Tumgik
#literally iconic showstopping no one can top them EVER
latinokaeya-moving · 11 months
Text
treated myself to the very short beginning section of three houses just now but i had to stop n turn off my switch when the game asked me to pick a house bc i started agonising over whether to go w edelgard first or just jump straight into the claude route
#x#fe posting#everyone and their momma says to leave verdant wind for last bc it’s the most satisfying to tie up all loose ends route#and to do azure moon or crimson flower first. bc they work better as one of the first routes#and i TOLD myself ok ok sure i’ll do edelgard first then that’s fine. i like her and a lot of the black eagle characters im sure it’ll be#fun. but meeting claude in game and giggling n twirling my hair over everything he says is KILLING MEEEEEE i can’t abandon him i can’t IM#GONNA FEEL SOOOO BAD#he’s so charming crying real tears rn. i Know what i need to do but man…. pain n suffering …#i remember seeing a take somewhere once that said smth abt how claude gets so permanently shut out of the true potential of his goals on any#route that doesn’t pick him bc he doesn’t get the chance to really establish himself / figure out all the secrets of the game#and so he’s just narratively. barred/locked out from his dreams for good. and ever since i read that it makes me wanna crawl up n DIE when#i think abt it CLAUDE. CLAUDEEEEEEEEEEEE 😭😭😭😭😭😭#also just in general he’s SOO funny and quirky i love him so much he only said like maybe ten lines total but he’s literally such a riot#playing the game while knowing what his entire deal is is HILARIOUS he’s so fucking funny. and painfully tragic even from the get go. AUGH#one of his first things being calling himself the embodiment of distrust is so. it’s just so!!!!! like he WANTS u to know it’s all an act#EVERYONE knows it he’s not being subtle at all BUT THATS THE POINT!!!!! bc if everyone knows it’s an act that he plays around w then they#wont go snooping around as much!!!! AUGHHHHHHHHH !!!! CLAUDE !!!!#im going crazy i shouldn’t have played this i need to finish my last assignment first. n then i can lose my mind over claude#OHHH also can i just say his + edelgards first interactions are SOOOOO funny they’re so much fun. i love their little banter n back n forth#literally iconic showstopping no one can top them EVER#anyways. it’s almost 3am i need to sleep n write my essay tmrw lol
5 notes · View notes
pocketramblr · 2 years
Text
I'm going to do a Definitive Ranking of the top ten bnha ships because... Well because Im tired and also read a really cute nejiyuyu fic this morning anyway:
10- Melissa/Shoji. No I will not elaborate.
9- Any combo of the alleyway trio. Truly incredible, iconic, let them fight in more alleyways together please. "It's your power" "you can't suffer my mistakes" "I've never seen Ingenium make that face" hello. Battle couples galore.
8- any combo of the golden trio. Green tea is adorable. Iideku chapter almost gave me motivation back. Iida and Uraraka truly are the most capable couple in the class and also a battle couple too. All three can hold hands too.
7- Inko/Toshi/Dave I'm a genius ok I know.
6- Masaki/Tensei, I just know they'd vibe if they'd ever interact with each other. I want Tensei to gush about Masaki saving everyone who survived Jakku ok. I want them yelling at Tenya together.
5- RockLock and his wife, hori give me her name or else I love her ok
4- Fuyuhana- the inherit tension between two eldest daughters who were constrained to futures as housewives by very similar fathers for nearly opposite reasons who couldn't save their brothers that turned murderous who's family comes crashing down who show strength in opposite ways and one deceives others and one deceives herself and the tragedy that they will never meet due to one dying at a child decades ago. But hey that's what fic is for
3- Nejiyuyu- truly a bonus for those looking at the character pages. Yuyu likes cute things and thinks Nejire is the cutest. Nejire's favorites were translated into English as lilies except the exact same word with the same spelling and pronunciation in Japanese is "Lesbian genre stories" so. You know. And yeah as a bonus I do sometimes throw Melissa in there but these two deserve more content anyway
2- Duo (/Trio) Holders- literally nothing funnier than the fandom deciding that Second and First had to be romantic and that's how the quirk was first passed on, and also on no evidence said that Second probably rescued First from the vault. And then they were correct and also got an extra holder thrown in the for so many different fun options.
1- Miritama. Hori really did just make them soulmates who can sense each other's pain with no explanation but a whole lot of innuendo. Showstopping.
31 notes · View notes
Text
everything i love about hunchback of notre dame
*the g-slur will be replaced with roma, romani, or something else and will have brackets ([ ]) surrounding it to indicate a word change*
Olim -  i love the build up at the end into bells of notre dame 
bells of notre dame -  ”and some say the soul of the city’s the toll of the bells, the bells of notre dame” the fact that it’s esmeralda singing it. we’re already off to a great start.  jehan’s voice is so nice it’s beautiful the foreboding saints after jehan dies and right into the “ahhhhs’ “and the saints regarded frollo from their stone facade and he felt their gaze as if it were the eyes of God” - the difference between the stone saints for frollo and quasi is so interesting. One sees them as terrifying, boring into his soul because of his darkness within, while the other sees them as his friends and aid on his journey.  the way frollo says quasimodo “now here is a riddle to guess if you can, sing the bells of notre dame” “what makes a monster and what makes a man?” - song by Quasi. It just makes me tingle, I love it.  the way this song sets up so many motifs is just so good
Out There -  the beginning is manipulation 101 (it is I alone, your only friend, how can i protect you, etc)  michael arden is an icon i swear. he is phenomenal. his e m o t i o n “but part of theeeeeem and Ooooooout there” “out there among the millers and the weavers and their wives”  “heedless of the gift it is to be them. if I were in their skin I’d treasure every instant” “i swear i’ll be content with my share. won’t resent won’t despair old and bent I won’t care. I’ll have spent oooone daaay out theeeeeeeeeere” Amazing, showstopping, what a way to open a show and introduce a character, I cry almost every single time
Topsy Turvy pt. 1 -  “somehow i can wander through this helter skelter without fear now. no one sees i’m here now out here in the woooorld!” ugh i love him  “on the sixth of januervy” too catchy
Rest and Recreation -  I used to hate this song but now i’ve matured and learned that it is amazing I just love the tune, idk, it’s so fun and catchy until you get to the bridge and that’s what i love “rest and recreaaaaaa- four years at the front...” that’s on ptsd “the air filled with a stench of bodies in a trench. whoever pays the most i call my liege.” just the bitterness when he says that line. Amazing.  “and whatever i do i’ll make sure this is true i will never go back again.” i literally adore this part so much. it gives him so much motivation. and then we go right back into him being flirty because he’s covering up his ptsd with fun “But for a few night fun is my mission” oh me oh my that’s very attractive he sounds so awkward talking to frollo im going to cry  “there is no time for rest and recreation,” poor guy
Rhythm of the Tambourine -  “flash of an ankle flip of a skirt...come see me dance, hey what can it hurt?” I just love how she sings this part its so well done the dance break music is amazing. it’s just so nice and a great vibe.  “this girl who is she” the layers!!!! all three of them doing it in rounds!!! I love it!!! “she dances like the devil//she dances like an angel//an angel” AHHHHH beautiful, great way to show the differences in characters “but with such fire// such fire” I am in love with this line oh my gosh. like frollo is thinking about hellfire and pheobus is just like heart eyes i am also in love with esmeralda thank you
Topsy Turvy pt. 2 -  “aren’t you going to join in on the competition?” she’s so cute and pretty and i love her “we asked for the ugliest face in paris and we found him, aye?” love  “eeev...ry..bod...y”  “Hail to the king....oh what a king...girls give a kiss...we’ve never had a king like this!” just so much fun to sing 
Into Notre Dame -  “how could you do this to me?” more manipulation  “like a begger recieving an alm.” i love a good simile “the light of notre dame” I love the way she sings this, it’s just so good 
God Help the Outcasts -  “were you once an outcast too?” i love this because the answer is yes. Jesus was treated as other because of His teachings. He was most definitely an outcast, literally cast out of so many different towns. And He does listen to her prayer and it just makes me so emotional.  i literally...there is nothing wrong with this song. everything about it is beautiful.  “God help the outcasts or nobody will” chills every single time “I ask for love I can possess. I ask for God and hos angels to bless me” right into “I ask for nothing, I can get by” I LOVE IT SO MUCH it’s so beautiful.  the chorus of this show deserves a raise “but I know so many less lucky than I” really helps to show Esmeralda’s character a lot I think. 
Top of the World -  such a beautiful song like I could write the entirety of this song here because I love it so much I love the saints part so much the part when the saints are singing and esmeralda are singing is just beautiful especially the part “here at the top of the world(E)//look at you sitting at the top of the world(S)” “the two of us sitting/the two of us sitting/the two of you sitting” right into “On top of the world!” one of my favorite parts of the entire show oh my goodness. The way Quasi, Esmeralda, and the Saints all blend together so well is just askjhfklafkj
Tavern Song -  I can’t not dance to this song oh my it’s so so so fun.  just like the melody especially during “in the dark of the night, in the dead of the winter...come keep me warm until morning” I LOVE  It gives me very much Jack and Rose vibes from that part in Titanic “with the taste of the wine, hold me close while we’re dancing, but I hear you sighing, winter is dying, you’ll keep me warm until morning” HER VOICE IS SO GOOD the cross between the tavern folk singing and frollo singing in the Hellfire tune is just so good. just so good. i’m going to cry this show is beautiful.  the fading “come keep me warm until morning”s is UGH so good
Heaven’s Light -  When I tell you how much I adore this song.... his voice is just so soothing. the little flute thing in the background is just so sweet the way he sounds so happy the first time he says “Heaven’s light” i love him so much “but” AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH i cannot  “I swear it must be heaven’s liiiiiiiiiiiiiiight” one of my favorite notes in the entire show i swear it’s so beautiful also the bells of notre dame going right into Hellfire....ICONIC
Hellfire -  One of my favorite villain songs ever. Especially in this version, you can really hear his inner turmoil over Esmeralda. and i just love it.  from the get go, frollo is trying to put him above everyone (”you know i am a righteous man”, “so much purer than...”) and yet he is still struggling with lust like everyone else...he’s still a sinner “i feel her, i see her, the sun caught in her raven hair, is blazing in me out of all control” SO GOOD  “Like fire, hellfire” go look back at what he says in rhythm of the tambourine because it’s the same thing and i just “is turning me to sin” blaming esmeralda for his own sinful thoughts. it is not her that is turning him to sin. he is sinning of his own accord. but also the desperate way he says sin is always so interesting  “it’s not my fault, i’m not to blame, it is the [roma] girl, the witch who set this flame! It’s not my fault, if in God’s plan, he made the devil so much stronger than a man!” I really really love this series of lines so much. I can’t really explain it, but especially that last part. it just breathes a supposed “holy man” who can’t accept that his sins are his own and caused by himself so he’ll blame every single other thing other than himself. i’ve known too many people like this. “protect me maria, don’t let this siren cast her spell, don’t let the fire sear my flesh and bone” just so good. I love the voices in the background.  “destroy esmeralda and let her face the fire of hell, or else let her be mine and mine alone” he would rather condemn an innocent woman than confront his own sin. again, so many people are like this today. it’s just so thrilling to see that mindset condemned in media. also, patrick page is amazing  “hellfire, dark fire” the tone switch from him being scared of the hellfire the first time he said it to now he’s using it as power (how many of us have had hell weaponized against us? raise of hands?) is just so frightening and amazing all at the same time “God have mercy on her, God have mercy on me” I cannot tell you how much I love this line. it is phenomenal, especially the way Page sings it. I think that it is one of the central lines to his character (along with the “wicked shall not go unpunished” which i’ll probably talk about later) just the emotion he has in his voice when he says this line....chef’s kiss. especially with the next line (”but she will be mine or she will burn”), it seems like he knows what he’s doing is wrong (hence why he needs mercy), but he’s going to do it anyway
Esmeralda -  easily one of my favorite songs in this entire show. what an amazing end of act song oh my  the trumpets!! at the beginning!!! I love it!! “being under suspicion of sorcery, witchcraft, and the arts of hell” that is not actually why he’s arresting her which doubly means he knows that what he’s doing is wrong the tune of this song is SO GOOD I LOVE IT “these are the flames of Esmeralda...” this dude is obsessed with fire feels very much like the mob song from beauty and the beast “with the might of Notre Dame” using God in such a vulgar manner is blasphemous and frollo knows it. he’s using God’s might and strength to hunt down an innocent woman because he can’t control his own desires. I’m losing my mind “but the madam, that whore, denied it and swore by the saints, the saints of notre dame” i have no idea why but I adore this line and i love the way that it was song. I used to think that the madam was actually just esmeralda in disguise which made the next part of the song seem all the funnier the little lute strumming after frollo says “very well, we’ll set fire to it” because pheobus is having a change or heart “and he held the torch that crackled like the [woman’s] voice....and he knew this was the moment he must make a choice” this is why i like the play phoebus and not really the movie phoebus very much. i just love it  the chorus singing God help the outcasts in the background...amazing...chills “you’d throw away a promising career” Frollo’s desperate attempt to get him to comply  “God help the outcasts, or nobody will!” I LOVE THIS PART WITH MY WHOLE SOUL IT IS SO GOOD sometimes i’ll listen to this song on repeat just to hear him say this “you’re relieved of your patrol” “consider it my highest honor.” Iconic. just...so good. gives me very much “thank you for your consideration” vibes  the way frollo says kyrie eleison here is just so good frollo’s little speech is very cool with the chorus in the background I love Quasi’s little frantic verse there. you can hear his desperation in “fire, fire, smoke and flame” and then “is that all that I can do?” he wants to help his friend but he can’t and I know how horrible that feels phoebus part!!!!! I love it!!!! his voice is so nice!!! “with my career and body left for dead” nice, good, amazing.  “out there...” AHHHHHHH YES MOTIFS “somewhere she is lost//somewhere she is lost//Esmeralda!” love this bit so much  “the flames grow tall and sharp as fluer de lis” what a good metaphor, so good, so nice, I love the chorus they’re all amazing “all paris burns for esmeralda” now we’ve got burning again. are we talking about how paris is literally on fire because frollo is insane or is it the mob mentaility that is “burning” inside of them? good question.  “and still it all comes down to her and me” says three people. I love the melodies here. chills. so many of them. I love.  “the devil dwells in esmeralda//oh esmeralda//oh esmerlada//oh esmeralda” AHHHH again AHHHHHHH i love this bit (yes I know I say that a lot but its the truth) “wake up the city and sound the alarm!” good yes they’re all singing different bits and it’s growing and your heart is pounding until.... “these are the flames of esmeralda”  and then it all falls apart again oh my gosh it’s beautiful  until “the bells of notre dam!” and the “ah, ah, ah”s that I adore so much I love this song so much 
Entr’acte I can’t imagine how fun this would be to sing. it’s just a vibe Flight Into Egypt - I used to skip this song but I have since learned the error of my ways because i love it “then Quasimodo you can too” love that, just like he says it “and she gave it to you because she knows you’re smart” the fact that these are just part of his imagination so it’s really him telling himself he’s smart and i’m going to cry I love him so much “and this jewel must show where we’re supposed to meet” love his voice so much “it’s a map. it’s a map!” he’s so excited. he deserves the entire world.  “I’ll save esmeralda, her angel will be me,” brb crying  “for her I will be strong” still crying I love the entire end bit how their voices meld and the music swells all up until Quasi sings the last bit. it’s just so amazing
The Court of Miracles -  I’ve always loved this song. it’s so fun, but also sad.  “brother you’re there” YES  “but the dead don’t talk so you won’t be reveal what you found!” dead man tell no tales vibes “Not terribly different from bees in a hive” I love how erik says this line. claupin would be so fun to play oh my.  “where it’s a miracle...if you get out alive”  “any last words....i thought not *laughter*” obsessed with this  “but we must protect at all cost our secret, it’s our lives or yours!” and that’s the sad reality. that’s what makes this song sad to me.  “So you’re going to hang!” a lighter note as an end. very nice. 
In a Place of Miracles -  a few notes in and i’m already crying this song is so beautiful and i adore it. it makes me sad in a million ways but it also makes me so happy. the play did such a great job of making me love pheobus and esmeralda but also feel so, so bad for Quasi “but somehow you have made me someone new” yup i’m definitely crying “now i’m asking if you’ll let me come with you” you can’t see me but the tears are real “though our lives are tattered and torn, all i’m feeling now is reborn. i must be...” AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Pheobus and esmeralda’s voices just meld together so well im gonna cry it’s so nice and as soon as the first chorus is over, the tears of happiness turn into tears of anguish because Quasi pulls up with his heaven’s light reprise and it tears my heart to shreds my heart breaks for him esmeralda and quasi singing at the same time gives me very much eponine and marius vibes from a heart full of love (we love victor hugo so much /sar) like the parallels in what the both of them are saying is just phenomenal “no more need for a heart of stone//better to have a heart of stone!” AHHHH STOP I LOVE IT AND IT HATE IT AT THE SAME TIME “that holds no hope in heaven’s light” stop i’m so sad and then the chorus come in and it’s just so beautiful “will we reach a friendlier shore, will we find a haven once more, where we’ll be in a place of miracles...” it’s so gorgeous “where’s my place of miracles//in a place of miracles” that sound? yeah that’s me sobbing in the corner and it builds again and i love it so much it’s just so beautiful 
Justice in Paris -  this is the least played song on spotify (by like hundreds of thousands) and I think that’s so funny but i think the chorus does such a great job here, as usual, because they just have that menacing sound to them
Someday -  another of my favorite songs. this one is hauntingly beautiful and I have so many opinions. get ready.  esmeralda is just so sad and you can hear it in every single word she says. god my heart is already breaking.  “that i’d live to see a day of justice dawn” i haven’t actually seen the stage version so i’m not sure if they have the part where she cries out “justice!” when quasi is getting attacked, but this part just hurts me to the soul because of that specifically. she cried out for justice and now she gets none. “and though I will die long before that morning comes, i’ll die while believing still it will come when I am gone” this line just hits so, so hard. i can’t even talk about it. just imagining her singing this and pheobus listening to her with tears in his eyes...nope i cannot...i will cease to exist and then he joins in and i can just imagine her feeling no longer alone because she’s hoping that it comes “someday” and he’s echoing it, assuring her that it will. I can just picture her trying to stay strong as she says “Godspeed this bright millennium on its way” but she can’t and so her words fall out as she’s saying “let it come” and she can’t finish but pheobus finishes it for her. “someday” and I can just see her breaking down. she’s going to die and she never gets to see it, but he assures her that it’s coming. and he starts it up again. he starts singing again, and I think that it gives her the strength she then needs to finish.  “someday, these dreams will all be real. Til then we’ll wish upon the moon!” of all the lines in the entire play, this is my absolute favorite. the way the sing it, the power they hold, their voices blending together so smoothly and perfectly. i cannot handle how amazing it is.  “one day...some day...soon” and just like that, i am sobbing. beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful. 
While the City Slumbered - i love this little song. it’s so pretty and fast and it just gives us exactly what we need to know. love. 
Made of Stone -  Now to the last of my favorite songs. (Finale doesn’t count because although I love it, it hate it). You wanna know which song has the top score of making me cry the most? That’s right. This one right here. Let’s get into it. the talking at the beginning is a yes from me. “I only make things worse!” felt that also, the sound of him sobbing ruins me. “how do you know what I believe, what do you know of me? what do you know of all the things I feel? you’re only made of stone” finally him acknowledging that they’re not actually real and all apart of his imagination. “who is it that you see, instead of seeing what I am for real?” imposter syndrome? I understand that. “this twisted flesh and bone” the EMOTION  “you’re a liar” bro i cannot physically handle this. i can’t. I will cry. I am cry “would that I were made of stone like you,” back to that place of miracles song. i just he’s just so desperate. the only thing he could ever trust has fallen. He has nothing left. he can’t even trust himself (because that’s really all the stone saints by) “shut my brain down, if I were senseless, I’d prefer it” i totally understand the feeling of this. so often when thing go wrong in my life, i would like to shut down completely and stop existing and I think that’s what makes this song hit so damn hard “another gargoyle on this turret, spitting rain down to the stones below!” there is so much passion in his voice I love it so much. michael arden deserves the entire world for this performance “i’ve waste my faith believing in saints of plaster,” OUCH “the only one worth believing in was my master,” OUCH AGAIN “he’s the one who never lied. he told me it was cruel outside. he told me that i had to hide. his words were cold as stone, but they were true.” i can’t describe how emotional these lines make me. because he’s right but also it is such a painful, hard truth. ugh, i  “not like you”  “take all the dreams you’ve stone, take all your lies and leave me alone”  “alright Quasimodo, we’ll leave you alone,” that one hurt because as someone who pushes people away when they’re self destructing, the most painful part is seeing them actually leave you. even though you asked them too. “you’re right Quasimodo, we’re only made of stone, we just thought that you were made of something stronger.” now that’s a mic drop That would cut so, so deep.  “never again to wonder what’s out there” m o t i f s  “let it remain unknown. and my one human eye forever more be dry until the day i die, as if I were made of stone”  such a beautiful, heartbreaking, real song that I think so many people can relate to. I know I can. I have cried to this song so many times. I love it.  also, he holds that note for so long i’m impressed.
Finale - this song is long so get ready for it.  the crimes that Esmeralda is guilty for are not the ones that she was originally hunted for. he switched up his story. “the sentence is death!” immediate kyrie eleison (which i think is for frollo and not esmeralda) she spits in his face like a freaking queen “esmeralda!” Quasi’s cry is just so heart shattering and emotional I am so sad “he could remain stone no longer” I love that “sanctuary! sanctuary!” with the victorious sounds in the background are just so amazing “hear me, people of Paris, how much oppression will you allow?” with the chorus singing Someday in latin in the background?? I am not crying again “someday, your patience will finally break. why not make someday come right now?”  that part is just chef’s kiss. I love it so much. also, that’s the last we hear of pheobus. I’ve always wondered if he died so someone whose been in/seen the play, could you tell me? quasi’s prayer to the saints is just so good. i just love it so much. so beautiful. and it being similar in tune to Heart of Stone and having the part “raining fire on the stone below!” is just so good and then the moment between quasi and esmeralda is just... “you are home.” “home.”  and then we go to the top of the world reprise. haha. haha. ha.  “in my eyes you are beautiful too,” comparing him to the beautiful morning “i don’t think...forever...” “you’re such a good friend quasimodo” “yes your friend” and then she freaking dies and i’m so sad and then the music changes so quickly and it makes my heart drop every time “because of you” cut deep “at last we’re free of esmeralda. now that she’s gone, a poison dies with her.” to the tune of esmeralda. bitch i would have thrown frollo off that roof too “here in our sanctuary...sanctuary” “sanctuary? no sanctuary without her”  “even...loved her.” “love? what do you know of love?” I adore this part because Quasimodo finally realizes that Frollo’s treatment of him wasn’t love. It never was.  “no. you are the weak one. you the wicked one. And the wicked shall not go unpunished!” I cannot explain the fire that this lights in my bones. it’s amazing. just so good. and then all the voices, like the saints, come in “the wicked shall not go unpunished. the heart of the wicked is of little worth. the wicked shall not go unpunished” and they’re no longer on frollo’s side (they never were) the rising voices as quasi picks up frollo and is going to kill him *chef’s kiss* “You don’t want to hurt me” “yes you do” so, so, so, so, so good. i can’t even explain. it’s just good.  in to the abyss below! damnation! “the world is cruel, the world is ugly” yes  “but there are times and there are people when the world is not” i’m not 100% positive, but i’m pretty sure that’s jehan again and that’s just so beautiful. “and at it’s cruelest it’s still the only world we’ve got” the bitter truth “out there” yup yup yup crying you can’t stop me The bit with the chorus singnig someday in latin and english...i literally cant handle it. it is so freaking beautiful. and the violin? the woman singing is an icon. the voices blend together so beautifully. I am overcome with emotion. i- Quasi singing the last “someday” and then the blending into the beginning song and ugh “but here is a riddle to guess if you can, what makes a monster and what makes a man?” with the entire ensemble? yeah, that one feels good.  and being left off with the “ah”s
yeah, brb, i’m going to go listen to it again.
89 notes · View notes
virtuemoired · 4 years
Note
do a deep dive into “you raise me up” Kobe 2018 i dare you!
thou asked, thou shalt be given. buckle in ladies, bc u r in for a wild ride! welcome to why you raise me up is quite frankly one of the greatest gifts i’ve ever been given.
firstly, i advise u to watch this video FIRST, since this is unrightfully one of their more underrated programs and obviously NONE of y’all watch it on the daily so here’s a refresher:
youtube
here we go!
Tumblr media
the first notes of the angelic “you raise me up” start playing, and our star crossed lovers are NOWHERE TO BE SEEN. but then- you see the shadows of two figures start to skate out from opposite ends of the rink, and you just KNOW history is about to be made. they slowly make their way towards the centre of the rink AND EACH OTHER, and when they finally touch, all is right in this world. and we are only 20 seconds in. 
Tumblr media
first up, we have the iconic lift which if u know me, is my FAVOURITE CHOREOGRAPHIC ELEMENT OF ALL TIME. we started from jack & diane and now we’re here and honestly, i’m crying tears of JOY bc this one’s for me. 
Tumblr media
next, we have latch choreography, and i know the haters are going to scream, “but this is RECYCLED choreo, how could it POSSIBLY be any good?” to which i say 1. r u literally forgetting that tessa and scott had an UNDEFEATED season with latch choreography? 2. if u r gonna complain about latch, do NOT come for the incredible, showstopping latch pause™️ in it’s full glory and 3. it is timed perfectly with the music and i will NOT stand for such slander!!!!
Tumblr media
moving on, we see them do 1.5 crossovers, but those crossovers are the BEST crossovers i have EVER seen. they transition into my next favourite choreographic element and the only flaw is that the camera angle does not do this MASTERPIECE justice, but i digress. do u see how he picks her up when the word “silence” is sung and places her down EXACTLY when the singer says the word “come”??? and even though this is a LIVE singer, that will NOT stop mr scott patrick moir from being the best ice dancer in the entire world.
Tumblr media
more crossovers, and i am already full on SOBBING. what’s more they do it WHILE LOOKING INTO EACH OTHER’S EYES and along with the MUSIC as we hit the chorus. when he sings “you raise me up”, their SOULS intertwine and scott lifts her up as “i can stand on mountains” is being sung, and u know what? scott moir let tessa virtue stand on his thighs with knives on her feet for 22 YEARS so yes, i DO think that this is a ~mowment~ for the history books. 
Tumblr media
scott spins her in a circle and when the singer says “walk” he extends his leg out which is so EXTRA but so GOOD. then “seas” is being sung, and scott tosses tessa up in the air and catches her RIGHT ON THE PIANO KEY, setting her down on the beat. as paul macintosh said u simply cannot teach this!!! and tessa’s ARMS go together with the music so well, esp when “strong” is being sung, hopefully in the next 10 years we will have those harry potter moving picture frames so i can hang this moment above my first born’s crib.
now comes the part about this video that i absolutely LOVE because they fade their skating footage w the video of the singer and i am hereby declaring that ALL subsequent ice shows w live music should be filmed like that!! 21 summer i am looking at u!!! this is having ur cake and eating it too it is the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS and i am forever INDEBTED to the genius who came up w this idea, probably my lord and saviour the nhk photographer. back to the program. they change dance holds like 3 times, but u don’t even REALISE it bc u r so entranced by their beauty and their grace. also they do it while maintaining EYE CONTACT like HOW oh my god legends only.
Tumblr media
we know the iconic goose lift is coming bc the chorus is about to hit and virtuemoir are the most DRAMATIC ice dancers to ever walk the face of the earth. and of course there’s a lighting change bc why NOT. i say, go big or go home, and do it exactly when “you raise me UP” is sung just for the brownie points. next is recycled latch/moulin rouge/long time running choreo and all PERFECTLY TIMED!! they simply DO! NOT! MISS! A! BEAT! and this is the only acceptable way to use recycled choreo, next.
they stay true to the original choreography bc he does a double twizzle even though this ISN’T a competitive skate but scott moir said you will GIVE ME THAT LEVEL 4 for a double twizzle i WILL hit those level features and i felt that in my bones.
Tumblr media
v/m really said we will give u all ur fav programs bc they do the final lift from stay and scott lifts tessa on his shoulders as the singer sings “strong”, which is like, such a power move on his part. also completely on brand, bc the full lyrics is “you raise me up when i am on your shoulders” AND TESSA VIRTUE IS LITERALLY ON HIS SHOULDERS, not a misstep in sight.
Tumblr media
it is just so pleasing to me that every time the singer sings “you raise me up” they do a lift which is so on the nose and i am LIVING. case in point: he lifts her up on the words “more” bc he is irrefutably declaring that he will take tessa to heights greater than himself. but then before the line finishes he dips her and circles her around and then u REALISE that they are BOTH singing this to EACH OTHER. they are both raising each other up to more than they can be. love that for them.
before the singer sings “you raise me up” one last time, the piano hits one last dramatic key and on that key scott twirls tessa in a circle and this just brings back memories of tessa saying “he is the melody and i am the piano” which hits different, yknow? and to top it all off, in their final lift, they do it exactly in time with the music, when will your faves EVER?
Tumblr media
finally, they gaze longingly into each other’s eyes, and i’m JUST saying that if u end off ur performance like this, u give me no CHOICE but to embrace it with open arms. scott whispers “good job” to her, and this image lives in my mind rent free.
bc this is a dare, i am compelled to give u more evidence to substantiate why this performance is one of their best, if you aren’t already convinced. first up, their COSTUMES. if you’d read my top tessa costumes post, then you would know that this is in my honest opinion tessa’s BEST costume, so you raise me up is already looking promising in my book. but then, we have scott moir wearing his carmen costume that he loves oh so much, like seriously, i don’t think he’s reworn any costume more than this one, and i completely 100% understand why. this is long time running!Scott (which is the BEST scott) and carmen!Scott combined, but with the vibes of latch!Scott, so really, we WON with this program, need i say more? this is like what i envisioned everything would be in my dreams, but it was so much better than that. v/m literally raised me up to more than i could be with it.
29 notes · View notes
aion-rsa · 3 years
Text
Jupiter’s Legacy: Choreographing Superheroic Stunts
https://ift.tt/3vZfxU3
This article is presented by:
Stunt teams are some of the hardest working people in the industry. They literally put their lives on the line just to entertain us and yet there’s so little acknowledgement of their contributions. There is no Oscar for stunt work, but there should be. Netflix’s adaptation of Jupiter’s Legacy has secured one of the industry’s hottest stunt choreographers, one who is no stranger to superhero action, Philip J. Silvera. 
If you’ve read Jupiter’s Legacy already, you know Frank Quitely’s artwork leaps off the page, splattered with intense moments of sanguineous bloodshed. Quitely’s graphic style is a perfect fit for Silvera, who says he’s always been inspired by the visceral violence of films like Goodfellas and The Godfather Part II.
“My action in the past has always had a bit of a lead pipe brutality to it,” confesses Silvera with a grin. Who better to choreograph the huge superhero brawls of Jupiter’s Legacy? 
School of Hard Knocks 
Stunt work has always been Silvera’s destiny. “I always wanted to do stunts, since I was a kid.” Silvera’s father was a boxer who was just about to go pro, but his fortune took a bad turn after he broke his arm and leg. Nevertheless, Philip inherited his father’s fighting spirit. After starting his martial arts training in Karate, Silvera switched over to a Shaolin-based system of Chinese Kung Fu, which he studied for about 20 years. 
Silvera got his first break in 1997. He was competing in a martial arts tournament in New York City when he was approached to do an off-Broadway show called Voice of the Dragon: Once Upon a Time in Chinese America. It was a groundbreaking show from maverick playwright and noted jazz composer Fred Ho. Silvera describes it as “a bit of an urban Peking opera, really a martial arts ballet.” The show demanded he play a character, do martial arts, fight, fall, and flip on stage in front of a live audience. 
As Silvera got deeper into the stunt world, his training diversified to accommodate a wider variety of roles. He studied Kali stick fighting and even trained with Cecep Arif Rahman (The Raid 2, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum). Beyond his film work, Rahman is a genuine master of the Indonesian martial art called Pencak Silat. As a stunt coordinator, Silvera must keep pushing his training forward so he can meet the demands of his next project. “I just constantly want to keep learning different things and evolving.”
Silvera began officially working as a stuntman in movies and TV in 2005. You must work your way up to that director’s chair, and in the stunt industry, that means you’ve got to pay your dues and take a lot of hard knocks. By 2010, he got his first action and fight choreographer credit with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II. That was followed by several coordinator roles on more video games like DC Universe Online, Batman: Arkham City, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. After an uncredited role assisting with the fight choreography in Iron Man 3, he received his first credited movie fight choreographer role for Thor: The Dark World.
Changing the Game
However, it was his work on Netflix’s Daredevil that caught the attention of both action and superhero fans. Silvera served as the Fight and Stunt Coordinator for the first two seasons of the series, and for action connoisseurs, he built a choreographic trademark for the show: the one-take fight scene. In Daredevil’s second episode, Silvera orchestrated a showstopping one-take hallway slugfest and every fan of fight choreography took notice. That scene propelled action in streaming TV to the cinematic level of big screen fight choreography. “I think most people would be surprised to hear that we designed that one-shot sequence in Daredevil in a day and a half,” Silvera says. 
Silvera followed up that hallway fight with a one-take stairwell scrap in season two (an episode directed by Marc Jobst, who also directed two episodes of Jupiter’s Legacy). Hallway and stairwell fights comprise two of the three most common settings for extended fight scenes (the third being warehouse fights – there’s an innumerable amount of these in actioners because it’s just easy and cheap to find warehouse locations). Hallways serve as a device to narrow the playing field when one person must take on several opponents. The width of the hallway restricts how many adversaries can come at the hero at a time. Silvera’s Daredevil hallway fight is held in the same esteem as the epic hallway fight in Chan-wook Park’s Oldboy and is considered by many to be the greatest TV fight scene to date. 
Stairway fights showcase technical expertise. The footwork must be precise because one misstep can result in a devastating ankle twist for any stunt person. Additionally, falling down stairwells isn’t easy. It requires top notch stunt people to stage safely. 
Read more
Sponsored
Jupiter’s Legacy: From Page to Screen
By Rosie Knight
TV
Jupiter’s Legacy Ending Explained
By Bernard Boo
For Silvera to deliver such high-level fight choreography for the small screen was groundbreaking. Until the rise of streaming, most TV shows were more reserved with their action because it is a longer haul. A feature-length movie might contain half a dozen fight scenes, at best. An action TV series might stage that many fights in just two or three episodes, with plenty more over the course of the season. This takes an incredible toll on the stunt team, which is why many martial arts-themed TV series gas out before the season finale. This is what made Silvera’s work on Daredevil so revolutionary at the time. Now, a half decade later, many TV shows have upped their action game, but they owe a great debt to Silvera and his team. “I really enjoyed bringing Daredevil to life. Charlie Cox was amazing. That was a pleasure working with Steve DeKnight on that show.” 
Since then, Silvera has tackled several super powered action icons for the silver screen, like Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate, and the Jaegers in Pacific Rim: Uprising. Silvera has fond memories of sitting down with director Tim Miller while working on Deadpool and Terminator: Dark Fate and setting the parameters of superpowers in combat. “It’s always that they’re really good at this, but what’s their weakness?” The audience will accept superpowers if the film stays consistent within its constructs. For Silvera, it’s about finding a new challenge in every sequence. “What I try and do is always make it super relative to the characters and then make it so that the audience can feel something when they watch it.”
Super Fights
Spanning eight episodes in Season 1, Jupiter’s Legacy allows Silvera the space to stretch his choreographic legs. “I believe the action on our show pushes the story and the characters forward, as much as it does on any of the other shows I’ve worked on in the past,” Silvera says. “And I’m super excited to see what fans think of the storytelling, the nonverbal storytelling, that happens within our action sequences.” 
Non-verbal storytelling lies at the very heart of every action choreographer. The fight scenes are the climax of the story and that unspoken dialogue of conflict must rise to that or else an actioner will fail. “Nonverbal communication,” stresses Silvera, “like The Empire Strikes Back, the scene that happens between Luke and Vader.” His passion for the Star Wars franchise led him to direct “Star Wars: Scene 38 ReImagined.” It was a reworking of the first lightsaber battle we ever saw – Obi-Wan Kenobi versus Darth Vader. Silvera spliced together footage from Star Wars: A New Hope with new fight footage. Doubling for Obi-Wan was Dan Brown (Black Panther, Spider-Man: Far from Home). Vader was Richard Cetrone, who was Ben Affleck’s stunt double in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. “Both are seasoned stuntmen in this business and have been around for a while,” adds Silvera.
“Scene 38 ReImagined” was a huge success with over 33.5 million views on YouTube. “That was a bit of a test for myself, as a second unit director and a first unit director,” says Silvera. “I wanted to see if I could add the emotional content into a sequence, that you know the character’s full story from beginning to end.”
From Comics Panels to Movie Frames
Choreographing superheroes has its own unique rules. A still comic panel is one thing. Setting that action into motion is another thing altogether. While comics are akin to storyboarding, when it comes to fights, a few panels describe that action. It then becomes Silvera’s job to unravel that into a fight with a dozen or more beats. 
One of his favorite examples for Jupiter’s Legacy is the “Hilltop” sequence. In the original comic, it’s a ferocious battle told over only four panels. Silvera saw that raw brutality and constantly built on that mindset with his choreography. 
“Those four panels really set the tone of our show and you’ll see that in the first episode.” He’s especially proud of this Hilltop sequence, as well as many other favorites. Two more sequences that he mentions with special pride he dubs “Tokyo Alley” and “The Vault,” but Silvera won’t elaborate on those cryptic titles just yet. “I don’t want to give away too much.” Fans who’ve already read the comic can probably guess what he’s talking about. “It starts off big and it stays that way up to the very end.” 
And for those fans familiar with Frank Quitely’s spectacular art, Silvera adds “We do our best to match those panels and the emotion that he puts into them. He really set the bar for us. And I think we met it.”
Superhero Boot Camp
As with many casts, most of the Jupiter’s Legacy actors have minimal background in martial arts or stunts. However, Silvera prefers it that way. “You get to figure out their characters and their movement in a different way.” He’d have ideas for them and then see something natural come out of their body language, which he would cultivate into something new and exciting. 
The cast was put through vigorous training where Silvera says they all worked extremely hard. “Literally a month of bootcamp with the lead actors training every day with our fight team and fight coordinator.” The cast would come in and work on basic movements and fight drills. “And then they would ride the wire for hours because there’s a lot of flying in the show.” 
As Supervising Stunt Coordinator, Silvera is quick to credit his fight and stunt rigging team. Micah Karns is the fight coordinator and Jayson Dumenigo is the 2nd Unit Stunt Coordinator and Key Rigger, a critical role for a flying superhero show. The threesome has worked together since Daredevil and teamed up again for several successive projects including Deadpool, Terminator, Pacific Rim, and Love, Death & Robots. 
cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });
“We have such a tight workflow at this point, from the years of us working together, that we know how to expedite things,” Silvera says. “We know how to keep up the pace. And we’re definitely doing seven days a week on this show.” The stunt team worked hand-in-hand with the cast for months to achieve the action that they wanted. “I’m super excited to see them and what they did come together on screen.”
The post Jupiter’s Legacy: Choreographing Superheroic Stunts appeared first on Den of Geek.
from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3o84dlO
1 note · View note
Text
Girl groups that I stan <3
Tumblr media
SNSD (Girls' Generation)
Literal legends of K-pop, all their songs are absolutely BOPS and they are literally TIMELESS.
They are everything: talented, beautiful, funny, kind and most of them have solo careers which are 100% top quality (Sunny we're still waiting for you to release music, we love u).
Their Korean and Japanese discography is basically flawless and they can pull any concept while keeping the unique and energetic energy they represent.
They have some of the most iconic songs in K-pop like, Gee was literally the song of the decade and I don't know any K-pop fan who hasn't heard Into the new world.
I know this phrase is way overused, but it fits here: SNSD literally paved the way. (Alongside other amazing iconic groups oc)
Tumblr media
Also members Sooyoung, Seohyun, Yoona and Yuri are actresses and are extremely talented. All the love for them.
I have nothing but love and respect for this group and all its members.
Ok I lied, I have one more thing: support. I love them
Stan SNSD.
They are literally my all time favourites.
Tumblr media
(G)-idle
My favourite girls group of the third generation. Even since their debut they didn't seem like rookies, like, they have been putting in top quality content ever since they entered the K-pop scene.
Their comebacks are amazing and the fact that Soyeon writes lyrics for the group is just amazing because she's really good at it. Like she is putting so much effort into it and you can see it, same for all the members.
The vocals, the rap, the visuals, the dancing. Amazing. And their music videos are really great, specially lion, they outdid themselves. They really are an amazing group.
And I love how they try different concepts but still keep their powerful energy like, I love groups that try different things while staying true to themselves.
There is sure a bright future for these girls <3 and you should all Stan them, they are really something.
Tumblr media
Also Minnie is my bias and she is a complete goddess. Bless her.
Tumblr media
Red Velvet
Amazing. Showstopping. Legendary. Creative. Never the same
Red Velvet literally went from that failure rookie to one of the queen's of K-pop. Like, how do you not Stan ???
Their titles are bops and I'm pretty sure you have heard at least one person say that their b-sides are amazing. And they are not wrong.
Their visuals are no joke either and they are matched by their talent in dancing, singing and rapping. They are the whole GG package.
Stan Red Velvet!!!
Also OT5 is the best thing that could ever happen. It isn't up for debate. It's a solid fact.
Also they are so different and their music videos are so great, they literally embody the craziness of K-pop with the modern spin of the third generation!.
Tumblr media
I know we all hate SM sometimes (most of the time) but if there is one thing they do right is create unique girl groups.
5 notes · View notes
mateadesigns · 5 years
Text
Scarlet Fever
Tumblr media
Think red in fashion was only for the daring? Think again, because this showstopping colour is always returning, or rather it doesn't really ever go away. 
Tumblr media
A cult classic, red is style dynamite. 
It’s iconic, bold, and intense, and wearing it can instantaneously transform an outfit, taking it from bland to dynamic with ease like no other colour.
Tumblr media
Full of excitement and allure, wearing red makes a bold statement. And the confidence boosting qualities it gives the wearer? Priceless!
Red in Excess
Tumblr media
As one of the trendiest colours for this season, the key is to show head to toe commitment. 
Tumblr media
That is, do it in excess - bold is key, and tonal looks are where its at.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
How to nail this trend? Reign supreme in an all red look, going as far as taking the rule literally!
Make a Statement
Tumblr media
For those not ready to commit to a total red look? Start with a red statement piece.
To flex your red style prowess, pair a red piece with a classic motif for something bold (hello leopard) or more refined (checks or tartan please), neutrals for some polished classicism, or a fun, trendy slogan tee for a chic vibe that makes your outfit look infinitely effortless.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
With it’s captivating qualities, you can easily elevate your style prowess by incorporating a red statement piece into the mix; a touch of scarlet turns simple, sleek silhouettes into high impact ensembles - that’s it’s magic.
Denim Baby!
Tumblr media
For the epitome of effortless style, and slightly more casual but no less stylish, you cant go wrong with red and humble denim.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Spicing up your weekend denim look has never been easier than with this outfit formula!
Rethink Red & Pink
Tumblr media
This one is for the colour enthusiast! Mix it up, literally! Keep your red look spicy hot, and supremely stylish with colour blocking.
Make it simple, and go bold by pairing red with pink of course! 
Tumblr media
A strikingly lovely mix, don’t limit yourself to just your clothing attire. Extend this uber chic trend to your accessories for double the opportunity for pink and red colour blocking, simultaneously doubling your potential to add more pink or red accents to your look.  
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
This stunningly complimentary colour combination will create some fun, contemporary, and supremely stylish ensembles - you’ll certainly stand out from the pack!
Tumblr media
Linen, Linen, and More Linen!
Tumblr media
Linen for Summer you ask? Groundbreaking! But red and linen, now we’re talking!
Linen pieces are so versatile, so chic, and oh so comfortable to wear. So for a linen look with an edge, opt for some red in your favourite summer fabric.
Tumblr media
Better yet, investing in a red and white striped linen shirt or pant will inject some timeless elegance into your wardrobe - it’s definitely a stylish investment.
Tumblr media
An all round crowd pleaser for the warmer months, this light, natural fibre is one of the biggest trends right now, but it is however a true classic, so you cannot go wrong!
Sport Chic
Tumblr media
Athuleisure is having a moment right now- a big one! And you can’t get a much sportier colour than red! 
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
What sets the athuleisure trend apart from say active-wear (when one wears working out attire when one is not working out) is it goes far beyond just pairing a tee, and some nice outerwear with your gym tights i.e. what you’d wear to the gym.
The key to nailing the sport chic vibe is to fully incorporate sports inspired clothing from head to toe; think track pants, bomber jackets, trainers, tees, bum bags, sport-esque eyewear etc.
Tumblr media
Now i know some of you might be thinking no, no, and NO! But you can achieve this look even in the most subtle of ways- baby steps, people! 
And ladies, let’s revel in the fact that a style trend that TRULY combines cool and comfort is all the rage.
Strategically pairing a sports tee or cute hoodie with your favourite pant, pencil skirt, or culottes, and say a  bomber jacket with some heels, and you're well on your way! Now that wasn't so terrifying, was it?
Tumblr media
I might add, logos are somewhat part and parcel of the athuleisure trend, and they are so in right now. So if logos are your thing, now is your time to shine, girlfriend! Just remember;  the gaudier, more obnoxious your logos are, the better!
Tumblr media
Red themed athuleisure is conspicuous, daring and fun, and will ensure an infinitely stylish, AND comfortable ensemble (maybe sans the heels, but sneakers, preferably of the white chunky kind are totally an option).
For a sleeker look, mix and match more conventional, tailored pieces with sportier ones - you’ll  still achieve a chic, wearable look with the essence of athleticism.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
And word to the wise ladies - when rocking this trend, to ensure your look is fab rather than drab, please make sure your hair and makeup is on point to add a bit of extra polish!
Still require further persuasion? Look no further than Supermodels Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner for some sartorial athuleisure inspo. These ladies make this trend look beyond chic, and get it bang on point every time!
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Fiery Finishing Touches
Tumblr media
For some punchier, bolder finishing touches to your ensemble, adding some fiery accessories are the perfect finish to your look if you dont want to commit to red attire.
Electing for some red accessories can ease you slowly into the red trend, whilst giving your look a chic vibe without looking TOO intense (you’ll still stand out, but less so!).
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Doing so with red accessories can transform your look, adding the right amount of attitude with a side of classical elegance; it’s the ultimate pop of colour to any outfit.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
And as much of an accessory as your shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery - don’t underestimate the power of red nails or a statement red lip (or both!) to make a fiercely stylish impact
Tumblr media
It’s perfect for those who perhaps want to incorporate some red into their work wear look, or for a casual occasion without the formality and intensity of a total red look.
Tumblr media
Given the timeless elegance of red, purchasing some accessories, or opting for a lipstick, and or a Mani in this bold shade is a relatively inexpensive way (depending on your budget) to incorporate some scarlet vibes into your fashion and beauty repertoire.
Tumblr media
Given it’s classicism and elegance, It’s well worth the investment! 
Matea Designs
With a serious presence in the latest Matea Designs Summer collection, there’s the perfect red addition(s) for every Matea woman’s wardrobe for some seriously sexy ensembles, ensuring you’re hitting the red trend in the prettiest, chicest way possible.
All of the Matea Design’s pieces combine femininity, elegance, uniqueness and sex appeal, and her red pieces no different - they allow for fluidity when combining with other items in your wardrobe, and will provide maximum versatility for whatever the occasion!
The gorgeously elegant MANDY dress in this alluring shade will allow you to put together some total bombshell looks within minutes.
For the Matea Designs MANDY Red Dress - SHOP IT HERE!
Tumblr media
If you’re after a pop of red in the perfect print, look no further than the sexy Matea Designs ALICE Red Floral Print Top.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
For the Matea Designs ALICE Red Floral Print Top - SHOP IT HERE!
Like all of Matea Designs collections, these pieces empower the Matea woman to show off her feminine, sexy side within her own unique style, allowing for total creative autonomy when creating looks.
You can just as easily glam these pieces up, stylishly dress them down, or just find a happy medium depending on your mood - they will carry you through all summer long, and for many seasons to come (fact!).
A healthy dose of Matea Designs in this seasons hottest shade is just what your summer wardrobe will seem its missing if they’re not added to your cart, and being the new year and all, make it one of your New Year resolutions to treat yourself to these - you deserve it!
Disclaimer: All imagery has been sourced from Pinterest aside from the Matea Designs images.
Tumblr media
By Sophie Button-Sloan
2 notes · View notes
hauteculturefashion · 6 years
Text
Possibly one of the most fascinating, recognizable and most iconic traditional dresses in the world is the Huipil Grande, from Istmo of Tehauntepec, Mexico.
Made famous to foreigners due its appearance in two of Frida Kahlo’s paintings, Self–Portrait as a Tehuana (Diego on My Mind), 1943, and Self-Portrait, 1948,  and made famous to nationals due to the matriarchy society, the Istmos of Tehuantepec, from where it originates, this garment can not help but captivate the attention of everyone in its eyeshot. From head to toe, like the women who wear it, it is a force of fashion embedded with a strong cultural identity that demands respect and is not to be reckoned with.
Huipil grande of the Istmo de Tehuntepec worn in the Toca style, which is still worn today when entering churches during religious festivals.
Standing shy of a meter in height the Huipil Grande is headdress made from a combination of pleated and starched white lace, commercial lace and satin ribbon. Unlike a traditional huipil, that’s construction is made from a rectangular piece of fabric which has been folded at the shoulders, the Hupil Grande’s construction is based on that of woman’s blouse, only with non-functioning sleeves. Essentially it is one accessory worn two ways, the Huipil Grande Toca and the Huipil Grande Traje de Gala. The Huipil Grande Toca is the style that hugs the face line, this style is used during traditional Tehuana religious events when the wearer must enter a church. The Huipil Grande Traje de Gala is the style that fans out over the top of the head and behind the back creating a sunray effect, this style is used for civil festivals and civil wedding ceremonies. The huipil grande is also known as “Resplandor” meaning “Radiate” in Spanish.  
The Huipil Grande is worn with the traditional Tehuana Gala dress, which is an outfit consisting of a large A-line skirt that has been hemmed with white starched and pleated lace, and a traditional rectangle shaped huipil. Both garments are made from matching fabric, typically commercial satin or velvet and embroidered with flowers by hand that graduate in colour.
 Suggested Further Reading THE TEHUANA & THEIR SHOWSTOPPING TRADITIONAL DRESS or MEXICAN EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUES FROM THE ITSMO OF TEHUANTEPEC.
The word Toca in Spanish means touch. The Huipil Grande worn in this way literally touches and hugs the face, whilst covering the breasts of the wearer, who prior to the colonization only worn wrap skirts. Tehuana women were required to cover their breasts if they wanted to enter a church.
From the back of the Huipil Grande Toca, we can see the false sleeve hang from the top of the head.
A few theories follow as to how the Huipil Grande came into fashion.
In 1524 the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alavarado and his troops arrived in Tehuantepec. It wasn’t long before Catholicism was enforced and churches were erected. Native women who only worn wrap skirts until that time were strictly instructed cover their exposed breasts before entering gods house. 
One theory tells the tale of how a ship from Europe sunk off the coast of Tehuantepec and a cargo of white lace blouses washed up on shore. No knowing what they were the women put them on over their heads incorrectly, but the trend stuck. A similar theory according to Fernando Sanchez Marquez in the book, Oaxaca Stories in Cloth, by Eric Mindling, reads,
“One Sunday a indigenous women went to mass wearing her long skirt but was otherwise bare breasted. The priest stopped her at the door. “You cannot enter the church like that!” he said. He somehow acquired a girls Sunday dress. “Cover yourself up with this, and then you can come to church.” And she did. And it caught on.” 
Until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, Salina Cruz (only 17 km away from the town of Tehuantepec) was one of the major seaports in Mexico.  Sailors, traders and diplomats from that sailed from Europe to Asian and then across the Pacific coast to Mexico brought with them fabrics, fashions and sewing materials from almost all corners of the world. Due to its strategic location, the Istmo of Tehuantepec became a confluence of cultures. According to Historian and Author Mario Mercott Francissco,
“Spanish, French, English, Polish, Italian, American and Chinese families lived in the Istmo around by the mid 19th century. Tehuana women were very good at taking inspiration from the various cultural fashions that came to Tehuantepec and making it their own. The flowers on the dresses were inspired by the Manilla Shawl from the Phillipines, the white lace ruffles from Elizabethan collars worn by the Spanish conquistadors, and the silk threads they did their embroidery with most likely came from China or Vietnam.” 
Francissco shows us a variety of illustrations made by the Italian lithographer Claudio Linati (1 February 1790 – 11 December 1832) who arrived in the Istmo in 1826 and documented the traditional attire of the natives for the first time ever on record. His illustrations show a rebozo style garment hemmed with lace but no sleeves.  Francissco believes that the sleeve was added much later purely for aesthetical reasons to help finish the corners of the rectangular fabric that would have otherwise been protruding out.
Evolution of the Tehuana dress
Illustration by artist and ethnographer Miguel Covarrubias
Prints made by lithographer Claudio Linatia around the mid 1820s show no sleeve down the centre front of the women’s Huipil Grande
Unlike fifty or more years ago the Huipil Grande is no longer worn for attending church on a Sunday. The remarkable accessory can only normally be seen during festivals such as the Guelaguetza, held in Oaxaca city on the last two weeks July, and Paseo de los Estandartes, held in Santo Domingo Tehuantepec on the 5th August. If you are heading to Mexico and love cultural fashion and textiles as much as we do, seeing the spectacular Resplandor worn in all it’s glory is an opportunity not to be missed. Scroll down to find out how you can visit Tehuantepec or why not join Haute Culture on our annual textile tour, MEXICO: FRIDA, FASHIONS, FABRICS & FIESTAS.
Huipil Grande, when worn in the Traje de Gala style, resembles sun beams similar to that of Mexico’s beloved Virgin Guadalupe. 
Huipil Grande Traje de Gala requires the women wearing it to stand tall and proud. 
The view from the back shows the head opening when worn in the Toca style and the two false sleeves hanging on either side.
Haute Culture would like to say a huge thank you to our translator Fernando Toledo Cruz and historian and author Mario Mercott Francissco for volunteering their time to share the history of the Huipil Grande with us.
Mr Fernando Toledo Cruz and Mr Mario Mercott Francissco
The best way to fly to Mexico
Are you looking for the best flights to Mexico? We recommend searching with Skyscanner.
Click here find the best flight prices to Mexico
  Getting to Tehuantepec
The easiest, safest and most popular way to get to Tehuantepec is by taking the ADO bus from either Oaxaca city or San Cristóbal de lass Casas in Chiapas. Click here to check the times and book online. 
  Where to stay in Tehuantepec
We recommend Hostel Emilia $, Casa Sophia $$ or our personal favourite Hotel Calli $$$.
  Don’t forget your travel insurance
I recommend World Nomads insurance for their global, reliable and flexible cover. With 24/7 emergency assistance and 140+ activities covered, you’re in safe hands.
Check out the latest travel insurance prices and details
Suggested further reading
THE TEHUANA & THEIR SHOWSTOPPING TRADITIONAL DRESS or MEXICAN EMBROIDERY FROM THE ISTMO OF TEHUANTEPEC  
  Are you going to Mexico? Why not pin this post and save it for later?
  The Huipil Grande From The Istmo Of Tehuantepec: Mexico’s Most Fascinating Fashion Accessory Possibly one of the most fascinating, recognizable and most iconic traditional dresses in the world is the Huipil Grande, from Istmo of Tehauntepec, Mexico.
0 notes