I'm toward the end of my trial period of rock climbing at Planet Granite in SF. It's been a really fun and interesting experience so far, and I'm definitely thinking of how I might integrate climbing into my other activities. One part that I'm fascinated by is how rock climbing is forcing me to focus…
My Mini-review of “World of Dance” Episode 1 (with all performances)
Did you watch the first episode of "World of Dance" on NBC? If you are a fan of "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew" or just enjoy watching dance videos on YouTube, you will dig this show. It basically smooshes together all three formats into a nearly perfect dance competition show. You…
Trying the “Impossible Burger” from Jardiniere: Should Call It the “Sorta-Burger”
On Thursday, some friends and I got together to try out the famous "Impossible Burger" at French bistro Jardiniere in Hayes Valley. The Impossible Burger is the first of what a startup hopes will be the mainstream consumption of vegan alternatives to beef. A very laudable goal, but will it convince a burger-obsessed generation to go veggie?…
Ambidancers: A Pinterest Board of Non-traditional Social Dancing
Is anyone still using Pinterest? Given the recent interest in discussing gender norms, inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ issues in the lindy hop scene, it seems to me like it would be good to spread around positive images of people dancing in non-traditional roles. So I created a new Pinterest board called "Ambidancers." Enjoy!
A Message from Frankie Manning (and Spuds) on Frankie’s 103rd Birthday: Keep Laughing
I love this SwingNation video short on the occasion of Frankie Manning’s 103rd birthday. Frankie had many talents, including one of the most infectious laughs ever. I never grow tired of hearing it. Learn more about Frankie Manning on his website.
Climb On! Fun Morning Climb at Planet Granite
Yesterday morning I got up mad early to get to Planet Granite for my second rock climbing experience. Being there at 7am is so different from going in the evening. The place is nearly empty, the morning light streams in through the giant windows, calm music is playing. So much nicer for a newbie like…
I Climbed a Wall Today. It was Awesome.
Tonight I went indoor rock climbing for the first time. It was a little scary but mostly awesome. The thing I remember not liking about the last time I tried rock climbing (outdoors) was the mental strain of trying to solve a problem while you were physically getting more and more exhausted. I just found…
It’s Time to Rename the “Jack & Jill” Dance Contest
I wrote an opinion piece over on Yehoodi.com on why we should rename the Jack & Jill dance contest to something more inclusive. Read it all here!
May the Fourth be With You: On Fan Culture and Real World Rebellion
My friend DJ posted to his Facebook wall this excellent summation of why fan culture matters in an our current era of aspiring autocrats and empires. I got his permission to repost it here. Remember, when you're rolling your eyes at all the people posting about "May the 4th be with you", think about what that actually…
My First Urban Dance Battle!
Urban dance has many facets and manifestations — club dancing, sessions, cyphers, workshops / classes, crews, performances, and jams. One aspect of urban dance culture I've never really been that interested in is battling or competitions. It just never interested me as a fairly non-competitive person. I enjoy going to battles and contests. Watching people…