By Judy Thorburn
Photos by Stephen Thorburn

On the evening of September 26, dancers from the Nevada Ballet Theatre joined forces with dancers and musical artists from Celine Dion’s show “A New Day” for a special fundraising performance called the “Inhabitants Project”. The event, which took place at Chameleon Studios, was to draw attention to the environmental crisis of coral reefs around the world that are being destroyed by pollution and over fishing. Using music, costumes, and interpretive dance movements inspired by the sea and its creatures, along with video projections, a message was delivered about the importance of saving the coral reefs and how it affects our daily lives. In addition to the marvelous performers who donated their time and creative talent, the evening would not have been possible without Paolo Santos, creator and spearhead of the project. All of the proceeds from the $100 admission price went to Reef Check, an organization dedicated to preserving coral and temperature reefs around the world. For all that attended, the evening was not only entertaining and visually beautiful but an eye opening experience with the proceeds going to a very worthy cause.

Performers of "Inhabitants" project fundraiser at Chameleon Studios

Now here is a story with a “twist”, pun intended. I can’t find a better way to describe the International Contortionist Convention, which took place on September 26-28 at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino. Forty five of the most flexible performers from all over the world ranging in age as young as 3 to over 60, and including some Cirque due Soelil artists gathered for the three day event produced by Ska von Schoning’s company Showbiz, that is based in Cologne, Germany. The convention included workshops and panel discussions with contortionists, contortion trainers, medical professionals, and promoters of the art form.

Tall, attractive, platinum haired Ska, who has been teaching contortion for 15 years, and co-promoter Klaus Bischoff were host of the ceremonies during Wednesday and Thursday evenings’ gala stage presentations that showcased the performers and their various contortion moves. Ska was indeed right when she said, “contortion has many faces”, as there was a mix display of acrobatics, gymnastics, dance moves and amazing balance incorporated in the performances. Soloists, pairs, and other larger ensembles demonstrated their unique abilities to gracefully bend their bodies in, what to the average person, appears to be unbelievable ways. To say they each bend over backwards (in their case it is literally true) in presenting their talents of hyper flexibility and strength, is an understatement. They don’t just come on stage and contort. Each, adorned in gorgeous colorful costumes and accompanied by props and international music, has turned their ability to stretch and contort their muscles, arms, vertebrae and legs into a graceful art form. As trained professionals, many have appeared as popular audience-pleasing acts in shows such as the aforementioned Cirque du Soleil and other Las Vegas productions. Members of the audience included fans, orthopedic specialists, talent scouts, agents, other members of the media and photographers. It would not be a stretch for me to say you can add these amazing, limber performers to the list of wonders of the world.

SPECIAL SHOWCASE GALLERY
Click on any thumbnail below to see full size picture

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel and Casino has a special treat in store for visitors, just in time for the Halloween season. The scare fest has begun thanks to a deal signed with New Line Cinema, to bring the scariest, goriest, attraction in all of Las Vegas, the New Chamber of Horrors, Live experience to the world famous wax museum. At no extra charge, guests are invited to walk through a dark and spooky maze environment and interact with live actors who, along with accompanying special effects, portray a few of New Line Cinema’s most frightening film characters, the horrifically scar faced Freddy (Nightmare on Elm Street), Jason (Friday the 13th) and chainsaw wielding Leatherface (Texas Chain Saw Massacre). It’s up to visitors to guess where and when they will pop out of the dark recesses, guaranteeing all those who enter some hair raising thrills and chills. Of course, it is all harmless and done in fun so nobody gets hurt. For attraction hours and pricing call (702) 862-7800 or visit www.mtvegas.com 

The "Professor", Jason (Friday the 13th) and Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)

Ethel M Chocolates recently celebrated the opening of its first ever Las Vegas chocolate lounge inside the Fashion Show Mall on Las Vegas Blvd, a concept that originated in Chicago in 2005 and grew to ten in that area. What a better place to debut another one of their warm and friendly chocolate lounges than Las Vegas, a city known for offering the best indulgences life has to offer. Instead of just paying for the delectable desserts and leaving the store, shoppers can feel free to stay for a while, indulge in one or more of their favorite “sinfully” delectable sweets and relax in a laid back, casual environment that offers cozy couches and overstuffed chairs. In addition, the retail store/lounge features a range of beverages including hot chocolate, coffees, teas, sparkling beverages, juices and of course, water that go great with any of the scrumptious chocolates available from the unique premium 50 piece chocolate collection or that special treat, chocolate fondue for two. The chocolates come in five collections: Truffles, Nut and Caramel, Fruit, Cocktail (inspired by drinks such as Mojitos, Margaritas and Cosmopolitan) and American Pop, besides the usual seasonal and special holiday collections. Ethel M has got a chocolate guaranteed to delight even the pickiest of palates. Ethel M’s chocolate lounge is one pretty sweet idea that should draw anyone who wants to experience the ultimate chocolate experience. Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge is opened Monday through Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-7pm.

Ethel's "Chocolate Lounge" in the Fashion Show Mall

Other present and upcoming “happenings” are as follows:

The Spa at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino is offering a complimentary Hand or Foot Paraffin Wax treatment, valued at $20, to clients who purchase a Swedish, sports, shell or hot stone massage or an ultimate anti-aging or wrinkle-control facial between September 26 - October 9. Each hand or foot is put into a pouch of hot wax, which then conforms like a soft glove or sock. Unlike a melted candle, the wax does not harden but remains supple as it soothes the skin for the ultimate moisturizing experience. To make an appointment, call The Spa at 702.794.3242.

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration at Bally’s Las Vegas, Donn Arden’s Jubilee! is offering Nevada residents a special $25 ticket price throughout the month of October. The special offer, limited to four tickets (upgraded seating is available at an additional cost) can be redeemed at the Bally’s Box Office at the time of purchase by showing a valid Nevada identification. Show times for Donn Arden’s Jubilee! are 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. nightly, dark on Fridays. For more information call (702)967-4567.

International recording artist, actor, impressionist and comedian Jeff Trachta, best known for his role of Thorne Forrester on TV’s soap opera, The Bold & the Beautiful for over eight years, has brought his one-man show, Jeff Trachta Live! to Las Vegas for a limited engagement (which began on September 24) at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino. Tickets to see Jeff Trachta Live! in the Masquerade Showroom are $19.95 and $24.95 (V.I.P.) not including taxes and applicable charges and can be purchased by calling 702-777-7776. Show times are 3 PM daily (dark Friday).

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino presents Australian garage rock band Jet at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Saturday, October 7th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the show are $20.00 plus applicable fees, and are available at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Box Office and at all Ticketmaster locations. For more information, call the concert hotline at 702-693-5583.

To raise awareness and funds for the battle against breast cancer everyone is invited to take part in the four mile fundraising walk at 8AM on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Summerlin. In addition, Aquae Sulis Spa at JW Marriott is offering relaxing 25 minute “Think Pink” Manicures at a cost of $35 and 50 minute “Think Pink” Pedicures at a cost of $65 for the month of October, with 10% of the profits from each treatment going directly to the seventh annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. To make an appointment, call Aquae Sulis Spa at (702) 869-7807.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15, The Fourth Annual Fine Arts Festival, consisting of over 65 artists from California, Arizona, Colorado and Utah as well as many of Nevada’s best will be displaying their original works in the picturesque MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas Resort in Henderson. The FREE event (with plenty of free parking) will take place between the hours of 10am to 5pm on the weekend and is open to the public.


I’ll be back next time for what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.