Tranquility Dance Troupe Presents "Into the Light"

 

 By Dancerina Starlight

 

Sims around Second Life (SL) continue to delight residents with enthralling events and activities. The Dream of Tranquility sim is among them.  On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Tranquility Dance Troupe (TDT) will present "Into the Light" Dance Program.  

Owned, operated, and directed by Ms. Faith Heartstrong and Mrs. Sarah Aarons, Tranquility Dance Troupe strives for excellence and professionalism in process, performance, and  people relations. The company encompasses spirit within that shines a positive light, fun and true friendships.  

The TDT dancers are passionate about dance and exude that through the entire dance process, performance, and interaction with people. This troupe was established to provide a safe space for dance where every dancer's creativity flows in a constructive space. In addition to accepting dance invitations at various venues, TDT has invested in the TDT Theater, nestled in the center of the Dream of Tranquility Region.  It is nicely secluded, yet warm and friendly.

This weekend, TDT hopes that through each dance, paths will be made clearer and exact for each person present. It hopes that dreams will be ignited, lights will be shone, with unfolded paths of clarity. The TDT's desire is that a woven tapestry of gold, where hope takes root, as a story untold is experienced as each dance intricately presents movements that will speak to the light and pathway of each person's desire; allowing the audience to strongly step with purpose and renewed freedom.

 

The troupe looks forward to its first, upcoming production entitled, "Into the Light," on SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024, from 3:00 PM SLT to 4:00.

Access Links:

Theater Landing
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/DREAMS%20of%20TRANQUILITY/131/54/4069

Public Landing at the Shops
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/DREAMS%20of%20TRANQUILITY/126/126/30

Dancerina Starlight

A Song For The Relay, "We Are Here"

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

Mattie Carlton/Mattie Foxpaws, is a lady of many talents. A DJ in Second Life, as well as a Relayer, she has raised more money at a few events than some teams. But she has done more than play music lately. Recently she finished a song, and contacted me about it. 

"I wanna donate it," Mattie told me over Discord, "I dunno if its Newser worthy or not, but I knew you would like to have it." Mattie would explain how it was made, "I started the lyrics back in 2020 and set it aside for a bit due to life ... I finished the songs lyrics today, while thinking about my late friend Kei (Kei Haru Paws / dante184). Then for the heck of it i started playing with the song using a vocaloid (basically a sort of synthesized voice) and with the small bits of music theory I know, and a little help from AI (to fill in some instruments I never got to learn to play) I was able to complete a final and usable cut.

"While its not what I would can a studio quality final mix or anything, its in a state it can be used as is and shared for Relay. I want no royalties or anything. This is just a gift.  A small way I can help out. I want to make up for not being there for as many events lately as well. If anyone wishes, they can also use this as framework to make their own covers or derivatives."

 

 [Verse 1]
It takes so many we love.
Others survive, but the pain's always the same.
It never shows mercy, and shows no bias.
A disease so well known, yet a mystery it remains.
No real cure, and many treatments,
It's oh so frightening.

[Chorus]
We are here, for one another.
We are here, to bring and end.
Relay has saved so many,
and with our help,
It can save so many more.

[Verse 2]
Persons so tired and weathered.
With Chemo in the veins, effects that may remain.
Sometimes only adding to the pain. Please God!
So much nausea, hair falling away. Just take it all away!
The prayers of those that are fighting,
May they be answered!

[Chorus]
We are here, for one another.
We are here, to bring and end.
Relay has saved so many,
and with our help,
It can save so many more.

[Bridge]
Alas! When treatments are no longer needed,
Cause a cure one day found,
Harmoniously Rejoicing,
As all can walk free!
For all can be healed!

[Chorus]
We are here, for one another.
We are here, to bring and end.
Relay has saved so many,
and with our help,
It will save so many more.

 

"It may not be the best written song as I'm still learning a lot about music," Mattie added, "especially music theory, and I'm not good at playing instruments so I had to use the help of computer software such but I just wanted to do something to help. I also wanted to try and express how I was feeling at the time. I'm just sick of losing people to cancer."

 

Mattie uploaded the song onto the Internet for people to download. To download the tune, Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan

Scenes From the Bellisseria Anniversary Grounds

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Sunday I took a tour of the marvelous area that will be the location for most of the celebration for the Bellisseria 5th anniversary . It has been coming for a long time and now it is here! From April 2 through April 30 there will be activities going on. The actual anniversary is April 15.Watch for all the notices about activities. The Planning Committee has been working months on the event. They are “ Prudence Anton, Cian Wycliffe, Riot Hax, Kalia Anatine-Hax, Stephanie Gardner, KrystalKandy, Varistentia Varriale” .

The new “fairgrounds “ is specially constructed for touring, dancing, collecting gifts, and much more.The streets near by are adorned with various houses that a Bellisserian resident can select. Each is filled with decorations by various members of the community. It you touch the billboard out front it will pass you the information about everything in the house.

I visited Xia Xevious' log house 

 

and walked through admiring the décor she chose for this type of home.

Then I went over to Victorian 

 

where she did a different style of décor that fit that home.

The Bellisserian Hammies,The Bellisseria Hamster (JessycaJayne Resident) and Varistentia Varriale, owners of the Animal Sanctuary have set up a Zoo full of animals, birds and reptiles. 

 

Each has their own environment and in the middle is a rock growth covered with seals and penguins. A lovely picnic area is there for your convenience. I spied some nearby food stalls. Vari said”We haz a lil Belli City Zoo for da peeples” in Hammie talk.

I recommend taking the automatic tour ride when you arrive , You will learn the history of the the Bellisseria Homes and when they first appeared. The tour “guide” will chat with you and tell you places to see during the month… and tips about hunt and searches and more gifts to be found all over the regions.

I will be suggesting more places to visit during the month. All residents of SL are invited to the celebration. Do not miss it!! The gift plaza is out of this world! Well known creators of SL have donated so many lovely items .. get ready for inventory overload!

This will set you down right next to the Automatic Tour on which two can ride .  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SSPBA1/161/115/32

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Scenes From The VWBPE Grounds

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

 The Virtual World Best Practices in Education was a great success as it always is. The lectures and discussions were well attended and well received . 

 

Since I spent most of my time there hosting and assisting visitors and participants I only got to a few presentations myself but I knew I could view any lecture I wanted on the website below. 

https://www.vwbpe.org/watch

 These photos were from a wonderful story telling of Mythic Tales of the North Atlantic Coast , 

 

This event was not captured on the watch page but was a wonderful presentation by Delia Lake who last year gave a tour of the marvelous Wetlands Region . 

 

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the spooky tale and all the curious things we witnessed on the region as we walked through the fog.

I am already looking forward to next year!

Gemma Cleanslate

Friday Night Enjoyment at Elysium

 

By Dancerina Starlight

 

Music - Movement - Creation - Joy - Friendship

Second Life (SL) is full of life and social activities galore. Residents find ways to enjoy the day and night life. By Thursday, conversations are about weekend plans. As we know, SL is not deprived of night life. Many people look forward to the weekend, and this weekend was no different. On Friday evening, many could be found at Elysium jump starting their SL weekend by appreciating the arts among friends.

On Friday, February 9, six choreographers and one crowd dance choreographer bedazzled the audience with eclectic ensembles and vibrant costumes. Each choreographer and dance ensemble brought to life creativity, art, passion, and commitment to the arts. Among them were Mine, Sunset, Kira, Sarah, Chrissy, Lola, and Janjii as the crowd dance choreographer.

The first dance was by Mine and her five dancers, who brought to life a club scene as they danced to "My Type." The set embodied love and dance passion.

Dance number two was choreographed by Sunset.  "Black Eyed Peas Feat" was done justice with this great choreographer.  She and five other dancers dance to a mixture of movements, including same. Their colorful body suits captivated the audience with joy.

Choreographer number three, Kira, took control of her vision, and choreographed to "Dreams." Five dancers gracefully understood the assignment and graced the stage with pastel colors and spring-like set to demonstrate purpose and dance.

"Private Dancer," number four, was choreographed by Sarah. Sarah's passion was noticeable in every cadence and movement.  All five dancers wore derby hats and body dresses with feathers. Their movements swayed to the music and lyrics of the song.

Choreography number five was done by Chrissy. She and one other dancer had the audience fixated on her performance to "Cosmic Love." This dance meant a lot to her because her father passed away exactly ten years ago, impacting a huge part of her life. However, despite her sadness, she was determined to push forward and produce beyond her sadness. And, that is what she and her fellow dancer did.

Choreographer number six, Lola and two other dance professionals were enjoying "Hoje." Their feather costumes complemented every move and rhythm of the song.

The crowd dance was choreographed by janji.  A crowd dance is the very last dance where show participants and guests dance on stage to approximately one to three songs choreographed by the designated person.  Janji choreographed a rich mixture of dances, from Bollywood to Samba. Every dance made you feel as if you were in a Brazilian carnival.

As always, it was a great show.  Elysium Cabaret always provides a mixture of music, movement, creation, joy, and friendships every Friday evening at six o'clock in The Empire Room at Copperhead Road.  The venue challenges artists and guests to allow their imagination to illuminate and set them free through dance and entertainment!  And, these choreographers and dancers did just that.  Even the audience gets an opportunity to feel the magic. At the end of every show, the venue invites everyone on stage to dance with the show participants  and celebrate the simple joy of dance as a  "Welcome to the weekend!"

The last Saturday of each month, they also perform a "Best Of" show at 1pm SLT.  This offers their friends and family in Europe a chance to come see our shows at a time that is better suited for them.

Their Second Life Location is:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/74/64/2754

Social Media:
Blog: https://elysiumcabaretblog.wordpress.com/

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Elysium-Cabaret-191390887935940/

Submitted by: Dancerina Starlight

 

Liquid Gold Dance Group Gallery And New Exhibit At Peale Museum

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Liquid Gold Dance Group has a lovely region for their activities. One of the buildings is a gallery owned by Lin Carlucci. October 2 I was invited to an opening for a good friend of mine, Beertje :. (Beertje Beaumont). I have known Beertje as a member of my Philosophy class for many years and also she is known for her beautiful fashion shop store, !!La Beaumonde ,where she has elegant gowns and jewelry on the Amsterdam Region. We also golf together most weeks.

I was unaware however what a marvelous real life artist she is. She has imported her real life art pieces into second life and are now on exhibit at Galley until January. Many of her pieces are done with texturing.

Several are hauntingly beautiful portraits from her work in real life. I was taken by her rendition of shore birds since I have been a birder for many years and will be putting them on my wall at home.

The reception was well attended and many friends were present . Her works are for sale at the gallery .Be sure to get her gift when you go. It is one of her jewelry sets, necklace, earrings, tiara for the ladies and a sweet carnation pin for the gents which I would certainly wear so I took it too. Here is the entrance. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Only%20One/49/64/1501

Last week I went to a new exhibit at the Peale Museum that was very different. The Peale is a replica of the Peale Community Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. This exhibit by Leeboot is the very same exhibit they hosted recently in Baltimore and it has been imported to SL. Lee Boot is a painter and media artist. He is the Director of UMBC’s Imaging Research Center, and an affiliate Associate Professor in the Departments of Visual Arts and Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. His background is extensive and it is all explained at this exhibit which will be there more or less permanently.

As he talked about his background and his various life experiences and how they affected his art I felt I was looking into his expression of the mind and brain. There are many metaphors in the surreal images. You will see as you follow the arrows that there are explanatory videos along the way to help you understand how the art came to be and perhaps some meanings one would never recognize until the video explains it all.

It reminded me of stream of consciousness writing transferred into art.

Although Lee has been an artist for many years his work now is dedicated to how art can affect and assist young people and assist them mentally. He became a researcher in. how to use media to further the arts, public policy, importance of culture and how it drives human behavior and impacts the world. The videos will help to explain it all much more fully. Here is the entrance with the opening video,

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Peale%20Museum/221/74/1418

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Virtuoso/JAPA Halloween/Fall Strut

 

By Dancerina Starlight

 

 Are you like many who steal a thoughtful memory or two from some great events that captured your warm Summer 2023 months? This past summer was busy and fun for dancers at Virtuoso.  From their summer showcase, "Into the Woods," Adventurous Dance Challenge, Intensive Summer Dance Camp, Summer World Dance, Steampunk Showcase--just to name a few, how can anyone easily remove such indelible memories? And, these dedicated dancers haven't slowed down - with their commitment to dance, Fall was greeted with the same dance energy and fancy feet welcome!

On Saturday, October 28, nine Virtuoso dancers embraced harvest season and all the other spooky "stuff" that comes with this time of the year.  With Sexy to spooky costumes, they participated in the 2023 VIRTUOSO/JAPA HALLOWEEN/FALL STRUT, coordinated by Delaney Jenson and had a blast! 

 

Choreographers were Rose (Day-O), Morganna (Quid Pro Quo), Sagia (Zombie Zoo), Sultry (Spooky Scary Skeletons), Dancerina (When Fall Comes to New England), Ravyn (Dolls), Janji (If I only Had a Brain), Sarah (Witchy Woman), and Cassy (Somebody's Watching Me). They came with their individual and collective energy and dance spirit to strut their Autumn dance numbers. A strut is a choreographed dance made in the Smooth Dancer.  It allows guests to join the dance via each dancer's inviter - affording everyone present to dance as a whole group.  No stage sets or dance movers are needed (Delaney Jenson 2023).

Approximately forty guests braved the spook and footloose with choreographers. The song selections meshed well as choreographers and guests cheered each other for doing a great job!

Rose, like Dorothy, longed to go home. It seemed support dancer, Maestro, Morganna's four-legged accompanied dancer appeared to only flaunt his beautiful, thin black velvet fur and green eyes, but nonetheless captivated everyone with his presence. Sagia kept company with the zoo zombies. Sarah, flew off in thin air on her fancy broom. Sultry insisted her bare bones were all she needed to live. Autumn leaves gently blew and flew here and there as Ravyn played with dolls. Janji needed to be convinced she had a brain, while Curious Cassy's laser eyes penetrated the darkness with her self-made effects! The strut concluded with great free-styling from Ravyn!--Myriad talent, energy, synergy, spirit, and togetherness in the name of dance.  

These dancers discovered each other while being professionally trained at Journey Academy of the Performing Arts (JAPA)--Classes of 2021 and 2023 and while enrolled in any of many dance classes.  

 

While they continue to broaden their dance perspectives in varying spaces, they remain linked to their source, JAPA.

Klark Harvy, JAPA Principal and Performance Director of VIRTUOSO,  established the group to inspire talented people to come together for full show performances, and as guests, solos and groups, at the Virtuoso Theatres, and special events (Klark Harvy, 2017). Of course, Principal Klark showed up wearing his Principal face and fun face, dressed to impress the zoo zombies!

Vice Principal Delaney Jenson works very closely with Principal Klark on all levels at JAPA and Virtuoso. She teaches all of the Spot On Tools and gives presentations in some areas of dance. 

 

Through the mentoring program, she assists students in dance and personal development.  She coordinated the Halloween/Fall Strut and showed up splendidly sexy and ready to direct as she keeps her pulse on her next project.

What's on the rest of Virtuoso's 2023 calendar - well, the work almost never ends. The company multi-tasks with on-going dance project management. Currently, the company is preparing for Oliver, a very complex and moving program scheduled for December as well into 2024 as well as preparing to dance on Veteran's Day, and perhaps a Holiday strut.  

JAPA is a learning institution for dance, personal development, and life. There is a balance of professionalism and human consideration in both worlds.  For further information and consideration, please contact Principal Klark Harvy or Vice Principal Delaney Jenson. Virtuoso membership is by Director invite only.  

Dancerina Starlight