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Last Sunday, Team Coco and Team Coco pup Charlie-dog tried out The Green Room’s dog-Friendly bottomless brunch at the National Theatre. A casual neighbourhood diner set amongst the stunning concrete landscapes of Southbank, The Green Room’s bottomless brunch is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon — heatwave or not!

The result of a collaboration between the National Theatre and local social enterprise Coin Street Community Builders, the Green Room is a light-filled dining space set in the middle of an urban oasis. Featuring recycled props from National Theatre shows and a charming sustainable garden maintained by the Bankside Open Trust and community and theatre volunteers; the Green Room balances unfussy contemporary design with the warmth of your local neighbourhood diner. Their Bottomless Brunch offers two to three course menus with the option for either bottomless Proseccos or bottomless Bloody Mary’s. Perfect if you’re the type who prefers the hair of the dog, (no pun intended) to cure last Saturday night’s hangover.

Upon entering The Green Room, you are immediately greeted by the smiles of its friendly staff, and your pooch is greeted with his or her own dog bowl to refresh from the heat. Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly not just to for diners to revel in the fresh air of British summertime, but it also allows your pooch to wander and explore the Green Room’s generous open spaces. While the bottomless brunch offers two to three course options, you’d be hard done to choose with all the great choices on offer. For starters, we tried the extremely indulgent bacon mac and cheese fritters, the spicy buffalo wings with blue cheese dip, and the Crayfish taco. The Crayfish taco was particularly excellent for London’s current sweltering weather, combining zesty flavours and fresh seafood. For mains, we dug into the Double duck burger — which is even better than it sounds! A combination of smoked duck breast, duck bacon, and maple mustard dressing, the double duck burger is a great and hearty choice for anyone who’s worked up their weekend appetite. Finish off with a salted caramel & chocolate tart — and rest assured that you’ll be going home with a happy heart and a happy tummy.

While the Green Room’s bottomless brunch menu was truly fantastic, what truly made our experience memorable was its friendly staff. Our waiters Ryan and Lucy were not only great with us, but also to Team Coco pup Charlie; bringing the “friendly” to the word “dog-friendly”. Finally, before leaving The Green Room, our Charlie also got treated to a little burger of his own, resulting in what we presume to be the best day of his puppy life. (Charlie definitely gives The Green Room five stars) So, if you’re looking for places to spend an idyllic summer afternoon, check out The Green Room’s bottomless brunch, and don’t forget to bring a furry friend along with you!

Nestled in the iconic Waldorf Hilton Hotel in the heart of London is The Parrot, a stylish tropical hideaway with a brand-new cocktail menu bursting with a selection of tasty tipples. The bar, just a stone throw from some of the major West-End theatres is a great location for a pre-show drink.

The bar’s exotic namesake is alluded to in the interiors, from walls lined with bespoke, hand-painted palm wallpaper to lush foliage and an abundance of greenery planted throughout the space. The plush velvet seating in rich turquoise and midnight blue alongside metallic and rattan detailing draw on the opulence of the historic hotel. The bar front itself is decorated in luxurious teal fish scale tiles beneath exposed Edison filament bulbs, conjuring the moody, atmospheric feel of the speakeasy.

The Parrot’s Bar Manager, Massimiliano Terrile, has designed a menu jam packed with tropical-inspired coolers with fresh and zesty flavours to suit every taste. Team Coco was invited down to the launch party and got to sip and shimmy the night away while nibbling on some delish dishes such as Wagyu beef with pickled enoki, wasabi & pineapple and poached lobster with mango, served with edamame beans, macadamia nuts & yuzu and Quinoa with avocado, sesame, pomegranate & mango, bringing light, exotic flavours to this stylish, tropical venue. Here’s some of our favourite cocktails.

Parrot Puffer
Made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, seasonal fruits and vanilla ice cream, the Parrot Puffer is drizzled with syrup and served in one of the bar’s Instagram-worthy parrot shaped glasses.

Blossom Parakeet
Made with Auchentoshan double oak infused with plum, camomile cordial and ginger ale.

Cockatoos
Made with Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka, bitter XO, cider evaporation and cardamom syrup.

Book your table at The Parrot via www.theparrotldn.co.uk

From 2-14 July, Flamenco Festival swept into London with captivating fluidity, passion and precision. #CocoCouple, Eulanda and Omo, attended the Gala Flamenca show at the famous Sadlers Wells for a date night full of sumptuous movement grounded in the historical legacy of Flamenco.

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The Voice

Two weeks have passed, and I can still hear her voice. Even in the dripping heat of London, amidst the deluge of hot, uncomfortable bodies packed onto a train, the aching purity of her voice creates it’s own space; where coolness and heat collide into perfection.

The first high-powered note that rang out from lead singer Maria Teremoto immediately caused the hairs on our necks and arms to stand on edge. Her dulcet voice filled the silence that had descended across the Sadlers Wells concert hall, cutting through the anticipation that had built up before.

Her voice seemed to be a blend between a lover’s wail, a heartbreaking cry and call to some higher purpose or place. With a limited understanding of Spanish, we stopped trying to desperately translate, and let her vocal prowess speak to our souls, inviting us to come with her on the incredible dance journey that was about to begin.

Star Studded Gala

Flamenco! The raw energy, passion, sensuality and intensity are hard to describe in words. This star-studded cast of Mercedez Ruiz, Eduardo Guerrero and Maria Moreno were backed by singers/musicians Maria Terremoto, Emilio Florido and Ismael el Bola.

Under the directorship of choreographer and multi award-winning dancer Manuel Liñán, they weaved their magic through each song and each dance performance, telling stories of love and anger, of turmoil and peace.

Every number in the programme was an artistic masterpiece, however, Pas de Deux stood out as a voracious duet between Ruiz and Terremoto. Both women (singer and dancer) performed in the style of call and response. Terremoto did not back Ruiz as a solo singer. Rather, she intricately wove her voice around Ruiz as both responded to each other, with passionate precision.

Duet of Dreams

Also in Pas de Deux, Ruiz departed from traditional gender norms in Flamenco attire, by donning black trousers with a short fitted jacket. She also displayed her expertise in fusing both contemporary and traditional styles while playing the palillos (castanets). Her fingers and wrist moved like the most delicate of flowers in bloom, whilst her arms hit staccato movements, demanding our full attention.

While another number later in the program with the same name, Pas de Deux began with a stunning visual of Guerrero and Moreno, clad in red attire head to toe, it failed to conclude with the same passionate connection that the former Pas de Deux piece wielded. Perhaps this was due to the length of the duet, as it seemed to be the shortest piece in the programme.

Guapo Solo?

In the solo number Caña, Guerrero set the stage alight with a mixture of stunning fluidity, grace, and his own brand of raw machismo energy, to which one female audience responded by crying out “Guapo!” In English her words translate to handsome;– although keenly accurate, it’s not an all encompassing description for this enigmatic and powerful performer.

Guerrero’s performance in Caña was almost surreal. He seemed to have an out-of-body experience while dancing and in the process, transported the captivated audience to some other world, his world. And we willingly followed every step, every move, and every twist.

Liñan’s Flamenco Legacy

Artistic director Manuel Liñan has several shows currently on tour. As the winner of the Critics Prize in the Festival of Jerez in 2018, we believe Liñan certainly has another winning show and cast with Gala Flamenca. One thing is for certain…Teremoto’s voice will never depart from our visceral memory.

Booking info: 2019 marked the Flamenco Festival London’s sixteenth consecutive year. Held at Sadler Wells Theatre each July, tickets can be booked once the programme is announced online.

For anyone who has not yet been to Macao, it is most well-known for its five-star hotels and casinos, but this city is so much more than meets the eye. Located between Hong Kong and the South Coast of China,Macao is a special mix of east and west and is undeniably one of Asia’s most unique destinations.

This summer Macao welcomes a five month arts and culture festival called Art Macao. From June to October 2019, Art Macao will transform the region with 40 large scale art installations across 44 different venues throughout the city.

The five month event will feature interactive art Installations such as João O and Rita Machado’s “Sanctuary”, a 7 metre bamboo garden in Mount Fortress Garden: and “The Wanderer”, a colourful fibreglass installation in Taipa Houses by local artist Wong local artist, Wong Ka Long. The festival program will also include special performances from the Macao Orchestra and Macao Chinese Orchestra. It will also celebrate the talents of Macao’s local creative community, with events such as the International Youth Dance Festival, the International Youth Music Festival, and the International Youth Drama Festival.

The highlight of the five month long event is the Art Macao: International Art Exhibition, which brings together artists from China and around the world. The exhibition will feature celebrated artists from China and around the world; and ancient and contemporary works of art come together for an event that celebrates Macao’s unique culture and vibrant creative scene.

During our recent #TeamCoco trip to Macao, we attended a couple of Art Macao’s breathtaking pre-event showcases, to get a taste of what the festival has to offer. “Italian Renaissance Drawings from the British Museum” features 52 breathtaking words of art by some of the most iconic renaissance masters, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian and is open to the public until the 30th of June. “Beauty in the New Era – Masterpieces from the Collection of the National Art museum of China” features 90 modern and contemporary works and is open to the public until the 28th of July 2019.

From traditional ceramics, classic sculptures, interactive installations, and breathtaking multimedia installations, Art Macao is presents a visual feast for the senses, and offers up the city’s lesser known artistic side. Perfect for wanderlust thirsty travellers looking to discover Macao beyond the glitzy hotels and casinos.

For more information on Art Macao – please visit https://www.artmacao.mo/2019/en/
If that wasn’t enough reason for you to hop on the next flight to Macao – then check out our photo diary here.

When House of Coco was invited to step aboard the good train Bombay Sapphire for The Grand Journey we could barely hold our excitement – cocktails and travel?! Now that’s the ticket!

The Grand Journey is a spectacular celebration of ten of the key ingredients in the sparkling blue Bombay Sapphire bottle, taking us around the world to sample the ingredients and hear the stories behind them.

The train passed through London in mid-October before carrying on to other European destinations like Berlin, Barcelona and Amsterdam. We were lucky enough to jump onboard for the ride and grab a classy G&T with the culinary masterminds behind the experience – The Robin Collective

Upon arriving at London’s Bike Shed we were welcomed by a nicely dressed chap called Gerald with what can only be described as a goblet of gin and tonic and then ushered onto the Bombay Sapphire train by the conductor. Seated in a gorgeous art deco style banquette with our fellow travellers we weren’t at all sure what to expect when the ‘train’ embarked on its journey – complete with sound effects and the very clever use of screens acting as the train windows, taking us through the countryside of Italy, the volcanoes of Java and finally the great british fields on our quest to learn about Bombay Sapphire’s ingredients.

Each of our Grand Journey stops was accompanied with a culinary trick, alcohol treat or immersive sketch to keep traveller’s fatigue at bay. The edibles by The Robin Collective immersed us in the ingredient’s location; a vegan lemon pate for lemon peel from Spain, a stunning floral jelly (that takes 20 minutes to make by hand!) and savoury almond churros that were to die for. Alongside tasty tricks and were quirky cocktails by Happiness Forgets’ Geoff Robinson that were served next to smoking volcanoes and in a Chinese tea-set. Our ever-so-slightly camp train staff kept us amused with shadow puppet stories, slight of hand magic and even a little floor show that got some of our fellow travellers a little hot under the collar!

We absolutely adore a fun evening out with a few tipples and this was no exception – the cocktails were delicious and really showed another side to gin, just in time for the autumn and winter season where a crisp G&T just doesn’t quite cut it anymore!

Disembarking from the train we ended our journey in Laverstoke; the distillery location for Bombay Sapphire, nestled in rural Hampshire and shared a cheeky cocktail with Robin and Brandy, Co-Founders of The Robin Collective to learn more about vegan surprises, chefs favourite moulds and jelly technique…

HOC: We loved the treats on offer tonight and were bowled over that they were all vegan, how did that come about?

Brandy: Vegan food is accessible to everyone and you can’t say the same for meat dishes! Plus we work with an amazing chef who runs a vegan restaurant in Glasgow. Alongside the food we had a lot of fun working on the aromas in the train to help take you on your journeys.

HOC: That lemon pate (shaped like a lemon) was incredible and the jelly was a masterpiece – we almost didn’t want to eat it!

Robin: The moulds for the lemon pate were made from real lemons and our chefs have their favourites to work with, it’s so funny! The jellies are a labour of love; it takes 20 minutes to make each one as we paint them by hand. The idea for it came about in one of the ‘Inspiration Afternoons’ we held in our office. Now we’re making 1,000 jellies per location and having to send out one of our team to Berlin to keep an eye on the jelly production!

HOC: Well, they are worth it! We love what you guys do but it’s got to be tricky sometimes- what’s some of the biggest challenges you come up against?

Brandy: Kitchens are always a challenge but we’ve designed our own set up to be as mobile and efficient as possible. Running water can also be a challenge, depending on where you are working from. We love to travel and be a part of everything we work on – we’re only a small team and we like to be close to everything and make sure it all goes amazingly!

With that we let Robin and Brandy get back to painting their jellies and escape in a VR headset tour of the Bombay Sapphire distillery – looking to all onlookers as if we’d definitely had a few too many!

The Grand Journey has now departed for mainland Europe but fear not, you can enjoy a Bombay Sapphire cocktail at The Gilbert Scott, Cahoots and The Cocktail Trading Company in London until 6th November. The Bombay Sapphire distillery is nestled in rural Hampshire and open 7 days a week, perfect for a day out – we’ll see you there?

The London Cabaret Club invites guests to ‘Gatsby With Love’ this Valentine’s Day. The Great Gatsby Valentine’s dinner and show is set to transport guests to the glamorous 1920s, fit with sumptuous food, mischief, tassels, champagne glasses and world-class performances. This bespoke show and immersive fine dining experience, is created especially for Valentine’s romancing by London Cabaret Club artistic director Doni Fierro.

Cabaret goers can immerse themselves into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s world renowned love story and feel as if they are a party guest at Gatsby’s mansion. The varied acts at the show will be performed to heart-soaring songs such as Lana Del Ray ‘Young and Beautiful’. All will be played out against the lavish backdrop of the 1920’s Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom with its high-reaching ceilings, intimate seating areas, ornate windows, spectacular bar and commanding marble entrance. The event is ideal for an extravagant and interactive date night with a partner or a girlie and glamorous Friday night out.

Now in its 6th year, The London Cabaret Club originally launched as a pop-up within the Chelsea Arts Club in July 2013, followed by sell-out residencies at One Mayfair and The Collection in South Kensington, before moving in to their permanent home within beautiful art deco settings of The Bloomsbury Ballroom, a stunning venue perfectly situated between The City and The West End. Their winning formula of original choreography and unparalleled production with unrelenting attention to detail makes it one of the capital’s most exciting nights out.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day we met with the CEO and Founder of The London Cabaret Club and asked her about the upcoming show and what she loves the most about her job…

What led you to work in such a fabulous industry?

Following business school in Sydney, I spent some time working in management consultancy and finance in London then moved to New York to continue further study in the Arts. I then became a huge Broadway theatre enthusiast. My working life subsequently took me to London, and here I fell in love with the West End. With my love of musical theatre and experiencing the social scenes of both London and New York, I felt there was a gap in the market to create an new unique experience in London which would entail a combination of excellent theatre style entertainment combined with a high end dining experience – and so The London Cabaret Club was born!

What sets the London Cabaret Club apart?

The first thing that sets us apart is our permanent residence at The Bloomsbury Ballroom. It is an amazingly beautiful art deco building between the City and the West End that is perfect for our performances and the atmosphere there really enhances our shows.

The second, is the quality of our shows. To date, The London Cabaret Club shows have been centred around a range of quintessentially British themes. For example our show ‘Queen Of Roses’ celebrates Britain’s female monarchs. ‘Hats, Heels & Horses’ focuses on a day at the races and our current show ‘Gatsby with Love’ transports guests into a decadent 1920’s party, inspired by the Jay Gatsby, the great anti-hero in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. We offer interesting and very entertaining themes which change seasonally to keep customers coming back. The London Cabaret aims to become an icon of London which appeals to our own residents as well as visiting tourists.

What is the usual crowd at the venue?

The crowd reflects the rich diversity of the city of London. It’s not unusual for celebrity clientele to attend our shows – visitors and fans have included famous figures as varied as Simon Cowell, Millie Mackintosh, Darcy Bussell, Louis Walsh and Olivia Colman. We also have some wonderful loyal fans from all walks of life who love to return to experience the different shows that we host throughout the year.

Why does it make the ultimate night out?

The sheer variety of unique, high quality entertainment, combined with fantastic level of service and fine dining options that accompanied the performance is what makes the London Cabaret Club a one of a kind experience.

What is the favourite thing about what you do?

The most favourite thing about my job is being able to be creative with what I do and through this creativity being able to deliver a unique and wonderful experience to our clients…

Start your Valentine’s Day by joining The London Cabaret Club at The Rose Bar from 6.30pm. For more information and to book tickets, see: www.thelondoncabaretclub.com/valentines-show

The London Cabaret Club invites guests to ‘Gatsby With Love’ this Valentine’s Day. The Great Gatsby Valentine’s dinner and show is set to transport guests to the glamorous 1920s, fit with sumptuous food, mischief, tassels, champagne glasses and world-class performances. This bespoke show and immersive fine dining experience, is created especially for Valentine’s romancing by London Cabaret Club artistic director Doni Fierro.

Cabaret goers can immerse themselves into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s world renowned love story and feel as if they are a party guest at Gatsby’s mansion. The varied acts at the show will be performed to heart-soaring songs such as Lana Del Ray ‘Young and Beautiful’. All will be played out against the lavish backdrop of the 1920’s Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom with its high-reaching ceilings, intimate seating areas, ornate windows, spectacular bar and commanding marble entrance. The event is ideal for an extravagant and interactive date night with a partner or a girlie and glamorous Friday night out.

Now in its 6th year, The London Cabaret Club originally launched as a pop-up within the Chelsea Arts Club in July 2013, followed by sell-out residencies at One Mayfair and The Collection in South Kensington, before moving in to their permanent home within beautiful art deco settings of The Bloomsbury Ballroom, a stunning venue perfectly situated between The City and The West End. Their winning formula of original choreography and unparalleled production with unrelenting attention to detail makes it one of the capital’s most exciting nights out.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day we met with the CEO and Founder of The London Cabaret Club and asked her about the upcoming show and what she loves the most about her job…

What led you to work in such a fabulous industry?

Following business school in Sydney, I spent some time working in management consultancy and finance in London then moved to New York to continue further study in the Arts. I then became a huge Broadway theatre enthusiast. My working life subsequently took me to London, and here I fell in love with the West End. With my love of musical theatre and experiencing the social scenes of both London and New York, I felt there was a gap in the market to create an new unique experience in London which would entail a combination of excellent theatre style entertainment combined with a high end dining experience – and so The London Cabaret Club was born!

What sets the London Cabaret Club apart?

The first thing that sets us apart is our permanent residence at The Bloomsbury Ballroom. It is an amazingly beautiful art deco building between the City and the West End that is perfect for our performances and the atmosphere there really enhances our shows.

The second, is the quality of our shows. To date, The London Cabaret Club shows have been centred around a range of quintessentially British themes. For example our show ‘Queen Of Roses’ celebrates Britain’s female monarchs. ‘Hats, Heels & Horses’ focuses on a day at the races and our current show ‘Gatsby with Love’ transports guests into a decadent 1920’s party, inspired by the Jay Gatsby, the great anti-hero in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. We offer interesting and very entertaining themes which change seasonally to keep customers coming back. The London Cabaret aims to become an icon of London which appeals to our own residents as well as visiting tourists.

What is the usual crowd at the venue?

The crowd reflects the rich diversity of the city of London. It’s not unusual for celebrity clientele to attend our shows – visitors and fans have included famous figures as varied as Simon Cowell, Millie Mackintosh, Darcy Bussell, Louis Walsh and Olivia Colman. We also have some wonderful loyal fans from all walks of life who love to return to experience the different shows that we host throughout the year.

Why does it make the ultimate night out?

The sheer variety of unique, high quality entertainment, combined with fantastic level of service and fine dining options that accompanied the performance is what makes the London Cabaret Club a one of a kind experience.

What is the favourite thing about what you do?

The most favourite thing about my job is being able to be creative with what I do and through this creativity being able to deliver a unique and wonderful experience to our clients…

Start your Valentine’s Day by joining The London Cabaret Club at The Rose Bar from 6.30pm. For more information and to book tickets, see: www.thelondoncabaretclub.com/valentines-show

The Dixon is the latest opening in the prestigious Autograph Collection Hotel Group, and it certainly lives up to expectations. Last Thursday, we made our way to The Dixon for a very special evening celebrating the art of set design. ‘Behind the Scenes’ was an intimate panel discussion with some of Britain’s most prominent set designers, hosted by no less than acclaimed film critic, Mark Kermode.

Located in the midst of Tower Bridge’s buzzy cultural scene, The Dixon occupies a former Magistrate’s Court andthe very definition of a ‘boutique hotel’. Handsome wood panelled interiors, a myriad of contemporary art on the walls, and a breathtaking entrance hall — give The Dixon instant impact, balancing references from both past and present.Originally designed by John Dixon Butler, (from whom The Dixon coins its name) this hotel exemplifies the impeccable standards of The Autograph Collection, while also being effortlessly unique.

One of The Dixon’s core philosophies is to ‘represent the finest local talent, from emerging artists to established producers’ — and so it makes sense that this beautiful hotel is hosting Behind the Scenes. Part of the hotel’s Indie Film Project, a multi-faceted program that celebrates the craft of filmmaking in support of local film makers, Behind the Scenes is in itself a celebration of individuality. The panel was composed of John Paul Kelly, Michael Carlin, and Gemma Jackson, whose collective credits include, The Theory of Everything, Game of Thrones, Colette, Stan & Ollie, and Aladdin. During the discussion, Mark Kermode talked about where the process of world-building jumps off from, the challenges faced by a production designer, and their authorial role in weaving the narrative of a film. They also discussed some key tips for aspiring production designers, of which the most memorable was, to take every opportunity to cultivate the spark, and keep the passion that drives you during late nights.

The most memorable thing we took away from this inspiring panel discussion is that, ‘great set design should go unnoticed’ , which may seem paradoxical, but actually makes complete sense. It is the production designer’s job to create worlds we can escape to, and the best ones will do it without you noticing. In the same way, hoteliers are also tasked with the job of creating a sense of escapism, a sense of departure from our day-to-day. Whether that be through the room’s interior design, excellent customer service, or an extra-indulgent breakfast, it is a wonderfully whimsical quality that The Dixon has in spades.

www.thedixon.co.uk

Have you ever been on a journey to exquisite lands? How about seeing something that stirs you to the point you can’t take your eyes off. Shen Yun Performing Arts has mesmerized its audience since it was founded 13 years ago. This proves the company has stayed true to its meaning.

As Shen Yun says so itself, the meaning of its name is “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” It can also be translated as “the rhythm of a divine spirit”. As ‘Shen’ is a term used for divine being and ‘Yun’ means rhythm. Simply put, Shen Yun is “God’s melody.”

There is something truly ‘Out of this world’ about Shen Yun. Slightly magical, which draws you to the point of no return. Many of the audience have been moved to tears due to this ethereal production. Excellence through and through without an ounce of error. Mysterious and exciting as something that has never been seen, never experienced.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shen_Yun

What Is Shen Yun Performing Arts?

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a New York-based non-profit classical Chinese dance and music company. It was founded by top Chinese artists in the year 2006. Since then, the company has been touring around the world spreading the message it was meant to.

The Chinese artists that came together to put this splendid production together are on a mission. A mission to revive and share the lost Chinese tradition and culture. The spirit and boldness with which these artists perform keep the tradition alive.

2 C’s That Sum up Shin Yun: Conventional & Contemporary

The true beauty of Shen Yun Performing Arts is in its blend of historic classical dance and modern Chinese culture. The production stands apart with its beautiful dance, original laugh-out-loud moments and even some political reference on contemporary China.

https://www.tickets4musical.com/shen-yun-performing-arts-tickets

The story is a series of historic, pre-historic and modern tales of Chinese History. Including ‘The Marvelous Monkey Battles Warlock’, with the riches of artistic visuals and the heartbreaking, ‘Devotion’ the tale of love and commitment.

Superb Techniques & High Tech Staging

Ken-Chieh Hsu and his team have done a job-well-done on high tech AV and CGI for the production. Making it stand equal to the most expensive of movies with big screens. The performances and talent deliver pure discipline and precision. Every move, every turn is exquisite.

The brilliance with which everything is carried out takes your breath away. In fact, I think other ballet companies should learn from the self-control of Shen Yun’s dancers. And when they do that, remember to study their superb technique as well.

Other than the brilliance and gracefulness there is a sense of sophistication, purity and reverence for the culture in its dancers. Which can be considered far better than the glitz and glamour of most modern-day theatre shows.

It is this fuse of innocent Chinese dance with high tech present that makes Shen Yun Performing Arts very special.

Terrific Impact: Enthralling Visuals and Dazzling Colors

Apart from the fantastic team of dancers who seem to be flying on the stage, the production features some really delightful medley of colors and fabrics. Color combinations as unimaginable as pistachio and pale lavender, hot orange and deep mint are a wonderful treat for eyes.

Especially the ‘Han Dynasty Sleeves’, attaching these sleeves to their costumes 24 female artists dance to Michelle Ren’s choreography. These incredible sleeves work just as ribbons in gymnastic, fluttering and waving across the stage. The beauty is so enthralling that you nearly forget to breathe.

A similar portion is where dancers use cloth pieces to perform tricks. A Choreography of Ren and Yungchia Chen presents us with the exquisite ‘Soaring Handkerchiefs’.

The secret of Success: Elegant Dancers and Melodic Instruments

Tickets4musical has mentioned the gorgeous performances of dancers quite a few times in articles. This is just how great it feels to see these enthusiastic artists take the stage. To name a few, Alvin Song, Daoyang Zheng, ElsieShi, Jaling Chen, Monty Mou, and Victor Li are some of the most trained and superb at their art.

But as there is no meaning to a stage without a show, She Yun orchestra is an integral part of its success. You must have heard the western Symphonies and Orchestras quite a few times. Yet there is no comparing it with the unique sound of ancient instruments resonating with the original melodious score. Chia-Chi Lin conducts her musicians with great composure and Linda Wang’s Erhu solo is equally wonderful and emotive.

Should You Go Watch Shin Yun Performance?

Theirs is so much to keep you engaged in Shen Yun’s performances. A rare experience that you don’t get every other day. There is nowhere you’ll find such a classic exhibition of the highest order. The power of art will amaze you and you’ll be left wanting more. Get the Shin Yun Performing Arts Tickets and expect a life-changing experience.

You’ve seen it haven’t you? And you either can’t get enough of Emma and Ryan and their modern Romeo and Juliet, dreams will tear you apart, dancing around lamp posts joy. Or you can’t stand the flipping thing; the jaunty tunes, slightly off key singing and the relentless nods to classic movies.

Whatever your take, you can’t deny that it makes Los Angeles look like the absolute dream. Surely the tourism board put Damien Chazelle up for that but if not, they owe him, big time!

Basing a whole trip around an epic film would be crazy (but don’t put it past #TeamCoco!) but we were lucky enough to cram in a number of romantic spots from the movie by simply heading to DTLA’s Grand Central Market.

This year is the market’s centenary as a covered market and refreshingly since 1917 the core values of the market have remained the same. As the City of Stars has had face lift after face lift, the market has maintained its charm and its purpose in the community as somewhere to grab fresh produce, some dinner and a drink and meet a friend.

The current administration of the space want to continue to preserve it as a place that showcases the best of the local area’s produce, chefs and entrepreneurs with carefully vetted vendors and live DJ nights that keep the atmosphere alive.

We could spend all day telling you about where to eat and drink (for instance, Eggslut is a phenomenon, G&B coffee have world class baristas and a green juice from Press Brothers’ Juicery will cure any hangover) but we’re here to walk in the foot steps of our star crossed lovers aren’t we?!

In one of the most heart-soaringly romantic parts of the movie we’re treated to a number of incredible dates where the city of Los Angeles facilitates Seb and Mia falling deeply in love. Within the market you can sit (as many couples who were there did!) at the stools at Sarita’s Pupuseria for Salvadorean cuisine.

Leaving the market to the Hill Street side you will catch a real slice of old Los Angeles with the funicular Angel’s Flight, once the world’s shortest railway when it opened in 1901. This incredible piece of old school public transport had been out of service for years, including when the film was filmed but has since been confirmed to be restored and reopened to the public.

We’d like to think that some movie magic might have helped that to happen…

.If that isn’t enough movie magic for you, we have two options left: jump in a cab up to Griffith Observatory to try out dancing with the stars and incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and the city beneath you.

Or, a little closer to the market, we were tipped off to pop into the Bradbury Building across the road which, while not in La La Land has starred in movies like Blade Runner, 500 Days of Summer and as the Twix factory in the recent TV campaign…

Find out more about how you can visit more La La Land filming locations through Discover Los Angeles at https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/lalaland