jaylouc

[jaylouc]

Effortless Beauty!! @alexagabrielle

red hat by samsanromanphoto 

[jaylouc]

Extremely well said!!!!

Why Elastic Heart Is The Most Powerful Video To Be Released In Recent History

Thousands of words have been written recently about Sia's video for Elastic Heart, but for all the wrong reasons.

The song was first featured on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, with a guest appearance by The Weeknd. The track was created by renowned dance producer Diplo who has worked with M.I.A., Die Antwoord and many others. The song is about self-fulfilment and the external forces against someone trying to keep their life together. Sia’s songs are famed for being very quickly written but - as with her previous single Chandelier - also being deeply personal.

The video is a piece of art as a standalone effort, even devoid of music and context within a trilogy of videos (the first being Chandelier, and the last to be determined). It is a brave foray into challenging modern perceptions of music, dance and artistry and brings contemporary dance into mainstream view - to often misguided eyes.

The sheer skill alone shown by the dancers is enough to make you catch your breath - if you’re not confused by what’s going on or searching for a subtext that isn’t there. The blonde bobbed dancer is Maddie Ziegler, who was spotted from a reality show named “Dance Moms” which predictably centres around obsession with competitive dancing in a family. There can be many words written about that sort of relationship, but this isn’t the time to do so. Ziegler’s professionalism, enthusiasm and complete commitment to the character she plays is focused and driven, and seems far removed from what the reality show has warped her personality into (at least by what can be taken from her public appearances). 

On the opposing side of this young but highly skilled dancer is the new age oddity of Shia LaBeouf. Probably most famous for his role in the terrible Transformers series, he has recently been involved with art projects in what pundits might deem a “breakdown”. Actors pursuing their own goals and changing their philosophies is nothing new - especially for those who start so young (LaBeouf was a child actor in the children’s sitcom “Even Stevens”).  Quick research shows that his mother was a dancer, and so he may have inherited an interest in it. The dancing undertaken in the video not only requires strength, but rhythm and grace, and is not easily achievable without severe practice. It is obvious a natural talent lies within.

Breaking down the video, there are some key sections which really turn heads on what is deemed to be a modern music video:

Firstly, the artist is featured - but as an icon instead of physically being present in the video. The Sia bob is worn by Ziegler, as it was in Chandelier, and it has been adopted as the musician’s faceless trademark. Sia chooses not to associate her appearance with her music, and this is understandable in the shallowness of the entertainment world.

Visually; the camera warps and bends, creating unease and tension. This is almost subconscious as you concentrate on the characters. The setting is not fantastical or even grounded in reality, it is a representation of only one object (the cage) and the dance is the focus within it. The backdrop does not even hide reality by placing it in an abstract white space, instead it is clearly being filmed in a warehouse. The focus of the visual is the message.

The message of the video has been made clear by Sia in the furore following its release. It represents internal conflict inside the musician represented by two forces within her. There is no sexual, romantic or familial relationship being represented in the video. It is purely an inward look. The warring personality traits are portrayed emphatically, enthusiastically, dramatically and - most importantly - flawlessly.

The intensity that LaBeouf and Ziegler have for the performance is completely above what can be comprehended in just watching it. They throw themselves around the set, with the faux dirt covering the many bruises they would surely have. The level of commitment to the dance is transcendent - literally. Many dancers, singers, performers of all nature have described a meditative state where all awareness of surroundings is lost and the body or voice takes over completely with nothing but the performance in their mind. This is obviously shown in the video. And for something that would take hours to film from different angles, the level of commitment is intangible.

Certain moves are complex almost beyond belief. Ziegler runs backwards, bent over with her arm between her legs - showing astounding balance and grace. LaBeouf’s cage climb and hang is simply breathtaking, striking a balance between strength and artistry which is so important for many male dancers.  Ziegler’s flip onto LaBeouf’s back, followed by lifting herself onto his shoulders could only be performed by someone with incomparable skill.

Most importantly of all however is the emotion within. The curiosity, intimacy, anger and finally a powerful desperation bursts from the seams. Even the strange playful nature of pulling faces is comparable to doing so to distract and comfort a crying child. The final scene is the most intense of all; chilling, draining and unbearable to watch. The despair is heartbreaking.

Elastic Heart is a testament to what a visual for music should be. It is an uncompromising representation of a powerful art form and message, and should not be misrepresented.

(NB: The author spent eight years in various dance schools)

[jaylouc]

Yet again, the human race has disappointed me.

It’s incredible that people can see a picture of a person who self-harms and respond with such negativity. I don’t know this girl; I don’t know what she’s been through. What I do know is that she’s needs all the love and support people have to offer in order for her to get better. 

[jaylouc]

Such sad news. R.I.P Robin Williams. #TrueTalent

[jaylouc]

Tonight my beautiful baby girl has gone to sleep for the last time. R.I.P Kelli. Love always!!

[jaylouc]

She looks a little bit like Mia Kirshner.

Badbentley.com

[jaylouc]

They say a happy childhood is a lousy preparation for life. Kids who spend their playground days fat, ginger or gay know the truth. The world has always been full of vicious predators. For plenty of people this carnage and savagery is business as usual.

[jaylouc]

Damn!

Wish my sister would let me know when She is going to be gone for the WHOLE day, would make better use of my free time!!

[jaylouc]

Always wanted to try this. Didn't think I could do it without stabbing myself. Luckily I managed it safely! Had to give it a go, last chance before I let it heal.

[jaylouc]

Champion breakfast for hangovers!!

[jaylouc]

Genius!! I would do it! Nobody would want to see it tho!

What would it take to get a fan as an amateur in a short movie with you, with a really good full sex scene? Is that a possible thing somehow? I'd do what it took! ...hope alls well, Dani! -xo-

Yes. DANIvsXANDER.com

[jaylouc]

missdanidaniels reminds me a little of#LaceySturm and #JemimaKirke. Am I wrong?

[jaylouc]

Something's missing. I feel naked without it!

[jaylouc]

Yes please!

Day 5 #whoreofwallstreet @brazzers - would you like to have me as your boss?

[jaylouc]

Hahaha! I fucking love your reply! I think he only gave you his 'two cents' because it's all he had left after he spent the rest of his money buying your movies! It's actually a wise job choice. You are a minority, getting paid to do something you enjoy. If you love it, stick with it! Much love & respect! X

If anyone would like to email this asshole and tell him their two-cents, just like he told me, feel free.

[jaylouc]

Liquor in the front, poker in the rear!

liquor before beer youre in the clear

beer before liquor youll be okay dont be a little bitch

[jaylouc]

missdanidaniels is so real all the time, I love it! Has to be one of my favourite things about her. Other than her hotness, obviously!! #NoBull