In The Spotlight:
John Ollom
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 Art is very often seen as an expression of the beauty of perfection. John Ollom is more interested in imperfections. "I have a passion for the underdog." Ollom says. "I'm particularly inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi Sabi" which celebrates the acceptance of flaws and transience. In his creative process, he has worked with dancers of many different body types and ability levels, one performer in particular being wheelchair-bound. One short documentary about his classes, There's Something About John by Emma McCagg, chronicles the experience of a former athlete finding sanctuary in Ollom's ballet class following an auto accident.
Immediately likable and energetic, the former college football player-turned dancer/teacher/choreographer offers classes in ballet and modern dance, as well as a monthly movement class for men based on his method which is outlined in his recent book, Internal Landscapes. "It helps dancers who are locked in "shapes" and actors who are locked in characters", John says of his approach, which begins with free writing, and progresses from there into translation into movement. "It works because it's coming from you, you're not putting it on your body."
Interested students can contact John through his website:
JohnOllom.com |
Feng Shui and Fitness- Patricia Ripley
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Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season!
We had a wonderful Holiday Party at the 520 Studios on Saturday night Dec. 12th. Our food theme was Indian and we had a tasty variety of Indian food and lovely decorations. We had over 50 adults and 19 kids. Our Ripley-Grier family is growing larger every year. The entertainment was great, we had a stage area with lights and mics and we had several talented singers and musicians perform. We also had a "guess the musical theme song" from movies and TV; songs played by our lovely Jeannie Ripley-Grier on the piano and sax. It was very lively and a lot of excitement. The winning team won trophies and gift cards. The rest of the talent came from our creative staff and family.
The weather has been really great if you are into warm sunny days and cool nights. Perfect for me to hold off the winter blues. Again advice: try to avoid over eating and drinking as best you can. Get enough sleep and do not over obligate yourself to social events that may leave you tired and cranky.
We are heading back to Tulsa for Christmas and then a week in California. We will be spending a week in LA in Santa Monica and hope to meet up with friends from that area.
Horoscope : We are heading into the year of the Fire Monkey this next year, this is the sign for folks born in the years of 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016. In January I will give an in-depth picture of the Fire Monkey and what to expect for the year.
Blessings, Patricia
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Employee of the Season - Fransisco Ramon
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Here at Ripley-Grier, you see us working hard from 8am to midnight or so, keeping the place humming. What you may not know is that we have hard-working staffers here nearly around the clock cleaning floors, polishing up the pianos, painting, repairing, and making everything shine for when you arrive at dawn. Fransisco Ramon has been on our night staff for nearly 20 years, and thanks to his efforts we have made our name as not only one of the most fun and vibrant places in the city, but one of the most spotless. Thanks so much for all you do!
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