I can bring to the role? How can I meld my experiences with the character’s experiences? I try to go inside out and make it as authentic as possible. It starts out general and hopefully becomes more nuanced as it goes on. When I’m finding my place in the world within the show – part of it is studying the show. You watch episodes and get the tone and the style. Each show has its own style, even in the way you see scripts – there are different ways different shows handle stage directions. Some are funny, some are sparse, some are full. There’s a whole culture within each show. You try to pick up on the rhythms of the show and find what instrument you’re playing in their orchestra. YOU HAVE A RECURRING ROLE ON ONE OF TV’S BIGGEST AND CERTAINLY MOST BUZZWORTHY 30 BLEEP
SHOWS, “SCANDAL.” FIRST, WHAT’S IT LIKE ENTERING SHONDALAND AND THE FANDOM THAT ACCOMPANIES THAT? It’s a really nice group of people. I’ve never been at a table read where prior to reading the script, Betsy Beers will go around the table and introduce the guest cast and everyone cheers for them. You get different vibes on different shows and this is a happy set. These actors are psyched they are on this show, to get this material and are open to the guests that are coming through. In terms of the fandom, a lot of people watch it. I’ve kinda experienced that with other shows in the past with a loyal fanbase. It’s nice to be recognized and appreciated for your work. I’m grateful I get to work on it and thankful people are taking notice. HOW HAS THIS CHARACTER STRETCHED YOU AS AN ACTOR? It’s been an interesting journey so far on a lot of levels. One, I wasn’t really familiar with the show and I’ve since gone back and binged on it. It’s very stylized. I had the fortune of working on “The West Wing” and that had the same type of rapid fire dialogue. “Scandal” literally calls it “Scandal Pace” on set. My character is interesting because I have some scenes that have that rapid fire repartee and then there are scenes that have a type of breadth, like the bedroom scenes, that kind of stand-alone in the show. It’s like a gear switch for me and for my character. WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST FUN ASPECT OF BEING ON A SHOW THAT IS SUCH A BIG DEAL TO SO MANY PEOPLE? It’s nice that people are seeing your work. I don’t know that it affects the work quite as much as you’d think though. When you’re doing the actual work, you’re not thinking about what comes with it since you can’t really control that. In the beginning, the way they work, you really don’t know what’s coming. I have not known what’s coming from the get-go. So, I’ve chosen to play in the moment and gather the information as it comes. I’m taking it on faith and there’s something fun about not knowing where they are going with the character. Because my role is particularly racy, I was scared I was going to be this gratuitous guy who just takes his shirt off. On my second episode, I felt like they took what could have been one thing, and they spun it on its head and revealed he’s getting his MBA. There’s more to him than you think and that’s something that this show does really well. They flip things on their head.
SO YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WITH THE CHARACTER? Once you get to a certain number of episodes and you’re not under a contract, it’s all gravy and you ride the wave as long as it can be. In film and theatre – you know you’re character’s complete arc. You can map out a little bit where you are in the journey. In TV, it’s this collaborative, interesting mixture where you are collecting clues about yourself with each script. SHOWS IN SHONDALAND ARE NOTORIOUS FOR KEEPING THEIR PLOT POINTS UNDER WRAPS. HOW HAS THAT BEEN? They are all about privacy. I worked on “The Sopranos” and they did the same thing. I remember the first table read with “The Sopranos:” I went in, read it, I was walking out and they were like “no, you leave the script in the box.” That was another show that had such a loyal fan base. The other day, someone called me “Cousin Brian.” They still remember specific parts
Clockwise: Del Negro with Julianna Marguiles in “The Good Wife;” with Yunjin Kim in “Mistresses;” with Angie Harmon in “Rizzoli & Isles;” with Portia De Rossi in “Scandal.”
of that character. I feel like fans of “Scandal” know the show, appreciate the show and it’s a real passion. SWITCHING GEARS, YOU WROTE, DIRECTED, PRODUCED AND STARRED IN THE SHORT FILM, “CHRISTMAS BREAK.” WHAT DID THAT TEACH YOU ABOUT YOURSELF? WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS REGARDING CREATING YOUR OWN WORK/ TELLING YOUR OWN STORIES? If you ask any actor who isn’t a huge star, their biggest gripe is that they aren’t seen enough, heard enough and want to express more than they are expressing. A lot of actors have a desire to tell stories. I certainly do. I was an English major in college, and I wouldn’t call myself a writer, but I’m always tinkering with one thing or another. My wife was pregnant with my son and I felt like I should make something before we had kids because I didn’t know how much time I’d have afterward. That worked as a motivator to get it done and I’m proud of that. I was proud of the
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HELPED YOU STAY FIT? There’s a strong correlation between athletics and YOU WERE A PART OF A.C.T.’S PRODUCTION OF the performing arts. If you played team sports, there’s DAVID MAMET’S “SPEED THE PLOW” IN SAN a dependence on your teammates. It requires a large FRANCISCO. ANY PLANS TO RETURN TO THE amount of self-discipline to train on your own and STAGE? work on your skills. You have to be a student of the I would love to go back to the stage. I haven’t done game and get along with others - those aspects are a lot of theatre in the last ten years and it comes down very similar to being an actor. I feel like mentally, my to my two little kids and my wife. There’s a lot of life athletic background has served me the most in my going on and it has to be the right time and finances career. It was beaten into me at a young age that and a lot of things that go into it. At some point, I’ll do you need to have a specific goal, you’re going to get another play. knocked down and you need to be able to get back up and move forward. That comes in really handy as THERE’S INCREDIBLY LUCRATIVE WORK TO BE an actor. FOUND IN VIDEO GAMES. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR In terms of the physical aspect, this is new to me. WORK IN VIDEO GAMES LIKE SOCOM 4: U.S. NAVY I’ve played physical characters, but taking off my SEALS, L.A. NOIRE AND MASS EFFECT 3. shirt is not something I’ve done a bunch. This is semiI fell into the first video game almost by accident. I new to me. Paul Newman said, ‘Don’t take your shirt thought it was just a voiceover audition and it turned off, you’ll upstage yourself.’ It’s a challenge, because into being “SOCOM 4.” I’m not a gamer myself, so I you’re really out there and exposed. don’t know any of these games really, but that turned into something big. We would go down to San Diego WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? to this studio where there were 64 different cameras, More “Scandal.” I’m riding that wave until it’s over I would wear the lycra suits with all the sensors on it for my character. In February, “Teen Wolf” starts up and pretend I was in a war. again and I’m coming back to that. A movie I shot this Commercial voiceovers have been a god-send for summer with Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara me and my family. I was shooting “The West Wing” that’s currently called “Don’t Mess With Texas” is and another show in Canada and they both ended coming out on Mother’s Day. I describe it as a female at the same time. I ended up booking a really good “Midnight Run.” They’re hysterical together and have campaign and that led to a bit of a voice over career great chemistry. I have a really fun role in that. which has been very much appreciated. I’ll always be an actor first, but I hope I’m always ushering stories into the world. Years ago, Chris THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND FITNESS IS Messina and I had a theatre company we did and he SOMETHING BLEEP READERS ARE INTERESTED just had a movie that went to Tribeca and I directed IN. YOU PLAYED SPORTS IN COLLEGE – HAS THAT the scenes he was in. All of these like-minded artists have come together and hopefully we are going to bring this thing out into the world. Along those same lines, I am working on “The Long Run” a film Chris is attached to direct and the script is being written by Jessica Goldberg. It’s about a New York City firefighter who was run over during the transit strike, was given a 5 percent chance to live and not only did he come back, he ran the NYC Marathon three years later. Myself and Colin Macintosh optioned the book. So that’s really exciting. logistics of it, I was wearing a bunch of different hats.
FOR MORE ON MATTHEW, YOU CAN SEE HIM ON “SCANDAL” ON ABC, ON “TEEN WOLF” AND FOLLOW HIM AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/MATTHEWDELNEGRO BLEEP 33
EMAIL US FOR DETAILS THEBLEEPMAG@GMAIL.COM
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David Paul Kay moved to New York City from Georgia, a small Eastern European nation that, in his words is “a country that unless Russia bombs it, no one hears about.” Having lived in the States as an exchange student and been back multiple times on business trips when he worked for the US government, he made his move permanent in 2008.
even my mother.” The news of how minorities are treated on basis of sexual preference in Eastern Europe has been a topic of conversation for the past few years and unfortunately, David experienced it first-hand. But leaving for the States allowed him the opportunity to completely transform his life, live openly and begin creating art on his own terms. “I was always creating, painting and experimenting “To put it simply,” he explains, “I was very successful in different types of media. It was always there but I there. I was the host of a morning TV show and didn’t have the right platform and I was distracted by was fairly recognizable. But Georgia is incredibly other things. I didn’t have a chance to concentrate on homophobic. I was closeted and was gay-bashed, so I my art. Since I moved to the New York, the city has had the choice of either dying or leaving the country. absolutely impacted my art. It was once I moved to So, I was supposed to be on the air at 7 a.m. and my the city that I established my style and art became my plane to America took off at 4 a.m. No one knew, not source of income.” Having always created art on the side, but now David has been able to make it both the passion of his life, New York City being his biggest inspiration. “If you look at my art, it’s intricate, it’s intense, there’s a lot happening and it’s chaotic, but there’s a system. Everything works together. If you zoom out, that’s exactly like Manhattan. When I dig in, there’s a lot going on. Everything is changing, there’s always something going on. It’s a small space where you can do a lot. That’s what New York is to me.” While his work is incredibly intricate, it’s also born from a basic concept: black and white. “Less actually is more,” he says. “I learned that black and white is the best way for me to do what I do. When I started, I used color but as it went on, I found black and white is more classic and makes more of a statement.” This black and white statement is something that is garnering him new fans daily, and the fact that his art has found an ever-increasing audience is not lost on David. “I’ve experienced this [notoriety] before, just in a 38 BLEEP
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different way. When I was doing the TV show, people knew who I was but I found the experience very fake. The concept of ‘celebrity’ is very fake. But now, in this case, it’s very different because I’m being honest. This is me. I feel like I’m gaining more followers because of that.” The ability to connect to people on social media has been a godsend for David and has allowed him to show his art in a new way. Up next for David is collaborating with a fashion label to infuse his art with wearable fashion. “It’s time to take another step up on the ladder and take my art to the next level,” he said. He’s also curating a series of art shows at G-Lounge in New York, bringing in up-and-coming photographers and giving them a chance to display their work in front of a larger audience. G-Lounge is also the site of a work of David’s. On the walls of the club is a 6000 square foot, non-replicating, work that is one of, if not the largest, works of its kind in America. His works can be seen covering rooftops, on clothing, in short films, on models in campaigns and more. He explains that with each new opportunity he is afforded, he looks at it as a new first step. Not afraid to grow and evolve, he says of the past eight years, “I’ve actually discovered myself as people have been discovering me. It’s a great feeling.” FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.DAVIDPAULKAY.COM
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Burlesque, boylesque, aerial artists and hula hoopers. We talk to some of the most awesome performers around the world.
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When Travis Ti was a kid, he had two dreams growing up. One, to be a stripper and two, to join the circus. After taking gymnastics when he was younger, and being a part of the cheerleading teams in high school and in college at UNLV, he discovered Aerial Revolution where he began taking circus classes and has been addicted ever since.
-- mostly ballet and musical theatre. Ballet is all about technique, lines, and precision. Theatre is all about playing the character -- the dramatics of the art. One number I did, I was inspired by “Mister Cellophane” from the musical Chicago and I have also done a “cheeky” number from Cabaret called “Two Ladies.” I have been inspired from other shows such as Moulin Rouge, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the Wizard of Oz.
AERIAL PERFORMING IS DIFFICULT. PURE AND SIMPLE. HOW DO YOU FOCUS ON ENSURING YOUR SAFETY WHILE ALSO FOCUSING ON PERFORMING? Safety is always a first priority for me. When I train, I always train with mats and have someone there to be ready in case anything goes wrong. I will not perform a movement/trick until I feel 100% comfortable with it in training. With circus, you always have to be mindful of the danger you are in and one of the best ways to do this is to always have a “special” fear that forces you to respect the danger of the art. I trained once with a 3rd generation Russian circus performer who said “If you’re not afraid to be in the air, then you don’t deserve to be in the air.” It sounds better with a Russian accent.
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE IN YOUR FIELD? I think what makes me unique is the fact that I am willing to play absurd characters. For example, I did a number satirizing female aerial artists in which I dressed up in horrendous drag and did a “slapsticky” comedic aerial routine. This character was inspired by an old gymnastic coach I had, Paul Hunt, who would dress up as Paulette Huntinova and did these hilarious women’s gymnastics routines. Go to YouTube and look up “Paulette Huntinova” -- he’s a riot! I have also done a number for a burlesque troupe where I played a flying, stripping, nun. I am not afraid to play characters that wouldn’t be considered “elegant” or “beautiful” like the Halloween show I just did where I played a scary, gory clown. I unfortunately, and fortunately, scared a few kids and a few adults in the process.
WHAT’S THE APPEAL OF AERIAL WORK? Besides the awesomeness of being 10+ feet in the air doing cool tricks and performing feats you never thought your body could do, I have met a great circle of friends in my circus days. Characters from all walks of life who are genuine, kind, caring folk. Also, the thrill and love of the art and simply my love for performing will continue to hold its appeal. Luckily, I do aerial for fun and that keeps it from getting mundane. It’s not my main source of income by any means and in fact, I probably invest more monetarily than I get out. I guess you would call it my “night gig” and I love it. I would also have to say the constant fact that I am able to continuously push myself to improve my art and always getting opportunities to create something new keeps it from becoming boring. WHAT OTHER ARTFORMS INSPIRE THE WORK YOU DO? Besides cirque, I get a lot of inspiration from dance
WHAT’S COMING UP NEXT FOR YOU? Actually, I was just was accepted to join the Circus Collective of San Diego. They are a group of local San Diego circus artists that get together to create amazing shows that are a mixture of the modern circus, like Cirque du Soleil, and traditional circus that ranges from Ringling Brothers to the traditional “Sideshow.” I am very excited and anxious to start working with them. I also have an opportunity to work with Lola Demure, a famous burlesque artist, and if nothing else, the studio I am a part of, Aerial Revolution, will continue to do their quarterly shows. They are currently getting ready for their upcoming holiday show in December. Who knows what other shows and gigs will come in my future but I am excited to find out. For more on Travis, follow him at www.twitter.com/hapatrav and at www.facebook.com/Travis.Ti BLEEP 47
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tro This athlete turned performer is making a name for himself in burlesque and pushing himself to join the artful with the acrobatic.
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WHEN DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH ACROBATICS? I was born with a love of acrobatics! Since a young age, I was always captivated by any form of performance art. Watching performers take on characters and immerse themselves within a moment, for me, was simply magical. I started off as a competitive athlete and only made the transition to performer after injuries prevented me from progressing further as an athlete. Hard tumbling and high dismounts were too taxing on the body; I found that through performing, the focus was more toward the artisty than how many flips could be done in a row. WHAT IS ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PERFORMING VENUES IN MELBOURNE? Thus far, I am finding that the smaller/more intimate venues are my very favourite. I recently had a gig at the Fitzroy Town Hall which is this gorgeous old historical building with an incredible atmosphere and feel.
I am currently on the hunt for new and undiscovered spots around Melbourne. The wonderful thing about this city is the mixture of modern architecture with old history. My ultimate venue would be a 1930’s style underground cabaret club. I am envious of artists who were around to perform in that era. WHAT’S THE APPEAL OF BURLESQUE? Believe it or not, when I am not in character, I find flirtation a mess of jumbled sentences and sweaty palms; while I stage, it becomes seamless and a rush. Burlesque, for me, is the fantasy of the chase; the true art of seduction. I love how sexy and provocative it becomes without crossing into crudeness or profanity. Artistic and classy, why would you not love it! I guess it offers me an escape from any drama or insecurities, it is impossible to not feel sexy while performing. WHAT IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ARTFORM? At this point in time the aerial hoop is my thing. I tend to go through phases with apparatus’ but so far have found hoop to be something I was able to pick up quite easily and the injuries seem to be few and far between. I like the ability to be very dynamic with routine possibilities. The hoop allows for dimension with spins, hangs and balances. There is a lot of room for creativity and variations. Spinning really fast is super fun! Next favourite is good old floor acrobatics and mild contortion. Jumping back to gymnastics has always been my go to. The great thing is that it can done basically anywhere - I once even had a gig on a bar very Coyote Ugly inspired. I also try to incorporate this into my hoop routines so as to not restrict myself just to the confines of the hoop. If (and only if ) I ever fall out of my hoop, I can always pretend it was supposed to happen and improvise some flips and stretches. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM ANOTHER PERFORMER? Hopefully people do see me as unique. In the world of performing artists, you must be unique
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in order to be sustainable. Originality is vital but also one of the most difficult aspects to achieve. I am discovering that just about everything has already been done. I try to keep my song choices a little off-centre as well as [my] costuming/makeup. I tend to dip into genres without fully taking them on. Some costumes are inspired by androgyny while others take on a more gothic appearance. I don’t want to pin myself within a specific genre so I try to ensure that my look remains “conventional” enough to appeal to a wide audience. Physically, I am slightly taller and more built than a lot other aerialists which I guess helps to fill out costumes. In my performances, I often have a section of lip syncing or more theatrical rather than acrobatic moments. I don’t often see this in other aerialists. For me, it appears to be more a burlesque quality. Perhaps in future I would like to try singing live during a performance. For me the most important thing with my routines is to display emotion. I want my audience to feel. If, at the end of the day, I have not made my audience experience some form of emotion, then I have failed as a performer. I cannot prose to me the most skilled, flexible or technical act you have ever seen; however I promise to deliver emotion and honesty. There has been times where I have teared up or become lost in a performance. So much in fact that my overall routine was effected. While these were not my most technical performances or I may have missed a trick or two, I consider them my more favourite and successful. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? Allow a man to dream for a second. Performing alongside some like the amazing Dita Von Teese or joining Pink on tour would of course be more than a dream come true! Back to reality and my current short term plan is to just get back to creating routines and show reels, get myself out there and work up a large volume of routines. As mentioned, I would like to venture into some other apparatus like silks and maybe pole to give my act more variety. I do still want to pursue more acting and modelling jobs, hopefully finding an agent soon as well to assist me get to where I want to be. I will be sure to keep every posted on what is to come. For more on TRO, head over to www.facebook.com/theofficialTRO
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Established in 2010, Black Diamond Burlesque was born from the realization that Sarasota needed a sexy jump start. Laura Daniel Gale felt the Gulf Coast was ready and Black Diamond was born.
and a Black Diamond show includes variety and live music that has a vintage feel. “It is important to us to keep every show fresh,” Gale said. “Like all seduction, surprises are a key factor! Including guest stars from other troupes, and even performers from New York City, keeps each show unique and appealing.” One important component of burlesque is empowerment. Black Diamond want that feeling to “I had owned an indie art boutique for over five years spread to the audience as well. “Over the last few years,” Gale said,” We have at this point and had made wonderful community and media connections,” Gale said. “Having been involved presented ‘Bump-n-Grind workshops,’ where we in producing some rather edgy fashion shows, I was teach boa, stocking, glove work, along with the piece de resistance: tassel twirling! Watching our drawn to the idea of producing a full length show. “I reached out to an established friend who had students boldly blossom during this two hour class begun performing burlesque in the Tampa area, is remarkable. Embracing our bodies and sensuality and asked if she would assist in creating a scene is empowering, and we give these ladies a safe, fun place to do it!” here. That friend, Miss Petite Coquette (Virginia Black Diamond has Hughes) jumped at the grown over the past idea and reached out to four years to now other dancers she knew include nine-to twelve would be part a wellperformers per show rounded cast.” and includes amazing Within six weeks of variety and vaudeville their first meeting, acts, including five-time Black Diamond stepped Guinness World Record onto stage to a fullholder Bill Berry. The house. At that show, official tag line may be Gale was approached “Sprinkling glitter in your by Les McCurdy, owner cocktails since 2010,” but of McCurdy’s Comedy Gale said she says “Black Theatre, and he gave the Diamond Burlesque: Burlesque a home venue Celebrating all versions of beauty.” That’s something that allowed them a place to grow. “We came out of the gate with the promise to everyone can get on board with. keep our show elegant and classy,” Gale said. “Yes, it is sexy. Yes, it is striptease. But always with an old- Find out more at school flavor. Gorgeous costuming, classic music, www.blackdiamondburlesque.com and just the right amount of naughtiness keeps Black and be sure to follow at www.facebook.com/blackdiamondburlesque Diamond Burlesque at a level we are very proud of.” The art of the tease has always been provocative,
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CHECK OUT OUR BACK ISSUES AT WWW.BLEEPMAG.COM
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EMAIL US FOR DETAILS THEBLEEPMAG@GMAIL.COM
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LONDON BASED PHILLIP ANTONY PERFORMS ALL OVER THE UK AND REGULARLY IN AMSTERDAM AND GENEVA. WHAT BEGAN AS AN IMPROMPTU AUDITION FOR A CRUISE SHIP HAS RESULTED IN 15 YEARS OF PERFORMING.
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or as threatening. I think I am good at winning over men. My first act I created is based on “American Pie” in which I play an awkward geek having Skype sex which is also something many men identify with. I get told after shows “mate I’ve totally done stripped for my bird on Skype,” which is always fun to hear!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? I have a few new acts that I am working on which I am learning new skills for, and I am also fortunate to be working on a duet with Kitty Bang Bang which we want to send to compete in the Burlesque Hall NOW THAT YOU’VE BEEN AT IT FOR A FEW Of Fame in Las Vegas. The Male show I am involved YEARS, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT in Boylexe, will be starting up again soon, which is BOYLESQUE? something very different to other Cabaret/Burlesque I love how I am in creative charge of what I perform. shows out there. We have our acts that we do but also None more so than this summer [when] I created perform monologues about being involved in the a duet about a painful breakup. I performed it at industry - one of which is very personal to me as it’s “Between The Sheets” at London Wonderground about my experience. Spiegeltent to great reviews, as it was something new to the burlesque scene. For more on Phillip, follow him at www.twitter.com/phillipantony1 and at WHAT’S KEEPS YOUR BURLESQUE ACT FROM www.instagram.com/phillipantony1 BECOMING “BUSINESS-AS-USUAL?” Every audience is different and they are in such close proximity, if you get in amongst them, you feed off their reaction. Some people will go with what you do, and some will freak out - which makes you want to win them over. HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY INTEGRATE AN ARTFULNESS INTO YOUR PERFORMING? For myself, in all my acts I try and do something different. Sometimes it starts with the music and sometimes with an idea or a visual. The fact is that they are my ideas and personal to me. They become my babies and my way of performing is my art. Like most art, some people like some of my numbers but not others.
Photo By Suelan from Ladies of Noir
HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF THE LONDON BURLESQUE SCENE? I got into Boylesque [because] one of my best friends had been involved in a troupe in London for years. The brains behind the troupe, Miss Polly Rae, had seen me perform in the musical “Chicago” and had an idea to have boys in her show. I was in a musical in Germany at the time and we began throwing ideas back and forth about solos. That was almost 3 years ago now and since then, I have started to make a name on the London Burlesque scene.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM ANOTHER PERFORMER ON THE SCENE? I am very lucky as in the UK, there are not that many Boylesquers so I have had a chance to make my stamp on the industry here. I have been described as “Geeky Beefcake” which I like, as I a lot of my performance choices are based in comedy. I have predominately performed in straight venues and I find comedy is a great way of disarming men in groups or in couples. Then they don’t see me as a sexual object BLEEP 65
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WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY SO FAR? Kenya: Some of the highlights so far for me was when we performed and opened for the 40th Annual Pix 11 Halloween Parade. It was my first time being on television! Most recently, my 68 BLEEP
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Photo By Julianna Rusakiewicz
The Glamazons aren’t your average singing group. Created by Meryl Sherwood in 2001, The Glamazons gained notoriety on the second season of “America’s Got Talent,” making the Top 8. The line-up of the group may have changed since then, but their mission hasn’t: To show the world that talent comes in all sizes. We talk with the new generation of Glamazons - Tina, Kenya, Emma, and Megan - about what makes this group so dynamic.
biggest highlight was recording our first music video for our first single “Movie Star.” It was my first music video and I thought it was going to be easy, but I was wrong. It was a lot of hard work. Being in 4 inch heels for 16 hours is not easy, but we all got through it and it was so worth it. Emma: We also had an amazing show in Albany for their Pride festival. We opened for disco diva Thelma Houston and Melissa Etheridge even made a surprise appearance. We gained a large group of younger fans at that show who keep up with us on all our social media. Tina: Yes, I think that was a very special moment for all of us. Over 10,000 people were at that festival and their overwhelming response of love and support put us all in tears. Megan: Being a Glamazon has given us the opportunity for so many special highlights. From meeting Sir Ian McKellen to performing in the incredible Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Broadway Bares. But the thing that stands out the most to me is getting to talk to the fans after the shows and finding out how much we have inspired them. Tina: And not to get too deep, but I think that
Photo By Noxie Studio Photography
Tina: Follow your dreams and shake it! The Glamazons are all about embracing who you are. For anyone who has ever been told, “No.” I want the audience to walk away and feel inspired to be you! Be fearless!
the biggest highlight for me is that becoming a Glamazon has made me find my voice. I found a sense of self-worth, self-love, and empowerment. That is a gift I will always be thankful for. WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE AS A GROUP? Megan: What makes us unique as a group is that we break all the rules of what society and the entertainment world says what talent and sexy is. We are four strong, voluptuous, talented and proud women of body empowerment and self-worth. Emma: These are some of the fiercest most fearless girls I know and it’s because we have had to overcome so much stigma to make it in this industry.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO. Kenya: The Glamazons first single called “Movie Star” is written by Michelangelo Sosnowitz and produced by Lemon Shark Productions. The song is about every girl and boys dreams of becoming a movie star and how hard you have to work to become one. I’m in love with the song. It just makes me want to get up and dance every time I hear it. The music video is very sexy, glamorous and fun. We even had a Ferrari. We got to wear Designs from NAKI MULI and Kiyonna swimwear. I can’t wait for everyone to see it! WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU? Tina: We are currently embarking on a college radio campaign for “Movie Star.” The music video, produced by Mattioli Productions will debut the beginning of November. We will continue touring around New York City to promote, so check our website at theglamazons.com for all of our upcoming performances. We are also getting back in the studio with Lemon Shark Productions to record our EP, so watch out! Another single will be busting out shortly! FOR MORE ABOUT THE GLAMAZONS, FOLLOW THEM AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/THEGLAMAZONS.
Tina: We sing live, we dance, we are not a size 2, and we are not afraid to work it like Britney or Beyonce! WHAT DO YOU HOPE IS THE AUDIENCE TAKEAWAY FROM YOUR SHOWS? Megan: What I can only hope the audience takes away from seeing The Glamazons is love. Love yourself and own it. No matter what shape, size, color, gender, orientation - you can do whatever you want. As long as you work hard for it. BLEEP 69
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with the best directors and choreographers. At 25, I attended an audition for an acrobatic dance company and I got the job. There, I’ve started learning aerial acrobatics disciplines like aerial hoop and aerial silks. I was completely enchanted by what I was doing. I finally was living my dream and I was flying too! In a short time, I got more and more contracts as an acrobat and, after having worked for Leona Lewis in her European tour, I decided to dedicate myself almost exclusively to aerial acrobatic disciplines, trying to become one of the best aerialists in the world.
WHAT YOU DO IS A MIXTURE OF STRENGTH AND ARTISTIC LINES AND MOVEMENT. HOW DO YOU FOCUS ON ENSURING YOUR SAFETY WHILE ALSO HOW DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH ACROBATICS? Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the FOCUSING ON PERFORMING? It is not easy to have everything under control and circus and the artists flying in the air. It always made me stand open-mouthed! Whenever I could, I climbed give the impression that there is no effort or control trees to the top to get the feeling of flying high. I in what you do. I have to say thank you to all the years that I spent studying dance technique and never thought I would be able to fulfill that dream. I met my first dance teacher, Antonella Mita, and she saw something in me. At the end of the lesson, she encouraged me to return the next day. In a week, I began to study modern, classical and contemporary dance and at the end of the school year, I had my first work contracts. I cannot thank Antonella enough for pushing me to escape from the usual stereotypes, even going against the common thought of my hometown. At the end of the summer, I started working as a dancer and I moved to Rome with two scholarships to study dance to improve my technique. For many years, I worked as a dancer on television programs, in films and in many theater productions throughout Europe
Photo by Francisco Rivero
From the ages of five to sixteen, Davide Zongoli was a competitive swimmer, but realizing that it wasn’t something he wanted to pursue further and after a year of trying every other sport he could find, he was forced to look in a new direction. That’s when he tried out a modern dance class for fun and ended up finding not only a new direction, but a new passion.
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working as a dancer in theatre productions [because] with the passing of years, my body has developed its own memory and, depending on what I have to do, it automatically moves a specific way. There are movements and positions of the limbs that are recorded by the muscles that work without my full attention. In this way, I am free to concentrate on other things. For example: the feet. Now, I don’t think to stretch my feet at all times because it’s something that happens automatically when they rise from the ground. In fact, when I do a walk in the air around the pole, I have to concentrate to flex them to give the impression to climb stairs, otherwise they would be permanently stretched.
I have always had a strong ability to learn and when I drew, (a skill that I have from childhood) I could faithfully recreate what I saw. Thanks to this, I learned to dance and fly in a short time and I used the same concentration, and meticulous attention of detail to recreate movements and sequences. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? At the moment, I am engaged in a really great Spanish show: “THE HOLE.” It is a sexy show featuring both comedy and acrobatic performances. My character was made especially for me when I joined the company. You should come to see it because it’s really amazing.
WHAT’S THE APPEAL OF CREATING ART For more on Davide, follow him at www.Twitter. PHYSICALLY, WITH YOUR BODY? com/DavideZongoli The appeal is being, yourself, art in motion. You don’t just create something like it happens in many other arts, you have to draw your body as a painter would, feel the emotions as an actor would, and dance to the music as if it could get out from your gestures and movements. In this way, you become art. I don’t think there are many things comparable and charming like this.
WHAT INSPIRES THE ART YOU CREATE? Inspiration can come from anything at any time. From a book I read, from a show I watch, from a manga or just from a walk through the center of Rome. It can also come from a deck of cards. In fact, a new project was just born [that way] and I hope to [make that happen] as soon as possible. WHAT YOU DO IS AN EXTREMELY SPECIALIZED SKILL, BUT WHAT DO YOU FEEL MAKES YOU STAND OUT FROM OTHERS WHO MIGHT DO SOMETHING SIMILAR? My preparation and study of different forms of arts, and the ability to connect them together in harmony.
Photo by Charlie Ferrer
FOR YOUR ART, YOU HAVE TO STAY INCREDIBLY FIT. HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THAT? Dedicating myself almost exclusively to this. Every day, I train for both sports (gym and acrobatic exercises) and dance (dance lessons and choreography). In this way, the body is constantly balanced between the two things and allows me to create more complete performances.
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Founder of MoonDrop Circus and now a part of Pendulum Aerial Arts, Luna Breeze (as she is known in the hooping community) fell in love with performing at a “String Cheese Incident” concert. “I was fourteen at the time,” she says, “and I remember watching a hula hooper dance gracefully on stage, doing impressive stunts I had never seen before. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I want to try this one day.’ It wasn’t until I turned 18 that I finally picked up a hula hoop.”
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Photo by Todd Norris
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Photo by Pendulum Aerial Art/McDermott Studios
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HOOPING IS A MIXTURE OF STRENGTH AND ARTISTIC LINES, BALANCE AND MOVEMENT. HOW DO YOU FOCUS ON MAKING ALL OF THOSE THINGS HAPPEN WHILE ALSO FOCUSING ON PERFORMING? It is a lifelong processes of studying, experimentation, training, and trial and error. In the beginning, I was fascinated by the complex, and vast array of tricks that could be executed with the hula hoop. I picked my favorites, and through a process of trial and error, I taught myself how to do them. I was constantly researching different styles of hula hooping on the internet, studying impressive artists who came before me. I was captivated the accuracy and skill level found in traditional circus hula-hoop, the flexibility found in rhythmic gymnastics, and unique mastery of “flow” exhibited in modern hoop dancing. I wanted to combine the skills I loved most from each style, into one. I achieve my lines through cross-training in multiple disciplines, for studying the work of my peers, through eating well, working hard, and putting myself out there; raw, exposed, and open. I seek out the coaches that will tell me to try harder, and to push me to do better. I don’t expect that I can do it alone, and I allow my community to part of my process. YOU STARTED PURSUING CIRCUS LATER THAN MOST. HOW HAS THAT MADE YOU UNIQUE? I didn’t begin seeking real professional coach until I was 25. Many circus artists start young. In America, it is not uncommon to begin professional training around the age of 16-18, but in places like Europe or Russia, many people begin with some kind of dance or gymnastics around the age of 8. I played the cello, and painted pictures, now I’m a circus artist. That’s a stretch. I also view myself as a sort of bridge between two styles. I came from what is known as the “flow arts” community. It’s a sort of DIY open share community of people that spin props such as hula-hoops or Poi, for the love of it. This community has given birth to a whole new style of movement with circus props, primary based off experimentation, creating never before seen tricks, stemming from free-flow improvisation. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP GOING IN SUCH A TOUGH INDUSTRY? It certainly wasn’t a choice, being an artist, and it has its challenges, but I have always been in the act of creation and I couldn’t have it any other way. My
pursuit of circus has opened my eyes to so many creative ways of living, thinking, and growing, that I don’t think I would’ve found otherwise. What keeps me going? First and foremost, my community. If you are on the pursuit of becoming a professional circus artist, my first piece of advice is to find a community that will support you, and help you achieve your dreams. That is what Pendulum Aerial Art is for me now, and that is what MoonDrop Circus, and my extended Hoop Dance community has been for me from the beginning. Having these incredible friendships, peers, and opportunities is what keeps me going. I used to be fueled, by the prospect of being seen as “the best” or “hitting the biggest stage”, but as I grow as an artist, it is the prospect of inspiring people through my art that fuels me most. My community helps me do that. I have been giving the most precious gift, the chance to follow my dreams, and whether I hit “the biggest stage” or not, as long as I pass on the gift of inspiration, and helped others to achieve their dreams, my journey will be complete. WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU WORKING NOW? Currently I am performing and coaching with Pendulum Aerial Arts, in Portland, Oregon. We are always on the horizon of creation, conceptualizing new shows, rehearsing for current ones, working with visiting guest artists, and touring our production “High Art.” Performing with Pendulum has helped me step up my game as an artist, and is constantly pushing me to create new works that push my boundaries as an artist and a coach. I feel very lucky to have been asked to join the professional company after completing the professional track program. Besides working with Pendulum, my sister and I hold two hula-hoop intensives, “In-Depth” and “Initiate” on the Big Island of Hawaii, bringing some of the best coaches from around the world to teach an intimate group of 25 hula-hoop at Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center for one week. This happens every year in January. Initiate is the beginners hula-hoop track, followed my “In-Depth” the advanced hulahoop intensive. We like to call it “boot camp” for hula hoopers. For more on Luna, follow her at www.twitter.com/ luna_breeze and at www.lunabreezeperformance. com and check out Pendulum Aerial Arts at www. pendulumaerialarts.org
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star. dancer. creator. performer.
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Photo By Hamid Mousa
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Photo By Hamid Mousa
RHYS BOBRIDGE GREW UP IN ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA WHERE HE WORKED AS A CHILD MODEL DOING BROCHURES AND PARADES. “I COULDN’T HELP BUT WALK TO THE BEAT OF THE MUSIC DURING SHOWS AND WAS PROMPTLY THROWN INTO PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES,” HE SAID. SINCE THEN, HE’S TOURED IN CABARET SHOWS, WORKED IN THEME PARKS, AND WAS THE RUNNER-UP ON AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SEASON OF “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.” NOW LIVING IN SYDNEY, HE HAS MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF AS ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST IN PERFORMANCE ART AND IN THE NIGHTLIFE SCENE.
it’s actually about connection. “I’m a very visual person so I always strive for a very complete and consistent look for myself and my performers,” he said. “It’s all well and good to have lovely looking people on the stage, however, if they don’t have a connection to the crowd and the music then you may as well dress the stage with glamorous mannequins.” Speaking of lovely looking people, in his line of performing, Bobridge has to stay incredibly fit. He said the key, for him, is doing what he loves. “I’m actually a bit of a slob so staying in shape requires effort on my behalf,” he said. “I try to do the things I actually enjoy doing to stay fit like cycling, swimming and yoga. Dancing is the best form of cardio though I think.” But more than a lovely looking mannequin, Bobridge feels one of the traits that makes him unique in a nightlife crowded with dancers is his ability to continue to evolve. “I guess I pride myself in being a bit of a chameleon in the sense that I can transform and assimilate into any situation or aesthetic that I please,” Bobridge explains. “I get bored pretty easily and my appearance has changed a lot over the years. I hope to keep evolving.” Part of that evolution includes SPUNKZ, his Sydneybased all male dance troupe that works around Australia and who offer “a sexy and masculine alternative to the shows often seen on the scene.” In addition to dancing, he’s looking to make waves in all of the areas of the arts that he takes inspiration from: music, fashion, photography and makeup artistry. ”I feature in a short film called ‘Criticism’ coming out For many nightlife performers, doing the same thing night after night can become “business-as- towards the end of the year and I’m working on my usual,” but Bobridge says the key to avoiding that is to brand of dancing boys ‘SPUNKZ’ as well as a matching line of swim/underwear, ‘SPUNKZ TRUNKZ’.” stay challenged. “Going into something you haven’t tried before without fear of failure,” he says is the key to staying interested. “For me, making dazzling costumes with no budget is enough of a challenge!” Dazzling costumes are only part of the way Bobridge integrates artfulness into his performances. He says
FOR MORE ON RHYS, FOLLOW HIM AT WWW. TWITTER.COM/RHYSBOBRIDGE AND CHECK OUT SPUNKZ AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESPUNKZ
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