This past weekend, I had the extreme pleasure of performing a piece for the annual Skate Showcase we call “the Skate Sham.” Created with my Savoy Rollers crew, we wanted to share with the larger skate community our passion for lindy hop and our newfound love of skate dancing. So doing a skate version of…
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Dreamland Roller Rink, 2008, Coney Island, Brooklyn
So way back in 2008, my friend Amy Winn convinced me to go with her to check out the Dreamland roller rink in Coney Island. I think it was a fundraiser because it was threatened with closure? I was blown away by the artistry of the rhythm skaters we saw. Here’s a bit of footage…
First Time Making Croissants
Operation Croissant was a success! Wow that was a lot of steps… Stuff that I’m happy with: shatteringly crisp exterior, good amount of lamination, rich and buttery flavor. Are they perfect? No. But for a first effort, I’m so pleased. I followed the Claire Saffitz method.
Celebrating My Golden Birthday with Pastries, Skating and Jazz
This year, I was so happy to get to celebrate my birthday with actual physical gatherings with my loved ones. As a theme, I decided to lean into this being my “golden” years with a couple of very sparkly gold outfits. The festivities began on the morning of July 3 at my favorite SF bakery,…
Visiting Disneyland on the Worst Day of the Year?
On Tuesday, my friend Kristin and I survived what could have been the worst possible day to visit Disneyland this year. And we actually had a blast! Several months ago, we decided to risk buying tickets to Disneyland in June, thinking that probably the pandemic would be more under control and that the Disney folks…
Small Talk Isn’t Small
I was not good at small talk before the Pandemic. And certainly have not improved since. At the first true party I was at, I was noticing one tactic that I want to get better at: throwing out a topic about someone else. Hanah was hosting a “post-Apocalypse” dance party at her place last weekend….
Shiny Stockings: a Tribute to Frankie Manning by The Revisionists + 38 Dancers!
Check out this incredible music and dance tribute to the late, great Frankie Manning by the Revisionists featuring a ton of wonderful dancers from around the world. I’m happy to play a very small part in this. “When I travel to all these different swing dance events, I’m finally seeing what I’ve wanted to see…
Bread is Life
“If I gave you a bag of flour and water you could live on it for awhile but eventually you would die. But if you take that same bag of flour and water and bake it into bread you could live indefinitely.” Bruce German, food scientist, UC Davis. From “Cooked” by Michael Pollan on Netflix….
Fun Times in Maui: Snorkeling, Sunset atop a Volcano, Fusion Flip Food and Lindy Hop!
Just got back from a delightful two weeks in Maui, Hawaii. And man, am I browner, chiller and fatter. Getting back to Hawaii has long been on my bucket list, to make up for several disappointing trips to the islands with my family as a teen. This time around I promised myself I would get…
The Pivotal Role of the Hype Man / Woman in the Dance Scene
As an older dancer, the loss of flexibility, strength, and stamina compared to my younger years looms larger and larger. It’s not fun to feel your own limits. BUT… there’s a lot I can still do to bring energy to the scene. I ‘ve been thinking this morning about the role of the hype man…