In 2014 Cirque du Soleil presented 19 different shows across the world – this month (and next month) Houston is lucky enough to host and showcase the touring show of Amaluna.
Last week I had a fun girls night in Houston, which started with appetizers and martinis at Eddie V’s in West Ave followed by Cirque du Soleil Amaluna, which is written and directed by Diane Paulus.
I consider myself a very strong woman, until I step foot into another Cirque show and realize the strength and talent of all of the cast.
The show is based on a mysterious island governed by Goddesses (yay!) and guided by the cycles of the moon. Amaluna is a fusion of “ama,” which refers to “mother” in various languages and “luna,” which means “moon,” evoking the semblance and complexity of the mother-daughter relationship.
And the femininity theme is fitting – for the first time at Cirque du Soleil, the cast of a show is 70% female and the band, 100%. #GirlPower anyone?
“Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women,” explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a woman’s perspective,“ he adds. Show Director Diane Paulus says: “I didn’t want to build a ‘women’s agenda’ show. I wanted to create a show with women at the center of it, something that had a hidden story that featured women as the heroines.”
Some of the acts you’ll see at Amaluna are Aerial Straps, Cerceau and Waterbowl, Chinese Pole, Juggling, Balance Goddess, Peacock Dance, Storm, Teterboard (my favorite!) and Uneven Bars. My favorite character by far was the Nurse (she’s a clown, and a riot!).
Teeterboard at Cirque du Soleil: Amaluna
The mobile village, located in the parking lot of Sam Houston Race Park takes 8 days to set up and 3 days to deconstruct, including the climate controlled Big Top where the show takes place (yes, there are snacks and drinks!).
A total of 65 trucks transport almost 2,000 tons of Amaluna equipment as the show only sticks in one location for about a month (so if you’re in Houston, hurry and get your tickets!).
Whether you’re looking for a fun girl’s night in Houston or a unique date night, this is your spot (or a bromance night is cool too).
The Blonde Side is also running a ticket giveaway on FB and Twitter this week – you can also enter to win two tickets simply by leaving a comment (with a valid email address) on this blog post. The giveaway tickets are for the show on Thursday, February 26th at 8pm in Houston.
The Blonde Side is headed to Belize with The Reset Retreat
In case you’re looking for me next week, I’ll be in Ambergris Caye, Belize getting my shit together. Literally.
Timing is everything right? That’s what everyone says and for once I think I’m buying it. It’s hard to meet like-minded badass women, and last week I MET TWO – two (Cierra and Natalie) of the founders of The Reset Retreat.
I’m still not totally sure what to expect for the seven days in Belize (except for pampered massages, the beaches, boating, yoga, running on the beach, bikinis, champagne…did I mention the beach?), but it’s more than just a vacation. I know – “more than just a vacation” is probably copyrighted by a totally cheesy travel company, but THIS ONE is for soul searching, healing, getting back on track (hence the name The RESET Retreat), prioritizing life and figuring out how to make yours the best possible. I realize it all sounds totally Oprah-y, but there’s got to be something to that – that woman is a bazillionaire and everyone cares what she’s doing and saying every second of the day.
I write a lot about health and fitness and it’s a huge part of my life, but a huge part of health and fitness is having a healthy and happy mind. A clear one. A focused one. One up for the task of tackling every new day.
Again, I’m probably making this sound cheesy, but the truth is the truth. I’m excited to share all the fun things I do while in Belize with these women and what I learn about myself, so stay tuned here and Girls Getaway.
For now, here’s a look at some of the questions (and answers) that were sent to me to prep for this trip.
1. What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment has been without a doubt starting my sports column (TheBlondeSide.com) and subsequently my own business as a freelance sports, travel and fitness writer, which has been going (I won’t say strong, but going) for the past five years.
In college I had always dreamed of working for myself, but Corporate America seemed to suit me well for seven years. It wasn’t until I was laid off that I wanted to take a “break,” which actually resulted in creating my own job. I’m the kind of gal that doesn’t fit within molds and never have, which definitely includes your standard and typical job description. I still think I may go back to Corporate America one day, but it will likely be someone who knows me that recruits me into a role that we create together – you certainly won’t see my future job posted on Monster (at least I don’t think).
2. What is a small pleasure that can transform your mood?
I feel like this changes quite often. Sometimes it’s carrot cake from my favorite place here in Houston, sometimes it’s watching a super cheesy movie (a Lifetime movie actually, don’t judge!), sometimes it’s just literally sitting outside in the sun and taking in my surroundings. I’ve started going to Memorial Park (a park and running trail here in Houston) a lot lately and just taking a long walk or run and then stretching and relaxing and watching the other people around me. The sun feels good, but being outdoors is definitely something that feeds my soul.
3. If money wasn’t a factor and you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I love boats – any kind of boats. Any day that I can just jump on a boat is my kind of day – I’d love to have access to one of those yachts (and chefs, and expensive champagne, and gorgeous waters and all that other stuff) like on Real Housewives, so maybe that’d be it. But then it’d spoil me and I’d want to do that everyday, not just one day.
4. What activity brings you the most joy?
Again, this changes a lot. I sometimes end up OD’ing on my favorite things – my favorite song on repeat FOR DAYS (and then it makes my ears bleed I can’t stand to hear it anymore) or my favorite dessert and then I’m on to something new.
Although I’m a writer by trade, I’d have to say CREATIVE writing brings me joy. I often get so bogged down doing athlete interviews or having to insert so many great quotes, that I don’t get to actually do much writing – my job has become a lot of fitting quotes into a few paragraphs and then writing a few filler sentences. It’s still fun, but when a subject just hits me and I feel like I can write for days – that’s kind of the stuff life is made of, right?
5. What is your most significant current challenge?
Is it bad to say EVERYTHING?
It’s become a challenge to find new stories to write about, new outlets to pitch to, meeting new people (also known as dating), getting my book published, handling rejection (being a freelance writer, this is a HUGE part of my business, which is tough), paying bills, spending time with my friends, eating healthy…and pretty much everything in between.
I like the path my life has taken, but there is A LOT missing and still want (i.e. a family), so I’m having a hard time figuring out what stuff I need to stop focusing on and what I need to spend more time doing. Many would say that I don’t need to sacrifice or give stuff up to get the other stuff, and it’s not about that. My lifestyle hasn’t helped me be the easiest or best person to date and I know there are a lot changes I need to make. I recently went through a lot at the beginning of this year and it’s absolutely changed the path of my life. I’m still learning how to deal with all of that.
I guess if I had to sum up my MOST significant current challenge, even though it’s rather cliche, would be to wake up everyday and create a life I love – that’s not something I’m actively doing anymore. I kind of keep trucking along at minimal speed and then at night reflect on why so much sucks and hurts. I know I’ve got to change that, I just need to find the energy and motivation to do it.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Screen-Shot-2015-02-12-at-2.35.46-PM.png598607Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2015-02-12 14:39:092015-02-12 14:39:09Resetting in Belize
Enjoying my morning coffee in my new At Ease Bottoms from Albion Fit
I’m sorry, but in my busy, active and hectic life that I’ve somehow acquired over the years, COMFY wins every time. But I’ve been tasked with finding CUTE looking comfortable clothes. I love my yoga pants as much as the next girl (and lets face it, as much as the guys too), but sometimes I want something baggy to just lounge around in.
I recently ran across Albion Fit (I found them on Instagram!) and immediately fell in love with their style so I ordered these At Ease Bottoms in heather grey and just LOVE them. They are my favorite pants to put on as I hit my patio and drink my morning coffee while I do my 20 minute journaling before the day starts to get crazy. It’s a pretty zen 20 minutes, I’m not going to lie. The pants are an added bonus.
Pant details from the website: Heavier weight Nylon Spandex Blend with detailed top stitching at front and back to flatter and lengthen those legs. Wide cuff at hem, pockets at sides, and drawstring cord at front.
Note: I’m only 5’2″ so they are a little long and extra baggy on me, so maybe the taller folks look even better in them!
I ordered a few more pieces (GOLD leggings, yes!) so stay tuned for my review on them.
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Houston sports + love Graphic by Running Game Clothing
It’s Time to Fall in LOVE with Houston Sports
All of us should strive to learn, embrace and love everything about our city – it’s our city! Learn to love the arts, the food, the businesses, the taco trucks, and you guessed it – the teams.
Houston is one of about 15 cities to boast four pro sports teams. It’s an honor actually. Whether you love football, basketball, baseball or soccer, we’ve got it all. If you grew up here, you probably love the teams because of your roots. You likely grew up watching the greats and have memories to support your unwavering love, but our city is filled with so many transplants, sometimes it’s hard to be a homer.
In honor of the month of love, here are some reasons to fall in love with Houston sports:
JJ Watt. This needn’t explanation.
Our stadiums have convertible status. Both Minute Maid Park (1 of only 6 MLB) and NRG Stadium (1 of only 4 NFL) have retractable roofs, making weather excuses a non-issue.
The 34’s: Campbell, Ryan and Olajuwon.
The Rockets 1994 – 1995 back-to-back championships.
Orbit, the Astros mascot, was named 2014 Best Mascot by com. He is from outer space, and if that’s not reason enough, he doesn’t wear pants. And if you need another reason, how about he trolls, antagonizes and imitates the opposing players in a hilarious fashion. Orbit is great.
The Dynamo set a MLS record with a 36-game unbeaten streak at home that lasted parts of three seasons and two calendar years (June 2011-May 2013).
The Astros are a team on the rise having finished the 2014 season 70-92 – a 19-win improvement over their 2013 record. The 19-win improvement was second-best in the Majors and second-best turnaround in franchise history.
Nolan Ryan’s back. Many know the impact #34 had on the Astros for nine seasons, so fans are eager to see if he can bring it back.
The Dynamo have been successful in their first nine years, reaching the playoffs 7 of 9 years and advancing to the MLS Cup Final four times and the Conference Championship six times.
Texans Tailgating – consistently top 5 in the NFL.
Astros outfielder George Springer, who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated (June 30 issue), joining Joe Morgan, Sonny Jackson, J.R. Richard, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens and Brad Lidge as Astros SI cover boys since the ‘60’s.
The Rockets have two superstars in Dwight Howard and James Harden. Harden is constantly improving, has a killer beard (Fear the Beard!) and the healthy Howard has been sticking it to Laker fans for two years.
This article originally ran in the February 2015 print issue of Local Houston Magazine (formerly 002), which is a free magazine all around Houston for the past two decades. Click here to see it online.
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