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!