It’s International Dance Day (IDD). I’m sure many dancers and dance enthusiasts are wondering when the dance halls of the world will reopen in a post-COVID-19 world. It’s a challenging time. That’s why this year I’m celebrating IDD by revisiting a classic movie.
I first saw the 1948 film, The Red Shoes in a special screening at Queensland’s Performing Arts Complex. I was just a kid, but it left a lingering impact – it’s beautiful, dramatic and disturbing.
The movie tells the story of Victoria Page, a young dancer who battles between her passion for dance and the man she loves. It’s inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, also called The Red Shoes. Created by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger it’s been ranked as one of the best British films of all time plus received numerous accolades.
If you’re based in Australia, The Red Shoes is available to stream on SBS OnDemand, rent or buy on Apple Movie.
This book-to-film adaptation receives an honourable mention in the adaptation hall of fame. Check out my previous series, Movie Magic or tragedy, for some other interesting viewing.
Today’s gem, Splitscreen: A love story directed by J.W. Griffiths, is from 8 years ago. It’s beautifully shot, portraying the parallel lives of the two protagonists despite living on opposite sides of the globe. Its immensely satisfying to watch the symmetry of their lives. Splitscreen won the 2011 Nokia Shorts competition and is a staff pick of the decade on Vimeo. Enjoy.
The future of science and technology was embodied in the thoroughly modern typeface Futura.
Created in the late 1920s Futura was created in a similar spirit to the Bauhaus design aesthetic. This influential font, based on geometrics, was used in NASA’s space program to reduce complexity and the cognitive load in the space race’s singularly complex and demanding environment.
Douglas Thomas, in his research on the power of fonts at the intersection of design and culture shares his perspective in TEDxSanFrancisco’s talk, “How a typeface helped launch Apollo.”
Futura’s sleek letter forms have inspired many font-designers over the years. Since its creation in the 1920s by Paul Renner, it’s become almost omnipresent – embedding itself in the fabric of pop culture. With its geometric precision and modern lines, Futura’s transitioned from metal type to digital with ease. It’s clarity and readability at a distance, means you’ve likely seen Futura or a derivative in the urban landscape of major cities all over the world.
For more information about Douglas Thomas. If you’re inspired by design and the details of our environment stay tuned!
Manage your finances with a budget and goals. Learn about money. Think sticking to a budget is restrictive? Try running out of money and being broke.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post).
Before eating or drinking anything take a deep breath and inhale the aroma. You’ll be amazed what you notice. And everything that passes your lips is much more enjoyable.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post). Scent if powerful. There’s something about the aroma of food cooking – be it the nutty scent of coffee roasting, the comforting smell of a fruit cake in the oven or exotic scents of herbs roasting. Take the time to notice the smell surrounding your meal. You’re enjoyment will increase exponentially.
Cell Trance | Illustration by Katherine Miyake from Curious Rituals
I crossed paths with an article about a design study into the behaviours + practices we adopt from using technology. It roused my interest. Firstly – I am now acutely aware that I actually practice some of the things described. I had been blissfully unaware until I saw the article on co.DESIGN.
The design study, Curious Rituals actually illustrates common trends in behaviour created by the technology we consume. And when I say illustrates – I mean it. Which is my second -big- reason for interest. It presents patterns of individual human behaviours in a really simple way. From this baseline I also ask (the authors of the study ask this too) what will be the design patterns of the future?
You can download a copy of the Curious Rituals ebook here.
In the meantime… I have sensors to wave at and cell-trance circuits to complete.
Learn to brew a proper pot of tea – use the good service, with tea cups and matching saucers.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post). Drinking tea has many rituals associated with it, from cementing business agreements to providing comfort. Tea is refreshing by nature and known for healthful properties. Take the time out for yourself to enjoy this.
Look at
- Paris for Tea Lovers (parisinmypocket.wordpress.com) for inspiration.
Unless you’re talking maths, logic tends to be highly subjective.
Don’t be surprised if logical conclusions are different for each individual.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post).
Honesty is no excuse for brutality.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post). Something might be true, but you can always choose the way to deliver your message.
The sweetest of sleeps – an ode to the unintentional nap.
When you’re so relaxed you feel smug; reclining with a book or magazine.
And sudden drowsiness surprises you.
Surrender. Slowly drift away into the sweetest of slumbers.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post).
Fragments of Eva 