Unadulterated and basic, please

I have Bangkok on the mind. Last night I had dinner with my dad at Bangkok Gardens in Oakland Mills. And earlier in the  day, I’d decided to buy my second-ever iTunes song: One Night in Bangkok. I think it’ll be a great hooping song, and, who knows, perhaps it’ll show up in a future [...]

Mama!

The Muppets (a Silent Gen creation originally developed to help GenX children learn the challenges of adulthood) have their groove on with a slew of new music videos. On November 23, 2009, the Muppets folk posted to YouTube this video. As of December 8th, (15 days later) the video has been viewed 9,722,185 times and [...]

At first, it creeped me out …

And, it still takes me a bit of recalibration each time it happens. See, I was just at an annual Zydeco dance I like to attend. It’s called Buffalo Jambalya, and folk come from near and far to attend. I like Zydeco dancing a lot. One time when I was up in Rhode Island at [...]

Her special day … and theirs

This vid, the JK Wedding Entrance Dance, is flying around. One way this video came to me is through LTC Gregory R. Mogavero, a friend and someone who feeds me some interesting generational observations and cultural fodder. My sense, generationally, is it’s early-wave Millennials getting married, and here’s why. It’s a group activity. It’s coordinated. [...]

Thrill the World

Thrill the World. From my friend, Brooke: On Friday, July 17 at 7:30pm, Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mt. Rainier is holding its inaugural dance class to teach anyone 8 and older the iconic Michael Jackson “Thriller” Dance! This class is FREE!  ALL AGES ARE WELCOME.  This class is approximately 2 hours long and should be [...]

I gazed at him lovingly every day

When I was eight years old, I got my first-ever album. It was by The Jackson Five. Inside, there was a paper sleeve protecting the record. And on this sleeve was printed many fan items for purchase. The heart-shaped stickers with Michael Jackson’s photo in the center I pined for, day in and day out. [...]

They called me Martha.

Last night, I found myself at the Baltimore Gay Pride street party. It was after a long day indoors at Baltimore Barcamp and a nice after-party at Brewer’s Art. My BFF and I, dressed alike, as we often find ourselves in some mysterious sort of way, were headed out of Baltimore and back to the [...]

Social media sizzle in the burbs

For all my moaning and groaning about the burbs (and, yes, there’s plenty to moan about), I do believe social media is the magic bit that can liven life in the ‘burbs up a bit. These past 48 hours have been testament to this elusive vision I’ve believed in for several years. Yesterday morning, I [...]

Last night, I was introduced to Snowball

Have you met, seen, heard of Snowball? I was introduced just last night. Snowball is an adolescent rescue bird that takes center stage in the Dancing Bird World. Snowball actually dances, does routines and special moves, and even syncopates. Why would I be surprised then to discover he knows when his favorite songs are coming [...]

Probably not what you envision when you think of hula hooping

Brilliant GenX + Millennial Statement

My sister sent me this vid. It’s a seemingly spontaneous performance inside an Belgian train station. It’s 4:01-min in length, and, I believe, a brilliant example of GenX plus Millennial natural energies. What I see, through a gen lens: GenXers understand small spaces, gaps and making-do with existing resources/repurposing, in a way far exceeding their [...]

Money. Mouth. Connected.

Putting my money where my mouth is. I just created a public, online, free Google Map of hula hoop activities in the DC, MD & VA area. (Well, I don’t have any VA locations added yet, but I know there are VA hoopers and classes, and I plan to add them.) A few weeks back, [...]

Baxter

This man with a hoop is a site to behold. One of the more distinct and inspiring hoopers I’ve yet to meet: Baxter of the Hoop Path in NC.

Brecken

This girl can hoop. She’s local to Baltimore and one of the most inspiring hoopers I’ve ever known.

Hula hoops for sale in Takoma Park

I found a place that sells hand-made, adult hula hoop locally. It’s fair Day’s Play on main street (Carroll Avenue) in Takoma Park. Call them at 301-270-7999. Email.

World Hoop Day … in li’l ol’ Columbia

Magic happened. Today — 8-8-8 — is World Hoop Day. Across America and the world, hula hoopers are gathering in public spaces to celebrate hooping and share a bit of hoop love. But I was in a bit of a quandary. I wanted to be part of World Hoop Day. My hooper friends were gathering [...]

I feel a little sad.

A tradition with a nice vibe ended this evening. For the past two years or so, most Wednesday nights, I’ve carpooled to Baltimore for a contra dance held at Lovely Lane Church. For most of this time, I’ve carpooled with my mother and a long-time dancer my mother’s age, Jo. The three of us would [...]

Tiesto was here.

And I missed him. Love-struck as I am by the music he makes and how much I am called to dance to it, me brudder and me sister were in town from far, far away. And they trump just about anything else. In case you have yet to feel the love of the internationally ranked [...]

That’s soooo sweet!

Last night at the Baltimore contra dance, I noticed two young teens dancing as a couple. At first I just assumed they were brother and sister, as they looked comfortable together. Then, while dancing in a set with them, I witnessed something that quickly corrected my perception: The young man, at the most opportune moment, [...]

A Romanian love song.

A Romanian love song. Sung by three-year-old Cleopatra Stratan. Ghita. Love it! I love the internet, viewer comments, online publishing sites, tags … the whole works. If you find yourself charmed by the singer, song and video style, here’s another to watch.