WEDNESDAYS AT DONOVAN- ROOF TOP POOL COCKTAIL PARTY July 8, 2009

© Tony Powell

I took advantage of my first free Wednesday night this summer to hear my friend and DJ, Seyhan Duru, work his magic on the roof of Donovan House, one of the chicest boutique hotels in DC. From way up there, the view of Thomas Circle is stunning and the breeze was cool and steady! Survivor Cook Islands contestant and Becky’s Fund founder, Becky Lee, stopped by, as well as Chris Thompson, and former Congressman and Washington Bullet, Thomas McMillen. Check out all the photos at: www.tonypowell.smugmug.com

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Thomas Circle © Tony Powell

© Tony Powell

Art Salon at White-Meyer House

Art Salon Invitation

GO TO MERIDIAN TO SEE THIS ARTWORK!!

I bumped into my good friend Rebecca Fishman the other day at my daily haunt – the Parkway Deli. As a commissioner with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, she’s an insider in all things DC. I thank her for inviting me to this event. The magazine I have the pleasure to shoot for, Washington Life Magazine, quiets down a bit in the summer months so I get to check out some events I might not normally have the opportunity to get to during busier times. Tonight’s Art Salon was one of those really nice events. The White-Meyer House at Meridian International Center has been taken over by contemporary Chinese art that is, at times, provocative, as well as seductive. It’s a show called Metropolis Now, and provided the backdrop for the DC Commission’s Art Salon which, according to the invitation is, “a monthly convergence of artists, techies, green-collars, art enthusiasts and educators that are creating the momentum for the new era of art.”

The Art Salon is, “modeled after the salons of the late 19th century to inspire and provoke the minds of the creative community.” Meridian President Stuart Holliday was there, along with Meredith Cymermam, Rebecca Fishman, Henry Harris, Pilar O’Leary, Lori Soto, Darren Thomas, Jessica Lange, and arts advocate Philippa Hughes. My favorite couple – Eric Brewer and Kristin Guiter - were also there, going strong, and DJ Brian Liu kept the mood upbeat with his fervent soundscapes. The artwork is on view Wednesday – Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. through July 26, 2009. Closed on Federal Holidays. The White-Meyer House  is located at the Meridian International Center, 1624 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009

“Summer Sizzler” Premiere – My newest ballet @ the Ailey School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahh! Summer in Washington, DC. Everyone heads off to the Hamptons, the Cape, the Vineyard, or other destinations fantastic. With very few parties to photograph for the magazine over the summer, I very happily accepted an invitation from Alvin Ailey School Director Denise Jefferson to create a new ballet.

Two, 3-hour, days a week throughout the month of July produced my newest work, “Deconstruction,” for sixteen dancers, set to the music of Steve Reich. Sooooo proud of their hard work and dedication! Special thanks to Jennifer for your help in the studio as well as your dancing onstage. The piece premiered July 31st and exceeded my expectations.

Thanks Denise for the opportunity!

Highlight of the rehearsal process: Judith Jamison coming into the rehearsal, unannounced one day, and actually watching me work for a few minutes. Whenever she’s around I end up saying and doing some of the dumbest things. I have so much respect for her that I can barely think of what to say when I bump into her. It’s funny because I am around some of the most famous people on the planet on a regular basis. Can’t figure that one out.

I pray to make a ballet for the main Ailey company someday. Truly some of the greatest dancers alive!

UP NEXT – a new ballet for PHILADANCO that will premiere in the Spring of 08′. I have a really good feeling about this one. 4 World Premieres by Camille Brown, Hope Boykin, Zane Booker, and me, Tony Powell. I’m still pinching myself.