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FENUXE

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Special Thanks to: Rick Day, Absolute Care and the Atlanta Ballet.

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FENUXE 2.13.2014

FEATURES 12 Calendar: Out & about 14 Oscars Attire 16 Who is going home with oscar? 18 Full Bodywork: Atlanta's Great Spa Spots 20 Feeling Dirty? Great Ways To Detox 24 Beach. Spa. Rave. Repeat. 30 Thom Panto: Danseur De L'art 33 Photo Shoot: Sexy Solitaire 50 Brunch Spots

ESSENTIALS 39 40 42 44 48

Fenuxe After Dark Horoscopes Hey Girl Hey OUT Photos Gay Atlanta Map

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Atlanta Ballet Dancer Thom Panto See Page 30

Out & about

CALEnDAR

2.13.14-2.27.14 | EMAIL US EVEnTS AT INFO@FENUXE.COM

THEATRE

Is the Law Black & White? Pulitzer Prize winning playwright David mamet explores how prejudice becomes blatant when two lawyers – one black, one white – work on the same defense case. this no-holds-barred suspenseful show leaves nothing unsaid as it highlights how complex a legal case – and the world – can be. “race” is playing at the Southwest Arts center between February 25 and March 23. CONCERTS

CHARITY

I'm With Cupid! Strip down to your skivvies and ﬂaunt your stuﬀ for a good cause at the annual cupid’s undie run. this fun and frisky 5k raises funds for the children's tumor foundation. In addition to getting some exercise alongside hundreds of half-naked runners, you get the opportunity to take part in something really great. to sign up for the run on February 15 go to cupidsundierun.com

Pop Princess, Blurred Lines Star and Country Queen Perform In Atlanta Atlanta’s concert season is gearing up with big names from the world of pop, r&B and country coming to town. Demi lovato will take the Philips Arena stage on the february 21 with little mix & fifth Harmony. on that same night robin thicke will be performing at the fox theater where he will be joined by special guests Jessie J and DJ cassidy. finally, country star Jennifer nettles will grace the stage of the fox theater February 22 performing an array of her countless hit songs.

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MUSIC

King Of Dancehall Sean Paul is back with his sixth studio album “full frequency” that drops on February 18. the Jamaican dancehall star, who has often spoken out against homophobia in music, has teamed up with stars like nicki minaj, 2 chainz and Iggy Azalea for this album. check out his collaboration with fellow Jamaican Konshen on the track “Want Dem All.” It’s true dancehall with a dance music vibe – we expect you’ll hear this track at the clubs very soon!

PERFORMANCE

World-Class Dance Seeing the world-renowned Alvin Ailey Dance theatre at the fabulous fox theater has become an unoﬃcial Atlanta tradition for many of us. this year you can catch one of their ﬁve performances between February 13 and February 16. experience some of the world's best choreography from truly world-class dancers. tickets are moving fast so make sure you get yours at foxtheatre.org.

PARTY PARTY

Loads of Hunks every friday in february starting at 8 pm, Burkhart’s invites you to warm up at their Hunk Auction beneﬁting for the Kid In All of us. the evening will be hosted by the beautiful lynn Barﬁeld and Atlanta's Queen of Queens 2013 winner Angelica D'Paige. the selection of hunks will surely be worth spending your good money on - remember it’s for a good cause!

In Thursday's Throes thursday nights were made to be scandalous so head over to ten Atlanta for their weekly night of debauchery known as Decadence. If you haven't tried a ﬁreball mini during their wet underwear contest you're missing out! With great drink oﬀers, decadent dancers and DJ Daryl cox spinning, they've got the recipe for a fun night out. Join in the fun on thursdays at ten Atlanta starting at 10 pm.

FENUXE.COM : 13

Fashion

OSCARS

A T T I R E

Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Fashion Director It's award season and the belle of the ball, the 86th Academy Awards, is coming up on March 2. What would you wear to the Oscars if you were invited to work the red carpet alongside the stars from the silver screen? Everyone knows the real Oscar fun is after the show at the after parties. How would you tweak your black tie Oscars attire for a night out on the town afterward? And the award for Best Dressed goes to…

THE TUXEdO Trust me, it will always pay oﬀ if you spend some money on a good, well-ﬁtted tuxedo. It may hang in the closet for months and months on end, but as one of the basic staples of a man's wardrobe, you will thank yourself every time you pull it out of your closet. Go for a classic cut and it will never go out of style. From a very formal white tie party to the less formal black tie event, you’ll have the perfect tux every time. Polo Ralph Lauren Peak Lapel Tuxedo, $1,650 THE SHIRT The most classic (and honestly the best) look is to pair your tux with a white dress shirt. The quality of the shirt is not quite as important as the quality of the tux itself. You can play a little bit with color (light blue, light pink), but never go crazy with color if you want to keep it classic. It’s better to just stick with white! You can wear a regular shirt with a cut-away collar or go for a very formal look with a wing collar shirt. Just remember to tuck the wings behind the bow tie. H&M Dress Shirt, $40 Gitman Bros. Formal Wing Collar Shirt, $160 THE bOWTIE A black bow tie is by far the most common choice, but this is where you can actually play around with colors and styles. If you're going for a classic look don’t go crazy! A cummerbund can be worn if you're wearing a single-breasted jacket (it's supposed to conceal the little bit of white fabric just above your waistline). However, the cummerbund has becoming increasingly less popular. The Tie Bar Gangsta On The Town Plum, $15 Nieman Marcus Self-Tie Bow Tie & Cummerbund, $145

14 : February 13, 2014

THE SHOES If you want to play it safe wear black leather lace-up shoes with no brogues, monograms or logos – just make sure they're polished to a sparkle! If you're a black tie pro you should go for a pair of patent leather shoes for a little extra wow factor. Saint Laurent Patent Leather Lace-Up, $595 Magnanni Eugenio Black, $285

FROM RUNWAY READY TO COCKTAIL COUTURE No one wants to stay in their tux all night, but who has time for a complete outﬁt change? Keep the tux jacket on and let it keep your casual changes dressy. From there go for clothes that are a little more comfortable. They’ll also help make your outﬁt a little less formal. The easiest way to dress down is to loosen up your bow tie and unbutton a couple of buttons – but, of course, you can do more.

SWAp THE SHIRT FOR A T-SHIRT A good t-shirt under the black jacket will look awesome and casually cool. Graham & CO. T-Shirt, $69

CHANgE INTO dARk JEANS Lose the formality of the tuxedo pants and hop into a pair of comfortable jeans. Keep them dark in color so you don’t lose the look and silhouette of your dressed up look. H&M Black Jeans, $30

gET SNEAky Ditch those glitzy patent leather shoes and step into a pair of dressy sneakers. You'll still look dressy but feel so much more comfortable. Also Sneakers, $75

ACCESSORIZE! A pair of sunglasses or some simple jewelry will put the ﬁnishing touch on your look. How can you get ready for the Oscars after parties without accessorizing? Thompson Smooth Leather Bracelet, $115

Event

Who Is Going Home With Oscar? It is Oscar season and vying for gold statutes this year is a group of heavyweight contenders that range from “Gravity” and “Dallas Buyers Club” to Meryl Streep and Matthew McConaughey. With so many great movies and actors in the running, the Academy had the daunting task of selecting an entertainer that can tie the show together. Luckily, comedian and daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is hosting this year’s 86th Academy Awards on March 2. Ellen previously hosted the Oscars in 2007 where her performance netted her a Primetime Emmy for “Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.” So, we’re expecting big things from Ellen during this year’s show. With great movies and actors to root for and a great host to lead the show it all comes down to your Oscar predictions. So grab some friends, bet a round of drinks and see who can predict the most categories correctly!

BEST PICTURE: ❏ American Hustle ❏ Captain Phillips ❏ Dallas Buyers Club ❏ Gravity ❏ Her ❏ Nebraska ❏ Philomena ❏ 12 Years a Slave ❏ The Wolf of Wall Street BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE: ❏ Christian Bale (American Hustle) ❏ Bruce Dern (Nebraska) ❏ Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street) ❏ Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) ❏ Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE: ❏ Amy Adams (American Hustle) ❏ Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) ❏ Sandra Bullock (Gravity) ❏ Judi Dench (Philomena) ❏ Meryl Streep (August: Osage County)

BEST DIRECTOR: ❏ American Hustle (David O. Russell) ❏ Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón) ❏ Nebraska (Alexander Payne) ❏ 12 Years a Slave (Steve McQueen) ❏ The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorsese)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: BEST COSTUME DESIGN: ❏ American Hustle (Michael Wilkinson) ❏ The Grandmaster (William Chang Suk Ping) ❏ The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin) ❏ The Invisible Woman (Michael O'Connor) ❏ 12 Years a Slave (Patricia Norris) BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: ❏ The Broken Circle Breakdown (Belgium) ❏ The Great Beauty (Italy) ❏ The Hunt (Denmark) ❏ The Missing Picture (Cambodia) ❏ Omar (Palestine) BEST ORIGINAL SONG:

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: ❏ Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) ❏ Bradley Cooper (American Hustle) ❏ Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave) ❏ Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street) ❏ Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

❏"Alone Yet Not Alone" (Alone Yet Not Alone) ❏"Happy" (Despicable Me 2) ❏"Let It Go" (Frozen) ❏"The Moon Song" (Her) ❏"Ordinary Love" (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) Best Animated Feature:

❏ The Croods (Chris Sanders, BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: ❏ Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine) ❏ Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle) ❏ Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) ❏ Julia Roberts (August: Osage County) ❏ June Squibb (Nebraska)

16 : February 13, 2014

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING: ❏ Dallas Buyers Club (Adruitha Lee, Robin Mathews) ❏ Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (Stephen Prouty) ❏ The Lone Ranger (Joel Harlow, Gloria Pasqua-Casny)

Kirk DeMicco, Kristine Belson)

❏ Despicable Me 2 (Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin, Chris Meledandri)

❏ Ernest & Celestine (Benjamin Renner, Didier Brunner)

❏ Frozen (Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Peter Del Vecho)

❏ The Wind Rises (Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki)

❏ Gravity (Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk, Neil Corbould) ❏ The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, Eric Reynolds) ❏ Iron Man 3 (Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash, Dan Sudick) ❏ The Lone Ranger (Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams, John Frazier) ❏ Star Trek Into Darkness (Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann, Burt Dalton) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:

❏ The Grandmaster (Philippe Le Sourd)

❏ Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki) ❏ Inside Llewyn Davis (Bruno Delbonnel)

❏ Nebraska (Phedon Papamichael) ❏ Prisoners (Roger A. Deakins) BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: ❏ CaveDigger (Jeffrey Karoff) ❏ Facing Fear (Jason Cohen) ❏ Karama Has No Walls (Sara Ishaq) ❏ The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life (Malcolm Clarke, Nicholas Reed) ❏ Prison Terminal: The Last Days of ❏ Private Jack Hall (Edgar Barens)

SpaS

F U LATLANTA'S L BO DY WO R K GREAT SPA SPOTS Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Fashion Director

It really wasn't that long ago that the words 'men' and 'spa' weren't used in the same sentence. However, a lot has changed and guys are no longer strangers to a little self-pampering. In fact, about a third of spa goers today are male. So we did our research and picked out our favorite spa and wellness gems in Atlanta. Floating Weightlessly

Luxury Spa Experience

Imagine feeling completely weightless as tension in your body melts away. that's pretty much what flotation or floating feels like! this simple yet effective treatment has guests float in a large pod filled with heavily salted water and air at skin surface temperature. the experience will reset your neuro-muscular system - basically meaning that the sensory system on your skin will shut off releasing energy to relieve tension elsewhere. the buoyancy of the salt water combined with the quiet and darkness (if you close the pod completely) will have you feeling weightless and deeply relaxed in no time. If you want to try something new we recommend floating because it really is like nothing you've ever experienced – unless you're an astronaut who's tried zero gravity.

Have you ever stepped into a room that was so calming that even the color of the walls slowed your pulse? A place where everything was beautiful, soft and luxurious? the spa at the Atlanta mandarin oriental Hotel is just the place. It's a respite of utter tranquility and relaxing ambiance that spans two floors of the hotel. If you want a relaxing massage or facial the spa offers an extensive menu of treatments. or if you’re craving a little solitude or alone time with your partner, book one of the amazing spa suites where luxurious pampering is the keyword. In addition to their wide variety of treatments you can also dive into their sparkling pool or stay fit in the state-of-the-art fitness studio.Day passes are $50 and membership starts at $200. Visit mandarinoriental.com/atlanta for more information.

A ﬂoating session is $90 for 50 minutes and can be combined with other spa treats like a facial and massage. Visit flotspa.net for more information.

Sauna korean Style If you've ever been to Jeju Sauna in Duluth, you undoubtedly know that you can spend all day inside experiencing the many, many spa and wellness options they have. the 24/7 facility has both gender separated and coed areas to enjoy. you can experience an array of different mineral saunas (jewel, salt, gold and silver, jade, charcoal, baked clay and even a cold sauna) with each having a different effect on the body. Jeju also offers massages, salt scrubs and an extensive wet area (gender separated) along with a nice Korean restaurant and a fitness studio. make sure to take your time and relax while you are there – it's even encouraged that you take a nap! Admission is $25 (excluding treatments) and you can stay as long as you want. Visit jejusauna.com for more information.

18 : February 13, 2014

Feeling blissful Bliss is one of those brands that instantly puts a smile on your face. With product names like that's Incredi-Peel and the youth As We Know It and treatments called Homme Improvement and the love Handler, you know you're in good hands. the treatments for men are targeted toward grooming needs so justifying that amazing facial just got a lot easier. We highly recommend the Homme Improvement facial with three diﬀerent oxygen infusions ($170) or the Hot Salt Scrub – a body rubdown which will clear your skin as well as your sinuses ($125)! Bliss has a spa in all of the W Hotels in Atlanta and they’re all worth exploring. Visit blissworld.com for more information.

Detox

Feeling Dirty?

GREAT WAYS TO DETOX Mikkel Hyldebrandt, Fashion Director

It may not be fun to think about, but modern life is leaving our bodies full of toxins. In fact, they’re everywhere--in what we eat and drink and even in the air we breathe. The toxins aren’t going to kill you, but they can accumulate in our bodies where they can produce harmful eﬀects. This is why it’s a good idea to detox every once in a while to help your body eliminate those nasty toxins. From juice cleanses to eating a detox-friendly diet everyday, we've assembled great ways to detox.

20 : February 13, 2014

JUICE CLEANSING Cleansing with juice is a fast, easy way to detox and clean out your system. Toxins will simply be washed away by a magnitude of powerful nutrients and antioxidants. You can create your own juice cleanse if you have a good juicer and all the necessary fruits and vegetables. But we highly recommend trying the JUS by Julie cleanse regimen. The JUS program has you consume six specific and freshly made juices throughout the day. It was created by Julie Mahel, who is a certified nutritionist and the owner of three JUS by Julie juice bars in the nY area. These juices are a perfect way to kick start eating healthier. “After the juice cleanse you will feel both lighter and cleaner,” Julie explains, “That feeling will make you more mindful of what you eat.” All of the juices are freshly made and you drink one every two hours so it doesn’t feel like a harsh cleansing diet. Plus, the juices are really tasty and delicious so you won't feel like you're missing out on food. It's recommended to cleanse at least three days a month but not more than five. The JUS Cleanse is $150 for a three-day cleanse and $250 for a five-day cleanse. Order online at jusbyjulie.com

HERBAL CLEANSING Cleansing with herbal extracts is another great way to detox. Instead of whipping up your own concoctions at home, it’s much easier and probably more eﬀective to buy herbal detox supplements, which contain a multitude of exotic herbal extracts. Herbal cleansing usually consists of a daily regimen of supplements taken for about a week. You don’t necessarily need to change your diet while on the cleanse; however, it is recommended that you eat ‘cleaner’ and drink more water to help flush the toxins. We recommend the GnC Herbal Clean® Premium Detox - 7 Day Complete Cleansing Program, $34

BATH AND SAUNA CLEANSING

BOWEL CLEANSING Toxins are naturally processed by the liver and sent to the bowel to be flushed out. So cleansing the bowel of excess toxins is always a good idea. One option is a colon hydrotherapy treatment. It’s eﬀective but never a comfortable experience. Instead, we recommend including natural laxatives in your diet that come from ﬁber-rich foods like fruits, veggies and whole grain. Also, Psyllium Husk is a natural and very gentle laxative that can be used daily to transport toxins out of your system. now Psyllium Husk Caps, $8

A bath, steam or sauna are all effective ways of clearing out the toxins from your skin. Your skin can hold toxins and heavy metals, but heavy perspiration in a steam room or sauna will help move them out. Additionally, clothes made from natural fibers will absorb toxins. You can also use a dry brush (you can find one at a health food store) to open your pores and release toxins. Finally, a detox bath done weekly can do wonders for your skin. Pour ½ cup of baking soda or sea salt in a tub filled with warm water. Soak for 15 - 20 minutes and then gently scrub your skin with a cloth. You may notice that the water will become darker with released toxins… Dry Brush, $18

FENUXE.COM : 21

Detox

DETOX FOODS

– by Alene Albritton, Director of Nutritionist Care AbsoluteCARE Medical Center

While there is plenty of information readily available about detox diets, there is very little scientiﬁc evidence supporting their true efficacy. Much of the information is anecdotal and does not provide quantitative data. There are no standard detox guidelines or foods because the concept of a detox diet varies widely depending on the source. Additionally, following a detox diet without medical supervision can be very dangerous. This is especially true for people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, growing children and teens. In fact, the body has systems in place for the elimination of toxins already. With all of that being said, there are nutrition recommendations that can improve people’s health in the same way that those who have followed detox diets report experiencing.

Nutritionist Alene Albritton's Nutrition Recommendations: Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, making sure to include all different colors. Part of what gives produce the variety and richness of color are the nutrients they contain. They have beneficial effects on your health, like boosting the immune system, keeping the heart healthy and fighting cancer. If you eat meat, focus on consuming lean meats like chicken, turkey breast and fish. nuts, seeds and beans are also very good plant sources of protein. When you eat fat, make sure to eat mostly heart healthy fats. Some examples of this type of fat are olive oil, flaxseed oil, nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.), avocados and salmon. When eating grains, make sure they are “whole” grains. This includes foods like quinoa, old fashioned oatmeal and other grains that list “whole wheat flour” instead of “enriched white flour.” Avoid processed foods (quick/convenience foods, lunch meat, hot dogs, etc.) and fast food as much as possible.

22 : February 13, 2014

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Xplore

BEACH.

RAVE.

SPA. REPEAT. D. David Kinney

WITH A BOTTLE OF BUBBLY ON ICE BESIDE MY LOUNGE CHAIR AND THE CALMING SOUND OF WATER FALLING FROM A FOUNTAIN BEHIND ME, I CLOSED MY EYES AND BASKED IN FT. LAUDERDALE’S GLORIOUS FEBRUARY SUNSHINE. IT FEELS LIKE I’M A MILLION MILES AWAY FROM ATLANTA, BUT JUST FOUR SHORT HOURS AGO I WAS WRESTLING WITH MY SUITCASE AT THE MIDTOWN MARTA STATION. It was an odd scene. I was riding the escalator down toward the MARTA train when a strap on my bag got caught in the mechanics. Admittedly, I was still half asleep so the ordeal took me by surprise at the bottom. Sure it was incredibly early in the morning, but I got a fantastic deal on the first flight out on Spirit Airlines. For less than $200 I flew round trip to Ft. Lauderdale on a comfy Airbus A321. You can’t argue with that. I had never flown with Spirit and I had some initial reservations (pun totally intended); however, the airline quickly schooled me in why they’re so popular. You can choose what to pay for and what you don’t want to pay for on your flight. Some people on the plane were grumbling about being nickle and dimed… but I rather enjoyed the a la carte approach. If you’re familiar with taking discount airlines in Europe this experience is rather similar. However, there are some key differences that make Spirit better. Unlike discount airlines found elsewhere in the world, Spirit’s website is fairly straightforward with its pricing. Yes, you will have to pay for each checked bag (which is fairly standard now) and pay for soda and snacks on board. But you also have to pay to bring a carry-on bag as well. Want to pick your seat? That is an extra charge, too. The flight takes about two hours to get to Ft. Lauderdale from Atlanta which makes this sunny hotspot an attractive weekend getaway. When you get to the airport round up your luggage, hail a taxi and head straight to the beautiful Grand Resort and Spa (539 North Birch Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304). This gay owned and operated piece of paradise is one of my favorite hotels in South Florida. It was also named one of The Travel Channel’s “Best All-Inclusive Resorts” for 2014. 24 : February 13, 2014

With lots of great gay guys from all over the country, a clothing optional Tropical Courtyard, a sparkling swimming pool and bubbling jacuzzi, the Grand Resort and Spa has everything you could ever want at a gay beach resort. What could possibly make this oasis of vacation perfection even better? The Grand Resort and Spa is also incredibly pet friendly! If your dog or cat is under 35 pounds you can bring him or her along for the fun. Not a dog fan? Don’t fret. Pets aren’t allowed in any of the common areas. The resort also offers ﬁve different spa packages for guests. The “Beach Essential” package is absolutely perfect for a pampered beach weekend getaway. Each person receives a body scrub, Swedish massage and an exfoliating pedicure during their stay. Have you ever experienced a deep massage after spending the day at the beach? It’s the perfect way to transition from the beach to a fun night out in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. Looking for a fun gay place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy some drinks? Head to Wilton Manors and check out Georgie’s Alibi (2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305). Whether you’re going for Sunday brunch and Bloody Marys or a good ole’ cheeseburger after hours in the surf, there is always a great atmosphere and lots of gay guys hanging out. The food at Georgie’s Alibi is delicious, but nothing in life that tastes that good is calorie free. So grab your dancing shoes and join the always hopping crowd at The Manor (2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305). This two-level nightclub isn’t very far from Georgie’s Alibi and regularly features international DJs and well-known singers on their large stage. Whether you’re dancing the night away in Ft. Lauderdale or sitting poolside at the Grand Resort and Spa this is a great weekend getaway from Atlanta. It won’t break the bank and there is so much to do you’ll undoubtedly be planning your next trip on the ﬂight home.

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Your financial needs are unique. With an Accredited Domestic Partnership designation, I can help. Wherever you are, whenever you need it, meetings are available by phone or online at a time and place convenient for you. We’ll look at all aspects of your finances, then find solutions that are right for your unique needs. And as your goals and needs change, we’ll be there to adjust your plan and help put your dreams within reach. Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH® Call us today for more information or to schedule an initial consultation at (877) 417-8940 or (901) 312-5099 Brian Douglas, CFP®, CRPC®, ADPA® Financial Advisor Douglas & Associates A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 465 South Main, Suite 101 Memphis, Tennessee 38103 901-312-5099 brian.k.douglas@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/brian.k.douglas

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The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations. As a client of Ameriprise Financial you may work with different financial advisors over time. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2013: 29 FENUXE.COM Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved

Interview

THOM PANTO

DANSEUR DE L’ART Dino Thompson-Sarmiento

Atlanta Ballet’s Thom Panto is an artist of movement. Standing at a mighty 6’4” this dashing danseur is captivating audiences in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, which opens this month at The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 30 : February January 30, 13, 2014 2014

The statuesque 27-year-old began his romance with dance at age eleven after meeting the cast of a ballet company in New Mexico. Immediately Panto knew that the world of ballet would be his future. However, his parents were less enthusiastic about his newfound passion. Both were accomplished doctors and they feared that a life on stage would not give Panto a reliable means of supporting himself. It was too late. Panto had already been seduced and was deeply in love with the ballet. It didn’t hurt that he had a truly God given talent that quickly afforded him recognition in the field. But few happy endings come about without conflict. Panto’s story is no different. Tragically, Panto’s father became ill and turned to his son while on his death bed and asked him to attend college and obtain a degree. A dutiful son can hardly ignore the final wishes of his father, but it forced him to put his passion for ballet on hold. He spent the next three and a half years in business school. Panto even got an internship at Armani. He was living a good life in sunny Los Angeles. He was young, handsome and life had provided several options ahead. But he couldn’t shake his passion for ballet. His every thought was consumed by his long lost love for dance. It was then that Panto was forced to make a decision about where he wanted to go in life. Should he sit chained behind a desk for the rest of his life or break out of the corporate box and express himself through dance? Panto decided to risk everything he had achieved in Los Angeles and dedicated himself to retraining his body and getting back in shape. After a year and a half of tireless practice and work in the gym Panto realized the success he had always imagined. He was offered a position at six different dance companies and eventually chose Atlanta. Lucky us. His incredible passion stems from his fervent respect and appreciation for ballet in a world dominated by technology. “Technology takes away from our natural beauty. Through ballet I use my body and facial expressions to tell a story to connect with people at an emotional level,” Panto explains. And connecting emotionally through his dance is something Panto does extremely well.

Atlanta Ballet is blessed with a cast of immensely talented dancers like Panto. The quality of their performances are second to none and a treasure for our city. But Panto acknowledges that ballet doesn’t have the reputation it deserves. “Ballet has the reputation for being uptight, but ballet has evolved. It’s about the dance – like a Cirque de Soleil show – it will mesmerize you. There are many different stories to choose from; it’s extremely entertaining,” he says. I agree with him. I was first introduced to the ballet by Atlanta’s golden boy, Brian Wallenberg. I admit I wept at my first performance and have been back every season since. If you’ve never experienced the Atlanta Ballet I encourage you to give it a try. Like Panto, you may have an affinity for ballet that you never even knew existed.

FENUXE is proud to support the Atlanta Ballet and we cordially invite you to join us at NITE OUT. We’re partnering with the Atlanta Ballet and Blue Fame Resources in hosting this special cocktail hour before the presentation of Romeo et Juliette on February 15 at 7 p.m. Visit atlantaballet.com/niteout for specially priced tickets that include the private reception with cocktails, a DJ and the opportunity to meet the cast – including danseur extraordinare, Thom Panto.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL Tickets available at TickeTmasTer.com and the Woodruff arts center Box office All artists and schedules subject to change without notice. Tickets subject to service charge. Presented by:

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