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The second edition of Designmonat Graz has taken over Austria’s second city. It explores the melding of analogue and digital worlds under the theme “The New Real”. Alexei Korolyov reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alexei Korolyov takes us to a redesigned hydraulics facility that is taking on a new life in the Austrian capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov reports on Vienna’s election, Juliet Linley reflects on the Pope’s funeral and Tyler Brûlé joins us from Lisbon. Plus: Emma Nelson, Isabel Hilton and Charles Hecker discuss the week’s global news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tyler Brûlé is joined by Juliet Linley and Marcus Schögel to unpack the week’s top stories. Then: Monocle’s Vienna correspondent, Alexei Korolyov, reports on the latest from the region and the artistic director of MIA Photo Fair, Francesca Malgara, shares key highlights from this year’s programme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alexei Korolyov tells us about the refurbishment of one of Vienna’s most important modernist buildings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet the team behind the art initiative that transforms vacant sites for temporary artistic use. Among these is the Funkhaus, a former radio building of Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF. Alexei Korolyov reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet the team behind the art initiative that transforms vacant sites for temporary artistic use. Among these is the Funkhaus, a former radio building of Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF. Alexei Korolyov reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Juliet Linley and Chandra Kurt join Monocle's editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss the weekend's hottest topics. We also speak to Monocle's executive editor, Christopher Lord, and get the latest news from Monocle's Vienna correspondent, Alexei Korolyov. Plus: Katja Weber, the organiser of Zürich's enchanting Christmas market at Bellevue, joins us to share her seasonal insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle's Alexei Korolyov reports from the 18th edition of Vienna Design Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet two figures in the cultural world known both for their creative practice, as well as their brave attitude towards speaking truth to power. Robert Bound speaks to Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland about her new film ‘Green Border' and Alexei Korolyov meets Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova to discuss her new exhibition in Linz, Austria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emma Nelson, Nina dos Santos and David Bodanis on the weekend's biggest talking points. We also speak to Monocle's editorial France and North Africa correspondent, Mary Fitzgerald, and our Vienna correspondent, Alexei Korolyov, for the latest on the Slovakia elections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We sit down with Mathew Carver and Patrick McGuigan, authors of ‘The Cheese Life', to discuss the obsession with the ingredient and try some delicious British cheeses. Plus: Monocle Radio's Mariella Bevan speaks to scientist David Nutt, co-founder of Sentia spirits, an alcohol-free alternative designed to capture the relaxation that comes with drinking without the alcohol, and Alexei Korolyov looks back at the surprising history of soybeans in Austria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Terry Stiastny and Carlota Rebelo discuss overnight developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict and the new US House Speaker, Mike Johnson. Plus: Monocle's Alexei Korolyov meets the feminist non-binary choir taking Austria by storm. Join Monocle on Saturday every week for a review of the latest news, arts and culture in the week's global papers.
As Israel orders more than one million Gazans to evacuate, we hear from an aid worker on the ground and a Palestinian journalist about whether the evacuation is feasible. We also unpack US secretary of state Anthony Blinken's diplomatic mission in the Middle East. Plus: Monocle's Chris Cermak takes us on the Republican campaign trail in New Hampshire and Alexei Korolyov makes sense of the OSCE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alexei Korolyov visits the production facilities of a city-owned organic farming concept that has been established within Vienna's city limits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alexei Korolyov visits the town where western Europe's dependency on Russian energy began to see how the attempt to cut ties with Moscow is affecting the village.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Sean Muir, director of rooms at Kimpton Saint George hotel in Toronto, shines a light on summer in the Canadian city and Monocle's Alexei Korolyov takes the revamped rail route from Vienna to the Italian port city of Trieste. Also in the programme: we speak to Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of hospitality group Soneva, whose portfolio includes the Maldives' first luxury resort, Soneva Fushi. Plus: Andrew Mueller gives us the lowdown on Delphi and our correspondents from around the world answer listeners' questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Markus Hippi speaks to Claire Ptak, owner of Violet bakery and cake shop in East London, and Alexei Korolyov catches up with Marc Almert, sommelier at Zürich's Baur au Lac hotel. Plus: Tomos Lewis updates us on the maple syrup situation in Canada and the week's top food-and-drink headlines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hannah Lucinda Smith takes us on a culinary tour of the vibrant neighbourhood of Kadikoy in Istanbul and Gregory Scruggs visits the newly renovated Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria, Oregon. We ask Steve Allen, Group CEO of Dnata, how the aviation industry is handling recent surging travel demands. Plus: Monocle's Vienna Correspondent, Alexei Korolyov, has the latest travel news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgina Godwin and the weekend's biggest discussion topics. Terry Stiastny goes through the newspapers and Monocle's man in Vienna, Alexei Korolyov, investigates why Austria is still doing business with Russia.
What is it like to live in a communist-run city? For residents of Austria's second city of Graz, that question ceased being hypothetical in 2021 when Elke Kahr of the Communist Party of Austria was sworn in as mayor. In this special edition of The Urbanist, Monocle's Alexei Korolyov ventures to Graz to see how its unique leadership is affecting citizens' lives, and whether communist stigmas still loom large. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For decades, Austria refused to recognise the importance of the Austrian architect but attitudes have since changed. After extensive renovations, Schütte-Lihotzky's Vienna flat is now open as a museum to showcase her design principles. Monocle's Alexei Korolyov went along to have a look.
Ukraine confirms that the eastern city of Lysychansk has fallen to Russian forces. Plus: the UK's Labour party sets out its post-Brexit vision, an interview with Bulgaria's ambassador to Nato and Monocle's Alexei Korolyov on the retirement of Vienna's iconic E1 trams.
Stephen Dalziel and Aliona Hlivco join Georgina Godwin to discuss Russia's Victory Day, UK opposition leader Keir Starmer faces an awkward investigation and Brazil's Lula launches his political comeback. Plus: what's next for the European Union? With a report by Alexei Korolyov for Europe Day.
Monocle's Alexei Korolyov reports from southeastern Hungary, where the traditional craft of weaving using cattail plants is making a comeback.
Monocle's Alexei Korolyov reports from southeastern Hungary, where the traditional craft of weaving using cattail plants is making a comeback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Viv Groskop and Yossi Mekelberg discuss the latest from the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including the UN secretary-general's trip to Moscow and explosions in Moldova. Plus we cover clashes in Jerusalem, Elon Musk's Twitter takeover, Italy's cultural heritage protectors; and we hear from Alexei Korolyov on Austria's debate over Soviet war memorials.
War in Ukraine: we have the latest on attempts to bring an end to the fighting. Joining us are Kyiv-based film-maker Marc Wilkins, Russia analyst Stephen Dalziel, Stefanie Bolzen of ‘Die Welt', and Monocle's Alexei Korolyov and Gabriel Leigh.
Alexei Korolyov visits one of the most beautiful yet neglected buildings in Bratislava, which the city plans to reopen in all of its former splendour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We head to M+, Hong Kong's impressive new visual-culture museum. Plus: we learn about Finnish fashion brand Marimekko's pattern database and Alexei Korolyov meets Lilli Hollein, director of Vienna's Museum of Applied Arts.
Monocle's Alexei Korolyov brings us the story of Vienna's premier spot for premiere screenings, the Gartenbaukino. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Iran become increasingly hardline following the country's presidential election? Plus: Monocle's Tyler Brûlé and regular contributor Florian Egli unpack the landmark Geneva summit, Alexei Korolyov tells us about the world's oldest Alpine railway, and Sagra Maceira de Rosen's luxury round-up.
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov investigates the enduring appeal of Vienna’s amusement parks – and the likelihood that they’ll last through the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vienna might be famed for its classical music but the city has also won awards for the sound identity of its public transport. Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov meets the reassuring voice of Vienna.
When Miriam and Christian Cervantes moved to Vienna with a view to opening their own plant shop, they didn’t think they would be doing so in the middle of a pandemic. But they persevered and launched Calienna in September after months of lockdown and renovation. Alexei Korolyov speaks to the pair about their new shop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Miriam and Christian Cervantes moved to Vienna with a view to opening their own plant shop, they didn’t think they would be doing so in the middle of a pandemic. But they persevered and launched Calienna in September after months of lockdown and renovation. Alexei Korolyov speaks to the pair about their new shop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov and Tyler Brûlé have the very latest as Vienna reels from a deadly terror attack. Plus: Suzanne Lynch, Amy Pope and Linda Chavez analyse the US presidential election as it nears its dramatic conclusion.
Co/rizom is a Vienna-based consultancy aimed at helping traditional artisans find their feet. Alexei Korolyov meets co-founder Nadja Zerunian, who says supporting time-honoured crafts is a must in our modern world.
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov assesses two very different incentive schemes in the cities he calls home: Moscow and Vienna.
We have the latest as New South Wales announces an inquiry into Australia’s bushfires. Plus: John Bolton’s book causes a political storm in Washington, why Italy’s newsstands want greater public funding and Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov on Austria’s hotel industry.
Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov meets Masha Dabelka, a Russian DJ, artist and founder of Turntablista, a school in Vienna teaching the art of turntablism and nurturing women DJs. Dabelka launched the project after winning a contest and bursary from Vienna Business Agency’s creative centre Departure. The school gives students an opportunity to play music live through its collaboration with an independent radio station.
Last month authorities in Moscow disqualified dozens of opposition candidates from a city council vote due in September on apparently spurious claims that many of the signatures required for their candidacy applications were forged. This triggered an unprecedented protest movement in Moscow and Russian cities, which have been met with a violent crackdown by riot police. Monocle’s Alexei Korolyov reports.
Drugs don't seem to play a big role in the swing dance community but they are there - though it's mostly just cannabis and other soft drugs. In this episode, we hear from two anonymous dancers that admit to taking drugs while dancing, and learn a little history with Peter Loggins. *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
A person's height affects all aspects of their life, and it matters when it comes to dancing, too. We hear from both ends of the spectrum. *** Contributors to this episode: Sofi Mirkovic, Maria Grabherr, Ruben Garred, Johanna. *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
Come waltz with us in Vienna! Alexei Korolyov discovers how the city’s rich history of classical music gave rise to the modern film score.
Swing dancing may seem like a carefree world that is "open to all" but even some perfectly fit and healthy people can have a hard time entering it, to say nothing of people with disabilities. In this episode, we meet two disabled dancers who beat the odds to have a healthy and fulfilling dancing life, and hear from one of the most successful integrated dance troupes in the world. *** Contributors to this episode: Johannes Priebsch, dancer, software engineer and mediator based in Vienna www.priebsch.at Dominic Eagleton, London-based dancer and senior campaigner at Global Witness Stine Nilsen, artistic co-director at Candoco Dance Company www.candoco.co.uk *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
Swing dancing seems far removed from the daily grind of business life but in fact it's just as much about money and value as any other human activity. It's just that its financial system is extremely opaque. There are no clear, universally agreed upon prices or tariffs and often no legal oversight either; it's effectively a black market economy. In this episode, we ask how you survive in this remarkably unregulated and non-transparent economy, who sets the prices and who pays for everything, what goes into running a successful swing dance business and how to fight off unscrupulous competition. *** Contributors to this episode: Jerry Almonte, dancer, photographer, organiser and blogger based in Washington D.C. www.jsalmonteproductions.com Mandi Gould, Canadian swing dance entrepreneur and organiser www.mandigould.com Jana Grulichová, co-founder of the Swing Maniacs school in Spain www.swingmaniacs.com *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
We return to the topic of globalisation with an episode that is full of stories of border-crossing. From London to Vienna to Leipzig to Seoul, we hear from those who started dancing in one place but continued in another. Together with them, we reflect on the differences and similarities between various swing dance communities around the world. *** Contributors to this episode: Lisa Carman, Marc D'Olimpio, Sam Jozeps, Ben Beccari, Nancy Hitzig, Katie Latter *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
Swing dance isn't usually classified as art. This title is normally applied to ballet, tango, folk dance or contemporary dance. But is this fair? And does swing dance need to be on a par with these well-established and recognised dance genres? Is swing dance perhaps just a form of entertainment - or even a niche specialism? This and more in an episode packed with insight both from within and outside the swing community. *** Contributors to this episode: Marina Losin, dancer, choreographer and researcher at ImPulsTanz, one of the largest contemporary dance festivals in the world www.impulstanz.com Gaby Cook, noted U.S. jazz dance performer and instructor www.gabycook.com Anaïs Sékiné, swing dance performer and instructor based in Montreal; PhD researcher of modern swing dance culture Peter Loggins, one of the pioneers of the swing dance revival, veteran performer and instructor www.jassdancer.blogspot.com Camille A. Brown, award-winning U.S. dancer and choreographer and champion of black rights www.camilleabrown.org *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
In this our summer-minded episode, we look at something that binds us all together: travel. Man's deep-rooted desire to travel and explore, coupled with the increasing globalisation of the swing dance market, has produced a generation of dancers, DJs and musicians that is almost constantly on the go. We meet some of them. *** Contributors to this episode: Diana Geisler, Vienna-based dancer, performer and instructor who travels almost every weekend to competitions and events Simon Bressanelli, British-Italian dancer who travels and teaches full-time www.simonbressanelli.co.uk Adrian Cunningham, Australian-born travelling musician and bandleader based in NYC www.adriancunningham.com Meghan Gilmore, Canadian DJ and dancer, head of DJs at Herrang Dance Camp, citizen of the world Marcus Nutzinger, From the Top co-editor *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
In this special episode recorded live at Lindy Shock University 2015, From the Top sits down with eight swing dance instructors to talk shop. We ask what it's like to start out as a Lindy Hop teacher - emotionally, psychologically and practically - and look at some of the challenges presented by the job. Kindly supported by Lindy Shock University *** Contributors to this episode: Katja Završnik (Hrastar), Gaston Fernandez, Cat Foley, Felipe Braga, Remy Kouakou Kouame, Laura Keat, Alex Parker and Natalia Eristavi For additional materials and some suggested reading, please visit www.fromthetoppodcast.com/episodes/7 *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
The Lindy Hop does not necessarily involve dressing up, retro or otherwise - indeed, when a group of Swedish pioneers revived swing dancing in the 1980s, they did it in true 1980s style. Even so, more and more swing dancers begin to fashion up their look. We explore why. *** Contributors to this episode: Voon Chew, New York-based ambi-dancer/DJ and vintage dress enthusiast and collector Dr. Elisabeth Frottier, head of the costume and fashion collection of Vienna’s University of Applied Arts www.dieangewandte.at Yana Sanamyants, Moscow-based swing dancer with a background in textile design Laura Windley, frontwoman of the North Carolina-based Mint Julep Jazz Band, main contributor to Lindy Shopper, the popular blog about swing dance clothing www.laurawindley.com Rani-Patricia Dirnhofer, founder and owner of shoemaking company Saint Savoy www.saintsavoy.com For additional materials and some suggested reading, please visit www.fromthetoppodcast.com/episodes/6 *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
This episode is all about gender roles in swing dance and society. Does the Lindy Hop accentuate the divide between men and women or mitigate it? And what effect has the feminist project had on swing culture? Also, what does it feel like for a woman to be a leader and a man a follower? *** Contributors to this episode: Rebecka DecaVita, one half of the Swedish instructor/performer duo The DecaVitas www.thedecavitas.com Sam Carroll, swing dance instructor, organizer, DJ and feminist thinker based in Sydney, Australia www.dogpossum.org Jo Jae-kyeong, Lindy Hop dancer and translator living in Seoul, South Korea Gregor Hofbauer, Vienna-based Lindy Hop dancer and photographer www.photography.gregorhofbauer.com Patrick Catuz, Austrian researcher on gender issues and art-house porn filmmaker www.catuz.at *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
Episode 4 is all about health and well-being for dancers: staying in shape with Jo Hoffberg, alcohol and social conventions with Kevin St. Laurent, plus some disturbing injury statistics from Dance UK. *** Contributors to this episode: Jo Hoffberg, world-renowned Lindy Hop teacher, performer and competitor www.johoffberg.com Kevin St. Laurent, equally world-renowned Lindy Hop teacher, performer and competitor www.kevinstlaurent.com Erin Sanchez, Healthier Dancer Programme manager at Dance UK www.danceuk.org *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov
Episode 3 looks at what it's like to be a swing musician today. How close can you get to the true sound? Do you need to? And it is possible to make original swing music in our technology-savvy age? *** Contributors to this episode: Bernhard Glatz, trumpeter, member of the Maurer Big Band www.facebook.com/maurerbigband Glenn Crytzer, guitarist, bandleader and composer www.glenncrytzer.com Philipp Mayrlbäurl, guitarist, member of the Juke Swing Band Nina Jukić, singer and musicologist, member of the duo don_t go www.facebook.com/heydontgo *** Produced and presented by Alexei Korolyov www.alexei-korolyov.com From the Top theme song by Alexander Forstner, Nina Jukić and Alexei Korolyov