Category Archives: CULTURE + HAPPENINGS

How Does A 68 Million Dollar House Smell? Ask Ex Nihilo

January 28, 2023

There is a new architectural marvel in Bel Air’ that recently launched on the market. It’s branded as 1859 and after taking a tour of this incredible home last week, I am left thinking about it non-stop. Think: One of a kind finishes, rare art pieces and luxury furniture…and wow, a bespoke fragrance collection, personalized for the home by Parisian house of perfume Ex Nihilo. 

Known for its one-of-a-kind fragrance creations and with a focus on personalization, Ex Nihilo debuts into home fragrances with this project. Bespoke 1859 products include custom Candles, Perfumed Mists for the spa, a Body Line for the primary bedroom and powdered room as well as a surprise Fragrance Box for the primary bedroom. To further enhance the olfactory experience, Ex Nihilo also introduces custom Diffusers created in collaboration with a leader on the luxury market also known for creating diffusers for prominent hotels like Le Crillon, Paris.

Some more about this house…It sits on a 1.6 acre lot, boasting three expansive stories, 9 bedrooms and 12 baths across 20,000 square feet of interior space. Masterminded by Los Angeles-based development firm, Balakhani Estates in partnership with award-winning architectural firm, Tag Front and world-renowned Los Angeles-based interior designer, César Giraldo of César Giraldo Design, 1859 exemplifies venerable beauty and an artful abundance of sophistication. Parisian fragrance brand Ex Nihilo collaborated with the 1859 project to create a custom olfactory experience designed exclusively for 1859. This partnership between design and fragrance will kindle a personalized sensory ambiance. Ex Nihilo’s vision behind the custom fragrance is to form a sustained artistic atmosphere, turning a house into a home.
 

Known for its one-of-a-kind fragrance creations and with a focus on personalization, Ex Nihilo
debuts into home fragrances with this project. Bespoke 1859 products include custom Candles,
Perfumed Mists for the spa, a Body Line for the primary bedroom and powdered room as well as a surprise Fragrance Box for the primary bedroom.

To further enhance the olfactory experience, Ex Nihilo also introduces custom Diffusers created in collaboration with a leader on the luxury market also known for creating diffusers for prominent hotels like Le Crillon, Paris. The most stunning diffusers I have ever seen.

Conveniently managed through a digital app, all settings can be personalized based on preference of intensity, schedules, scent levels, and more. The 1859-branded products, an estimated $25,000 value, will be made available with the purchase of the home. All of these components make the property a unique sanctuary that can soothe all senses.

After nearly seven years in development, 1859 is now known as one of the premier tri-level
estates in coveted Bel Air offering impeccable attention to detail, an unmistakable eye for global
design, and one of the finest vast view lots in Los Angeles. The sleek curvature of the exterior of
the house is a work of art in itself, with clean lines, geometric shapes, and a contemporary design that exudes sophistication and elegance. An eco-green living wall, and a manicured pathway above a striking water feature encompass the 350-foot width of frontage and lead to a moment of arrival, peering above the clouds and extending to the views of the Ocean, Catalina Island, and the canyons from Bel Air.

 

Ex Nihilo was Founded in 2013 by a young trio from Paris. Ex Nihilo aims to express its own conception of personalized luxury through the use of unparalleled know-how and the most splendid raw materials available.

The brand is inspired by both the creative Avant-Garde and the French spirit of pure refinement. Ex Nihilo is loved and worn by celebrity powerhouses like Hailey Bieber, Justin Bieber, Drake, Barbara Palvin, Lebron James, Future, Olivia Culpo, and Devon Windsor.

Olfactory Notes: Gold Immortals An Oriental Eden Shining for Eternity Family – Floriental TOP – Bergamot, Pear HEART – Lysyland, Peony BASE – Tonka Bean, Musk, Amber

 

If you don’t have 68 million to grab this house, you can easily experience the scenes of Ex Nihilo here.

The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty Lunar New Year Collection

January 20, 2023

Went to an adorable event to celebrate the new collection from the K-Beauty Brand that has brought you best-selling collabs with BT21, Disney.  Best part – it’s Hello Kitty and Friends !

 

Honoring their Korean heritage & a new year with Sanrio! Since 1988 they are proud of their Asian-founded heritage, reflected truly in this limited edition capsule collection with Sanrio.

 

Full Collection Offerings:

 

NEW: The Crème Shop Kuromi Lunar New Year Macaron Lip Balm – $10.00

Lucky Lychee scented

      

 

LUCKY FORTUNE inside! For lips as soft and decadent as a freshly baked macaron! Made with love, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter to care for lips.

 

NEW: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends My Lucky Star Printed Essence Sheet Mask – $10.00 (Set of 3)

 

 

Stay bright and pure like the lucky star you are! Help revitalize your skin with smoothing Royal Jelly, youth-promoting Collagen, and antioxidant-rich Strawberry Extract.

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • Royal Jelly – Rare essence extracted from honey to help hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

  • Collagen – Promotes plump, soft, youthful skin.

  • Strawberry Extract – Rich in Vitamin C to help brighten, calm, and reduce puffiness.

NEW: The Crème Shop My Melody Gold Fortune! Hydrating Hydrogel Under Eye Patches – $4.50

 

 

Wishing you good luck and positively bright eyes! Start the year off fresh as caffeine and 24K Gold help depuff and brighten eyes.

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • Caffeine – Helps depuff and reduce inflammation

  • 24K Gold – Helps hydrate & smooth for a youthful glow

 

NEW: The Crème Shop My Melody Lunar New Year Nail File Duo – $5.00

 

A collection of printed, double-sided files to help shape & smooth your nails to perfection.

 

  • Double-sided for maximum efficiency

  • Extra fine grit for easy shaping

  • Long-lasting & reusable

NEW: The Crème Shop My Melody Lunar New Year Nail Decal Set – $10.00

 

A lucky addition to your nails! Instantly give your nails a luxe makeover with the help of The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty. This set includes 50 easy-to-apply decals that are the perfect addition to any manicure, plus a clear nail polish infused with Calcium and Protein to help set and seal them into place.

 

  • Clear polish infused with Calcium & Protein

  • Includes 50 easy-to-apply decals

  • Long-lasting

HOW TO USE:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.

  2. Once dry, paint your nails with your favorite base color.

  3. Peel decal off of clear film and apply to your nail.

  4. Add top coat to seal and allow to dry.

NEW: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Lunar New Year Moon Gaze Eyeshadow Palette – $16.00

 

Lunar New Year Moon Gaze 9 Color Palette

The perfect day-to-night palette, inspired by Lunar New Year festivities. A stunning, everyday palette with 9 ultra-pigmented shades that easily blend and build.

 

  • 9 velvety, multi-finish pigments

  • Travel-Friendly

  • Cruelty-Free & Vegan

 

NEW: The Crème Shop My Melody Lunar New Year Multi-Use Makeup Blender – $7.00

 

 

For a natural, luminous finish! Dampen the sponge with water, it expands like magic when wet! Give it a squeeze and apply desired foundation or powder.

NEW: The Crème Shop My Melody Lunar New Year Macaron Lip Balm – $10.00

Golden Kiwi Flavored

 

LUCKY FORTUNE inside! For lips as soft and decadent as a freshly baked macaron! Made with love, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter to care for lips.

 

SOLD OUT: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty Lunar New Year Macaron Lip Balm – $10.00

Apple Blossom scented

   


LUCKY FORTUNE inside! For lips as soft and decadent as a freshly baked macaron! Made with love, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter to care for lips.

 

SOLD OUT: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Lunar Brush Collection – $18.00

Set of 5!

 

 

Apply and blend with ease using this elite set of ultra-soft makeup brushes, crafted with plush synthetic bristles.

 

• Versatile & precise application

• Silky-soft bristles

• Durable & easy to wash

 

About The Crème Shop: Established in 1988, The Crème Shop is a whimsical and all-inclusive Los Angeles-based beauty brand with South Korean heritage that curates exceptional ingredients from all over the world to craft high-quality, 100% Cruelty-Free affordable products. The Crème Shop is available at TheCremeShop.com, Macy’s, ULTA, CVS Pharmacy, Hot Topic, Forever 21, and other leading big box retailers.

About Sanrio® Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, and home to many other beloved character brands including Chococat™, My Melody™, Badtz-Maru™, Keroppi™, Gudetama™ and Aggretsuko™, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. Sanrio was founded on the ‘small gift, big smile®’ philosophy – that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Today, Sanrio’s legendary breadth of products are available in over 130 countries and in retail locations including department, specialty, national chain retailers and Sanrio boutique stores.

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LA ART SHOW RETURNS WITH A FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL CLIMATE CRISIS AS THE ART FAIR’S EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM “DIVERSEARTLA” SEEKS TO IGNITE IMPORTANT DIALOGUE THROUGH ART

November 29, 2022

The LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-running art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 15–19 to kick off the city’s 2023 art season. Guided by the leadership of LA Art Show producer and director Kassandra Voyagis, the 28th edition will see a larger global presence along with the return of the fair’s signature curated program DIVERSEartLA. As a cultural anchor for the LA Art Show, DIVERSEartLA will continue its curatorial focus on the global climate crisis through a variety of thought-provoking installations, immersive experiences and performances. Representing the looming impact we face if the planet continues to warm, DIVERSEartLA 2023 will encourage visitors to confront the complex challenges of our global climate crisis and imagine potential solutions.

The popular program, which began in 2015 and is curated by Marisa Caichiolo, connects important local and international art institutions to generate thoughtful dialogue through art while honoring the unique biodiversity of Los Angeles. Expanding on last year’s environmental focus, the 2023 edition will feature eight participating interdisciplinary projects from video installations and immersive experiences to augmented reality and community-oriented projects, which examine not just how the environment is represented in art but how humanity’s place in the world is depicted.

“We are excited to continue facilitating this pioneering program, which showcases the power of art to bring people together and ignite transformative conversations about what it means to be human,” says LA Art Show’s director, Kassandra Voyagis.

Eight museums, nonprofits and art institutions will present a solo project and featuring in 2023 are both first-timers and important returning museums like MOLAA Museum of Latin American Art and Art Museum of the Americas (AMA). DIVERSEartLA’s curator Marisa Caichiolo expresses: “Humans are changing the Earth’s natural systems in rapid and unprecedented ways. This has propelled our planet into a new geologic era: the Anthropocene. Contextualizing the issues through immersive experiences and installations seeks to deepen our understanding and inspire solutions.”

Two of DIVERSEartLA’s 2023 participating institutions that we are currently highlighting are:

·       The Washington D.C. based Art Museum of the Americas (AMA) returns with a curatorial proposal from Fabian Goncálvez who will present an immersive experience, featuring one of Mexico’s most prominent contemporary conceptual photographers, Alfredo De Stefano. Born in the arid air of northern Mexico, De Stefano has visited deserts on five different continents, resulting in stunning expansive photographs that address the natural environment’s elemental significance and our relationship to the land. Often employing ice, fire, and light, De Stefano creates enigmatic installations with both natural and man-made objects in an ethereal desert setting. With his evocative figures wrapped in blood-red cloth, long shadows under a hot sun and scorched shrubbery, De Stefano’s work conjures prophetic visions and hallucinations associated with dehydration and the unforgiving desert terrain. In doing so, De Stefano puts a contemporary spin on the “art religion” of 18th-century Romanticism and seems to argue, through fantastic visions that foretell Earth’s transformation into a desert planet, that this is the result of man-made global warming and widespread drought.

·       The Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles are participating for the first time and will present a collaboration between Italian artists Pietro Ruffo and Elia Pellegrini along with creative production studio Noruwei. “Il Giardino Planetario” will be an immersive experience and video installation that is an allegory of the planet as a garden. The feeling of ecological finiteness makes the limits of the biosphere appear as the closed space of what is living while also examining through DNA, the history of other species that have crossed this planet before us. The work, which will feature a large-scale drawing by Pietro, is presented as an analysis of the landscape, which highlights the changing character of what seems “naturally” present. The alternation of different climates has designed the environment as a carpet woven with dark and rough shapes along with alternating light surfaces.  

Since 2015, the LA Art Show has been a strong and unwavering supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®  and, in 2023, the LA Art Show is donating 15% of all ticket proceeds to the charity and its life saving mission. Please visit www.LAArtShow.com to learn more and purchase tickets. 

Welcome To The Hotel Californian

June 30, 2022

A quick two-hour drive from Los Angeles and viola, I was transported…I arrived in Santa Barbara’s Hotel Californian to enjoy a fabulous midweek stay. Located in the heart of the Funk Zone, Hotel Californian is in the heart of SB’s finest wineries, cool boutiques, (great vintage) restaurants and cafés (Dart for coffee and matcha!).

Hotel Californian is a boutique, 121-room hotel, featuring super chic spaces from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Elegant, clean and chic.

I attended a stunning dinner at Blackbird – part of their new summer calendar of engaging events and immersive experiences. (read below!)

Catering to visitors and locals looking to indulge in the hotel’s iconoclastic spirit, the chic urban hotel has curated a series of seasonal events that showcase its compelling indoor and outdoor spaces while embracing the vibrant vibe of the surrounding neighborhood. The exciting roster of activities includes the reintroduction of the hotel’s HOWL @ Djinnfull-moon event series and Sunset Sessions with live DJs on the Mirador rooftop deck – both back after a two-year hiatus –along with the hotel’s first-ever Winemaker Dinner Series at Blackbird restaurant and in person wellness programming – all designed to further demonstrate the hotel’s connection to the local community and position as the pinnacle destination along the American Riviera. Dedicated to the pursuit of getting lost in the experience, Hotel Californian invites guests to fill their summer days and nights with unforgettable happenings that capture the untamed essence of Santa Barbara through these invigorating summer programs.

What a treat this Winemaker Dinner was – divine food, top notch wines and amazing conversation with strangers who became friends!

  • WINEMAKER DINNERS 
    Monthly at Blackbird, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 
    The newest addition to Hotel Californian’s program lineup is the Winemaker Dinner series, a monthly food and wine pairing hosted in Blackbird restaurant by visiting winemakers from the Foley Family Wines portfolio. Traveling oenophiles and local wine enthusiasts can indulge in exquisite wines paired with a four-course meal curated and prepared by Hotel Californian Executive Chef Travis Watson. This special dining experience features a rotating selection of wines from across the Foley Family Wines portfolio paired alongside local, sustainable dishes for a contemporary upscale dining experience like no other. Guests who enjoy the wines featured at the Winemaker Dinners can experience them again by visiting The Society: State & Mason, which is now open daily, from Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Serving as Santa Barbara’s newest refuge for wine aficionados in the bustling Funk Zone neighborhood, the intimate tasting room celebrates the intersection between world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and immersive, memorable travel experiences. To learn more and book a reservation to the first Winemaker Dinner of the series on Thursday, June 23, visit Hotel’s Californian’s online calendar of events. Timing for each monthly event will be available online ongoing and pricing for each event varies.

More fun activites! 

HOWL Monthly at Djinn, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Guests can expect the unexpected as Hotel Californian brings back its popular HOWL @ Djinn full-moon event series with inventive cocktails by legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa. Happening monthly during each full moon in Djinn, the hotel’s library bar named after supernatural genies from Moroccan folklore, each event features mystic libations – with each month featuring a unique cocktail based on the lunar cycle, personalized Tarot card readings, and classic board games while local indie record label Val-Mar Records spins vinyl. Complimentary to join and open to guests and the public, visit Hotel’s Californian’s online calendar of events for more information or to RSVP for the next HOWL @ Djinn event:

      • Wednesday, July 13: Buck Moon
      • Thursday, August 11: Sturgeon Moon
      • Friday, September 9: Harvest Moon
      • Sunday, October 9: Hunter’s Moon
      • Monday, November 7: Beaver Moon
      • Wednesday, December 7: Cold Moon

     

  • Every Sunday from July 3 – September 4, Mirador rooftop deck, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    Every Sunday from July 3 to September 4, audiophiles and sunset seekers alike can come together for Sunset Sessions at Mirador, Hotel Californian’s exclusive rooftop deck, to enjoy craft spirits, delectable bites, and live DJ sets. The ultimate wind down to the weekend, guests can take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and majestic Santa Ynez Mountains as the sun sets over the American Riviera. The complete list of participating musical tastemakers, which will be unveiled on an ongoing basis, is being curated by popular local DJ Dan Dubinsky, who will also headline throughout the summer. Sunset Sessions is free to hotel guests and costs $15 presale and $20 at the door for locals. Space is limited so advance registration via Hotel Californian’s website is highly encouraged.
    Workouts don’t have to feel like work at Majorelle’s Saturday Sessions, which has returned in-person after being hosted virtually for the past two years. This summer, the exclusive fitness series will be curated by Los Angeles-based fitness instructor and founder of Recharge Wellness Co., Rachel McClusky, who also created The Recharge Method. Rachel has hand-selected a rotating lineup of all-star instructors and classes that emphasize the connection of mind and body while moving and creating a release, and she will also host her own series of classes during Saturday Sessions. From sun salutations to sculpt, HIIIT, barre, Pilates, dance cardio, healing meditation, and more, these feel-good fixes are suitable for all levels and provide the perfect excuse to hit pause, reconnect and recharge. Curious exercisers can continue to join these sessions via Hotel Californian’s Instagram LIVE every Saturday morning to get fit and fabulous from anywhere in the world. Upcoming Saturday Sessions include:
      • Saturday, June 18: Barre with Amanda Glassman           
      • Saturday, June 25: Sculpt with Katie Mullen                      
      • Saturday, July 2: Recharge Method with Rachel McClusky              
      • Saturday, July 9: Sculpt with Remy Kam                           
      • Saturday, July 16: Yoga with Marquite Rene                  
      • Saturday, July 23: Pilates with Alysia Pope
      •           

    Saturday Sessions classes are $10 for locals and complimentary for hotel guests and members of Majorelle’s membership program. This newly launched offering provides members with two 60-minute Custom treatments per month, complimentary Fitness Center access, 20 percent off additional treatments and spa retail, access to the Tan-Tan rooftop pool (blackout dates apply), 10 guest passes per year, and $10 daily valet parking. Members also receive 15 percent off the Best Flexible Rate for an overnight stay and a 15 percent food and beverage discount at The Society: State & Mason, Blackbird, Goat Tree, Djinn, and Tan-Tan poolside dining. More information about membership and Majorelle’s one-of-a-kind spa treatments can be found at HotelCalifornian.com.

36 State St, California, Santa Barbara, California, United States, 93101

1-805-882-0100

hotelcalifornian.com

GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH

June 9, 2022

In celebration of Global Wellness Day on Saturday, June 11, 2022, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North will showcase a variety of offerings promoting mindfulness and holistic wellness. The day begins with Desert Bathing, incorporating a Zen Hike and mindful intention setting, followed by Soul & Sound Yoga and sound healing.

“Being mindful – and staying present – can often be quite challenging in our fast-paced, daily lives,” says Senior Spa Director Jaana Roth. “Global Wellness Day provides a great reminder to recharge, reconnect and take time to instill and support those overall wellness efforts.”

Resort guests and local residents are invited to take part in the Global Wellness Day line-up of activities, including:

6:30 am Desert Bathing

Take in the beauty of nature with a Desert Bathing experience that begins at The Spa. Approximately 60 minutes from start to finish, the class incorporates yoga poses, breathing and mindfulness with a light hike along the Resort grounds.  The experience concludes with a complimentary selection of fresh juices back at The Spa.

8:00 am Soul & Sound Yoga

Participants will enjoy a 45-minute flow yoga class – showcasing elevated desert and Valley on the Resort’s outdoor lawns – combined with a restorative sound bath. Sound baths are thought to help promote better sleep and mindfulness, allowing the body to more deeply relax.

In celebration of Global Wellness Day, the Desert Bathing and Soul & Sound experiences are complimentary and open to the public. Reservations are required.

All-Day Wellness Menu at Proof, An American Canteen

Proof, An American Canteen will celebrate Global Wellness Day with a range of healthy menu items on its Global Wellness Day Menu. Whether enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests can savour the menu’s fresh combinations of healthy ingredients crafted by the Resort’s talented culinary team. Items highlighted for Global Wellness Day include the Kaleberry Blue Smoothie Bowl, with blue spirulina, wild blueberry, kale and oat milk, and the TropiAZ Parfait, with lemon vanilla Greek yogurt, mango, kiwi and hemp seed quinoa crunch. Choose from lunch items including the AZ Citrus Salad with baby greens and Arizona citrus, pickled carrot ribbons and snap peas, complemented by a refreshing Wild Tonic Kombucha Blueberry Basil drink.

For information about Global Wellness Day activities or to reserve a spot in the complimentary Desert Bathing or Soul & Sound Yoga, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North at 480 513 5145.

About Global Wellness Day

First celebrated in 2012, Global Wellness Day is a social project dedicated to the promotion of living well. Officially celebrated in 100 countries at 4,000 locations in 2017, the purpose of Global Wellness Day is to explore the question “How can I live a healthier and better life.”  According to its organizers, the main aims of the day are:

  • To recognize the value of our lives
  • To pause and think, even if for just one day of the year
  • To be free from the stress of everyday city life and bad habits
  • To make peace with ourselves
  • To raise awareness about living well

Here is what is happening at various Four Seasons around the globe!

  • At Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai, Hoi An, start the day off with a newly introduced Kaoshikii dance (a psycho-physical exercise), followed by Cocooning Meditation (a practice relaxing the mind and assists the body into a deep sleep, comfortable cocooned in the Antigravity yoga Hammock), and a mindful eating vegan cooking class. 
  • Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has a plethora of activities throughout the day, including complimentary sound healing meditation, chair massage treatments, homemade power bars, and more.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Prague will focus on the physical and mental health, with options such as: a blissful yoga session, a concierge-led run around the famous Charles Bridge, and a pampering hand-treatment.
  • Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square will start Global Wellness Day off with a one-on-one boxing session looking over London’s skyline, followed by rooftop yoga,mini massages, and a singing bowl meditation.
  • Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has a full day planned around mindfulness and holistic wellness – starting off with a Desert Bathing experience, before a 45-minute yoga class.
  • At Four Seasons Resort & Residences Jackson Hole, start your day with a complimentary, one-hour outdoor yoga class, followed by a refreshing selection of juices.
  • Four Seasons properties in Japan has a flurry of offerings, including a guided run and meditation by the pond at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, while at Four seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, guest will find slow-flow yoga, Qi Gong session (direct energy flow), and seated meditation. And lastly, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunochi will feature a class on the calming effects of Rusie Dutton (a traditional Thai exercise) and complimentary wellness gifts.Also!  Learn how to Aqua Spin at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, along with pilates, and hatha yoga.A full’s day of activities at Four Seasons Resort Dubai, including NormaTec Air-Compression Boots sessions, Echeclon Bike Rider Challenge, and more. Paws and Relax at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, which includes relaxing time with four-legged joyologists (licensed therapy dogs), which happens right after a sun salutation yoga session. Tai chi at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake in a fusion class that includes the basic principles of Chinese martial arts, energy healing, gentle yoga and Indian classical dance.