Black Swan

Black Swan

6 Rights of an Unpaid Intern

Although most people accept that pouring coffee and other menial tasks are part and parcel of an unpaid internship, there is such a thing as an employer crossing the line and taking advantage of you.


Although most people accept that pouring coffee and other menial tasks are part and parcel of an unpaid internship, there is such a thing as an employer crossing the line and taking advantage of you.

To those of you who are considering or who are already doing unpaid internships, you need to make sure you know your rights. Here is a list of them according to the Department of Labor website:

  • The internship should be an educational experience.
  • It's the intern who benefits from the experience.
  • The intern shouldn't replace a paid worker but will work under the close supervision of the regular staff.
  • The intern's activities will provide no immediate advantages for the employer and may occasionally impede operations.
  • The intern won't be entitled to a job when the internship ends.
  • There is a mutual understanding between the employer and the intern that the intern will not be paid for the time spent on the internship.

Have you ever worked for free, and if so, how were you treated?

POPSUGAR Fashion

Watch Natalie Portman's Style Evolve on Her Birthday!

The always elegant Natalie Portman has grown up on the red carpet, maturing both in age and in style.

The always elegant Natalie Portman has grown up on the red carpet, maturing both in age and in style. A favorite among designers like Rodarte and Christian Dior, it’s no wonder that Natalie's red carpet fashion continues to evolve. Today, watch to see some of our favorite style moments from years past.

Wedding

Weddings For Cinephiles: Big-Screen Inspiration For Your Big Day

We love movie-inspired engagement photos, so I found even more gorgeous film-spiration for your wedding or e-shoot.

We love movie-inspired engagement photos, so I found even more gorgeous film-spiration for your wedding or e-shoot. From sweet animated flicks like Lady and the Tramp and Tangled to a couple of my personal faves, 500 Days of Summer and Amélie, there's something for all types of theater-goers. If you and your beloved share a love for the big screen, here are some of my favorite movie-themed big day and engagement shoots.

Editor's Pick

Sorting Out the Differences of Bar Method, The Dailey Method, Body Bar, and More

Your parents will be happy to know that those ballet classes you took as a kid aren't going to waste, thanks to a new wave of ballet-inspired workout classes popping up in cities all across the country.
Exercises Classes Across the US That Incorporate a Bar

Your parents will be happy to know that those ballet classes you took as a kid aren't going to waste, thanks to a new wave of ballet-inspired workout classes popping up in cities all across the country. Put on your yoga wear, find your place in front of the bar, and stretch your way to a elongated, lean body — Black Swan style. But what class does what? Or are they all quite similar? Here's a rundown of some top classes across the country that use a bar as their main exercise equipment.

Source: The Daily Method

Poll

Natalie Portman's Black Swan Dancing Controversy Continues — Do You Care If She Performed Her Own Moves?

Black Swan's leading lady, Natalie Portman, swept award season with an Oscar, Golden Globe, and a SAG for her work in the ballet thriller.

Black Swan's leading lady, Natalie Portman, swept award season with an Oscar, Golden Globe, and a SAG for her work in the ballet thriller. Natalie's been lying low in NYC since the excitement wrapped up last month, but now the actress is back in the spotlight. She's in the middle of a controversy over how much of the movie she actually danced in after her body double claimed to have performed most of the technical scenes. Her fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, and director Darren Aronofsky have both come to Natalie's defense. and now her costar, Mila Kunis, has spoken up to say Natalie "danced her a*s off." Natalie clearly put in plenty of hard work, but we want to know — do you even care if she performed her own moves?

What to Rent

What to Rent: New DVDs This Week

Black Swan Natalie Portman stars as Nina Sayers, an uptight ballerina who gets cast as the lead in a production of Swan Lake.

Black Swan

Natalie Portman stars as Nina Sayers, an uptight ballerina who gets cast as the lead in a production of Swan Lake. When she encounters a rival dancer (Mila Kunis) who possesses the sexuality that she lacks, Nina's emotional state unravels. Director Darren Aronofsky's thriller is a beautifully artistic albeit disturbing effort, but Portman is the star of the show. She swept award season — an Oscar included — and the film is worth renting for her performance alone. DVD bonus features include a making-of featurette and a look at the costume and production design for the film.

88%

Tangled

Mandy Moore and Chuck's Zachary Levi put their voices to song in this fresh, fun spin on the story of Rapunzel. The Disney film tells the classic tale of the girl who let down her hair, except this time, Rapunzel (Moore) is more of a headstrong heroine than a damsel in distress. When she meets Flynn Ryder (Levi), a rebel on the run, the two bust Rapunzel out of her tower and form a friendship. Though it may be intended for the little ones, Tangled charms all ages with its sweetness. DVD extras include a retrospective montage featuring Disney's 50 animated films, deleted scenes, and a making-of featurette.

90%

See one more new release when you read more

Red Carpet

Black Swan vs. White Swan: Whose Look Do You Love?

In an epic battle of good vs. evil .

In an epic battle of good vs. evil . . . just kidding. Blake Lively and Diane Kruger were both spotted in ethereal, appliqued Chanel dresses that called to mind the ballet costumes of Oscar-nominated flick Black Swan. Blake looks innocent and floaty in her white metallic dress, complete with silk chiffon floral applique, decadent Lorraine Schwartz jewels and ballet-inspired Christian Louboutin pumps. Diane went for dark beauty in her floaty layers of black tulle embroidered with spindly gold. Which Chanel-clothed swan do you love?

2011 Oscars

Do You Agree With the Oscar Winner For Best Actress?

No surprise here! Natalie Portman is taking home the Oscar for best actress for Black Swan!

No surprise here! Natalie Portman is taking home the Oscar for best actress for Black Swan! She beat out Annette Bening, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman, and Michelle Williams. Do you agree with this win?

Be sure to vote in all of my Oscar winner polls!

Fitness

A Few Fitness Lessons From Black Swan

If you're a runner then you know the importance of managing the length of your toe nails, and if you've seen Black Swan then you're hip to keeping your fingernails trimmed, too.

If you're a runner then you know the importance of managing the length of your toe nails, and if you've seen Black Swan then you're hip to keeping your fingernails trimmed, too. In the midst of the creepy, claustrophobic film there are a few fitness lessons to be learned, not including the Balley Beautiful method Natalie Portman followed to ready herself for playing perfectionist ballerina Nina Sayers.

  • Know your gear. Watching the lithe dancer pound away at her toe shoes makes you appreciate the deep relationship between a ballerina and her shoes. While I believe running shoes should feel good fresh out of the box, I do feel it's important to know and test your gear: what socks perform well in the rain, is this bra supportive enough for running, and are these shoes flexible enough to merengue in Zumba?
  • Good costuming covers up your flaws. With her scratching compulsion, Nina wore the sweetest shrugs in class and rehearsal. You too can cover up what you feel are your imperfections with smart "costuming" choices, especially for those heavily mirrored gyms. Don't like the shape of your thighs? Try Fila's toning capri. Not in love with the shape of you belly? Wear the strategically ruched Ella tank by Zobha and head to the gym. Wear what you feel comfortable in and your confidence will soar.

Keep reading for two more lessons; but beware there is a bit of a plot spoiler below.

How To

How to Host a Black Swan-Inspired Oscar Party

Want to host an Oscar get together for your friends this weekend?

Want to host an Oscar get together for your friends this weekend? Not to worry, sweet girl, because I have the perfect idea: make it a Black Swan shindig, using inspiration from the film!

I've already given you suggestions for how to throw a party based on best picture nominees The Social Network and 127 Hours, but Black Swan is an easy one to pull off. Get your creative juices flowing with my tips! Then download your own Oscar ballot to pass around to guests, and fill out our online ballot for the chance to win a Samsung HDTV.

  • Who to invite: All lovers of the arts who enjoy a good soiree. But leave overly dramatic types off the guest list. The film is crazy enough; you don't want anyone getting too far into character.
  • Dress code: Head-to-toe black or white, depending on whether you're feeling naughty or nice, and don't forget the legwarmers! Bonus points for tutus (especially you, guys).
  • Table setting: The film is full of mirrors, so buy a small one at a craft store and use it as part of your centerpiece. You can put some pink flowers or a candle on top to complete the look, or even toss a few feathers around as part of the decor.

More tips after the jump.