Thursday, March 6, 2025
Debauche
Club IMAGE
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Men in Motion
Fifth Ave Guys & Dolls
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Be A Queen Drag Show
Monday, March 3, 2025
Erotique Burlesque
DQ WoF-Crystal Edge Dancers
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Star and Tristan Dance Down the Walk of Fame!
What a special show it was... just incredible! Star Lyonesse and her long-time partner Tristan graced the Zhaza Zerbino Stage at the Dance Queens sim in an amazing mini-show, earning Star her STAR in the Walk of Fame. She is a wonderfully talented dance creator and each dance she shared at this show widened the eyes of the appreciative audience. Tristan also received his STAR for his extensive work as a dance videographer in Second Life. So now he has two stars and one of his stars has a star. *smiles* This show was brilliant, an amazing tribute to human imagination and creativity. Take a look at some pictures from the show, then read interviews with Star and Tristan and get to know these generous souls better. Then see some pictures from their ceremony!
THE SHOW
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I Get to Love You - Ruelle - Brooklyn Duo, dancing with Star is Tristan |
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Ready for It, Star is dancing with SoCo and Taema |
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Chess Game - Michael Smorawinski, Star is dancing with SoCo |
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Lady Marmalade - Christina Aquilera and Star is dancing with SoCo, Taema and Jo |
THE INTERVIEWS
STAR
1. How and when did you find Second Life?
I discovered Second Life in September of 2011. I was taking a course that required an essay on any technology or social networking platform. I can remember Myspace came to mind but further research led me to this virtual world called Second Life. The thought of avatars and living in such a world pulled me in. Still here today!
2. How and when did you discover virtual dance?
I discovered virtual dance in 2015. I was asked to host a dance show and I am so glad I did. The mere thought of a dance show in this world was so intriguing!
3. I know picking is hard, but name a few of your favorite
dances that you have ever created:
A few of my favorite dances will be performed today. *Ready
for It? (Cyber theme)
*Lady Marmalade (Burlesque theme)
*Chess Game (DQ Tango challenge)
*I Get to Love You (DQ Bridgerton challenge)
The dance to each theme you see today offers you a peek into my mind. Not to mention, any dance with my husband is my favorite!
4. Did you have any
mentors when you were learning to dance that you'd like to wave to?
There are more than three, however, I am forever grateful to Klark, Delaney, Cherryblonde and SoCo.
From the beginning of my dance journey, it was Klark Harvy. Klark provided me with a solid virtual dance foundation. He taught me how to use the dance tools to choreograph, how to build the set for a performance, and every other aspect of virtual dance.
Delaney: My pillar. One of the most giving and sincere people I have had the honor to know. My frantic 3am messages like she is a "911" operator. Well, actually, she has been there for me!
Cherryblonde: She encouraged and had the confidence in me as a burlesque dancer. I learned a lot about myself and faced my fears as a soloist.
SoCo: An inspiration and so much more. Her dance creations are brilliant, stunning and evoke emotion. Her strength and resilience are remarkable. When I grow up I want to be like her!
There are others that I would like to crawl into their mind and just live there a little while as they create a visionary masterpiece. They are brilliant!
5. What is your favorite thing about virtual dance creation?
My favorite thing about virtual dance creation is it provides a conduit so I can create and express in a language that transcends words, communicate emotions that are sometimes deeply personal and it definitely pushes me beyond my comfort zone.
6. What is your least favorite thing about virtual dance
creation?
My least favorite thing is the limited lyrical and emotional animations and lag during shows. It is frustrating to visualize and know what you want to say but the animation doesn't cut it or a lag spike distorts the flow of the dance.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is new to
virtual dance?
Understand that becoming a virtual dancer doesn't happen overnight; it takes time. Be ready to invest the time, patience and money. Always keep true to who you are as a person and don't get sucked into drama and egos. Be yourself, embrace the dance challenge and opportunity and by all means have FUN!
8. What is your favorite food, favorite drink, and please
tell us about any pets that you have.
My favorite food is the Maryland blue crab and drink is coffee and margaritas!
I have a very sweet and cuddly British short hair cat who is always here with me on the other side of the screen.
9. What activities other than dance do you enjoy?
Spending time with my husband. This includes sailing, golfing, shopping, decorating, exploring, taking pictures and hanging out with friends and family.
10. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to thank Second Life for providing this virtual world that allows me to be create and connect with people from all over the world. I have friends here that I would have never had the opportunity to meet had it not been for Second Life.
Thank you to Tristan for recording performances and capturing the dancers special moments and preserving the memories forever.
Finally, a big thank you to GG, my SL sister, who has been
by my side and supported me through my entire Second Life from day 1!
TRISTAN
1. How and when did you find Second Life?
I first became aware of Second Life in 2006 after reading a news article about this virtual world. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. However, broadband internet was not available in my community. My internet access was limited to using a dial-up modem. I found that experience to be completely unsatisfactory and only spent about two days in SL. When I finally got Broadband in 2013, I returned to explore SL and I've been here ever since.
2. What inspired you to want to video virtual dance in
Second Life?
I saw my first dance show in Second Life in 2015 while
attending Fantasy Faire. The Dance
Xcetera Troupe was performing.
It was very impressive. I had never done any filming in SL before but watching that show inspired me to begin to learn how to use the camera and photo tools integrated into the Firestorm Viewer. As I started attending more dance shows I began to appreciate the passion and skill of SL choreographers and the beauty of SL dance. I felt that everyone in SL and especially those in real life should have the opportunity to see and appreciate unique and very special art form. I am still learning.
3. Did you have any
mentors when you were learning to video dance that you'd like to wave to?
I have not had mentors as such but there are many online videos on the different aspects of machinima creation which are excellent. I also have been fortunate to know some really excellent videographers here in SL to share ideas and to troubleshoot problems in SL video production. They include Pia Klaar, Jackson Redstar, R. Dismantled and Andy Cam.
4. What is your favorite thing about creating virtual dance
videos?
Being able to create a video that fully expresses the beauty and skills of the choreographer for all to enjoy forever.
5. What is your least favorite thing about creating virtual
dance videos?
Lag, intermittent stream failure, bad lighting and indiscriminate censorship (especially by Bots) on YouTube.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is new to
videoing virtual dance?
(1) Purchase and learn to use a 3D Mouse (3Dconnexion
SpaceMouse Compact). A 3D mouse can be
used to pan, zoom, and rotate 3D content
while using a regular mouse to select, create, and edit. This allows the
user to free up the regular mouse for its primary function.
Note: Firestorm viewer has native support for setting up the 3d spacemouse compact - Do not use the software or drivers that come with this device if you are using for filming in SL. Just use Firestorm. Also, using it at a shopping venue is a whole new shopping experience.
(2) Take advantage of the numerous instructional videos available on YouTube about creating Machinima
(3) If you are planning to film in SL, adhere to LL TOS: https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Lab_Official:Snapshot_and_machinima_policy
7. What is your favorite food, favorite drink, and please
tell us about any pets that you have.
Leafy green salads and cheeseburgers, unsweetened ice tea and presently no pets. Last pet was a black lab.
8. What (SL) activities other than dance do you enjoy?
My wife and partner, Sailing, Golfing, Exploring new places,
9. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
SL is part of my RL
Thank you so much for this honor,
Tristan Lyonesse
@TristanLyonesse
1.04K subscribers • 5.2K videos
THE CEREMONY
A HUGE congratulations to Star and Tristan on earning their STARS in the Dance Queens Walk of Fame! Thank you for all you do to contribute to virtual dance creation and preserve the memories of created dances. It is a testimony to human imagination and sharing with one another with the hopes to not only entertain but to touch a heart, lift a spirit, enlighten a mind. Thank you for participating with this project. We wish you both continued discovery and fulfillment in your virtual dance journey!
Saturday, March 1, 2025
March 2025 Raffle!!
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Debauche
Friday, February 21, 2025
Debauche
Club IMAGE
Leninah Starlight Shines as She Earns Her Dance Queens Star!
One of the very special things about the Dance Queens Walk of Fame is getting to meet virtual dance creators for the first time. Where has Leninah been all my Second Life? I had the recent pleasure of meeting Leninah Starlight, who shared her talents on the Zhaza Zerbino Stage, thereby earning her star in the Dance Queens Walk of Fame. She has been dancing for quite a while, and it was a pleasure to watch her show, as she presented a unique style with a metaphoric artistic appeal that really stimulated interest. Let's take a look at some pictures from her show, then read an interview with her, as she is well-worth getting to know better.
THE SHOW
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Roisin
Murphy - RamaLama Bang Bang |
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The Real
Thing - Can You Feel the Force |
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Muse –
Madness |
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ROSE n
Bruno Mars – APT |
Leninah's team who performed in this show: Rain Torvalar, Red Darkheart, Aphiris Moris, EmilyAmiee Resident, Keshii Ethereal, Flint Carfield, Calli Callieope, Alexandriaxxo (Alex) and Jareth Cromwell
THE INTERVIEW
1. How and
when did you find Second Life?
I came into
SL about 8 years ago now to explore what the virtual world could offer as a
platform for creative art. I explored and loved the creative opportunities all
around and was hooked on it pretty much immediately.
2. How and when did you discover virtual dance?
I started
virtual dance as a cheerleader, then became involved in Performing Arts at a
college here. First as a student and then after a while as an instructor. I do
still do Cheerleading but less frequently now as other projects have taken
centre stage, pun intended there :P
3. I know picking is hard, but name a few of your favorite dances that you have ever created.
Oh wow!
every one is a favourite at some time :) If I had to choose just a few one
would be 'Rama Lama Bang Bang - Rosin Murphy'
an early piece which is included in the four for the mini show. Also
'Sforzarsi' which is a medley of three songs covering birth life and death and
is inspired by the poem by William Ernest Henley 'Invictus', but requires too
large a set to include in the show. Also 'Canon' which, is a canon within a
canon based on Johann Pachelbel's 'Canon in D Major', also a medley this time
of three different versions of the same piece and is also too large to include
in the show. At risk of going on here also 'Carol of the bells - Pentatonix',
'Where are You Christmas - Faith Hill' and ofc 'Tilted - Christine and the
Queens' for technical and personal reasons :) Right now my current fav of the
moment is my newest piece 'Apateu - Rose and Bruno Mars' which is a lot of fun
and is included in the show :)
4. Did you have any mentors when you were learning to dance that you'd like to wave to?
I love
dance and respect everyone's individuality. I never forget that art is in the
eye of the beholder and always try to do something different and with meaning.
The people who have influenced me the most would be Red Darkheart who was and
still is my co-instructor and one of the joint co-leaders of our troupes, her
artistic vision always inspires. Rain Torvalar, who is the other co-instructor
and joint co-leaders of the troupes who has an eye for detail that is truly
remarkable! so big waves to them !! *Waves Hi*
5. What is your favorite thing about virtual dance creation?
Hearing a
piece of music or other source of inspiration, and imagining what you can make
from that, and eventually creating a dance that enhances that in some way,
adding in the visuals to bring it another dimension. That creative process is
hard but oh so fulfilling when it comes off well and you get to perform it.
6. What is your least favorite thing about virtual dance creation?
The most
time consuming and difficult part is selecting the right dances for each piece
and matching them to the music to resonate movement with the sound in a binding
way. Sometimes that leads to a lot of frustration when you can't find exactly
the movement you really want, and can take a lot of time to do as you
envisioned it.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is new to virtual dance?
I would
refer then to two quotes which apply to virtual dance almost as much as real
world dance and they are:
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
"You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive." - Merce Cunningham
Also do what you feel you want to do, don't conform to popularity, create something new and different whenever you can.
8. If you have your own dance troupe, please tell a little bit about it, and its history.
I have a
couple of troupes the oldest being 'Red Starlight' which I run with Red and
Rain and focusses largely, but not exclusively, on neo Burlesque and has been
performing now for some 6 years. Also 'Coffee Espresso' which has also been
performing now for about 4 years and does bigger events like the SL Birthday
events, other events at SLEA and also the Expo events, and is used as the
foundation for other dance acts in the making.
9. What is your favorite food, favorite drink, and please tell us about any pets that you have.
I'm gonna
assume that chocolate doesn't count as a food and say Pasta ! All sorts but
love fettuccine and spaghetti blanco especially ! Also helps a lot with my
pescatarian diet making things more varied. Favorite drink is possibly
Fentiman's 'Classic Cherry Cola'. I don't drink much alcohol but when I do its
usually fizzy and/or sweet.
10. What activities other than dance do you enjoy?
Aside from
dancing and putting on shows, I did get into scripting in order to help with
stage props and tools for the show some time ago and I'm still doing that.
Similarly building needs lead me into Blender which comes in handy. I've also
done some Role Play, science fiction mainly, but that is another creative vent
for me that I enjoy. More recently I've started recording our pieces
individually in-world at our own studio and loading them to YouTube on our own
channel https://www.youtube.com/@CallistaStudios so that we can always see them
and remember the fun we had making and performing them :)
11. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
In all the
time I've been involved in virtual dance I have had the good fortune to have
along with me people that are as passionate about dance and share the same
desire to push the envelope. We have lots of fun and spur and spark each other
on and I'm ever thankful for that and would not have it any other way. They
know who they are don't you Red ♥ and Rain ♥
THE CEREMONY
Congratulations Leninah on earing your star in Dance Queen's Walk of Fame! It is our hope that our Walk of Fame will remain for a very long time, preserving some of the history of our virtual dance community. As performers, we work long hours, spend a lot of lindens, and pour our souls into our work, in the hopes of touching another soul when we share our creations on stage. Thank you for putting yourself out there and dedicating yourself to creating and sharing imaginative works of art through virtual dance. Thank you for participating in this project and supporting Dance Queens! I look forward to seeing more of your performances. We at Dance Queens wish you continued fulfillment with your dance journey.
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Show & Lounge cossette'
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Misfit Dance & Performance Art - UPDATED