Today was one of those days I just love living in New York. In the morning I got to interview hip-hop legend DMC (of Run DMC) at the ENGAGE Expo at Javitz Center. Then in the evening I got to take a fundamentals of breaking class with legendary b-boy Ken Swift. I love my crazy…
Category: Dancing / Music
Interviewing DMC (of Run-DMC) about hip-hop, virtual worlds and youth
I had a remarkable opportunity to interview hip-hop artist Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC fame today! I caught up with Dee at the Engage Expo at Jacob Javitz Center this morning, who was here to promote his new virtual space DMC World. We had a very interesting discussion about hip-hop culture, virtual worlds, digital games,…
Congrats, Quest Crew! (Next stop: the Battle of the Year?)
Here they are: Quest Crew, "America's Best Dance Crew" of 2009. Well deserved, boys. Well played. Quest brought some seriously jaw-dropping tricks every single show, combined with near perfect team precision, creative choreography, and playful energy. No one, besides Beat Freaks, could touch them the whole season. That said, I do have to wonder how…
Bluegrass & Contemporary Dance: The Dang-It Bobbys at BAM Cafe (video)
Tonight, I and a friend enjoyed the hipster bluegrass stylings of the Dang-It Bobbys in the BAM Cafe in my nabe Fort Greene. I love going there because the space is so cool, it always draws a funky, diverse crowd, and the concerts are free! What's not to love? The Dang-It Bobbys were quite talented,…
Happy Fun Smile: the best damn Okinawan pop band in New York City
I had the pleasure of seeing "Happy Fun Smile" perform at Forbidden City last night. One of my favorite New York City acts, Happy Fun Smile seems transplanted straight out of the 1300s Japan, perhaps picking up a couple of NY hipsters to play the sanshin and sanba along the way. Brian the lead singer…
DMC launches first hip-hop virtual world: where’s my digital Adidas?
I just got word that Hip hop artist Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC fame is opening the first hip-hop oriented virtual world, called DMC World. Officially launching next week, the 3d environment will include a rooftop club overlooking a "crazy NYC skyline", a VIP screening room, a "VIP access-only backstage hangout", and a stage to…
Last chance to sponsor me for Global Kids Dance-a-Thon this Friday!
Thanks everyone who has already sponsored me for the Global Kids Dance-a-Thon fundraiser taking place this Friday. These are financially tough times, so even the smallest donation is very much appreciated! It's not too late, if you would like to contribute. All proceeds go toward college scholarships for our very deserving Global Kids teen leaders…
No hands kip up, finally (video)
I have been off and on trying to do this frakking no-hands kip up for literally about a year. Finally I sorta kinda did it today at breaking practice tonight. Feels pretty good.
“B-Girl” the movie: please don’t suck
Well, here it is, the trailer for "B-Girl" the movie. Starring Lady Jules of Beat Freaks, with a cast of b-boys and b-girls, it promises to at least deliver on the dancing front. The question is whether the plot will enhance or detract from the movie. With that in mind, I have to say, the…
Help me realize my dream 40th birthday: a dance party on the Hudson!
I have a dream. It is not a grandiose dream. But it is one that maybe you can help make real. I want to have a dance party for my 40th birthday on the Hudson river this June. Specifically here's what I want: to gather 50-100 of my favorite peeps and have them ring in…