On International Dance Day 2022, the ballerinas ran off into the wild. We're trying to keep track of them, and we'll try to bring you updates on the last Wednesday of each month until International Dance Day 2023. Here's what some of them have been doing recently:
Sarah found herself (which is fitting, since we are posting on 2/22).
Miko found what may be the Stairway to Heaven...
... while Sydney may have found the Highway to Hell (at the Bridge Over Troubled Waters).
But there's no doubt that MacKenzie and Zarina found themselves further from home than anyone else: They ran into a group of short guys and tagged along for a trip to Mordor.
The Brahmin and the Butterfly (aka "The Butterfly's Chrysalis") (1901) Starring: Georges Melies and an anonymous dancer Director: Georges Melies Rating: Eight of Ten Stars
A sorerer (Melies) uses magic to create a beautiful winged woman by enchanting a giant caterpillar... but things don't go quite as he planned.
"The Brahmin and the Butterfly" is one of my favorite shorts from early special effects wizard Georges Melies. It's a little goofy, a little creepy, the effects are pretty good even by modern standards, and it's got a story with a twist. All in about two minutes!
What's more, I think the story will resonate with modern audiences. Take a look and let me know if you agree! (The version I'm providing below features a modern score done specifically for this film, which makes watching it even more enjoyable.)
The Tiny Dancer (aka 'The Dancing Midget') (1902) Starring: George Melies, an Anonymous Actor, and an Anonymous Ballerina Director: Georges Melies Rating: Seven of Ten Stars
A magician (Melies) conjures an assistant, eggs, and ultimately a miniature ballerina. But he's saved his greatest trick for last!
"The Tiny Dancer" is one of the many films by stage-magician-turned-pioneering-special-effects-artist Georges Melies performs cinema-enhanced magic tricks that culminate either in a magical mishap or a visual joke of some sort. I'll not say how this one turns out, because I don't want to spoil anything.
I've said before that this type of film are among my least favorite of Melies output. That said, this one is lively and amusing enough that it kept my attention throughout. The ending also make me snicker, and I always appreciate the short films that leave me smiling (for the comedies) or squirming (for the horror films).
But why don't you check it out? It's only a couple minutes long. Let me know in the comments whether you liked it or not!
Also, if you see Elton John, recommend that he check it out, too. I think he'll love it, for obvious reasons.
On International Dance Day 2022, the ballerinas ran off into the wild. We're trying to keep track of them, and we'll try to bring you updates on the last Wednesday of each month until International Dance Day 2023.
As you may recall, we were worried for the ballerinas as winter arrived. But, as it turns out, they're still doing fine!
Some are just ignoring the cold and snow...
... and others have come back indoors...
... where most are staying close to the windows, so they know as soon as the weather's fit for them to run outside again!
Although maybe they share more in common with cats than grace and the ability to land on their feet?
On International Dance Day 2022, the ballerinas ran off into the wild. We're trying to keep track of them, and we'll try to bring you updates on the last Wednesday of each month until International Dance Day 2023.
We're welcoming a new sponsor to Shades of Gray: Winkleton's Machine People Emporium. It's Slaughter Valley's premier outlet for Machine People accessories and enhancements, and it's the perfect place to get a Christmas gift for your non-biological friends and neighbors!
Mention Shades of Gray or NUELOW Games while shopping at Winkleton's and get a 25% to 50% discount on purchases!
Even if you're not local to the Slaughter Valley, we think it will be worth the trip. Winkleton's is a fascinating place--and while their business is primarily focused on Machine People, they also carry items that will make great gifts for any Mandroids in your lives. (While you're in the Slaughter Valley area, there are a whole host of other interesting places to visit, including scenic Slaughtermouth Seaside Resort.
But -- whether you are coming from near or far, you need to get some Christmas gifts for the Machine People. If the Machine People have a Merry Christmas, there's a better chance of you having a Happy New Year.
On International Dance Day 2022, the ballerinas ran off into the wild. We're trying to keep track of them, and we'll try to bring you updates on the last Wednesday of each month until International Dance Day 2023.
It's cold and rainy. How are the dancers doing? Well, they generally aren't letting the weather get to them...
... but some have sought temporary shelter.
But wherever the ballerinas are as Autumn turns to Winter, you can be sure they're dancing!
California-based musical duo slenderbodies says that they are hoping to inspire change in the world through their dreamy, poppy tunes. Check out the "official visualizer" for their single "smilin'" and let us know if you think they might succeed! (We enjoyed the curious peppiness of the song and weirdness of the video... and we hope you will, too!)
smilin' (2022) Starring: Alyssa Rose Directors: Max Vehuni and Benji Cormack
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