A Chronicle is defined as "an historical account of events arranged in order of time usually without analysis or interpretation." -Merriam-Webster.com

Every story has a beginning and Rhapsody James took her creation Siren Assassins and morphed a sequel, where fans can investigate the mystery of how all 12 female lethal weapons were recruited. ONE BY ONE viewers will learn the history behind every sultry vixen at CINESPACE in Hollywood, CA on Wednesday nights during the months of August, September and October 2010.
 
Go Behind the Scenes of The Siren Chronicles with DancePlug's The Dish Now

Upcoming 2010 dates:
September 1st, 15th, 29th & October 13th
Doors open at 7:30pm
Show starts at 8:00pm
@ Cinespace in Hollywood
6356 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA

"I've always had the stories of the Sirens, but in the big production I could never get so deep with their stories due to show length. So I decided to make a show series that people can attach themselves to. Something that they can compare to their favorite episode on TV. There is so much to tell with a Siren. The story will never end." -Rhapsody James

On August 18, 2010, eyes witnessed the tale of the first 3 recruits, LOLA, DAISY and VENOM. The way the stories unfolded inside the intimate CINESPACE theater was very entertaining. It was night and day from the lavish Avalon and that was the point. The audience was inside the story. Numerous characters, including agents, assassins, jealous girlfriends, drunk rockers continued to appear throughout the theater and if they weren't dominating the small stage, then they were dancing right off your shoulder. Rhapsody's choreography was brilliant. The way she connected her movements and the entire theater with the storyline, left everyone antsy to attend the next chronicle.

"I wanted to create a lounge vibe of Siren Assassins, so this way people can feel closer to the show. I wanted to create something that people can come see all the time. Something that was fresh and intimate. Everything doesn't always have to be so over the top. I want the audience to feel the Sirens not just see them from a far." -Rhapsody James

After a high adrenaline promo video played on the big screen, the crowd became hyped. Everyone was excited to be reunited with the dangerous assassins they met in March 2010 at club Avalon. The night began with 6 male agents, with red ties, sneaking through the crowd to report to duty. After they united with a hard hitting routine, they collected their files and searched for their targets. Onyx, THE BOSS, sent her men after these women with detailed records about their whereabouts. The rule was, there were no rules. Capture the destined assassin and don't take "NO" for an answer. My favorite moment was a rock step where the boys were in a pyramid with sunglasses on and agents like, Derrell Bullock, smoothly popped his shoulder. It was sick!

Ruby Red Daisy, the rebel, played by Katie Berenson, was the first assignment. Three screaming friends came out looking for the crazy blond. When Daisy finally appeared, the ladies woke up the crowd with a hot count of 8, whipping their heads around in a clump in the back of the theater. The crowd ate it up! Katie earned her role as the blond rebel assassin, Daisy. She hit her moves hard, was sexy and even worked it out in leather. All the ladies were great, but Pamela Jean Smith, was fantastic with her booby shirt and tongue sticking out every 5 seconds. She screamed rocker and became Daisy's right hand woman. The agents' first attempt at grabbing Daisy was a bust, but the 2nd time did the trick. A female agent played on Daisy's lesbian side and distracted her long enough for the other agents to grab the feisty rebel and bring her back to Onyx.

Lola, "The Angel", played by Cat Rendic, was hysterical. Cat totally embraced the ruthless, unethical, slutty temptress who girls hate and men LOVE. A girl came through the crowd with her man and out of no where the character, Lola, steals him away. Cat sexed him up on stage, while the girlfriend is screaming through the crowd, wanting to beat the crap out her. Later on the girlfriend comes back out, with martini glass, drunk and upset over her boyfriends wandering eyes. The best was when Lola grabbed the glass and threw it in the enraged girlfriend's face. It was great! Cat worked the hell out of her hair and hit every move sexy, smooth and sharp. Tony Czar, was the agent to capture the character Lola. He manipulated her at her own game by letting her seduce him and then on the last 3 beats he put her arms behind her back. It was hot!

The final assignment for the evening was to capture Venom, "The Housewife", played by Janelle Cambridge. The set up was great! A jumbo screen played clips of some of the strongest black mothers in television history, like Clair Huxtable, while a lonely housewife sat on the couch in leopard lingerie, clicking her remote away in the dark. Janelle was great in this role and expressed the power of a strong black female. She LIVED it up in her orange heels, eager to surprise her hubby, until a girl pops in and said "Excuse me, did somebody call Sean?". Next thing you know the girl was tied and gagged and the character Venom danced around her without a care in the world and soon the agents snagged her.

Ever storyline was different, every character was unique and every lead was "ON". Rhapsody is a woman of vision, passion and power. You can't help, but to love her and her work. I'm excited to see all the other chronicles and become familiar again with each assassin.


ERICA SOBOL'S: "BlinkLDream"

Erica Sobol's show, "BlinkLdreams", on August 19th, 2010 at The Music Box in Hollywood, CA was simply magical. Her company, CollideEdance, had heart, soul, earth and just plain realness. Broke dancers knew they got their money's worth right from the start, with an incredible pre-show, by singer, Nina Storey. The second she hit her first note, the entire theater woke up. She was AAAMAAAZING!!! It was the perfect way to start the night. This article would be a mile long if I really went into complete detail, but the spunky red head has a unique voice that is Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Christina Aguilera all mixed into one. The score, her voice, the band, the crisp sound system in The Music Box theater, the unpredictable moments in every song: it was just so professional and well rehearsed. How many up & coming singers do you know that can sing acapella and not have ONE bad note? It was music at it's best and truly an unforgettable experience. When Nina Storey wins her Grammy in the future, I won't be shocked.

 

 

The Dynamic Duo:
Dana Wilson & Marty Kudelka
BLOC Talent

 
Once Upon a Time.... there was a young technically trained dancer, named Dana Wilson, who attended a Monster of Hip Hop convention in her hometown of Denver, Colorado in 2004. She came in contact with someone she would eventually call her mentor, choreography partner and best friend. That man was Marty Kudelka! She instantly took to Marty's unique movement and found herself liking hip hop, a style of dance she has always admired, but to which she had little exposure. From there, the young teen, straight out of high school packed her bags and moved to Los Angeles, California in 2005. She continued to study as hard as she could by taking hundreds of classes. Through her dedication and perseverance, Dana has achieved dream opportunities in her career as a professional dancer, teaches for famed companies like NYCDA (New York City Dance Alliance) and has assisted some of the biggest choreographers today, including Wade Robson for Cirque De Sole, Tony Award winner, Andy Blankenbhueler, for "The Wiz" on Broadway and the legendary, Toni Basil. BUT the passionate dancer from Colorado never forgot the man who inspired her to step out of her comfort zone and has assisted Marty for the past 5 years.

Marty Kudelka, a well established choreographer, who moved to LA in 1999, paid his dues as a dancer first and has since made a name for himself, as an A-list choreographer.  His clients include Justin Timberlake, Pink, Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. He accepted Dana into his small inner circle and trusted combining her talents and opinions with his vision. This led to Dana assisting on many projects, including the Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/ LoveSounds Tour, a music video for Korean pop artist, ELVA, numerous commercials and much more. The power duo has been popping up everywhere lately, for example they just debuted a piece on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 7), but few realize that only recently has Dana's title switched from choreographer's assistant to co- choreographer. This is a new journey for both of them and they are taking it all in stride, one laugh at a time.
 


 
On August 29th, 2010, Dana Wilson & Marty Kudleka met up with me at Starbucks in North Hollywood, CA for an interview. These two are one of most down to earth people in the business. I had a great time talking to them over coffee.  

1. When did you start Creating Opportunities and Why?
"We have actually been mentoring for a while, because people are always asking us for personal couching, advice and to share our experiences, but Creating Opportunities was literally formed from us having a conversation, like this. It seemed like there was a leadership position that was missing in the Hollywood dance community and we decided to fill in the hole. We wanted to see how we could add a voice to it and reach everyone at once. It came from source literally. We did the work, moved on it and created the curriculum."
 
2. How did you come up with the curriculum for the Creating Opportunities?
"We just asked each other questions. What needs to be out there? What is some info that people aren't getting? What are some misinformation, myths, rumors that surface in the industry? We want to bring forth real information to wake up the people who are making excuses of why they don't get this or that.  When in actuality everyone is missing the point. The point is.... contributing to the community! NOT, what did I come out here to get out of the community. The more you contribute, the more you get, THAT IS HOW IT GOES. So now we have more people flying from all over the world to Hollywood to try to take a piece of the pie, opposed to people flying here to put something in. And that's what creating opportunities is about. Showing people how to put something in, not how to take something out. That's how you are going to get your job. That's how you book. People don't have that information, because you listen to myths. So it's a slow movement, but this first year is about AWARENESS for those who are unaware."

3. How did the Creating Opps. elite team start?
Some people wanted a lot more personal individualized coaching and we realized for that generation that is READY, SET, GO.....we want  to work individually with those people. There are some people who are ready to put in the work, make a difference and change NOW. We wanted to do a individualized coaching and guidance program that takes it to the next level and the stakes are a little bit higher, because now you have invested more. When the person is ready to invest more in themselves and risk more, those are kinda the first in line for the elite team. Everybody's timing is different, just because your ready now or later, does not make anybody better then or more fit then anybody else. It's just about timing and your timing is pre-destined. The only thing you can do is remove the blocks in front of you so that way you can get what is already predestined for you. The Elite team is about teaching people how to remove the road blocks in front of them. To get what's already predestined, but you have to be ready for that type of commitment, investment and intensity.

4. If you could list 5 things that a graduate of The Elite Team always leaves with after the 5 week course, what would it be?
"I would give you only ONE! A mirror. Everyone leaves seeing themselves in a new way. The Elite team is about leaving YOU differently. With the Elite team we give tools, so that way you can see yourself a different way and when you see yourself a different way then you can make different choices."

5. If you were to give advice to readers that want to apply for the program, what would be the #1 thing you would be looking for them to express to you.
"Who they Are. What their goals are. How serious they are. How passionate they are. How committed they are to themselves and their careers."


1. How is New York?
"New York is inspiring, fast, exhilarating and cultured...My inner artist is fed and so satisfied here...the city is filled with endless possibilities and every corner you turn you discover something or someone that makes you think, makes you laugh or makes your jaw drop...love it!!!!"

2. How does it feel to bring "Creating Opportunities" to there and start the first New York Elite Team? 
"I'm really anticipating the Elite Team series in New York. There is a different thought process out here and a totally different drive. I think the New York community will really benefit from the techniques of Creating Opps...We're ready to bring some West Coast vibes and knowledge out here and learn more about this city through it!"

Andye J. Presents "Unveiled"
@ Club Aura
August 27th, 2010
Studio City, CA

The 2nd "Unveiled" showcase ran unbelievably smooth. It was short, sweet, but still entertaining. After taking a break, Kenya Clay & Spark, creators of C.R.E.A.M. (Collectively Remaining Entertaining and Motivated!) worked it out on stage; Johnathon "J. Boog" Rabon, a Britney Spears dancer, was asked to also express his talent for rap in addition to his dance skills; Pointblank LA put on a great freestyle fashion show; Eric Carlson, an Asian artist, sang Musiq Soulchild's "Just Friends" beautifully; Lashaun Price's group, Lucky Kandi, performed. The two Q's (Q. Burdette & Quinetta Wilmington) ethusiatically described the group as "Kill Bill meets Willy Wonka". Lashaun knows how to entertain. His choreography was on point and using dancers like Mimi Saruwatari was the icing on the luscious "Lucky Kandi" cake. I really enjoy Andye's "Unveiled" nights because they are so chill and laid back.


Clear Talent Showcase
@ The Music Box
August 18th, 2010
Hollywood, CA


**Check out what TIV writer, Isaiah Spence, with MSA Talent, had to say about The Clear show....
"The Clear Showcase was phenomenal. It was at Music Box and it was very exclusive. You either had to be with clear or go with someone who was with Clear. It wasn't even a show, it was a mixer. A breaker opened the show. I'm not usually a fan of Breaking, but it was a extra ordinary opening by Ricardo Rodriguez aka "Frantick".Then Othane went up and danced an all girls piece to "Pay Me" by Usher & Miguel. Othane really captured the essence of femininity with no "snaps" included. She did a really good job at bringing back old femininity and sexuality. Donyelle performed her "Window Doppler" piece. Everyone was in there: Sienna,  Lauren, Miguel Antonio, Angel, Casa. It was different. It was a contemporary feel with a hip hop twist. It was ridiculous. Kimberly Cole, Trica Miranda's artist, performed "Smack You" and Psycho" and it was brilliant. They danced with whips and chairs, and the choreography was very sharp and intricate. All in all, I had a great experience with friends from Clear." -Isaiah Spence


Fannypak Release Party @ Level 3
August 17th, 2010
Hollywood, CA

Since America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) Season 2, Fannypak has reached great heights, including a sneaker line, commercials, music videos, television and now their own album on Itunes called "A Touch of Fanny". The album release party was a blast, and everyone came out to support the popular crew. Even Jon Chu, director of Step Up 3D and The LXD, made an appearance. The house was packed, and the performances were great. Cheryl Koo, with The Other Duck, showed off her fashion line; Chonique Sneed showcased her skills as a rappper/singer by performing a track from her album; Teresa Espinosa, from The Beatfreaks, joined in on an all-star ABDC cast reunion piece; and of course, we were privileged to see Matt Cady's choreography on stage throughout the night. Congratulations to all of the Fannypak members: Matt Cady, Phil Collins, Beau Fournier, Tiffani Grant, Cara Horibe, Megan Lawson and Glenda Morales.


C24 @ The Highlands
August 13th 2010
Hollywood, CA

Rasheed Rashad now hosts events EVERY Friday night at the Highlands nightclub in Hollywood, CA! On August 13th, 2010, professional dancers/rap group, The LAB, showed off their skills. After a "Stomp the Yard"-ess piece choreographed by Kennis & Othane, the group revealed their true identities and started rapping. The crew, FREE, performed in all black, with clean, intricate movements.  Also, Andye J.'s group, Nookie, performed their classic routine to Missy Elliot's "Hot Boyz". I enjoyed each performance.


Chonique Sneed & Lisette Bustamante Present