Everyone is a fashion designer these days, right? Or are they?

I finally was able to watch the movie titled Valentino-The Last Emperor, last weekend. Now THERE is a designer!  In 2008, Valentino celebrated 45 years of fashion designing. He was able to design fabulous couture fashions for many famous women over these last 5 decades. And after his big anniversary celebration, he decided to retire in his late seventies. This film follows his every move, and really shows you how he created beautiful fashion, and how he lived, and lives, which is very well. He owns 6 homes around the world. Pure elegance. Incredible design. And a film worth watching, if you have any interest in real couture fashion. It is out on DVD. Rent it!

Then I tune in to Dancing With the Stars this week, and am faced with the unfortunate. The costumes worn by the stars and their celebrity partners were designed by the stars. Obviously with lots of help with the shows resident costume designer, Randall Christensen and his crew of very talented cutting, sewing and embellishing professionals.

Yes, I know that you do not need to be a trained fashion designer to acknowledge good or bad design. Non professional designers can create good costume design. But not always. And sometimes they really fall short.  Obviously the real costume designers for the show helped to influence the final designs, as they should. Most professionally trained fashion designers cringe when we hear that Lindsay Lohan has a line of whatever. Of course we are all clamoring for the latest from Paris Hilton or her sister. And so and so has a new line of this new thing. Come on. Give us a break! These days, anyone who has any celebrity seems to have a clothing line, or at the very least, a fragrance. See my designer fragrance blog, for MY designer fragrance!

Let us talk about celebrity designers, shall we?

Hey!
I was invited to the Family and Friends show, playing the evening prior to opening night for Mamma Mia in Sydney, Australia.
Most people haven`t been to a run like this. The director and team are set up front of house in the theatre. The show is formally introduced to the audience and you as the audience, consisting of family and friends of the artists, are rooting for the performers to do their very best. Command the laughs, perform all of the choreography with precision, hit every note and feed off of the energy of the audience.

I have to say I'm extremely disappointed with the election results in Maine last Tuesday regarding same-sex marriage. This was the first time that the American populate repealed actual legislation regarding same-sex marriage; last year's measure in California was in response to a court ruling, not law. The legislation that would have granted gays the right to wed was defeated with a vote of 53%-47%.

Now, why am I posting this on a dance blog? Good question. Yes, I want to vent and luckily I have a forum to do so, but it's more than that...

According to the New York Times ArtsBeat Blog, superstar singer Lady Gaga will be performing with dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet in Los Angeles at a gala for the Museum of Contemporary Art on Nov. 14. A news release issued by the museum stated that Francesco Vezzoli has been commissioned to create the production, entitled "Ballets Russes Italian Style (The Shortest Musical You Will Never See Again)." The show will also debut Lady Gaga's new single, "Speechless."

Hi Nigel, my name is Erin Lamont, and for the past 3 years I have made a reel to submit as a choreographer for SYTYCD through my agent. Each time you guys have passed on my reel.  I want some feedback! I AM going to be a choreographer for your show, it is one of my goals that I will accomplish.

That being said, here are some reasons.  I can add a less is more type of flavor to the routines. My style is not based on tricks, more the lack thereof.  I am of the theory that while competition dancers can pirouette their behind off, and illusion and catch turn like crazy, that does NOT mean that they can dance and most importantly, sell a routine.  My style emphasizes that.  Here are some links to prove it, especially check out the links section of my website, the video from my boogiezone master class. My style is one of a kind, more old school lyrical then anything else.

So Nigel, I am signed with DDO Artists Agency, look at this video, look at my website, and I look forward to being the next addition to your show! here are some links to my choreography and recent routines:

http://www.erinlamont.com/html/links.htm

http://www.erinlamont.com/html/reel.htm

If you are looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, you need look no further. This delectable dessert will fulfill even the most sizable desire for sugar, without breaking the calorie bank.

I'm proud to say I made my television re-debut on last night's episode of "Ugly Betty" - #404, The Weiner, The Bun, And The Boob. I appeared in the show's intro as one of the six "motley looking" people HR sent to interview for Daniel's assistant position. I'm the girl in the polka dotted blouse who sprays Binaca in her mouth. I had an absolute blast on set and I hope there are many more TV (and dance!) opportunities to come!

Click here to watch the full episode on ABC.com.