I just finished competing in the Advanced Jack and Jill competition at the International Lindy Hop Championships. It was a really fun experience, dancing with a ridiculously talented field of 40-50 lindy hoppers from around the world. Many lindy hoppers think of Jack & Jills as the true test of a dancer. Most other competition…
Finding inspiration at the International Lindy Hop Championships in DC
I’m in Washington DC for the second annual International Lindy Hop Championships, one of my favorite swing dance events of the year. A few hundred of the best lindy hoppers from around the United States and from countries from around the world are gathered for a fun competition and dance weekend at the Crystal City…
Ill Clan creates 3 new machinima videos for new Second Life site
My pals at Ill Clan Studios announced that they have created three new machinima videos for the new SecondLife.com website. The first video is viewable here. The other two will focus on Land and Shopping and will be forthcoming with the rollout of the new site. Great work, guys! Can't wait to see the others….
Vogue Evolution pushing the boundaries of urban dance on America’s Best Dance Crew
The MTV television show "America's Best Dance Crew" took a bold step in showcasing the flamboyantly gay dance crew Vogue Evolution. Not only are Vogue Evolution representing a dance form — Vogueing — that isn't any easy fit with the street dance-oriented competition. Not only is one of their members on the bigger side. But…
Daffy’s strange but irresistable Apartment contest
Discount clothing retailer Daffy's has launched a very odd but compelling contest that probably only makes sense if you live in New York. Called simply "The Apartment," it's a video contest where contestants have to show up at selected Daffy's stores and explain into a webcam why they deserve to "win" a tricked out West…
Meta-gaming: My Second Life avatar playing video games
Just when I thought I had seen everything in Second Life, I stumbled upon a Second Life Wii-style game system called "Pineplay." It's the first time I've encountered a game where I have to control my avatar who is himself controlling the game character in a simulated console game. It reminded me of that infamous…
Need career guidance and support? A life coach can help.
Jennifer Palgon was until recently my life coach during a pivotal period of my transition from program associate to an assistant director position at Global Kids. Life coaching has many varieties, but generally is a personal, directed kind of professional support that rides the line between career guidance and therapy. If you are looking for…
The Louis Armstrong Museum: a jazz treasure in Queens
Yesterday, I trekked out to Corona, Queens to join 50 or so folks for a garden jazz party at the Louis Armstrong House Museum. I've known about the Armstrong House for years but never got around to visiting for some dumb reason or another. Tin Pan Blues Band were the featured performers at the party,…
MacArthur, Digital Youth Network & Chicago Public Library launch “YouMedia” digital youth center
Check out this cool video about the launch of the "YouMedia" youth media center in downtown Chicago. A partnership of the MacArthur Foundation, the Digital Youth Network and the Chicago Public Library, YouMedia is a digital learning space where young people from all over Chicago can come together to create and collaborate across a range…
Reuters on Swing dancing in Russia
Here's a Reuter's story on swing dancing in Russia. There are some great lindy hop dancers that have come out of Russia that I've met at the Herrang Swing Dance Camp a couple of years ago. So I don't think it's such a new phenomenon. Still, a cute story.