Musings on Dance, Food, Geek Stuff
One of my first leadership experiences was leading a group of a dozen college students on a trip to Tijuana, Mexico to build homes for the poor. I was in my senior year at UCLA in 1991. I was still not sure of what I wanted to do with my life, but I was convinced…
I embrace various dance styles — from lindy hop to house to rhythm skating. I try and remain curious and open to various dance forms I may not know much about. That said, it took me awhile to warm to waacking. There’s something about this style that was hard for me to grok for years….
Jesus had a thing or two to say about performative activism. I’m not a Christian in the formal sense. But there’s a lot in this quote to think about. Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your…
The year 2001 was height of the neo-swing era in New York City. There were bars and clubs everywhere offering live swing music and dancing. Young lindy hoppers like me would cruise around the city, going from venue to venue, drunk on this music and this dance that was all around us. There were a…
I have a confession to make: I do a lot of social media surfing in bed. Particularly right before falling asleep and when waking up. For the past couple of weeks I’ve practiced restraining myself from social media surfing when in bed. I’m embarrassed to say that it’s been pretty hard. Just lying there at…
Several months ago, I started going by “Riki” instead of “Rik.” It began almost subconsciously as I was meeting new people at the skating rink. I didn’t know why I was suddenly introducing myself as “Riki” but I just went with it. Slowly I started expanding this practice, and now in informal settings, it’s just…
I based this recipe on a Food Network coconut ice cream recipe. I modified it to have even more coconut flavor with the addition of macapuno (young coconut strands). I added in the ginger flavor in two ways — with fresh ginger steeped in the custard and then candied ginger for that hit of spice….
My friend Albert Boulanger brought this awesome factoid to my attention: to compete with the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1939, the Golden Gate Ballroom also featured roller-skating. Can you imagine getting to lindy hop AND rollerskate in the same lavish ballroom? Sigh. SOURCE: The Birth of Bebop, By Scott DeVeaux ยท 1997
I can’t get enough of this group of hoofers recreating “Moses Supposes” the incredible Gene Kelly and Donald O’Conner dance number from Singin in the Rain. Seeing all these diverse folks bringing their joy and heart to this classic just makes me so freaking happy. CREDITS Directed by Caleb Teicher Original Choreography by Gene Kelly…
This might be the most woo post ever. But lately I’ve been thinking about the kind of energy I share with those around me. We talk about people who “light up a room” when they walk into it. And others who “kill the vibe” with their presence. What does that mean? I am slowly starting…