Fab new beauty website - Rouge Mag

I'm loving this new site called www.rougemag.com.au.  It's about all things beauty!

Melissa Hoyer is the contributing editor - you know its good if she's involved!  Check out the video below from her.

Caitlin xx

From Melissa Hoyer, Contributing Editor of Rougemag

Rock the Ballet

The New Porn for Women.

I had the privilege last week of attending the opening night of Rock the Ballet. And how glad I am that I did. I’d been somewhat put off during the week after receiving strict instructions to keep this article short, because our rock-purist (but lovely) Editor, Bob Gordon, couldn’t bare the thought of ‘cheesy rock tunes with ballet thrown in’. He kinda had a point I had to admit. I even YouTubed it after talking to him and the results left me underwhelmed. I was worried as I took my seat.

Then the ballet boys appeared on stage and my fears were immediately gone. First let’s talk about how hot these boys are. I don’t even think there are words – and I’m a writer – I always have words! I mean one woman actually leapt to her feet towards the end and shook her boobs at them. I thought I’d gone to the ballet – not a performance by the Chippendales?

Hot men aside, the best thing about this show is the dancing. It made me remember just how joyous it felt to dance. It made me feel the happiness and the sheer abandonment and thrill again. It’s these very emotions that drive dancers to keep going. I wanted to jette on to the stage and join them (not least of all so I could get close to Green Shirt, Grey Shirt or Beardie – those who see the show will understand). The soundtrack absolutely rocked (well it did!) and technique had not been left by the wayside, as is so often the case in ‘trendy’ productions. There was not a sickle foot in sight.

Rock the Ballet comes to us direct from New York and following on from sell out seasons in Berlin, Hamburg, Vienna and Frankfurt. It’s a fusion of classic ballet blended with musical theatre, hip hop, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and features a stellar soundtrack including some of the biggest hits from U2, Michael Jackson, Prince, Queen, Coldplay and Lenny Kravitz. Set against a backdrop of video projected scenery, the show is exciting, fun, fleshy, raunchy, powerful, and brilliantly entertaining.

I caught up with founder, choreographer, principal dancer (and wearer of the ‘Grey Shirt’), Rasta Thomas, for a quick discussion about dance.

How did you get into ballet? 

One day after karate class my father told me if I didn't improve my behaviour in Martial Arts he would put me in a tutu and in ballet class. A day or so later I was in ballet class as punishment. I was about 7 at the time this happened and hated the thought of dancing. But a few years later I was dancing around the world and loving every minute of it.




We had a boy at our school that did ballet and he was bullied because of it. Did you ever face anything like that? If so, how did you get through it?

I was given a hard time by a few kids for taking ballet class, but none of them could do any of the cool dance tricks I could do, so it didn't bother me too much. But I do think it is important to be around a loving and supportive environment regardless of the activity you chose to pursue. 



Why Rock the Ballet and not Swan Lake or Romeo and Juliet?

I danced those classics and very much appreciated them; they have been around for a long time and will continue to be around for a long time. However "Rock the Ballet" in my opinion is a lot more fun (to dance and to watch).

Where did you inspiration come from to create this show?

My inspiration came from wanting to create a dance show for both a new generation and ballet lovers. In addition I wanted to be a part of something that fights the perception that ballet is boring. Come see our show if you think ballet is boring! 



Do you find the audience is different to a traditional ballet? 

I have been to lots of ballet performances and danced in even more... and I can safely say our audiences are louder. I think dancing to popular music allows them to just sit back relax and enjoy the show. Not to mention the infectious personalities of the cast. In our show there is no corps de ballet, everyone is a star with lots of personality.

I can attest to that - I’ve never heard so much cheering (and wolf whistles) in a theatre, let alone ballet performance! Tell us about your history? What did you do before this show?

I have danced my whole life; it is what I know best. Over the years I have worked with over 20 different companies and worked with some of the world’s greatest choreographers. I have had some wonderful highlights such as making a feature film with the late Patrick Swayze, meeting Michael Jackson, performing at the Academy Awards, and marrying my childhood dance sweetheart. 



You’re a very lucky man to go home to that every night – your wife is so beautiful and extraordinarily talented. Favourite moment in the show?  

There is a very funny comedy routine in the first act called "Carmen" that we all love to do because it gets a good laugh. Also I am very happy anytime I dance with my wife (who plays female lead who and is the choreographer of the show). 

Most embarrassing moment on stage (ever)? 

Over the years I have fallen a fair share of times on stage. One time I did a back flip and landed right on my head, there is no graceful way to cover that up.

Career Highlight?

Winning the junior gold medal at the Varna International Ballet competition and the senior gold medal at the Jackson Mississippi International Ballet competition. 



Career Lowlight?

Getting burn out and having to find the love for dance all over again. 



Best show you’ve ever seen?

Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden. 



First time you realised you’d made it?

It is all relative but a proud moment was when I could treat myself to anything I wanted to eat. 


What are you looking forward to?

Producing and directing more dance shows.



Advice for Perth girls and boys who’d like to have a career in dance? You get out what you put in, so work hard. Continue to challenge yourself (your body and your mind) - if something is easy you aren't working hard enough.



Why should Perthites come and see Rock the Ballet?

If you enjoy good music, good dancing and having a good time Rock the Ballet is the show for you.

What do you say to boys (and bogans!) who think the ballet is for
 ‘posh’ people only?

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and mine is that Rock the Ballet is for everyone!

Well all I can say is that everyone left the theatre buzzing on opening night – the women in near hysteria, the men in jealous awe. My cousin even reported a very pleasant dream to me the next morning (thank you “Green Shirt”). You know, I reckon even Bob Gordon might like this production.

PERTH

July 1 -17

Regal Theatre

Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Five minutes with Melissa….

Is this where you thought you would be 21 years down the track?

I never imagined having my own retail space although I knew that I would be making and designing jewellery well into the future – I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What’s been your favourite moment over the last 20 years?

On a personal level, my favourite moment was my wedding to Mark Kelly. We eloped to Los Angeles - it was very romantic and spontaneous. Professionally, a favourite moment was opening my first retail space on Crown Street in Surry Hills, although my car did get stolen on my first morning there!

Where do you think the next 10 or 20 years will take you?

I don’t think you can ever know what exciting things are around the corner, but I think a return to the US market could be on the horizon and more travel!

Favourite celebrity moment?

One year, I watched the Academy Awards at my girlfriend’s house (renowned American interior designer Sharon Simonaire) with none other than Richard Gere and Jodie                                                             Foster. I was absolutely star struck and they were so much fun.

Favourite piece of jewellery you’ve ever made?

That would be a difficult choice between the ring I designed for myself using my grandmother’s diamond or a very simple piece commissioned by actor Tim Robbins for director Spike Lee. It was a very conceptual piece made of sterling silver, back when my work was more sculptural. Tim also commissioned several pieces for his now ex-wife Susan Sarandon - he loved to spoil her.

www.melissaharrisjewellery.com

21 YEARS: FROM SYDNEY TO LA AND BACK AGAIN

Melissa Harris’s exquisite jewellery has long adorned the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, Lara Bingle and Elton John. Her current shop in Paddington, NSW is a mecca for jewellery lovers; housing her own beautiful, hand crafted pieces as well as international brands Me&Ro, Siobhan Way, Kristina Brenke, Sue Girdwood and Whitney Howard. This year she celebrates her 21^st birthday in style!

The Journey: From Sydney to LA…

Moving to Hollywood from Australia in 1980 to pursue a career as a make-up artist in the film industry, Melissa worked with stars such as Ed Harris, Jeff Goldblum, Janet Jackson and Annie Lennox. In between films, Melissa used her downtime to pursue her true passion of jewellery making. Her access to the stars gave her an instant celebrity fan base. As the requests escalated, she began to turn down jobs in the film industry and Melissa Harris Jewellery was born.

Largely self-taught, Melissa gained an education in technique with short intensive courses in jewellery-making at the Barnsdall Art Centre under the tutelage of fine contemporary American jewellers such as Valerie Mitchell. Melissa's signature style developed using language and symbolism along with religious iconography as early sources of inspiration.

Melissa’s debut was a small collection of necklaces at LA EYEWORKS on MELROSE in 1989. Shortly after, the Los Angeles Times Magazine included Melissa in an article featuring emerging jewellery designers. The effect of the article was immediate - launching Melissa's work into 20 galleries across the USA, including the Whitney Museum Store.

From LA to Sydney…

In 1995, Melissa returned to Australia to open her own store in Crown Street, Surry Hills. Now located in the fashion hub that is Glenmore Road, Paddington, Melissa continues to be inspired by symbology, art and architecture and has a successful business selling her own designs as well as jewellery from around the globe.

Ethos behind the brand…

Unconcerned with passing fashion fads and trends, Melissa creates unique, timeless pieces that are made to last forever. “Lives are lived in moments, occasions and celebrations with jewellery acting as an emotional bookmark. Storytelling has an inherent connection with jewellery and I take great pleasure in crafting these stories.”

“It can be a gift from someone special or a special gift to yourself to “bookmark” a personal milestone. Whatever the reason, jewellery becomes a part of you. It speaks of who you are or where you have come from and celebrates a connection with the special people in your life, both past and present.”

Celebrity Clients…

Past and present clients of Melissa Harris include Cate Blanchett, Elton John, Susan Sarandon, Charlize Theron, Tim Robbins, Jodie Foster, Alanis Morissette, Lara Bingle, Rae Dawn Chong, Jenny Brockie, Mikey Robins, Tammy McIntosh, Mary Schepisi, Asher Keddie, Natalie Saleeba, Holly Brisley, Hugh Sheridan and Michelle Pfeiffer.

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