I have a lot to be thankful for in 2019, most notably turning 50, getting a fantastic new job, and surviving my first scooter accident. Here’s some of the highlights of the past year. The Big Five-Oh The biggest milestone of 2019 was turning 50 years old in July. I don’t know what I was…
Category: Dancing / Music
Announcing Slick Rik’s Shoe Sueding Service
I’m so excited to announce my latest venture: SLICK RIK’S SHOE SUEDING SERVICE! (Say that five times fast.) For the modest fee of $25 I will add smooth suede to the bottoms of your favorite pair of shoes to get you sliding, spinning, and switching with ease. Interested? Head to this form bit.ly/slicksueding, and I’ll…
“The Harlem of the West”: Learning about the Fillmore District
As a lindy hopper and a jazz enthusiast living in San Francisco, I am embarrassed about how little I know about the historic Fillmore District. In the 1940s and 1950s this area was known as the “Harlem of the West” because of the large number of Black-owned businesses, particularly supper clubs, dance halls, and after-hours…
Lip J, Wizzard and Yoon Ji Showcase: Three Facets of Waacking
Here’s my three of my current favorite waackers, doing a showcase together: Lip J, Wizzard and Yoon Ji! I love this showcase for showing off the diversity in their styles: Lip J brings the sexiness and grace, Wizzard with the showmanship and comedy, and Yoon Ji with the passion and energy. I love how broad…
Short Script: “Rising Stars”
I wrote this for a new course I’m designing. I kind of want to shoot this for real now. Rising Stars SCENE 1: Evening, interior, a casual cafe Two middle aged women are sharing a meal together. KATY: It’s so good to see you, Jo, it’s been too long! JO: I know, I’m sorry. We’ve…
Strike a Pose: My Photoshoot in Golden Gate Park!
As a birthday present to myself, I hired my good friend Auey of Photograffiti to shoot me in one of my favorite spots: the Music Concourse of Golden Gate Park. I’ve been dancing and hanging out in this section of the park for many years. So it seemed appropriate to do a photo shoot there….
The Electrifying UK Jazz Dancers of the 1980s
During the 1980s in London and other Northern UK cities and towns, an underground movement of dancers and DJs were creating a wild, frenzied, and electrifying style of dance called “Old School Jazz Dance,” or simply “Jazz Dance.” A blend of vernacular jazz, tap, ballet, West Indies and African dance traditions, these UK jazz dancers…
On Dancing in Public
I had four occasions to dance in public this weekend. I’m proud of myself that in all of those situations, I effing DANCED. I remember what it was like to hear awesome music and feel the urge to dance, but stop myself for so many dumb reasons — The fear of looking dumb, of being…
My 50th: Best Birthday Ever!
Last December, it hit me out of the blue what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday. I was having dinner with my mother in a Filipino restaurant. In an adjoining dining room, we could hear some kind of party taking place. There was music, cake, food, dancing — the works. I thought to…
Performing in Bay Area Diggs Deeper XVI on July 7!
Next weekend, I’m honored to participate in this freestyle focused-dance show “Diggs Deeper” on Sunday July 7. You all should come and support all the artists, dance with us, and learn about the urban dance culture. It’s always an inspiring event! Plus it’s my birthday weekend! This is the third time I’ve performed at Diggs…