Gambit's CUE, May 2017

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BEAUT Y

M AY 2 0 1 7

SPRING FA SHION

HAVANA MEETS NOLA Cuban-inspired styles for the season

FLORAL PATTERNS

FOR FASHION AND HOME COMPLETE

HOME DECOR

WITH CEILING

TREATMENTS

BOOKS THAT

INTRODUCE KIDS TO

WORLD CULTURES

Summer collections

arriving now.

Stop in and have our expert stylists find you the perfect wardrobe.

Look by Joie

474 Metairie Road, Suite 102 Metairie LA 504.835.5250 www.febeclothing.com www.facebook.com/febeclothing

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C U E • M AY 2017

CONTENTS 6 9

New & Cool

11

Built in style

18

Festival survival kit

21

Fitness

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13

25 FASHION

Spring fashion takes a trip to Havana

Editor’s letter

26

Flowers bloom on fashion and home goods

Clothing • Gifts • Jewelry Costumes • Accessories

“Ceiling” the deal on home decor

Accessories to get the best of the outdoors

Komenka’s international dance classes

CUE Kids

2038 Magazine St New Orleans iheartmiette.com

A new subscription service teaches kids about the world

Resources

Wear + Where

Maritza Mercado-Narcisse takes us out after Jazz Fest M AY. 2 0 1 7 <<<

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f rom t he ed itor

*** WE’VE MOVED! *** 4119 Magazine St. • 504-891-7 443 BUFFALOEXCHANGE.COM •

CUE GOES GLOBAL THIS MAY with features that we hope will give you a little “cultcha,” as Vic and Nat’ly would say.

To showcase spring fashions, we recreated Havana in the courtyard of a Faubourg Marigny restaurant with lush greenery and bright pops of color. The sultry weather took care of itself.

For the kids, we bring you a monthly subscription box of books and activities that explore the history and customs of world cultures. For adults, we sit down with the directors of Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music Ensemble to talk about why learning traditional regional steps (like a Spanish bolero or a Polish mazurka) is great for the body and the mind.

Speaking of dancing, Maritza Mercado-Narcisse of the Narcisse Movement Project tells us where to go after festing all day, and what to wear when we get there.

Jazz Fest approaches, and festival season is still just revving up. CUE suggests a few items to throw in your bag to make the most of it, including a foot

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treatment that will make you a believer in essential oils (if you aren’t already).

We also show off beautiful floral prints in honor of springtime — even the dog is going to look festive in a flower-printed collar.

Last week, I met Kara Nelson, the original editor of CUE (pictured above). You never know where life will take you. Enjoy your travels, but don’t forget: There’s no place like home.

Yours in peace, love and crawfish hands.

MARGO DUBOS CEO + pre sident JEANNE EXNICIOS FOSTER publ isher KATHERINE M. JOHNSON editor DORA SISON pro duc t ion dire c tor

EDITORIAL

ad ver t ising adminis t rator

managing editor

Kandace Power Graves cont r ibut ing wr iter s

Sarah Ravits, Kelly Rose, Suzanne Pfefferle Tafur

Michele Slonski

ad ver t ising coordinator

Christin Green

senior account e xe cut i ve s

Jill Gieger

PRODUCTION

483-3131

Lyn Vicknair

483-3145 jeffp@gambitweekly.com

editor ial graphic de signer

jillg@gambitweekly.com

Jeffrey Pizzo

pre-pre s s coordinator

Jason Whittaker

account e xe cut i ve s

David Kroll, Emily Timmerman, Winnfield Jeansonne

483-3152 brandind@gambitweekly.com

ad ver t ising graphic de signer s

Brandin DuBos

Taylor Spectorsky

483-3143 taylors@gambitweekly.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Alicia Paolercio

Sandy Stein Brondum

Gabrielle Schick

ad ver t ising direc tor

483-3150 sandys@gambitweekly.com

Gambit

483-3142 aliciap@gambitweekly.com 483-3144 gabrielles@gambitweekly.com

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SHOPPING

Flower Power Celebrate the vibrant blooms of spring with these floral-patterned finds — green thumb not required.

new & cool Art of the meal

Porcelain plates

by Kehinde Wiley, $80 each or $450 for a set of six at Material Life.

BY SUZ A NNE PFEFFERLE TA FUR

Floral notes

Letterpress magnolia stationery, pack of 10, $20, and Retro 51 rollerball pen, $25 Scriptura. at Scriptura

Flowers and frills

Off-the-shoulder flutter sleeve top, $68 at Lucy Rose.

Flower child

Baby romper, $53, with matching bonnet, $29 at Pippen Lane.

Lane

Bloom box

Dog days of spring

Bow tie dog collar, $45 at NOLA Couture.

Gift set with Lollia Wish hand creme and bath gel, Flowers in Your Hair bath bomb, Mistral water lily soap, and Voluspa candle, $88 at The Basketry.

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KATE SPADE TORY BURCH PRADA CHLOE JOIE THEORY DVF VINCE LOUBOUTIN DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT

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HOME

bu i lt i n st yle

DESIGN IS LOOKING UP Decorative ceiling medallions and moldings add details and dimension B Y K EL LY R O S E WHEN IT COMES TO HOME DECOR, WALL COLOR AND FURNITURE SELECTION are the usual focal points of decorating. It’s easy to overlook the statement-making architectural elements of a room, like decorative ceiling medallions and moldings. Some may see them as exclusively belonging to century-old Garden District mansions, but just as a bold color choice can make an impact, so can a decorated ceiling.

Decorative molding isn’t a new design element in homes, in New Orleans or elsewhere. Many French, Greek and Italian palaces dating back to the 18th century had ornate ceilings trimmed with molding, coffers and medallions. In contemporary homes, these types of ceiling adornments offer a chance to add a unique design element — whether the house is a palace or a single-bedroom bungalow.

Moldings typically are made from plaster or wood. They can be simple designs or quite detailed. More detailed ceiling medallions usually provide the framework for a beautiful chandelier and are often showcased in the center of a room.

Jeff Poree Plastering occupies 15,000 square feet in a Mid-City warehouse. Poree and his staff of 30 create custom decorative ceiling medallions and moldings that adorn many New Orleans homes.

A tour of Poree’s warehouse shows a massive amount of plaster, molds and artist renderings of new works. The main area has long carpentry tables and various tools needed to perfect his moldings. Poree also collects driftwood he’s found over the years and large aquariums for his fish.

“I was born into this business,” Poree

says. He grew up in the 7th Ward and was born into a family of plasterers. He learned his trade from his father, Calvin Poree. Under his tutelage, the younger Poree learned what the four generations before him did to earn a living.

Walking through Poree’s warehouse, you’ll see what will soon be installed in many homes throughout the city. Poree casually mentions the names of a few clients, many of which are familiar and belong to local business owners, politicians and even a Hollywood actress who’s restoring a home she purchased recently. He repairs damaged ceiling moldings and creates new pieces to fit in with the original architecture of his clients’ homes.

“In New Orleans, almost everything is historic and old,” Poree says. “We repair what is broken and missing and we restore it. Clients will call me to match the original crown molding to the ceiling medallions that were original in their house.”

Poree doesn’t dispute that matching original decorative moldings or creating new ones can be expensive, but he says it doesn’t have to be. “We have less expensive things too that can work in any home. We really have something for everybody.”

While Poree works behind the scenes perfecting the look and quality of his moldings, designer Susan Currie of Susan Currie Design makes sure these decorative pieces enhance a home’s artistry.

“Homes that already boast strong architectural bones offer a great foundation for adding ceiling moldings,” she says. “A dramatic design statement can be made in any room with molding details, whether

Final installation of custom-made ceiling medallion and molding. Jeff Poree does new construction and restoration of ceiling treatments.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF POREE

you’re adding an ornate medallion over the dining room table or trimming out the ceiling in a striking geometric or curvilinear pattern.

If you live in a less formal house and admire decorative ceiling moldings, consider creating a coffered ceiling in the family room or study.

Even a vaulted ceiling can be dressed up with moldings.”

Currie also recommends using decorative ceiling moldings in larger rooms like a living or dining room where the “eye can wander up to admire your ceiling masterpiece.”

While decorative ceiling moldings are more common in older homes, Currie sees them in both new construction and renovations.

Moldings can blend modern and traditional styles, creating clean lines as well as invoking baroque opulence.

“It’s a fantastic way to add character and enhance visual interest,” she says.

New moldings made of plaster can take weeks to design and install, but for those with the DIY spirit, there’s also a cost-effective way to quickly add this stylish element to a home. Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell prefabricated decorative ceiling tiles made of plastic or resin that can be installed easily with a ladder and some adhesive. These pieces come in various colors and finishes, but to get a customized look, consider painting them in bright hues to make them pop.

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SPRING FLING

MAMBO A New Orleans bar and courtyard is the perfect backdrop for springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Havanainfused fashion.

BY K AT HER INE M .

JOHNSON

PHOTOGR APHY BY

GREG MILE S

ST YLING BY

ALG

ART DIRECTION BY

DOR A SISON

High-neck top, $45 at Dolce; tie-waist chambray shorts, $49 at Foi Metairie; earrings, $385, clutch, $235, necklace (worn as bracelet), $215, and shoes, $750, at Joseph.

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Lace peplum top, $158, and lace shorts, $147, at Dolce; fedora, $35, and earrings, $8, at Miss Claudiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Vintage Clothing & Costumes; ring, $25 at Rye Clothing; necklace, $390, and shoes, $250, at Joseph.

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Crochet-back top, $85, and jeans, $65, at Rye Clothing; earrings, $445, and bracelet, $585, at Joseph.

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Dress, $78 at Foi Metairie; earrings, $340, hair ties (worn as bracelets), $14 and $24, at Joseph.

MODEL Andrea Andrade HAIR AND MAKEUP Aimee Carr of Voodoo Makeup (515 St. Louis St., 504-756-4500; www.voodoomakeup.com) Special thanks to Craig Trentacosta and the staff of The New Feelings Marigny Cafe, Bar and Courtyard Lounge (535 Franklin Ave., 504-446-0040; www.feelingscafebar.com) for hosting our spring fashion shoot.

ON THE COVER

Maxi dress, $63 at Dolce; earrings and sunglasses, $10 each at Miss Claudia’s

Vintage Clothing & Costumes; rings, $35 (for the set) at Rye Clothing; shoes, $395, and clutch, $350, at Joseph.

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feat u re

SHOPPING

LIFE HACKS

FOR THE

A few handy items to make it the best fest yet.

BY K ATHERINE M . JOHNS ON

GREAT OUTDOORS

FESTIVAL SEASON HAS SPRUNG, and with it the need to pack smart tools to help you enjoy the outdoors in New Orleans in the spring and summer.

Here are a few of CUE’s new favorite things.

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Anna Garvey of Moonrise Market really gets the heat. A New Orleans native, she and her father co-own the online company that makes the Cool Capsule ($21.99), a portable, lightweight hard-side beer koozy.

“Now, so many craft beers come in bottles and there are so many outdoor activities in New Orleans,” Garvey says. “The Cool Capsule does threein-one duty: It insulates, protects and hides your beer.”

The Cool Capsule is made of food-grade stainless steel and two layers of neoprene (including an external neoprene sleeve). The top is lined with silicone, which creates a seal even on already-opened bottles. It keeps drinks carbonated and fits tall bottles. A Cool Capsule for stubby-shaped bottles is in the works.

2

The Travelon Waterproof Smart Phone Pouch (available at MJ’s for $10.99) is very useful in case of inclement weather. It’s airand water-tight and comes with a removable foam insert that allows the pouch to float if dropped in water (hopefully it doesn’t rain that much this year). Your phone’s touch screen works without removing the phone from the pouch.

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SHOPPING

feat u re

Jessica B. Rhoades, owner and founder of Southern Rhoades Apothecary, offers some all-natural solutions to common fest woes with her Rhoadie Festival Favorites Essentials Kit ($45). All of Southern Rhoades’ formulas are handmade and locally grown (often in Rhoades’ backyard) or sourced. The kit contains a dram-sized bottle of Festival Foot Barrier + Tootsie Treatment (with a convenient dropper built into the cap), Sandman Slumber Oil and Brain Pain Relief, both with rollerball applicators. The two roll-ons calm excitement with lavender, and Brain Pain also relieves headaches with a peppermint oil kick.

Festival Foot Barrier is a serum infused with vitamin E and lemon that softens feet. Lemon has antiseptic properties, so feet are protected from blisters.

“It also makes a great treatment after the fact,” Rhoades says.

There’s also Fit as a Fiddle Body Freshener spray made from local Crescent vodka and infused with lemon, cinnamon and cloves.

“Best thing about it is that it gets rid of the smell of crawfish hands,” Rhoades says. “It’s also an all-natural hand sanitizer.”

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A paper fan ($7.50 at Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes) may be the most lowtech, underrated fest survival item, but when temperatures and the humidity soar, being able to create a little breeze is definitely essential.

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M I G N O N FA G E T

New!

ROMANESQUE Classic designs reimagined with pavé diamonds

Handcraf ted In America Canal Place · 3801 Magazine · Lakeside www.mignonfaget.com

LEARN FROM VETERAN HOLLYWOOD MAKE-UP ARTIST MARY RESNIK AND GUEST PROFESSIONALS THE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TO APPLY BASIC TO ADVANCED MAKE-UP DURING OUR 5-DAY INTENSIVE MAKE-UP BOOTCAMP

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE IN JUNE AND JULY FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT HOLLYWOODMAKEUPBOOTCAMP.COM 225.302.2993

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F E AT U R E

f it ness

WORLD OF DANCE

Dance classes with Komenka take fitness around the globe

BY K AT HERINE M . JOHNS ON

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO LEARN THE HISTORY OF DANCE — before anything else, there was ethnic dance. Even the cavemen practiced dance.”

This is the philosophy of Cheryl O’Sullivan, artistic codirector and teacher of Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music Ensemble, an artistic company steeped in traditional cultural performance. The company’s dance troupe and choir perform all over the world, showcasing global suites of music.

The company grew out of the hippie movement, according to company manager John Rodi.

“In the ’70s, there was a lot of interest in world cultures,” he says. “There was the New Orleans Recreational Folk Dance Program at the Behrman Auditorium (that) hosted dance classes. Daniel Gianfala [Komenka’s artistic co-director] is an original founding member from the 1979 performance group.

I was in the second group of Komenka performers.”

You don’t have to be a company member to learn the choreography. Komenka offers free dance classes on Wednesdays in Loyola University’s Roussel Hall

that are open to the community.

Dance is an exercise that works many muscle groups at once — arms, legs and core — and the intricate foot patterns of international dance styles are great cardio.

“Rehearsing the Bulgarian (variation), I get 10,000 steps, easily,” O’Sullivan says.

Learning different dances works the mind too. Dancers must remember O’Sullivan, Rodi and Gianfala’s choreography, and must be able to communicate with dance partners. Spatial awareness and coordination also flex cognitive muscles.

“You have to be ready to sweat and ready to work your body and your mind,” O’Sullivan says. “A lot of people don’t think about dance that way — as an exercise for the mind and the body. It’s a double workout.”

Komenka’s dance card for the 2016-2017 season is full of Polish, Spanish paso doble, Bulgarian, American disco, Saudi Arabian and Turkish whirling dervish variations, as well as tinikling, a Filipino arrangement performed by barefoot dancers jumping in and out of bamboo poles manipulated by two seated parti-

cipants pounding out a syncopated rhythm on the ground.

Komenka’s catalog also includes dances with origins closer to home.

“We represent Louisiana as well as the United States,” O’Sullivan says. “You may learn Lindy hop, or the American version of can-can, or some basic tap. We also teach a Cajun suite.”

There aren’t many prerequisites for taking a class with Komenka. A basic knowledge of dance and general fitness help.

As with most aerobic exercise routines, it’s not recommended that a completely sedentary person suddenly take up 75-minute-long workouts. Class begins with warm-ups at the barre (a long bar made of wood or metal, usually mounted along the periphery of the dance studio, used for balancing), and advances to center work (performed without any balance supports) and finally to solo or partner choreography across the floor.

Dancers need jazz or character shoes and basic exercise attire.

All ages are welcome.

Komenka adheres to the regional footwork, music and costuming traditions of each

dance. The group hosts guest choreographers, so dancers can learn from a cultural native when possible. Many dances feature partner work, which Rodi and O’Sullivan both enjoy.

“I love partnering because of my background,” Rodi says. “I was raised in social dance clubs.

I especially love Slavic dances.”

O’Sullivan also loves Eastern European variations, particularly because they upend the traditional male and female roles in dance.

“I really like Polish,” she says.

“I like where I lift the guy.”

Dancers who show an aptitude for the choreography may be invited to join the performance company. September is the best time to start classes, since most class time in April and May will be dedicated to rehearsing for spring performances and tours.

“Ethnic dance is for … your heart, and for your ethnic pride,” O’Sullivan says. “It reaches across cultures, and across ages and generations. You can see the older dancers training the younger ones — it’s a family. Komenka has become a family.”

Komenka dancers perform an American can-can during their spring performance.

PHOTO COURTESY JOHN RODI/KOMENKA ETHNIC DANCE & MUSIC ENSEMBLE

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29TH ANNUAL

MUSIC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2016 ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

THEATER PERSON OF THE YEAR

THEATER LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD

DEACON JOHN

THE REVIVALISTS

CHRISTOPHE R BE NTIVEGNA

ANTHONY BEAN

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017

DOORS OPEN 6:00PM TICKETS $45 - $150

ORPHEUM THEATER

SHOW S TA R T S 7:00PM COMPLIMENTARY BEER, WINE & SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

FOR TICKET INFO CALL

504-483-3130

OR BY EMAIL VERONICAB@GAMBITWEEKLY.COM T O B E N E F I T T H E F O U N DAT I O N F O R E N T E R TA I N M E N T D E V E L O P M E N T & E D U C AT I O N BIG EASY AWARDS

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BIG EASY ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS

SHOPPING

AROUND WORLD THE

c ue k id s

IN JUST A FEW PAGES

BY SAR AH R AVITS

New Orleans-based Culture Chest introduces kids to global cultures

WHILE SHE WAS GROWING UP IN HOUMA, Rose Espiritu — who is of Nigerian and Filipino descent — struggled to find literature that reflected her heritage. After graduating from Louisiana State University and living in Los Angeles for four years, Espiritu relocated to New Orleans. She then launched Culture Chest, a subscription service of children’s books and activities focusing on a different culture each month.

The mission is twofold: promoting literacy and an appreciation for diverse cultures among parents, teachers and children, the intended audience.

Culture Chest offers packages that educate and entertain children 5 to 9 years old about various cultures and ethnicities around the globe. Each box comes with two or three books and up to four other items, including activities such as making arts and crafts or snacks that are relevant to the culture featured in that month’s package.

Espiritu personally curates the packages in accordance with a changing monthly theme. In May, for example, goods will focus on Japanese customs and traditions to celebrate Asian Heritage Month.

Espiritu has customers all over the United States. She also plans to partner with local schools to create a classroom-sized box that contains one set of themed goods for each student.

“I have a multicultural set of friends,” she says. “I started bringing books as presents for their kids, and a lot of parents had never heard of these books before.”

The feedback has been positive. Espiritu says children are fully engaged with the activities and trinkets. One child was so excited about a Chinese gold coin that “she slept with it under her pillow for a week.”

Espiritu sees a lot of potential for growth in her adopted hometown. “In New Orleans, a melting pot, a lot of people really want to expose the kids” to other ethnicities, countries and lifestyles. “(Adults) know there is value in creating cultural ties, and it promotes empathy,” she says.

The February edition of Culture Chest contained books and activities that celebrate African-American heritage to coincide with Black History Month.

PHOTO COURTESY ROSE ESPIRITU/CULTURE CHEST

OTHER GIFT IDEAS: MAKING A SPLASH

Splashdance addresses competition, alienation, social justice and inclusion. $16.99 at Octavia Books.

FOR FUTURE ACTIVISTS

Girl Rising is based on a documentary of the same name, inspiring children through 30 stories from girls across the globe. $22.99 at Octavia Books.

GOING GLOBAL

Families Around the World allows young readers to visit with 14 kids from other countries to learn about their families. $8.95 at Octavia Books.

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PROMOTION

Fashion to Foll w SHOP AN D SUPPOR T THE GRE ATER NE W ORLE A NS RE TA IL CO M M UNIT Y

Visit these local retailers in-store and on INSTAGRAM for fashion inspiration.

@sosusuboutique

@buffaloexchange

@missclaudiasvintage

SOSUSU

Buffalo Exchange

605 Metairie Road Metairie, LA 70005 · (504) 309-8778

Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes

3427 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70115 · (504) 309-5026 www.sosusuboutique.com

4119 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70115 · (504) 891-7443 buffaloexchange.com

4204 Magazine Street.

New Orleans, LA 70115 · (504) 897-6310 www.missclaudias.com

@sterlingsilvia

@nolatshirtofthemonthclub

@ryeboutique

@PhinaShop

Sterling Silvia

NOLA T-SHIRT CLUB

Rye Clothing

Phina

41 French Market Place New Orleans, LA 70115 · (504) 299-9225 4861 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70115 · (504) 267-5000 www.sterlingsilvia.com

Shop Inside The Market · Magazine & 6th 2855 Magazine St New Orleans, LA 70115 • (504) 427-3900 www.NOLAtshirtclub.com

4223 Magazine St New Orleans, LA 70115 · (504) 872-9230 www.ryeclothing.com

3717 Veterans Memorial Blvd Metairie, LA 70002 · (504) 888-4141 www.phinashop.com

@hemlinemetairie Hemline

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resou rces A LISTING OF THE RETAILERS AND PROFESSIONALS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE OF CUE.

New & Cool

Built in style

The Basketry 12337 Highway 90, Luling, (504) 309-7935; www.thebasketry.com

Jeff Poree Plastering 4437 St. Louis St., (504) 944-2855; www.facebook.com/jporee plastering

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Susan Currie Design 233 Walnut St., (504) 237-6112; www.susancurriedesign.com

Fashion PAGE 13

Dolce 204 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 609-2222; www.facebook.com/ shopdolceboutique Foi Metairie 3334 Severn Ave., Suite 4, Metairie, (504) 875-4364; www.facebook. com/foi.metairie

Scriptura Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 219-1113; 5423 Magazine St., (504) 897-1555; www.scriptura.com

Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes See Fashion MJ’s 1513 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 835-6099; www.mjsofmetairie.com Moonrise Market www.moonrisemarket.com Southern Rhoades Apothecary www.southernrhoades.com

H O M E | FA S H I O N | B E A U T Y

Fitness PAGE 21

Komenka Ethnic Dance & Music Ensemble 424 Barracks St., (504) 529-4676; www.facebook.com/groups/ komenkanola

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Culture Chest www.culturechest.com

Material Life 6038 St. Claude Ave., (504) 3304110; www.material.life

Pippen Lane 2930 Magazine St., (504) 269-0106; www.pippenlane.com

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CUE Kids

Lucy Rose 534 Chartres St., (504) 267-0305; 3318 Magazine St., (504) 895-0444; www.shoplucyrose.com

NOLA Couture 528 St. Peter St., (504) 875-3522; 2928 Magazine St., (504) 319-5959; www.nolacouture.com

Life hacks for the great outdoors

Octavia Books 513 Octavia St., (504) 899-7323; www.octaviabooks.com

Joseph 5500 Magazine St., (504) 875-2226; www.josephstores.com Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes 4204 Magazine St., (504) 8976310; www.facebook.com/miss claudiasvintage Rye Clothing 4223 Magazine St., (504) 872-9230; www.ryeshop.com M AY. 2 0 1 7 <<<

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WEAR+ WHERE

Post-Jazz Fest Concerts

MARITZA MERCADO-NARCISSE DANCER, TEACHER AND FOUNDER OF THE NARCISSE MOVEMENT PROJECT

BY K ATHERINE M . JOHNSON How long have you been dancing?

I started formal training at (age) 11, so the better part of 30 years. I took classes under Renee Holly, a former Balanchine ballerina. After high school at NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), I moved to New York and studied under (instructors like) Peff Modelski (at Steps on Broadway). I saw (contemporary) dancers like Bill T. Jones (of New York Live Arts), and thought, oh, I want to do that. So I learned how to dance again as my original self, not as my ballet-trained self.

Describe your style of dance.

I think I fall into contemporary movement theater. ...

It’s about how we tell stories with the physical information in the group. There may be a hip-hop dancer or someone with a ballet background — how do you put all that together to make a piece of choreography?

It’s about the conversation between the movement, the performance space and the audience.

What inspired you to start the Narcisse Movement Project?

I was an artist-in-residence at Dancing Grounds (at the Contemporary Arts Center), and it was an opportunity

to organize. My friends and I started creating pieces and then we just kept doing it, and the company was born.

Does dance inspire your sense of style?

As a dancer, I’m always in some sort of action wear, so when I get a chance to dress differently ... it has to be comfortable and functional. Dance has definitely influenced my footwear — I love kicks and tennis shoes.

I also change my hair a lot so its architecture matches what I’m working on.

How would you describe it?

Somewhere between Patsy and Edina. I love Absolutely Fabulous — I’m binge-watching that show.

Where do you like to shop?

I like Babe (New Orleans) on Freret, Angelique and Blink. gae-tana’s has great festival dresses.

What post-Jazz Fest performance are you most excited to see?

I’m looking forward to seeing Panorama (Jazz Band).

They played at my wedding.

What are you wearing to the show?

I’m wearing a shirt by H&M, leggings by Athleta, shoes from Vans and earrings by Liza Garza.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

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