Martha Graham.

Happy 117th birthday Martha Graham.

If this is the first you’ve heard of Martha it’s ok. I mean, she is only the most well known choreographer and greatest revolutionary of modern dance in the history of the WORLD.  

Just kidding, I know dance isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Men in tights is just not for everyone and I can appreciate that. Personall, I adore ballet and other styles  of dance. While I’ve only had a few opportunities to watch more contemporary styles, like “modern dance” that Graham influenced, I’d have to say I like that too.

Martha Graham.

Photo from: spellboundblog.com

Graham’s work is considered revolutionary for the way that she challenged the centuries-old rigidity of ballet.  Part of the beauty of ballet is of course it’s tireless demand for perfect form and execution.  She certainly wasn’t the first to challenge traditions in dance but she is arguably the most memorable. Her work helped to inspire a movement of American dance and today many of her methods are still routinely taught to modern dance students. Her story is very “under-dog”; she didn’t find her niche in dancing until her 20′s (practically ancient in the professional dance world). Though well-known for her choreography, she once said in an interview that she hoped to be remembered as a dancer. If the  animated Google logo commemorating her bday is worth anything, I think it’s safe to say she got her wish. Graham danced well beyond a time when she could be considered young and was reluctant to give her solos to younger dancers. Was she obssessed? Probably. A with the nickname of “The Picasso of Dance”, she probably didn’t know how to be anything else.

And oh yeah, the fashion in dance costumes? Don’t even get me started. #Love.

Photos of Picasso-goers at VMFA

These ladies were so happy and surprised that I wanted to photograph them. I think each of them looks great! Their outfits are tasteful and age appropriate. That structured jacket on the right is always a smart pick.

I wish I knew who makes this piece. It is so elaborate it could (probably should) be worn with an evening gown. I can't help liking that it's being worn over a breast tattoo though. I can't explain that. Maybe it's the two wildly different style colliding?

Tyler Rodan Leopard bag. Leopard is really in right now (apparently). Its' owner was a lovely white haired woman who was happy to hear this bag (second-hand from her daughter) is in style! Who knows, I just repeat what I hear the fashion gods say. I don't care for leopard personally, except for when they are in zoos.

To see more photos taken from the VMFA, meander over here to Ugly Blue Sweater’s Facebook page. Hope to head back soon, maybe one a weekend when there are more people and even more good things to photograph…

Dressing up for dead artists.

Sarah Jessica Parker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m going to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts tomorrow (follow them on Twitter! @vmfa) to take pictures of interesting things people might be wearing. The museum Tweeted me the other day to say they’ve noticed people have been getting dolled up to see the Picasso exhibit, something I’ve noticed during my visits too. So far I’ve seen a healthy number of berets, way too many turtle necks, and some pretty spring things. Tomorrow I’ll pay more attention. I’m sincerely hoping SOMEbody will wear a tutu like the one SJP wears in the opening credits of Sex in The City. How monumental would that be.

Fact: the tutu they used for the shoot (seen above) was from a vintage store and only cost $5.00

Picasso.

This is such a nice hat.

In case you just got over a terrible case of amnesia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is displaying a large collection of Picasso’s art through May 15. The collection is fantastic and I’ve already been twice. some of my favorite parts of the exhibit include photographs of Picasso. There was an especially good one of him in a striped shirt. Sadly, I was unable to sneak a picture of it. I did get this one of him sporting a hat I would never have guessed a man can wear. Maybe you have to be Spanish.

A rebel photograph at the VMFA's Picasso exhibit.