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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

On Magic Hour and Stomping in the East Village

East Village, NYC
Photo by myself in the East Village, around 2nd Avenue and 9th Street.

Above, a photo from my stash that I've been holding onto for the longest time. The weather was perfect and people were chatting and dining on the sidewalk. As you can see, just about everyone wears jeans in the East Village.

I took this photo one afternoon last November, when the light was turning golden. Many photographers call this time 'magic hour'. Everything looks good during 'magic hour'.

In the background, you can see the billboard for Stomp, the percussive dance performance that has been running for over 15 years.

I had no idea that Stomp was created by two choreographers in Brighton, UK. Because of its urban connotations, (men and women dancing wildly in jeans and t-shirts, beating out rhythyms with brooms and garbage can lids), the show has lodged itself in the East Village, a grungy, arty neighborhood. It seems much more New York than Britain.

Mark and I have yet to see the show, but I'm certain it's amazing. I hope it stays around another 15 years.

You can see some video of the show on their website, here.

Related posts:
City Portraits - The East Village, On Eight Million Stories and St. Mark's Place and A Moment Alone in the East Village.

12 comments:

Olivier said...

Novembre à NYC, la lumiere est magnifique. Mais pourquoi on ne voit que des femmes ?

Anonymous said...

The pose is strikingly familiar. I like it a lot. The scene that is.

Louis la Vache said...

"Stomp" was in San Francisco before «Louis» moved to France in 2005. It is a very high-energy show; well-worth the price of admission.

Speaking of high-energy, this photo has it as well.

Delightful! ;-)

dianasfaria.com said...

I like this NY group portrait. for a second I thought I saw my sister-in-law seated at the table!
I can't believe Stomp has been around 15 years - I should go see it too.

Fredrik said...

Wonderful light and the perfect picture for a jeans ad!

Laura Cousins said...

As a professional percussion EVANGELIST, I can tell you that you simply have to go and see Stomp in action. They run workshops over here, I am desperate to get on one.

Ken Mac said...

those gals mean business

T. Becque said...

Good moment capture!

frankdejol said...

You're right, November sunlight is the best. Not too sharp, not too weak, just perfect.

Fashion Schlub said...

ahh, friends meeting at the outdoor cafe...just last week I noticed many restaurants on 3rd ave set up their outdoor seating. i guess that means spring has come to brooklyn. i keep wanting to go and eat outside at one but don't have the chutzpah to go alone!

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Andrea said...

I went to see Stomp on the West End in London, it was amazing, really good fun, you should definitely go and see it if you haven't yet!!