Across the board, from rock climbing to boxing to dance, getting better at something involves some pretty universal practices: Practice a lot Focus on the edge of your ability Do an action slow, then build up speed as you get more proficient Visualize yourself doing it I'm not particularly great at practicing. But I'm trying. …
Category: Dancing / Music
“Hamilton” is a Timely Revelation
On Wednesday, I finally got to see Hamilton the musical at the Orpheum Playhouse, with my dear friend Hanah and her sister Arielle. It's one of the most powerful theatrical experiences I've ever had in my life. Like thousands of others, I binged on the music for months prior to going to the show, to prepare…
Hanah and I Lindy Hopping in an Abandoned Train Station in Oakland
Here's a fun, impromptu dance video put together by my friend Auey, as part of a photo shoot I participated in. The locale could not be more picturesque: an old abandoned train station in West Oakland. And always have a blast dancing with my friend Hanah. More photos from this shoot coming soon! I'm so…
“All City Breakers” Mini Figures Set: A Rainbow of B-boys and B-girls!
Just in time for Pride Month, I finally got around to shooting pics of the multi-color breakers mini figures I've had for awhile. Part of the "All City Breakers" set put out by Kid Robot in 2011, they show off classic b-boy moves from back in the day. There are eight different poses in four…
Me Waacking at Cypher Sundays in Berkeley (video)
Cypher Sundays is a semi-regular gathering of urban style dancers getting together and dancing in public that takes place all around the Bay Area. They always put together a dope mix of music to inspire the dancers. And the organizers produce an awesome compilation video later. So grateful to have this in our city. Here's…
DJ Blackface: House Music and Cultural Appropriation
Check out this really interesting podcast on the Black roots of house (and techno) music, and the white DJs that adopt fake Black personas and histories to get street cred. It would be appalling if it wasn't such a common trope for cultural art forms coming out of Black America. I learned a lot about…
On Learning Dance and My Biases and Assumptions
Chatting with Rachel Phillips last night at Shimmytown revealed some of my own internal biases and assumptions about dancing. I asked her how the lindy hop class she was taking going. "It's pretty great for my first class," she replied. "Excuse me? How is this your first class?" I asked. Rachel is one…
My Mini-review of “World of Dance” Episode 1 (with all performances)
Did you watch the first episode of "World of Dance" on NBC? If you are a fan of "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew" or just enjoy watching dance videos on YouTube, you will dig this show. It basically smooshes together all three formats into a nearly perfect dance competition show. You…
Ambidancers: A Pinterest Board of Non-traditional Social Dancing
Is anyone still using Pinterest? Given the recent interest in discussing gender norms, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ issues in the lindy hop scene, it seems to me like it would be good to spread around positive images of people dancing in non-traditional roles. So I created a new Pinterest board called "Ambidancers." Enjoy!
A Message from Frankie Manning (and Spuds) on Frankie’s 103rd Birthday: Keep Laughing
I love this SwingNation video short on the occasion of Frankie Manning’s 103rd birthday. Frankie had many talents, including one of the most infectious laughs ever. I never grow tired of hearing it. Learn more about Frankie Manning on his website.