Sunday 22 December 2013

A Nureyev Ballet, With a Hint of Ambivalence, Takes Its Time

PARIS — Rudolf Nureyev’s “The Sleeping Beauty,” currently being performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, is ornate, ceremonious and very, very long. It also hints at Nureyev’s ambivalence toward the Russia he left behind when he defected to the West in 1961 at 23 while on tour with the Kirov Ballet.

It was for the Kirov that “The Sleeping Beauty” was created in 1890, when the company was called (as it is again now) the Mariinsky Ballet. Its choreographer was the French-born Marius Petipa; its composer, Tchaikovsky. In its formal perfection, its reiteration of hierarchical order and its grand theme of good versus evil, “The Sleeping Beauty” represents the summit of balletic classicism. It remained a preoccupation for Nureyev throughout his career.

He first staged it at 28 for La Scala, then for several other companies before bringing it to the Paris Opera in 1989 in his last year as artistic director there. Nureyev’s “Beauty,” now being performed by the Paris company for the first time in nine years, is packed with pomp and ceremony, with Baroque court dances and decorous formations of courtiers and royals, fairies and dryads. Its décor, by Ezio Frigerio, is sumptuous, with classical columns and reclining nudes embellished by Rococo detail; the costumes, by Franca Squarciapino, are an excessively gorgeous riot of color and gold braid.

Does the ballet express Nureyev’s admiration for the pre-Soviet days of imperial splendor and the way that ballet itself reflects the social order of the royal court? Or was he, as the Paris Opera program suggests, offering “subtle criticism of power and its hold over the individual”?

Both might be true; the elaborate excesses of the ballet seem at once a veneration of the absolute authority of royal power and immutable social order, but also so exaggerated that it is hard not to imagine that a touch of irony pervades the display. But one thing is clear: It is happening very slowly.

There is never one variation, if two or three will do, and the dramatic high points — Carabosse’s curse upon the baby Aurora, the moment when the young princess pricks her finger, the prince’s arrival at the sleeping castle — are oddly muted by the leisurely staging and the decision to all but abolish the explanatory mime. They are also dampened by almost nonexistent acting; mild surprise seemed to be the emotion of choice at a performance this month, whether a curse to the death, or sudden salvation from same, was in the offing.

The lack of dramatic impulse was exacerbated by the pace of the score, conducted by Fayçal Karoui and played by the Paris Opera orchestra at tempos that ranged from lethargic to funereal. (This must be very odd for Mr. Karoui, the Paris company’s musical director, who previously held the same position at the New York City Ballet. There, the “Sleeping Beauty” staged by Peter Martins would have been past the halfway mark when Nureyev’s 80-minute first act was just ending.)

And Nureyev’s decision to use the Lilac Fairy (Juliette Gernez, in this production) as a mime counterpart to Carabosse (Nolwenn Daniel), rather than as a dancing fairy, further handicaps the narrative. It is the choreography that places the Lilac Fairy as a center of power and calm authority. Without it, she just seems to be an elegant lady in a nice purple dress, and the struggle between good and evil that is one of the ballet’s central motifs never emerges with any clarity.

Nor, in the performance of Ludmila Pagliero as Aurora, does the ballet’s other great theme become clear: the maturing of the adolescent princess into a woman through the ordeal of the curse, and her 100-year sleep. The Argentine-born Ms. Pagliero, who did not train at the Paris Opera Ballet, has a cast-iron technique, as well as a beautiful, buoyant jump and exquisitely arched feet.

She is more French than the French in this ballet, her arabesques rarely higher than a 90-degree angle, her footwork impeccably sparkling, her demeanor demure. When she relaxes, as she did in her second Act I solo, into a more lush, expansive presence, she comes to life with exciting vibrancy.

But Ms. Pagliero does not ever show the way Aurora grows into adulthood through dance. Her Aurora is mature and confident from the start, without the mystique that should draw Prince Désiré (Josua Hoffalt) to the vision that the Lilac Fairy shows him in Act II. When this Aurora is awakened with a kiss, she seems little different from her confident self of 100 years earlier; there has been no transformation.

Thursday 19 December 2013

Beauty queen promotes morality in recent interview

Quezon City, Philippines, Oct 24, 2013 / 12:12 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The first ever Filipina-American to be crowned Miss World revealed her traditional values in a recent television interview.

Megan Young, the 23 year-old who was crowned Miss World on Sept. 28, said in a recent television interview that she is pro-life, rejecting both abortion and contraception.

Young, who was born in Virginia but moved to the Philippines with her family as a child, was interviewed on ANC, a Filipino news network, when she was asked about the country's recent adoption of a reproductive health law, which was signed by president Benigno Aquino III on Dec. 21, 2012.


The new law mandates sex education in middle and high schools and subsidizes contraceptives, including potentially abortion-inducing drugs.

Young indicated opposition to the law, saying, “I'm pro-life, and if it means killing someone that’s already there, then I’m against that of course. I'm against abortion.”

Asked about contraception, she added that, “I don't engage in stuff like that,” going on to say she believes that “sex is for marriage” and “should be with your partner for life.”

“I'm actually against divorce,” she added, “because I've seen that in my family. So I think that if you marry someone, that should be the person you should be with forever, through sickness and health, through good or through bad.”

When asked how a single woman as “gorgeous” as herself could remain abstinent, Young replied with a laugh, “you just say no, that’s it.”

“If they try to push you, then you step away because you know that that person doesn’t value you, doesn’t value the relationship as much.”

She said that a gentleman would not pressure a woman into premarital sex in the first place, while at the same time recognizing that abstaining from sex before marriage takes character.

“If the guy is willing to sacrifice that,” she said, “then that means a lot.”

Young said she chose to compete in the Miss World pageant rather than Miss Universe because Miss World’s “main focus is charities and helping out and giving back.”

“After you win your main focus, your duties, will all be helping out with charities.”

The newly crowned beauty queen is also a stage performer and actress and is know for her kindness as well as her talent.

Monday 16 December 2013

Jen-An ‘wants fresh look’

Jennifer Aniston reportedly became “bored” with her look so has decided to collaborate with stylist Kate Young.

The 44-year-old actress is known for bringing elegance to the red carpet, usually stepping out with simple gowns and long, sleek hair. However, Jennifer recently had her locks chopped into a bob and got a piercing in her upper ear. She is also believed to be consulting with stylist Kate Young as she wants an “edgier” appearance.

“Jen was bored of what she was wearing and Kate has inspired her to start being a trendsetter again. They’ve been going through her wardrobe and throwing stuff out,” a source told British magazine Grazia. “The hair and piercing were a starting point, because Jennifer wanted to go for a younger, cooler, fresher look.”


The pair are said to have met while working on a campaign for Living Proof, which Jennifer is the face of.

New York-based Kate was voted Most Powerful Stylist in the World by The Hollywood Reporter last year, and has worked with stars including Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz. Kate is known for creating edgy, modern looks and has previously revealed she likes “pushing the envelope” with style as she quickly gets bored with fashion. Jennifer is said to be impressed with Kate’s forward-thinking attitude and knows she is in good hands.

“Jennifer wanted a change and so she has actively been making over her wardrobe and look with Kate,” the source added.

Friday 13 December 2013

Kourtney Kardashian Spills Her Daily Beauty Routine

When it comes to looking picture perfect, the Kardashians have it down to a science. Maybe it has to do with the fact that they’re used to being in front of the camera 24/7, but I think it’s a skill that they were just born with (along with their signature shiny locks and lashes). But not all of the sisters like to glam it up all the time. In a recent interview with Into the Gloss, Kourtney Kardashian shared her daily beauty routine which is more similar to yours than you may have originally thought.

To start, Kardashian likes to apply tinted moisturizer all over her face (Laura Mercier, $43) followed by concealer (Make Up For Ever, $32) under her eyes and to cover any unwanted spots. She shared that she’s caught baby daddy Scott Disick using these face-concealing products, too.

Kardashian then went on to wax poetic about her love of contouring with a bronzer (Endless Summer, $15) “It’s this big and it comes with three shades, so I use the darkest shade to do a quick contour on my nose and cheekbones — contouring and highlighting are the best things I’ve learned from getting my makeup done on set. I never really knew they existed before someone did it to me, but now I have to contour.”

As for her eyes, it’s all about mascara and liquid eyeliner. Kardashian curls her lashes to open them up and finishes them with black mascara (Kardashian Beauty Mascara, $10). Then, she applies liquid eyeliner, a skill she acquired from Kris Jenner long ago. “I learned how to apply liquid liner when I was in, like, 8th grade — my mom taught me. So I’ve kind of got that mastered. There’s no real trick to it; it’s all about the applicator.”

But if there’s some wisdom Kardashian would like to impart on you all, it’s the importance of face and eye cream. You may have spent your middle school years learning how to apply lipstick, but the Kardashians were already busy focusing on eye cream. Kardashian swears by Total Truth Eye Cream by Ole Henriksen, $45.

To read the interview in its entirety, head over to Into the Gloss.

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Susan Boyle's 'Good Day New York' appearance shows how hard the singer works

 While Susan Boyle ’s music may sound effortless, Confidenti@l has learned it’s everything but.

Following Sunday’s confession that she suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, it’s now clear just how hard the Scottish singing sensation works to perform live.

Boyle was at the WNYW/Ch. 5 studios on the Upper East Side just days before the shocking revelation and relied on her manager to help her keep time and soothe her anxieties while she performed for the “Good Day New York” episode that aired Monday.

While she seemed like a natural on TV, her ever-present minder was there to pepper her with directions throughout the segment, which seemed to calm her nerves.

“She was singing Christmas songs, but there was no music playing. It was only playing on a track in her ear, so no one could hear any music — only Susan’s singing, which made her nervous,” an insider tells Confidenti@l. “She was tapping her foot to keep along with the rhythm, and it was so silent you could hear a man behind a curtain behind her talking to her.”

We’re told that while Boyle was placed in front of the festive curtain decorated with twinkling lights, her manager remained behind it, telling her to remember to “smile, move your hands more, put your hands down, raise right hand, keep smiling, smile, hands up,” and so on, making Boyle’s appearance appear effortless, according to our spy.

“Everything he said, she would then do it. It looked hard because it’s one thing to not hear the music and to be singing along to a track, but another to do it to a silent room,” says our tipster. “There were long, silent pauses, but her coach told her how to move, which camera to look at, how to smile.”

Boyle told the U.K.’s Observer newspaper that a specialist in Scotland diagnosed her Asperger’s a year ago, and that she’s relieved to finally be able to talk about it.

“I have always known that I have had an unfair label put upon me,” she explained. “I have Asperger’s.”

The inspirational singer — who was discovered in 2009 when she knocked Simon Cowell ’s socks off on “Britain’s Got Talent,” belting out “I Dreamed a Dream” — has a new album out called “Home for Christmas.” It’s a compilation of favorite holiday songs from her youth, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Little Drummer Boy.”

Tuesday 10 December 2013

How to exfoliate skin in the winter

Now that the winter season is upon us, it is important to change our tactics while dealing with skincare challenges, like dry skin.

Dermatologist Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra said that dry skin looks dull because it is caused by dead skin cells, and both need to be taken care of by exfoliating on a weekly basis.

While beauty expert, Shahnaz Hussain, suggested mixing honey and brown sugar into a paste to use as a scrub, as it exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, skin specialist Dr Rashmi Shetty said that rather than going for harsh scrubs, one should go for products that have natural exfoliating properties.

Shetty advised to apply the juice of a lemon and to keep it on for five minutes before washing off and in the case of tamarind, it’s pulp should be rubbed for a couple of minutes and dead cells will dissolve away. (Read: Your winter mega guide for skincare, haircare, fitness and diseases)

Moreover, Monsoon Salon India offers the goodness of Vitamin C in its Tamarind and Sugarcane scrub, which renews the skin by removing dead skin on the surface, making it ideal for even those with sensitive skin.

6 expert tips to keep your skin looking gorgeous in winter

Here are some skincare tips by Dr Manish Gautam, dermatologist at Sterling Wockhardt Hospital that will help keep your skin looking gorgeous in winter.

Drink lots of water: People tend to drink less water during winters but it is highly important to hydrate your skin from within. Carry a bottle of water with you whenever you step outside. Herbal tea is also a great remedy to moisturise your skin from within. Don’t leave your skin thirsty. Drink more water and help your skin retain its shine.

Bathe with lukewarm water: Winter is the time when your skin and hair need maximum attention. Though the idea of piping hot water is very tempting, stick to a lukewarm water bath every day. Make sure you use a mild non-drying soap or a moisturising soap to prevent your skin from getting dry and itchy.

Keep your skin moisturised: Choose a good, oil-based moisturiser to keep the skin moisturised and soft. Pay special attention to the exposed parts (and the most affected areas) like your hands, nails, feet and lips. Keep them well moisturised at all times. Use a lip balm to keep your lips soft and supple. Lip balm with SPF works better. Even those who have oily skin must use light moisturising lotions after cleansing to keep the skin soft. (Read: Have dry hair and skin? Use olive oil)

Use a good sunscreen: People like to enjoy the sun during winters but little do they know that exposure to the sun can harm their skin in winter too. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more when you step out in the open. In fact, it should be a part of your daily routine throughout the year. Don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen just because summer is over.

Do not lick your lips: Winter is the season of chapped lips and licking them will make them more chapped. Instead, use a good lip balm, preferably which contains tea tree oil as it helps heal painful cracks.

Internal wellness: This continues to be a requirement all through the year as a healthy skin is a reflection of good inner health. One should continue to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. (Read: Is a body massage really needed?)

Monday 9 December 2013

The Enigma of Beauty

Sheli Jeffry is searching for beauty. As a scout for Ford, one of the world's top model agencies, Jeffry scans up to 200 young women every Thursday afternoon. Inside agency headquarters in New York, exquisite faces stare down from the covers of Vogue, Glamour, and Harper's Bazaar. Outside, young hopefuls wait for their big chance.

Jeffry is looking for height: at least five feet nine (1.8 meters). She's looking for youth: 13 to 19 years old. She's looking for the right body type.

What is the right body type?

"Thin," she says. "You know, the skinny girls in school who ate all the cheeseburgers and milk shakes they wanted and didn't gain an ounce. Basically, they're hangers for clothes."

In a year, Jeffry will evaluate several thousand faces. Of those, five or six will be tested. Beauty pays well. A beginning model makes $1,500 a day; those in the top tier, $25,000; stratospheric supermodels, such as Naomi Campbell, four times that.

Jeffry invites the first candidate in.

"Do you like the camera?" she asks Jessica from New Jersey. "I love it. I've always wanted to be a model," Jessica says, beaming like a klieg light.

Others seem less certain. Marsha from California wants to check out the East Coast vibes, while Andrea from Manhattan wants to know if she has what it takes to be a runway star. (Don't give up a sure thing like a well-paying Wall Street job for this roll of the dice, Jeffry advises.)

The line diminishes. Faces fall and tears well as the refrain "You're not what we're looking for right now" extinguishes the conversation—and hope.

You're not what we're looking for …

Confronted with this, Rebecca from Providence tosses her dark hair and asks: "What are you looking for? Can you tell me exactly?"

Jeffry meets the edgy, almost belligerent, tone with a composed murmur. "It's hard to say. I know it when I see it."

What is beauty? We grope around the edges of the question as if trying to get a toe-hold on a cloud.

"I'm doing a story on beauty," I tell a prospective interview. "By whose definition?" he snaps.

Define beauty? One may as well dissect a soap bubble. We know it when we see it—or so we think. Philosophers frame it as a moral equation. What is beautiful is good, said Plato. Poets reach for the lofty. "Beauty is truth, truth beauty," wrote John Keats, although Anatole France thought beauty "more profound than truth itself."

Others are more concrete. "People come to me and say: 'Doctor, make me beautiful,'" a plastic surgeon reveals. "What they are asking for is high cheekbones and a stronger jaw."

Science examines beauty and pronounces it a strategy. "Beauty is health," a psychologist tells me. "It's a billboard saying 'I'm healthy and fertile. I can pass on your genes."