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Thursday 26 August 2010

Noble Douglas Dance Company celebrates silver anniversary

Noble Douglas, founder and artistic director of the Noble Douglas Dance Company Inc, is flanked by legendary masman Peter Minshall, left, and Wendell Manwarren of 3 Canal at a private launch function of DAM 25 for members of the media and specially invited guests at Veni Mangé, Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, on August 19.
Photo: Andre Alexander
Trinidad and Tobago’s premier contemporary modern dance company, the Noble Douglas Dance Company Inc (NDDCI), will celebrate its 25th anniversary with its 2010 dance season—DAM 25—gala performance on September 25, at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. A private function for media and specially invited guests was held on August 29, at Veni Mange, Woodbrook, to launch the event, and pay kudos to alented dancer/choreographer Noble Douglas. DAM 25 will honour NDDCI’s founder and artistic director, Noble Douglas, as well as dancers and musicians who have dedicated their lives to music and dance in T &T.
For more than half a century, Douglas has worked tirelessly in her dedication to dance and the arts in T&T. The dancer, teacher and choreographer attended the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre in the USA, which set the stage for her professional dance career in the United States during the seventies.
In 1985, she established her own company of strong, disciplined and focused dancers, this soon propelled NDDCI into the fore as one of the leading contemporary modern dance companies in the land. Under Douglas’ artistic direction, the company has toured locally, regionally and internationally performing on stages in the United States and Southern Africa. The collaborative production will shine a light on both iconic and new dance pieces. Audiences will be offered the opportunity to experience some of the company’s most prolific works on one stage, including Hysterics (1986, choreography by Douglas); Red Clay (1987, choreography by Allan Balfour); Shades of Blue (1987, choreography by Andre George); and, Passage (1988, choreography by Douglas).
In signature NDDCI style on show night, live music will be woven throughout the production with Willard “Relator” Harris, 3 Canal, The Marionettes Chorale and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe joining in the celebration. Reflecting on 3 Canal’s contribution to this project, Wendell Manwarren shared, “It is an honour to be part of something so iconic.” DAM 25 will be repeated on September 26, at 6.30 pm, at the same venue.
Ticket Info
Tickets went on sale from yesterday (August 25) at Crosby’s Music Centre, Western Main Road, St James, at the price of $300 for Silver gala tickets (reserved seating); $250 for Bronze gala tickets; and, $200 for the Sunday performance.
Until September 8, DAM 25 patrons can look forward to an early bird ten per cent discount off regularly priced tickets. Part of the proceeds from the gala ticket sales will benefit the Noble Douglas Lilliput Foundation For The Arts.
For more information visit the NDDCI Facebook page at 
www.facebook.com/nddci or send e-mail to nddci@yahoo.com or liza@estuarypr.com or call 761-1195.

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Tuesday 24 August 2010

The Art of Notting Hill Carnival reaches LHI T5

Carl Gabriel and his latest work of art. 
The Carnival art of renowned mas man and master wire bender Carl Gabriel is being showcased at London Heathrow Terminal 5 this week .Two pieces by Gabriel (see below) were installed in the departure lounge of the T5 last Saturday  and will be exposed to the eyes and camera's of approximately 70,000 passengers this week alone. This exhibition  in one of the worlds busiest airports  means that Gabriel's work will be exposed to a massive international audience that will without a doubt spread the word of the art of carnival around the world.
 
This design is used as the logo of the NHMBA.

Gabriel's work being installed at T5 Heathrow on Sat night.

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Saturday 21 August 2010

SHOWTIME TRINIDAD: Mas goes green

Trinidad and Tobago has been experiencing its share of backlash from environmental problems such as the drought earlier this year and the current incessant rains that have resulted in floods, landslides and death.
Every measure must be taken by man now to rescue the environment from mankind because unless things turn around quickly the earth will destroy us all. As far gone as things are every little bit will help and each person can do something towards preserving the environment and saving ourselves.
The Showtime Trinidad Mas Band is seeking to play a part in preserving the environment through its 2011 presentation titled, 007 Colours of Green: Our Mission—Save the Environment. We know the first question you have. What on God's green earth does the secret agent 007 have to do with saving the environment?
The band's founder and leader, Godfrey Enile explained to the Express that at this point the complete destruction of the environment is near the point of no return and the mission to save the planet must not fail because if we do not succeed there is no second chance at survival.
"The movie character, 007 is a secret agent that has never failed in any of the missions he has been sent out on. He was always successful in achieving whatever he set out to accomplish. We are at a state globally where unless we get it right, there may not be another chance to save the planet from all we have done to damage the environment."
Enile and the members of his production team are hoping to through their mas, to raise awareness of the need for Trinbagonians to act now in any small measure to save the environment. The decision to do this through the mas band came a while back when they realised mas can be a platform to deliver messages that will encourage the public at large to make positive changes to their lifestyles.
When Enile and associates looked at films such as The Eleventh Hour, which explored how badly damaged the planet is and how near it is to death, they decided that Showtime had to be a vehicle through which public awareness of the need to do whatever one can to contribute towards saving the environment can be raised.
"We should all be on this mission to save the environment. Simple things can be done towards achieving this. We are each responsible for the size of our carbon footprint and by changing living habits just a little we can reduce this. We can also engage in domestic recycling, which is yet to happen here and we will be lobbying to have it introduced as law as we continue to focus on the environment even after Carnival next year," Enile said.
A person's carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of carbon dioxide, which were induced by that person's activities in a given time frame, usually a year. To explain in detail when you drive a car the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of carbon dioxide (co2), depending on its fuel consumption and the driving distance contributes to the size of your carbon footprint. The amount of electricity used and when you buy food and other items, the production of these also adds to the size of the footprint.
Even before getting the band prepared for its launch on Sunday at the Zen Nightclub, Enile and members of Showtime participated in a clean-up of the Mayaro Beach on June 6 during an event called Sandsplash. This is an annual event hosted by an environmental organisation that goes out and cleans beaches and other places working alongside volunteers.
Enile said he was shocked by the huge amount of garbage and debris they cleared from the beach and this further inspired him to get his project going. At the launch Showtime will not only present costumes for its 2011 presentation, but they will also launch their Green Carpet Initiative. Patrons will be invited to sign a scroll pledging they will each make a personal conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint in the coming year.
The project will also see Showtime producing a television series through which it will educate members of the public on the adverse effects man's behaviour and habits have had on the environment. The series will see Showtime going out on the streets of the two cities as well as in communities across the island speaking with members of the public.
Showtime will also go into the primary and secondary schools to do lectures on the environment. Enile said he is hoping to link with the organisations that do the soca music school tours during Carnival so they can present to the pupils what he calls an edutainment package. This edutainment package, Enile said, will also be featured in all Showtime events and he is hoping that other mas producers and people in the entertainment arena such as artistes will get involved in the project.
Another part of the project is Showtime's plan to plant trees at various parts of the island during the course of next year. Proceeds from each costume sold for Colours of Green: Our Mission – Save the Environment will be used to purchase the saplings. Enile said when he approached the Ministry of Agriculture for guidance on how to go about with the tree planting project a member of staff there told him it makes no sense to just plant trees and leave them to grow on their own because all they will be doing is, "planting trees to die."
"The person at the ministry advised us that the saplings will need to be nurtured after they are planted so they will survive. He told us to do this project in tandem with an eco organisation and the Ministry will provide us with information on what trees to plant, where to plant them and when the best time to plant them is," Enile said.
Enile is hoping to see domestic recycling introduced in Trinidad soon and he is prepared to lobby the government to have legislation on this established. By domestic recycling, Enile means that households will be obligated to separate their garbage into two or three bins such as glass, paper/plastics and biodegradables to be picked up and taken to the recycling plants.
"We must get into domestic recycling. People also have to look at how they dispose of things like electronics, computers, cell phones and also how we deal with toxic waste, even reducing the amount of paper used in offices will help. Yes Trinidad is a dot on the global map, but every little bit helps. If everybody does a little we will be okay. Imagine people are dying today of illnesses that you once had to be elderly to be killed by it," Enile said.
As for the band, Enile said Showtime is using some biodegradable and some recyclable materials in the construction of their costumes. He would have liked to use only such materials, but it is too costly for now. The band is presenting 15 sections with names such as Green, Lost Tribe, Octopussy, Summer and For The Living Daylights.
Competing in the Large Band category Showtime is catering for up to 2,000 masqueraders. Enile is hoping each masquerader will get involved in the tree planting project and also become a spokesperson for the environment. "The idea is to develop the mental status of the people and get it to them that we are in trouble and need to act now. We are hitting hard and no one will miss our message," Enile said.


SOURCE
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SHOWTIME TRINIDAD: Mas goes green

Trinidad and Tobago has been experiencing its share of backlash from environmental problems such as the drought earlier this year and the current incessant rains that have resulted in floods, landslides and death.
Every measure must be taken by man now to rescue the environment from mankind because unless things turn around quickly the earth will destroy us all. As far gone as things are every little bit will help and each person can do something towards preserving the environment and saving ourselves.
The Showtime Trinidad Mas Band is seeking to play a part in preserving the environment through its 2011 presentation titled, 007 Colours of Green: Our Mission—Save the Environment. We know the first question you have. What on God's green earth does the secret agent 007 have to do with saving the environment?
The band's founder and leader, Godfrey Enile explained to the Express that at this point the complete destruction of the environment is near the point of no return and the mission to save the planet must not fail because if we do not succeed there is no second chance at survival.
"The movie character, 007 is a secret agent that has never failed in any of the missions he has been sent out on. He was always successful in achieving whatever he set out to accomplish. We are at a state globally where unless we get it right, there may not be another chance to save the planet from all we have done to damage the environment."
Enile and the members of his production team are hoping to through their mas, to raise awareness of the need for Trinbagonians to act now in any small measure to save the environment. The decision to do this through the mas band came a while back when they realised mas can be a platform to deliver messages that will encourage the public at large to make positive changes to their lifestyles.
When Enile and associates looked at films such as The Eleventh Hour, which explored how badly damaged the planet is and how near it is to death, they decided that Showtime had to be a vehicle through which public awareness of the need to do whatever one can to contribute towards saving the environment can be raised.
"We should all be on this mission to save the environment. Simple things can be done towards achieving this. We are each responsible for the size of our carbon footprint and by changing living habits just a little we can reduce this. We can also engage in domestic recycling, which is yet to happen here and we will be lobbying to have it introduced as law as we continue to focus on the environment even after Carnival next year," Enile said.
A person's carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of carbon dioxide, which were induced by that person's activities in a given time frame, usually a year. To explain in detail when you drive a car the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of carbon dioxide (co2), depending on its fuel consumption and the driving distance contributes to the size of your carbon footprint. The amount of electricity used and when you buy food and other items, the production of these also adds to the size of the footprint.
Even before getting the band prepared for its launch on Sunday at the Zen Nightclub, Enile and members of Showtime participated in a clean-up of the Mayaro Beach on June 6 during an event called Sandsplash. This is an annual event hosted by an environmental organisation that goes out and cleans beaches and other places working alongside volunteers.
Enile said he was shocked by the huge amount of garbage and debris they cleared from the beach and this further inspired him to get his project going. At the launch Showtime will not only present costumes for its 2011 presentation, but they will also launch their Green Carpet Initiative. Patrons will be invited to sign a scroll pledging they will each make a personal conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint in the coming year.
The project will also see Showtime producing a television series through which it will educate members of the public on the adverse effects man's behaviour and habits have had on the environment. The series will see Showtime going out on the streets of the two cities as well as in communities across the island speaking with members of the public.
Showtime will also go into the primary and secondary schools to do lectures on the environment. Enile said he is hoping to link with the organisations that do the soca music school tours during Carnival so they can present to the pupils what he calls an edutainment package. This edutainment package, Enile said, will also be featured in all Showtime events and he is hoping that other mas producers and people in the entertainment arena such as artistes will get involved in the project.
Another part of the project is Showtime's plan to plant trees at various parts of the island during the course of next year. Proceeds from each costume sold for Colours of Green: Our Mission – Save the Environment will be used to purchase the saplings. Enile said when he approached the Ministry of Agriculture for guidance on how to go about with the tree planting project a member of staff there told him it makes no sense to just plant trees and leave them to grow on their own because all they will be doing is, "planting trees to die."
"The person at the ministry advised us that the saplings will need to be nurtured after they are planted so they will survive. He told us to do this project in tandem with an eco organisation and the Ministry will provide us with information on what trees to plant, where to plant them and when the best time to plant them is," Enile said.
Enile is hoping to see domestic recycling introduced in Trinidad soon and he is prepared to lobby the government to have legislation on this established. By domestic recycling, Enile means that households will be obligated to separate their garbage into two or three bins such as glass, paper/plastics and biodegradables to be picked up and taken to the recycling plants.
"We must get into domestic recycling. People also have to look at how they dispose of things like electronics, computers, cell phones and also how we deal with toxic waste, even reducing the amount of paper used in offices will help. Yes Trinidad is a dot on the global map, but every little bit helps. If everybody does a little we will be okay. Imagine people are dying today of illnesses that you once had to be elderly to be killed by it," Enile said.
As for the band, Enile said Showtime is using some biodegradable and some recyclable materials in the construction of their costumes. He would have liked to use only such materials, but it is too costly for now. The band is presenting 15 sections with names such as Green, Lost Tribe, Octopussy, Summer and For The Living Daylights.
Competing in the Large Band category Showtime is catering for up to 2,000 masqueraders. Enile is hoping each masquerader will get involved in the tree planting project and also become a spokesperson for the environment. "The idea is to develop the mental status of the people and get it to them that we are in trouble and need to act now. We are hitting hard and no one will miss our message," Enile said.
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Mas from the Hart of the planet

Nigel Celestine, public relations officer for Harts International, is flanked by these beauties.
The beauty and marvel of the earth takes centre stage for Carnival 2011 with the portrayal Planet Rock from legendary mas band Harts International. On August 14, the band unveiled its collection of gems before a capacity audience at the Trinidad Country in Maraval. Gerald Hart is the designer of Planet Rock with 15 sought-after gems: Turquoise in Matrix, Andesine, Aquamarine, Ametrine, Peridot, Moonstone, Howlite, Hematite, Heliodor, Goldstone, Citrine, Chrysocalla, Azurite, Sardonyx and Rhodochrosite.

Designer Gerald Hart with Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam.
At a time when protecting the environment is hot topic for world leaders and conservationists alike, Harts proved it is in touch and informed with regard to current affairs issues. The band tackled the issue of preserving the earth and cited mankind’s reckless squandering of the planet’s resources; a pattern that must be reversed to achieve sustainability for future generations. Next year’s national festival marks yet another milestone for Harts. It’s the 50th Carnival presentation from the band. Five decades of satisfied masqueraders remains it core value, hence the many and varied creative changes to its approach during the Parade of the Bands competitions.


SEAN NERO
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Friday 20 August 2010

And what about Carnival?

This costume is just a peek of Islandpeople Mas C2K11 presentation—Shades of the Universe.
Sneak Peek at Island people Mas
The year is 2014, the earth has been destroyed by the hands of its inhabitants...mankind. One tiny island on the earth where carnival was the one activity that took them away from the troubled and depressing strains of their reality is also destroyed. However, the story does not end there; thanks to the brilliance of one gifted scientist, who in his wisdom saw the destruction coming, assembled a team to create costume designs to withstand the test of time and launched them into space in special pods into...the universe.



His hope was that one day the costumes would be discovered by other life forms and if by chance any one man or thing survived the destruction, they would one day relive and restore what we knew as Carnival. To see what these costumes are, patrons will have to go to the Islandpeople Mas Carnival 2011 presentation—Shades of the Universe— tonight, at Pier 1, Chaguaramas, at 10 pm. Tickets are available at the IF House, on Tragarete Road, and from the IP Mas Band Mas Camp, 50 O'Connor Street, Woodbrook.


The People’s Partnership and culture?



Just under three months old, there has been no honeymoon period for the new young People’s Patnership government. With the superstitious among us claiming that the PP is blighted, given the amount of challenges from Mother Nature and crime already faced, it’s left to be seen how this new administration copes with the countless pressing issues it faces from myriad quarters. Flooding, an over active rainy season and persistent criminal activity aside, there’s also the complex issue of culture to address, especially given the multicultural dimensions unique to T&T. For starters, there’s just about half year left before Carnival Monday 2011 and there’s nary a whisper about plans for the “national festival


Peter Minshall’s Madame Hiroshima majestically parades in front of thousands on
Carnival
Tuesday at the Queen’s Park Savannah.



With more than half-dozen mas bands already launched, a new National Carnival Commission (NCC) and chairman are yet to be constituted. Because of this the mas-loving public, and the Special Interest Groups (Pan Trinbago, NCBA, NCDF, Tuco) are in the dark about next year’s Carnival, and quite anxious. On the front burner of these Carnival issues is the question, would the Parade of Bands be returned inside the Queen’s Park Savannah? Demolishing the Grand Stand and having the parade on the roadway were two of the most dotish, lame brain decisions made by the past government.
Another point is, would the backward idea of calypsonians singing one song in the national calypso monarch final be reversed to the former glory days of rendering two ditties?’ Would the winner of the National Panorama competition be given a first prize of one million dollars is another hinging question; Would the exercise for media accreditation be initiated much earlier than in past years, affording all players ample time to prepare and plan, thereby alleviating the disrespect and abuse perennially meted out to working journalists by rude, fly-by-night officials and security personnel? These are just a few of the critical C2K11 issues facing this new government. Notice that I haven’t mentioned anything about chutney, parang, chutney soca, parang soca, chut-kai-pan, Rising Stars, Synergy talent contests, classical music, theatre, fine arts and artists, culinary arts, fashion, or any of our religious festivals.
PETER RAY BLOOD

Thursday 19 August 2010

MTV’s Daphne Narvaez 'wild n out' for new mas band

Daphne Narvaez

International swimsuit, music video and MTV model Daphne Narvaez is one of the faces of the new mas band YUMA (Young and Upwardly Mobile). The band’s presentation for Carnival 2011 is titled Zodeak. Narvaez, whose curves have been featured on the pages of numerous magazines, was in T&T recently for a photoshoot. While here, she marvelled at YUMA’s costumes, gave a few pointers to local models and took some lessons in the fine art of wining from YUMA’s local models. So impressed was Narvaez by the work of the designers for YUMA that she asked them to create a special swimsuit for a competition in Las Vegas last month. She beat out contestants from all over the United States to be a finalist.



Her swimsuit, designed by YUMA designer Crystal Aming and co-created with Richard and Anthony (who also design for the band), was a hit at the event, she said. Narvaez is excited for the launch of YUMA’s 2011 Carnival presentation scheduled for today.. At the event, her photos and each of YUMA’s 13 section Zodeak, will be officially unveiled. Narvaez was on a photoshoot in Canada when WomanWise caught up with her to answer a few of our questions:

 
1. How did you get into modeling?


I first got introduced to modeling at 18. I was discovered by a casting director who put me in my first video. Through him, I booked a spot on MTV's Wild n Out with Nick Cannon for 4 seasons. After that, the magazine spreads, music videos, catalogs, commercials, all followed.


2. What do you think of the local models in Trinidad and Tobago?


The local models are beautiful! All very exotic and definitely have a lot of personality! I feel like all the models in Trinidad are very warm, friendly people. Good vibes and they know how to just relax and also have a good time.


3. What would you say to those who look down on swimsuit and music video modeling?


I would say, ‘I'd like to see you get in a swimsuit and look this hot!’ Just kidding! Well, of course you're always going to have stereotypes of women in the music video world. And although my name in the US did get a bit of a start from videos, it also opened a lot of other doors for me. I got to meet different people from everywhere, different agencies, casting director who aren't just centralised in the "video world." Everyone has to start somewhere! My experiences with music videos and being in that world has so far been positive, its definitely all in how you carry yourself.


4. What’s the one part of your body you love the most?


Hmm, I guess I would have to say my waist. Regardless of my bad eating habits, it seems to stay kind to me.


5. What’s the one physical asset you think all women should promote?


Their curves! I'm in love with hourglass shapes, big or small. Embrace your entire body, you only have one!


6. What advice would you give to young models in T&T who are interested in international modeling careers?


I would say, to always do your research on people and agencies. Stand up for yourself if you feel your working for less then you are worth. Always be professional and humble! And never take rejection as an insult, but use it as motivation.


7. What surprised you the most about T&T?


That it’s really pretty small. But mostly how warm and friendly the people are. And how delicious the food was! Bake and Shark please.


8. How did you first hear about T&T Carnival?


Well I have a few Brazilian and Puerto Rican friends and also my dad, who is Puerto Rican- who would talk about this "carnival" party. I couldn't really wrap my head around it at first, but once Teri Bovell gave me more insight on it, I just wanted to know "where's the party at? I'm there!"


9. What do you look forward to the most about Carnival 2011?


I'm looking forward to seeing all the different styles of costumes! From what I see with YUMA's Zodeak theme, I know I'm in for a treat! I also would be interested to see just how big this party really is! From what I'm hearing, it’s definitely something you have to experience!


10. Why are YOU a YUMA?


I'm a YUMA because I'm young and positive. May I also mention that I love and enjoy YUMA's unique creativity, talent and good vibes!
SOURCE






Tuesday 3 August 2010

Addicted present CHAOS: Notting hill carnival 2010


ADDICTED PRESENTS: CHAOS from MAS ASSASSIN on Vimeo.
Addicted the carnival division of Specialist ent present CHAOS on the road with Cocoyea, Notting Hill Carnival 2010.
CHAOS FOR MORE INFORMATION TAKE A LOOK AT THE SPECIALIST ENTERTAINMENT  WEBSITE  If you have ever been to a Specialist Entertainment event you know this section will be CHAOS!!

MASSASSINATION. Headline.

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