The World of Dance showcase on Saturday featured lots of amazing performances on stage at Brooklyn Tech High School in Fort Greene. Still you can only watch so much choreographed routines. I yearned to see some more raw, freestyle dancing, which really is where hip-hop dance has its roots and foundation. So I was happy…
Friends & Family Gather for Dedication of Frankie Manning’s Headstone
Yesterday afternoon, a small gathering of about 50 family, friends and fans assembled at the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx at the gravesite of legendary swing dancer Frankie Manning. The occasion was a dedication of the new headstone for his grave which was completed a little more than a year after Frankie's passing. It was…
Part Time Models at World of Dance 2010 in Brooklyn (video)
I had a great time seeing a bunch of dance crews compete and perform at World of Dance yesterday in Brooklyn. There was a a great mix of raw talent from the area as well as some of the best urban dance groups in the country, including Poreotix, Blueprint Cru, Rhythm City, and Fresh. Here's…
Happy Birthday, Dawn Hampton! (video)
Tonight is the celebration of the birthday of the incomparable dancer and entertainer Ms. Dawn Hampton. If you’ve never seen her, here’s a clip of Dawn dancing with her favorite dance partner John Dokes at Frankie Manning’s memorial service last year. Dawn’s birthday dance party is tonight at Club 412, 412 Eighth Avenue, 4th floor,…
World of Dance Today in Brooklyn!
It's a busy Memorial Day weekend, but there was no way I was going to miss the World of Dance urban dance event today at Brooklyn Tech. It's an all-star dance lineup of performers, including: Poreotix, winners of Americas Best Dance Crew Season 5 Jungle Boogie Blueprint Cru of Montreal Static Noyze and Ryhthm City…
“Light Cycle” Tron-esque Hoodie: It must be mine
I blame it on the powerful cocktail of pain and antibiotic meds that I'm on. My judgment is clearly impaired. I have no need for another hoodie. But I MUST have this one. It GLOWS IN THE DARK. It's Tron-tastic! OMG! Sorry, bank account. (Yeah , I know the girl depicted is not wearing a…
Memorial Weekend Swing: Dawn Hampton’s Birthday, Dedication of Frankie’s Gravestone, Vintage Beach Party!
This looks to be an incredible Memorial Day weekend for swing dancing in New York City! I've been away so I'm itching to get my lindy hop on. Among the highlights are: Saturday May 30 — Dawn Hampton's Birthday Bash: The fabulous dancer and entertainer Ms. Dawn Hampton is celebrating her birthday with a dance…
Fun with Dental Implant Surgery
Today, after several years of trying to postpone it, I finally got started with the scary dental implant procedure that I've been needing to get for awhile. It was quite the experience involving a powerful anaesthetic, the oral surgeon, two assistants, and even a representative of the company that manufactures the special implant I was…
“Abraham’s Children” Chronicles Lives of Muslim Youth in NYC (video)
My friend Nina sends out word that the premiere of her new documentary "Abraham's Children" last week was a big success. "Abraham's Children" tells some of the stories of the thousands of young people in New York City, where every 10th child is Muslim. I'm sad I missed the premiere, but hoping that I can…
My Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam is not known as a foodie destination. Which is a shame, since it has everything a gourmand might want. Most foreigners don't even know what Dutch cuisine is — perhaps something involving raw herring on toast? Which is their loss really. After spending a week in Amsterdam, I am happy to report that there…