Culture and Entertainment

The intersection of art forms: exploring the Ballets Russes through manuscripts at The Morgan

The intersection of art forms: exploring the Ballets Russes through manuscripts at The Morgan

In the tranquil confines of the Morgan Library & Museum, a fascinating discovery took place in 2019. Associate Curator Robinson McClellan delved into Robert Owen Lehman’s collection of music manuscripts, revealing a treasure trove tied to the iconic Ballets Russes. Founded by Sergei Diaghilev in 1909 in Paris, the Ballets Russes are renowned for their sweeping influence on 20th-century performing arts. The collection, enriched by scores by luminaries such as Stravinsky, Debussy and Ravel, offers a rare glimpse into the creative processes behind the Ballets Russes' groundbreaking productions. These documents, heavily marked with notes and revisions, expose the dynamic evolution…
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A week in the artistic life of Violaine Huisman at the cultural forefront of New York City.

A week in the artistic life of Violaine Huisman at the cultural forefront of New York City.

This year’s Bastille Day festivities in New York had a different feel, noted Violaine Huisman, artistic director of the prestigious Crossing the Line festival. Held at L’Alliance, the French cultural center in Midtown, the celebration came just a week after an unexpected snap election that left both President Emmanuel Macron and the nation reeling. Huisman, recently returned from France, noted the unique expression of this year’s festival attendees as they marched with empty signs. The gesture, he explained, was a tribute to an iconic 1960s demonstration conceptualized by choreographer Anna Halprin in the heat of the civil rights and anti-war…
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The U.S. Olympic women’s water polo team celebrates its silver medal in Las Vegas.

The U.S. Olympic women’s water polo team celebrates its silver medal in Las Vegas.

This past weekend, the silver-medal winning U.S. Olympic women's water polo team hit the bustling Las Vegas Strip for a party to remember. Joining the festivities was none other than the iconic Flavor Flav. The festivities were led by Maggie Steffens, known not only for her athletic prowess but also for her distinctive choice of accessories, along with teammates Rachel Fattal, Jordan Raney, Ashleigh Johnson and Emily Austen. Their favorite spot was the lively Zouk Nightclub, where they arrived on Saturday night to an enthusiastic reception. The entrance was nothing short of spectacular, with jets of cold steam from the…
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Transformation and adaptation: BattleBots’ new strategy to meet the challenges of Las Vegas

Transformation and adaptation: BattleBots’ new strategy to meet the challenges of Las Vegas

In the dynamic landscape of Las Vegas, the term “break” often signals a deeper problem. The city has seen icons and performers step back, sometimes permanently, from the spotlight. That includes celebrities taking a break for makeovers or dropping shows when big events like the NFR come around. Recently, the “BattleBots – Destruct-A-Thon” show announced a temporary closure following its August 10 event, hinting at a possible end to its current format. The hiatus came as the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix scheduled events that inadvertently sidelined “BattleBots” for five weeks in 2023, mirroring a broader slowdown in ticket…
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