Events
Natural Movers Dance Concert – REVIEW
Captivating Choreography and Mesmerizing Moves: The Natural Movers Foundation Wows Audiences at the Kravis Center.
June 16th, 2023
Friday Night’s Dance concert was not just a show, it was an evening of artistic and cultural enrichment. For those who are not familiar, the ‘Natural Movers Foundation’ is a non-profit founded by Ericka Squire with a goal of bringing local dancers, choreographers and teaching artists together to network and deepen their practice. They have offered masterclasses and opportunities for children and professional adults alike. Friday’s performance was the inaugural dance concert, implying that we may look forward to one each year from now on.
The concert was a deeply impactful experience. Showcasing six different pieces, the program presented diversity, artistry, skill, and catharsis. As each piece was created by a different choreographer, it displayed something entirely new with each black out. It was a rollercoaster of sensations.
‘Selah’ Part 1, by Ericka Squire
A black dress on a graceful yet powerful body. A crimson red cloth billowing overhead, defying gravity. The imagery in the opening number was nothing short of breathtaking. Ericka Squire opened her show with Part 1 of “Selah”. It carried a mysterious air. It almost felt as if the audience was watching something sacred; a person wrestling with something, and desperately seeking to leave it behind. A search for peace. The choreography carried so much weight, infused with meaning in each step. The Soloist Danced with incredible strength and control. Her extensions were stunning, but her artistry really showed through her expressions and phrasing. All I can say is that it definitely left me wanting to see part 2.
‘Gloria’, by Shizu Yasuda
A group number performed in long black tulle skirts, almost resembling a romantic tutu. This number was a cross between the old and new. Hard and Soft. It felt reminiscent of classic ballets such as Swan Lake in its bird-like gracefulness, yet was still entirely different. It fused lyrical and modern dance into the piece, giving a harder edge than you might originally expect. Shizu Yasuda’s use of her dancers created stunning stage pictures like I have never seen. It was impeccably executed by her dancers who moved together as one organism sharing one brain: Shizu’s.
‘Whisper’, by Jacquline Lopez
Imagine this soundscape- the pitter patter of rain, the shudder of thunder, and the bated breath of a captivated audience. A girl in a red coat walks on the stage. At first, this piece felt very pedestrian, with familiar sounds, images and gestures. However, it slowly morphed into something deeply sorrowful and danced with longing. It almost felt like a funeral. Suddenly, everything changes more rapidly than before: the sorrow turns to anger, and anger to numbness. There was something beautifully haunting about this piece. Jacquiline seemed to capture the very essence of what it feels like to be hurt one time too many. All together a beautiful emotional piece, performed by a beautiful and technically proficient dancer.
‘Moving Layers’, by Ericka Squire
The lights go up on a pile of bodies and melting limbs adorned in glittering diamonds.
‘Moving Layer’s was our second piece of the night by Ericka Squire, and one of my favorites. It was a truly contemporary piece that breaks the rules of traditional dance. I never thought I could see such beauty in a sickle foot, or a broken line. The piece had a strong movement language, with repeated gestures that told an impactful story about the struggles of moving on and the importance of coming together. The imagery was so strong, I almost felt that it was layered with intertextual references. The three dancers had moments when they seemed to be washing something from their skin in desperation. I had images in my mind of Lady Macbeth shouting “Out damned spot” as she tried to wash the guilt of her wrong doings off her hands. Later, these gestures were repeated but with calm resolution and love, reminding me more of the story of Naaman washing away his leprosy in the Jordan River. It is apparent that Ericka Squire’s creative process is very intentional and thoroughly thought through. Bravo Ms. Squire on a vibrant and visceral piece of work.
‘The Optimist’, by Kristen Vencel
A breath of fresh air. After four deeply emotional pieces, ‘The Optimist’ was a much-needed respite. Like a rainbow after a thunderstorm (although a very exciting thunderstorm). This trio carried the joy of musical theater jazz while mixing it with ballroom dance such as salsa and perhaps east coast swing. I never stopped smiling during Kristen’s work. It wasn’t at all pretentious, and it didn’t take itself too seriously, which is an underrated skill in the arts world. The three dancers were quirky and silly, with an air of coolness about them. I could have done with more facial expressions from some of the performers, which would have taken this performance even more over the top. Overall, it was a wonderful party on stage that I wanted to join.
‘Discotheque’, by Libby Faber
Imagine Wes Anderson made a ballet. You would be Imagining ‘Discotheque’ by Libby Faber. Libby sets the tone for her piece right away, with such a clear vision, I felt like I knew who she was as an artist in seconds. A group of about 8 dancers are posed in solid-colored jumpsuits on dining chairs with glasses of wine. The song ensues is something I can only describe as ‘retro french party music’. The performance that followed felt like a sort of crazy wonderful fever dream. I felt like Alice falling through the rabbit hole into wonderland. Libby set up her world and her style so well that I didn’t even bat an eyelid when the dancers re-entered the stage after a blackout in full on animal masks. I was fully prepared to go on that journey. The entire piece was unexpected, and yet perfectly cohesive. At the end of the night, ‘Discotheque’ made the biggest impact on me. Although I believe it was perhaps the least polished in terms of synchronicity, it was still my favorite piece of the night. I felt like I was up there having a glass of wine with some friends saying “alight ladies! Let’s see where the night takes us!’ only to wake up in some magical forest the next day, wondering how I got there. Libby is young, in her early twenties, and will definitely be one to watch in the future.
When all was said and done, The Natural Movers Dance Concert was exceptional. As a dancer myself, I have yet to see anything in Palm Beach county of this caliber, which was very exciting. They even finished the experience with a Q&A, which brought the audience into the creative experience. No one was trying to gatekeep their processes or techniques. It was just a room full of people discussing life and art honestly. I will definitely be looking out for future performance dates, and other ways to get involved with this foundation.
For anyone who wishes to know more about natural movers, please check out their website https://www.naturalmovers.org/
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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.
June 2nd, 2025
If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.
From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.
Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear
Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.
- Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
- CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
- Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.
By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.
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- Papi Swim
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- Pia Bolt
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- Slay Swimwear
Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions
Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.
- Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
- David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
- Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
- Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.
Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.
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- Caroline Derpienski
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- Love For Upcycling
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- David Tupaz
Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.
The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.
During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.
Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.
Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.
While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.
What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.
If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.
Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.
ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.
May 28th, 2025
Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.
Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.
And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.
The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.
As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.
Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.
Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.
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