Got 7 will be performing for their dedicated Midwestern fans this Friday (May 8th). They are the latest K-Pop boy group to brave the Windy City to connect with their beloved supporters.
You can catch Got 7’s First Fanmeeting in the USA at the Riviera Theatre! The theatre is located at 4746 N. Racine Avenue Chicago, IL 6064.
Have fun, K-Pop fans!
All rights to the photo belongs to JYP Entertainment.
It’s been awhile since BTSCelebs returned to its roots of sharing the best in extras casting news in Chicagoland.
Award winning producer Spike Lee is looking for extras to be in his upcoming Chicago based film. Hopefully, that horrible Chiraq title won’t come back to haunt us again. We are so much better than that.
If you want to be apart of the cast, stop by on May 9th and don’t forget to tell them BTSCelebs sent you!
Click Here to visit 4 Star Casting’s official Facebook page for extras information.
Our North: Israel Garcia Chenge, Reagan Wise and James Floyd Photo by Cheryl Mann
BTSCelebs: Who is James Floyd?
James Floyd: (Basic Bio) James grew up in the very supportive and loving family of Jack and Lela Floyd in northeastern Florida, and always enjoyed dancing for pure enjoyment. James’ sister Emily Iva Floyd, also a dancer, photographer, and choreographer, guided him to many of his achievements. The Barbara Thompson School of Dance, a local dance school in northern Jacksonville, Florida, initiated James’ main dance training at the age of 3 years old. James’ interest was not originally in classical ballet, studying many different styles of dance while living in Jacksonville including gymnastics/acrobatics, modern, character, jazz, contemporary in addition to ballet.
At the age of 13, James attended a performance of Romeo & Juliet by American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center for the Arts in New York City. Soon thereafter, he developed a more technical and artistic understanding of classical ballet. James says, “He was completely entranced by the grace, strength, and beauty the male dancers/characters portrayed, as well as how clearly the story ballet could be understood by movement without words.”
James classical ballet training did not begin intensely until the age of 15 after competing in the 2010 Youth American Grand Prix finals in New York City. James furthered his study of classical ballet and contemporary dance training on scholarship with The Rock School for Dance Education – a pre-professional year round study, which James participated in from September 2010 through June 2014. In addition, James also participated in summer intensives with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Austin, The Joffrey Ballet, and The Bolshoi Ballet Academy in New York City and Moscow, Russia.
James joined The Joffrey Ballet for the 2014-2015 season as a Studio Company member.
Who inspired you to pursue a career as a dancer?
I believe as a young child I was always inspired to dance, and created most of my own choreographic routines with my older sister. I know for a fact that it was not just one specific person who inspired me to dance. My parents and older sister were really the initiators who continued to support and believe in my dreams to pursue my career as a dancer.
How are you able to remember each detailed step of new choreography? How long does it take to perfect it?
As a dancer, being able to remember each detailed step of new choreography is extremely vital to a dancer’s profession, and it’s simply part of the job. As dancers, we are expected to work through numerous weeks of rehearsals to master the choreographer’s vision of his/her work. The rehearsal process generally depends on the specific type of production we will be performing. If we are preparing for a full length ballet, learning the choreography would take approximately 2 weeks, and about 4-6 weeks to perfect the details of the production. However, if we are preparing a contemporary choreographic work such as The Joffrey Ballet’s Winning Works, it would typically take about 2 weeks to learn the choreography and about 1-2 weeks to perfect it.
Is it hard to lift your partner or completely trust them to lift you during a performance? How do you eliminate accidents on stage?
As a seasoned pre-professional dancer, we are required to have an abundant amount of specialized previous training. The ability to practice connecting our movements, and working together with other dancers in partnering is definitely a requirement. After much repetition and practice, partnering becomes more organic. The best way to eliminate accidents on stage is to work very closely with your partner to make sure you both have a mutual understanding of one another’s energy through the role of unison for the work.
Describe your dream ballet. Which Joffrey dancers would you want to join you in the performance?
I would have to say my dream ballet to perform would be Roland Petit’s Notre-Dame de Paris. This is a unique neo-classic ballet based on Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which premiered at the Paris Opera Ballet in 1965. This specific ballet requires numerous amounts of dancers to be involved, so therefore I would want all Joffrey dancers to be a part of it.
What production are you currently working on?
The production we are currently working on is Alexei Kremnev & Anna Reznik’s conception of The Sleeping Beauty, which will be performed May 14-17, 2015 in the Joffrey Black Box Theater located at Joffrey Tower.
What can we look forward to seeing you in during the remainder of 2015?
As I conclude the 2014-2015 season with The Joffrey Ballet Studio Company, I’m seeking to gain more experience and performance opportunities with a professional company, as well as continue to follow my dreams and grow as an artist physically.
*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group and James Floyd for the exclusive interview and image.*
I’m in love.
Melissa Tagg’s latest novel “From The Start” was a whirlwind ride. I had mixed feelings about Colton Greene and Kate Walker’s relationship at the beginning, but towards the end Tagg had me swooning once again.
The story is about a former NFL quarterback forced to quit the job that shot him to super-stardom and find a new path in life. He heads to Maple Valley for a little down time only to be thrust into a vacation of servitude (that actually opens his heart). Along the way, he unexpectedly meets writer Kate Walker. The pair bonds over a book he asks her to write and end up falling in love. However, this love story is not a typical fantasy. Their dark pasts threaten their budding romance before it even begins.
“From The Start” made me miss football even more during this long off-season. It also reminded me of the crush I once had on a player. I enjoyed Melissa Tagg’s newest clean romance, and I’m glad she finally made one of her characters a screenwriter. All of her books deserve significant screen time in real life.
I only have one big complaint….to my knowledge, Chicago doesn’t have any eastern suburbs. Lake Michigan and Indiana are directly to our East. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and that one reference in the book kind of stuck with me.
Besides that, the book was a great read. Here is one of my favorite quotes: “Don’t assume saying yes to one dream automatically means saying no to another.”
*BTSCelebs thanks Bethany House for the complimentary copy of the book.*
Hallyu Magazine began to make its mark in the South Korean entertainment industry in 2011. After being scouted by them the same year, I have followed the emerging publication ever since. I may not be an official member of the team, but fans of K-entertainment are always connected.
BTSCelebs recently had the opportunity to interview the talented lady who created the K-Pop focused mag. I chatted with Nadezhda Hope about a variety of topics including Hallyu’s roots, her experience in the industry and if she has plans to debut herself.
BTSCelebs: Who is Nadezhda Hope?
I don’t believe there is one definite definition of who I am. I wear many hats and strive for happiness. In my greatest dreams, I wish to be able to give a little piece of hope to everyone.
Why did you start a magazine dedicated to K-Pop?
I have started HALLYU Magazine to provide a source for the English-speaking audience to be able to read, enjoy and learn more about Korean Entertainment and Culture. Of course, the idea itself was sparked from my friends, who at the time in high school didn’t have any way to learn more about Korean music, dramas and the artists they have wanted to share with me. I happened to know some good people in the industry and with their encouragement, a small background in magazine production, and lots of long nights, HALLYU was born.
How are you able to make such fabulous insider contacts in the South Korean entertainment industry?
I’m very honored and blessed to be able to meet so many wonderful people in Korean Entertainment. I believe every encounter is destiny.
What was it like working with BTSCelebs’ 2011 interview guest Son Pham (aka Ryuichi Pham)?
I honestly love, love, love Ryuichi. He’s been an amazing friend ever since. He is a great contributor to what HALLYU is today. You can find him on multiple covers of HALLYU and in the insider features as well.
Tell us about the craziest BTS moment you had interviewing a celebrity.
I’m not sure what you would define as ‘crazy’ and certainly nothing on camera is really that crazy. I do have several fun moments to share with everyone. Before the start of a concert, B.A.P Seoul Attack, I was asking B.A.P. members questions, however, they took notice that I had not mentioned my name and have asked for it. Reluctantly, I revealed my name to them, “Hope” with regret of knowing what the reaction would be. It was an uproar of laughter for what seemed liked forever to me. In Korean pronunciation, hope sound like hof- a beer drinking place. It garners laughter every single time I introduce myself.
Another fun episode is when I met SAY YES members for the first time. They arrived at rehearsal for HALLYU’s anniversary concert 30 seconds before myself. As I walked through the door all five members excitedly surrounded me and started to explain to me that they are so happy to meet me and that they are my fans. It was amazing being surrounded by five guys with purple, red, bleached and black hair. Unfortunately there was a problem, I had no idea who they were, so I asked them directly, “Who are you?” They answered, “Say Yes” I replied instantly, “Yes?” Just as instantly the members burst with laughter. I’m looking at them confused. Then they explain, “No, we are the Say Yes. Remember, we are friends on facebook. We are your fans” And then the embarrassment hit me, I do know them. Silly Hope.
I’m a big SHINee fan. Do you have any plans to feature hot SM Entertainment recording artists like SHINee in your magazine in the near future?
There are always big plans ahead. HALLYU will always bring the best service and most beautiful content to indulge in.
Foreigners are becoming stars in South Korea all the time. Will you make your debut too?
The answer to this question is top secret. It is very astonishing that foreigners are able to break into Korean Entertainment and make a positive impression in Korean media.
Thank you very much to BTSCelebs for the interview! I bow low in my gratitude to everyone who shows their love and support for HALLYU Magazine! It is the greatest feeling in the world when others love HALLYU! Have a happy HALLYU-day!
*BTSCelebs sends a special thanks to Nadezhda Hope for the exclusive interview and photos*
Who didn’t love to sing along to TCG tunes in the early 2000s?
It’s been almost 7 years since “The Cheetah Girls– One World” premiered on Disney Channel. Former girl group members Sabrina Bryan (Dorinda) and Kiely Williams (Aqua) are keeping the Cheetahs alive by continuing to keep in touch after all these years.
Today, Sabrina shared the message and photo below:
All rights to the image belongs to Disney/ABC.
Moriah Peters-Smallbone tweets: “#TBT to this groovy 70’s scene on set of my first feature film! Are you as excited to see it as I am?”
All rights to the image and quote belongs to Moriah Peters.
Derrick Agnoletti, Anastacia Holden, Victoria Jaiani, Rory Hohenstein and Fabrice Calmels in Nicolas Blanc’s “Evenfall”. Photo by Cheryl Mann
“Evenfall” is the star of “New Works”!
Choreographer Nicolas Blanc’s beautiful love story entitled “Evenfall” was brought to life April 22nd at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. His piece was about a poet writing a stirring love story which takes the audience on a journey from the poet’s emotional birth of his characters to them falling in love and fighting. I looked forward to Choreographer Blanc’s ballet from the beginning of “New Works” and he did not disappoint.
He allowed the audience to feel the raw emotion the poet had as he wrestled to write his moving poem.
Fabrice Calmels & Victoria Jaiani in Niclas Blanc’s “Evenfall”. Photo by Cheryl Mann
The second piece worth mentioning was choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’ s “Liturgy”. The romantic piece had sensual elements and seemed to be influenced by Eastern religions. It was great to see the couple connect on stage and nail every intricate move, but the poses resembling Eastern gods was a little distracting. “Liturgy” was designed to let the audience interpret it anyway they wanted and the interpretation possibilities are endless after you see it.
April Daly & Dylan Gutierrez in Christopher Wheeldon’s “Liturgy”. Photo by Cheryl Mann
Choreographers Justin Peck’s “In Creases” and Val Caniparoli’s “Incantations” were filled with dynamic choreography and talented dancers, but the only thing they lacked was a central story-line. I love to follow an emotional tale through each performance, and I wish these pieces would have chosen a tale like “EvenFall” to illustrate on stage.
Justin Peck’s “In Creases”. Photo by Cheryl Mann
John Mark Giragosian in Val Caniparoli’s “Incantations”. Photo by Cheryl Mann
“New Works” was a pleasant experience with one unforgettable performance and quite a few stand out moments. It’s worth seeing a second time even if you only want to see your favorites.
“New Works” will continue to run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago,IL thru May 3rd.
*A special thanks to The Silverman Group and The Joffrey Ballet for giving BTSCelebs the opportunity to review New Works.*
Credit: Mandisa’s Official Facebook Page
Two heavenly voices you have to hear to believe.
Former American Idol contestants Mandisa and Elliott Yamin have come a long way since their AI days. Mandisa embarked on a successful music career in the CCM industry (and is now a Grammy award winner), while Billboard chart topper Elliott Yamin blew music lovers away with his hot mainstream albums released in the US and Japan
If I had the golden opportunity to sit in on any singer’s recording session….it would be these two, hands down! I have never heard singers like them who seemed to be born with the vocal ability to amaze us album after album. Their vocals are superb! I sincerely hope they consider forming a duet in the near future. The world needs voices like theirs.
Listen to their impressive tracks below:
I love these two amazing talents!
All rights to the images belongs to Mandisa and Elliott Yamin.
https://instagram.com/p/1rRoAsydrG/
Meet the Timberlakes’ baby boy!
Multi-Grammy award winner Justin Timberlake shared a sweet photo of his wife Jessica Biel and their baby son Silas today. The celebrity couple were ready to support daddy’s hometown basketball team (the Memphis Grizzlies) during their playoff game today. In the photo, they dressed their newborn baby boy Silas in a fan jersey, while mommy Jessica held him. Their support must have worked, because the Grizzlies won the game against the Trial Blazers 100 to 86.
Too sweet! I kinda miss the Justin Timberlake of “Model Behavior” (which was an amazing movie), and Jessica’s portrayal of Mary Camden on “7th Heaven”. These stars ruled the late 90s and 00s, it’s great to see they have found happiness in their growing family.
BTSCELEBS 