FOX’s Lucifer

New to the entertainment spotlight, FOX’s Lucifer seems to be hitting it off with British accents, and the devilishly beautiful cast. Unlike many adaptations that we have seen over the years, this Lucifer (Tom Ellis) is loveable and complex in his desires to becoming normal, and somewhat mortal.  Set in Los Angeles, our plot leads us around with Lucifer working with LAPD’s one and only Chloe Decker (Lauren German), solving murder cases, and punishing wrong doers. Mixed with humor, mystery, action, and theological attributes, this show is a great addition to your Monday nights.

 
 

San Francisco Ballet 2016 delightful production of "Coppélia"

The classic 19th century comic ballet "Coppélia" maybe old, but this tale of a beautiful doll coming to life is as delightful as ever. San Francisco Ballet and its artistic director Helgi Tomasson pleased the crowd with production of "Coppélia". Last night's final performance was truly delightful. 
The set, by Judith Fugate, is lavish, ideally setting the scene of a village in Eastern Europe. Mischievous Swanilda danced by charming Vanessa Zahorian opened up the first Act embodying the character completely.  Franz, danced by Taras Domitro played the role with the right level of arrogance and cheek. His light as a feather jumps and its height was quiet a thrill to the eye. Leo Delibes's music conducted by Ming Luke illustrated every action so perfectly and created an atmosphere. The choreography all combine to make this a quirky, sweet and memorable show.

Act 2 set revealed the mysterious and dark interior of Dr Coppélius' house perfectly reflecting his state of mind. Behind the velvet curtain sits Coppelia. The Act comes alive when Swanilda and her friends sneak into Coppélius's house. The entrance of dancers in one line, on toes, in tutus and the excitement when Coppélius's dolls come alive make the scene so charmingly amusing.  

The highlights of Act 3 is undeniably Dedication of the Bells, Waltz of the Golden Hours dancing by San Francisco Ballet students. Dozens of little girls in pink tutus and tiara's displayed a darling and brilliant performance.

Vanessa Zahorian, Taras Domitros, Ruben Martin Cintas, who played mysterious Dr. Coppelius and the entire cast made this performance a memorable one. The darkstory was delivered with such humor and love.
Truly wonderful addition to San Francisco Ballet repertoire.


Text: JULIET BELKIN
Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet





Oscar Rookies who killed the Red Carpet

Sunday night may have been these fashionista’s first ever Academy Awards, but these beauties stole the show.  From gorgeous color palettes to daring sparkles, and unique silhouettes, these three actresses owned the red carpet like award show veterans.

Daisy Ridely - The new heroine of the Star Wars franchise shows us her feminine side in this futuristic dusty blue gown by Chanel.

Brie Larson - This Academy Award winning actress steals the show in this gorgeous indigo gown by Gucci.

Alicia Vikander - channels Belle from Beauty and the Beast in this yellow gown that matches her Oscar.

Text: TORI CHRISTINE

 

San Francisco Ballet Swan Lake 2016

This year marks 121 years since the birth of famous Russian Ballet "Swan Lake". Although, in fact the plot of Swan Lake ballet is ordinary; sorcery, love, betrayal - nevertheless the music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovskiy endows a familiar story with an unusual warmth and energy of compassion .

Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet

Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet

Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson delivers a striking return of the enchanting story to San Francisco Ballet with breathtakingly modern stage design and splendid costumes by scenery and costume designer Jonathan Fensom. Opening up the first act is miniature, yet powerful dancer, Maria Kochetkova as Odette, followed by elegant dancing and gallant acting by Davit Karapetyan as an ideal prince Siegfried and finally closing the act with a choreographic gem, pas de trois performed by Koto Ishihara, Gennadi Nedvigin and Lauren Strongin.

Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet

Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet

Act two captivated the audience with synchronized movements by graceful and talented corps de ballet. The whole company is outstanding – but the harmony between the two principles during their pas de deux is spectacular.
Conductor Martin West led the fine orchestra marrying music to exquisite adagio lines. 
An amazing technique used in the movement of Maria Kochetkova's head and feet transformed this Swan Queen from human to bird. And of course famed 32 fouetté turns making the audience applause and cheer with great satisfaction.

Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet

Photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet


The wonderful sound of pointe shoes across the stage at War Memorial Opera House,  backed by Tchaikovsky’s legendary lyrical score delivered  by the San Francisco Ballet made the old new again– thrilling, beautiful and faultless. Bravo!

Text: JULIET BELKIN







 

Entrance prohibited for men or first nightclub for women with non-traditional orientation

As we know Victorian Era with it's puritanical upbringing was soon replaced with the era of a completely radical views on life.
This period is now called the " Roaring Twenties". It was then that Paris was directly associated with license and careless attitude towards life . It was then the first nightclub opened that welcomed gay visitors.
Le Monocle was the first nightclub whose regulars were visitors dressed in men's clothes. The club was located in the southern part of Paris Montparnasse. Dressed in men's tuxedos and short bobbed hair all club members wore monocles, at that time it was a distinctive sign in Paris for women who preferred to have 
free relationship. Hence the name of the club. Another distinctive sign of a nontraditional women were white carnations worn in the tuxedo pocket.
" Le Monocle " was hugely popular until the beginning of World War II. When Germans took over, the struggle with homosexuality began and all the "non-traditional" clubs were closed.
The club was re-opened in the post war year and was name "The New Monocle", with location on the Boulevard Montmartre . Everyone was welcome regarding the gender. Unfortunately it did not gain the success it had originally. 

 

Text: MILES SOCHO

 

And the Grammy goes to... Sorry Kanye

We just won a Grammy for the Bad Blood music video and we are NOT OK. @selenagomez

A video posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

Taylor Swift posted the cutest video of her and Selena Gomez's reaction after finding out they won a Grammy for the Bad Blood video. Hey Kanye, don't hate, meditate!

"We just won a Grammy for the Bad Blood music video and we are NOT OK." Taylor posted via instagram. You go girl!

Text: LORI MCKINLEY

The Formation World Tour

It seems Queen B did it again, and dropped her new single “Formation” out of the blue.  Whether you watched her perform this on Super Bowl Sunday, or caught the release of her music video on Tidal, you can’t deny that this song is an anthem with a lot of power in its meaning.  With strong lyrics to match Beyoncé’s powerful mastery as an idol, “Formation” is not your usual pop track that you would hear on the radio.  With the controversy that is arising on twitter over this new track, and the not so hidden lyrical meaning, who knows whether it’ll be played on the radio.  But don’t fret, because when someone closes a door, Beyoncé will just kick it down and come out with the Formation tour.

Text: GARRETT YOUNG

A High Fashion Premier - Zoolander 2 Premier! Ben Stiller, Penelope Cruz, Gigi, Stella and more

NYFW kicked off with Zoolander 2 premier filled with hotties and bodies all over. Male model Derek Zoolander himself (Ben Stiller) accompanied by Hansel (Owen Wilson), designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell), and Penelope Cruz guests of honor, along with some of the well known models like Gigi Hadid and VS model Stella Maxwell. The models wore Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, and Tommy Hilfiger, walked the Zoolander purple carpet like a runway. Check out the best moments Zoolander 2 from the Instagram!

#zoolander2 😎This weekend !!

A photo posted by Penélope Cruz (@penelopecruzoficial) on

Kristen Wiig looking gorgeous In our dress and hysterically funny in #zoolander2 @zoolander

A photo posted by Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) on

Giving my best #bluesteel last night at #Zoolander2 premiere thank you @extratv @ajcalloway

A photo posted by Adriana Lima (@adrianalima) on

DiCaprio to play Putin - Da! Leo! Da!

Rumor has it Leonardo DiCaprio agreed to play the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the film under the working title, better believe it, "Putin" - it will be a political thriller with elements of biography.

The script is now in its final version. Filming is scheduled to start in the Spring of 2016. The premier is scheduled for next year.  The film's producer is Mark Damon! The director's name has not been disclosed.

Da!

Da!


Text: MILES SOCHO

Coldplay featuring Beyonce - Hymn For The Weekend

Returning with almost a 19 million view count, “Hymn For The Weekend”, has sure become a hot topic into today’s entertainment.  Performed by Coldplay and featuring Beyonce, this music video is shot on the streets of India during the Holi (Color Festival).  Blended with simple piano keys, jingles, and Beyonce’s voice, this song, has sure lived up to Coldplay’s record count of singles. The major issue many people are having with this music video is the question of appropriation.  With a mixed combination of answers ranging from Yes and No, it is hard to tell if this music video is getting its view count based on the beautiful cinematography and music, or the raging issue of appropriation. Whether you come up with your own conclusion, or follow the stream of society’s views, we can’t deny that this song will sound great when Coldplay performs it live with Beyonce at the Super Bowl.

Text: Garrett Young