La Di Da turns the Ritz into a fantasy playground
I've been to quite a few eccentric art shows in my time and I can honestly say that non were pulled off with more elegance and extravagance than La Di Da at the Ritz on Saturday (5/30).
Most shows that I've been to have an overlying theme of some sort that artists are encouraged to adhere by. Where La Di Da differed was the execution of this. The theme was that of a bright and fantastical dreamworld and all the artists got into the fun of playing along.
From fortune-tellers to face painters, the whole ritz was turned into a place of child-like innocence. There were even tables set-up with bowls of sugary sweets to have!
It was interesting to walk from artist to artist to see all the unique representations of fantasy that were put into various mediums. A few highlights for me were Maria Capitano Pardo's massive stage show displaying a girl dreaming of dancing and fashion shows. It was brilliant and huge. I have to give credit for being able to choreograph a group of at least 25 people so brilliantly.
I also enjoyed the work of Phoenix Beauty (pictured above). Not only did she get fully into the spirit of the show and had a smile plastered on her face all night, but her work was fun and belied a deeper talent and ingeneuity.
The crowds also participated with enough crazy costumes to make me think that I was walking through an anime of sci-fi convention. I even saw a black-suited Spider-Man having a cigarette (I have to wonder how he was though).
Going to La Di Da was like giving my inner child a ticket to Disney World to run wild and free.
I am happy to hear all of the positive feedback on Square One's 3rd Creative Event called La Di Da. Since last December's Virgin 2.0 show at The RITZ Ybor, we try to make each event a work of art. Our next show is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at The RITZ Ybor. While the theme will be much different from that of La Di Da, the creative energy will still be a vital part of what makes our events work. Oh, and Maria Capitano Pardo is planning something much more extravagant for that stage show. Just watch! Save the date 11.14.09
Posted by: Okesene Tilo | June 05, 2009 at 04:30 AM
I am happy to hear all of the positive feedback on Square One's 3rd Creative Event called La Di Da. Since last December's Virgin 2.0 show at The RITZ Ybor, we try to make each event a work of art. Our next show is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at The RITZ Ybor. While the theme will be much different from that of La Di Da, the creative energy will still be a vital part of what makes our events work. Oh, and Maria Capitano Pardo is planning something much more extravagant for that stage show. Just watch! Save the date 11.14.09
Posted by: Okesene Tilo | June 05, 2009 at 04:30 AM
Li Di Da was fabulous! Huge congrats to The RITZ Ybor and Okie! Bella Danza under the direction of Maria Capitano Pardo produced a spectacular show - it was beyond phenomonal! So great I stayed for both shows to see it twice. Bravo!
Posted by: nicole nassif | June 08, 2009 at 11:14 AM
What an inspiring and refreshing show! Tampa is finally turning into the eclectic and cultural city I have so much longed to be a part of... Having lived in Europe for most of my life I have been searching for stimulus and inspiration around this area for quite some time and I must say this show and in general what the Ritz is conveying to us is a breath of fresh air.. finally! Maria capitano Pardo is able to convey an incredible palette of talent elements that make this La Di Da performance so incredible: the vision of an artist, the ability of a consumed professional and the inner sense of elegance of one of Italy's children. Brava!
Posted by: Nuccia Hinckley | August 08, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Excellent Show!
Posted by: Wally | October 26, 2009 at 01:18 AM