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.

The 2nd Annual "America's Best Dance Studio Contest 2010" pre-launch video is here! We're excited to reveal our fantastic new contest promo video!

With the explosion of dance on television shows like, "Dancing With the Stars", "So You Think You Can Dance", and Randy Jackson's, "America's Best Dance Crew", dance in America has become more popular than ever, and it all starts at your local dance studio on Main Street USA!

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.

*Performance opportunities with full professional orchestra
*Talent based scholarship offered for qualified dancers
*Launching a TV show featuring young dancers of achievement

*No divas please.

The program is expertly directed by Elizabeth Flores, voted 2008 Dance Teacher of the Year by Dance Teacher Magazine. She trained with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Juilliard School of Music. Elizabeth was previously head of Summer Dance at Ballet Academy East and Artistic Director of the Harkness Youth Ballet of the 92nd Street Y.

Please submit video clip via email or contact below to arrange audition.
Call (212) 945-2926 or email newamericanyouth@yahoo.com

Now that I'm immersed in the world of contemporary dance as a competition judge, it's interesting to look at my own dance background. Sometimes I forgot just how classical my training was!

That being said, I think it sets me apart from others in the industry because I have a fundamental understanding of technique and a sincere respect for the history behind it all. In college, I finally learned to let go and use my body as more than a means to an end, but rather as an instrument that feels, speaks and connects with others. Now, I'm able to bring my dancing to a completely new heightened state by adding in the complexities of my life experience. But everyone has to start somewhere, and this is where I started:

Enjoy! (And you might recognize the Cavalier - he's Simon Sliva of Complexions!)