As a longtime zoo afficionado, I was very excited to get to visit the San Diego Zoo last Sunday, reported by many to be one of the finest zoos in the country, if not the world. However I was a bit concerned about the crowds, since this is a primary destination for tourists visiting San…
America’s Best Dance Crew Season 5: Jumprope, African, Plus-size dancers and more!
America's Best Dance Crew (Season 5) – MTV Shows My friend Dana told me that this season's America's Best Dance Crew was worth checking out, so I got caught up last night on Episode Four. ABDC's producers seem committed to bringing a diverse assortment of street dance to television, which I think is admirable and…
Me and My Second Life Avatar 2010
Here's a new composite pic of myself with my avatar in Second Life that I created when I was feeling bored. Next I need to get around to doing a composite pic of my crowd of avatars in the Teen Grid of SL, the Reaction Grid, Heritage Key, SmallWorlds, Metaplace (RIP), and others. See more…
Heather Flock & Laura Jeffers’ new lindy hop program starting in March!
I'm excited to announce that my friends and fellow dancers Heather Flock and Laura Jeffers (along with Felix Pitre and Jessie Patz), are starting up a new lindy hop program at You Should Be Dancing Studios in Manhattan. Heather has been running our dance lessons at Yehoodi's weekly dance for the past couple of years…
Video of “Switchcraft” LED Flower at Computational Textiles Workshop
Here's a quick video of the LED flower that my team created at the Computational Textiles workshop. This was the moment of truth where our team saw whether or not our "switchcraft" flower was created so that the conductive thread, foil, switch and LED all functioned properly. Seeing it light up was a huge thrill! This…
Digital Media & Learning Conference in San Diego: Hanging with my Peeps
Right now I'm blessed to be at a couple of gatherings in San Diego for the next few days. And it's not just the sunny weather and easy access to the Pacific that I'm happy about — although that certainly helps. No, it's being among hundreds of folks who are just as excited as I…
Swing This Week: 7th Anniversary of Jelly Roll & Fundraiser for NYSDS!
I'm unfortunately travelling this week, so I'll be missing the celebrations of two great swing institutions in New York: Jelly Roll Productions and the New York Swing Dance Society. But you should go if you can! First up, on Friday, February 19, Jelly Roll Productions will be celebrating their seventh year of operations with a…
Breaking Practice Today (video)
Link to original video.
“Autorretrato”: Compania Maria Pages Breathtaking Flamenco Show at City Center
I and a friend had the pleasure of seeing Compania Maria Pages perform their ensemble flamenco show "Autorretrato" ("Self Portrait") last night at the New York City Center. The show was breathtaking, a fine example of how this ancient artform still has new life and power. Despite being staged at the enormous City Center, "Autorretrato"…
Self Portrait: Rik the Wily Chinaman
I was invited to submit a picture of myself for an ad campaign, so I got a bit wacky taking self portraits of myself this morning. It's the first time I've used my Canon Rebel with an external flash, I don't own a remote, plus I'm not a very good photographer, so this took way…