Posted by Monica Danna on Jun 30, 2009 in
arts + events,
dance,
music I’ve really been unable to shake MJ’s death. I never thought it would affect me the way it has. I think my mom is getting worried after days and days of hearing nothing but Michael streaming from my iMac. I just can’t get enough. I haven’t watched TV since Thursday, but I still feel like soon, a report will come on saying it was all a hoax. But I know better.
There was something about Michael that was so immortal. He was the biggest personality on the planet. Moreso than any political leader. Any actor or actress. Even music superstars like Madonna, Britney and Justin, PALE in comparison.
So what was it about Michael that made people so damn happy? Smile with they sing along? Giddy when they dance? Nostalgia? I think it was magic.
Just caught wind of this on Twitter:
In honor of Michael Jackson and his unforgettable dance moves that inspired us all AND EMPLOYED DANCERS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS INTO NEW CAREER PATHS!
recent rehearsal photos (TMZ.com)
Lauren Perrone of Sandra Organ Dance Company along with the Houston Dance Community and their friends will be teaching the Thriller dance to anyone and everyone at Discovery Green Park on Thursday. WE want to commemorate the man who inspired so many of us to moonwalk and sing our hearts out. ROCK WITH US! Bring the kids, sneakers, and soul.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Discovery Green
1500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77010
FREE!
Sponsored by Discovery Green and Spearheaded by Sandra Organ Dance Company, Dance Source Houston, and Dance Houston.
Tags: dance, michael jackson
Posted by Monica Danna on Jun 25, 2009 in
in the news,
music 
Of all the faces of Michael Jackson, above has always been, and always will be, the way I remember him.
As the world reacts to the death of an icon, I reflect on the memories I have of the King of Pop.
Like him or not, it’s undeniable the effect Michael Jackson has had on the past 30 years of music.
Without Michael, there’d be no Justin. No Britney. No American Idol. It’s hard to say what fate pop music would have had without him.
More importantly, to me, Michael was Dance. A passion that had stayed with me for 30 years. I still remember choreographing to my Thriller vinyl in the house I grew up in, using my sister and best friend as back up dancers. Of course, I was always lead. 
I owe this love of mine to him, and him alone. I now admire contemporaries like Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Britney Spears, and see many of his original moves in their steps. Wondering what would be of these contemporaries had there not been a Michael Jackson.
Growing up in the 80’s to escape his presence was impossible. My nostalgia for MJ trumps any controversies and dramatic events that occurred in his life. I have only fond memories of this amazing musician, performer and trend setter.
I’m saddened today by the great loss the world has witnessed, but grateful for the many memories of him that have helped to make up my first 30 years. Thanks, Michael. You Rock My World.
Tags: dance, michael jackson
Posted by Monica Danna on Jun 11, 2009 in
arts & crafts,
weddings I’ve always so admired crafty people like Katie, Sarah, Michelle, and Melissa. People who can take a piece of felt and a glue stick and create a masterpiece.
I’m not a crafter. In any sense of the word. I can’t sew myself out of a corner. The only time I’d ever use craft to describe me, would be followed by the words mac’n'cheese.
I subscribe to no less than 50 craft, design, and fashion blogs, wide-eyed gazing at the posts in my Google Reader like a little girl would tear through a Tiger Beat issue. It’s sad, yes. But I am an admirer of crafty design, not a possessor of the skills required.
I usually find that when I get something in my head, it won’t get out ’til I satisfy it. And for months I’ve been determined to find a stress relieving hobby that does not require me staring at a computer for 20 hours a day. However, I never expected to summon my crafting desire at midnight on a Tuesday in a 24 hour Kinko’s in Katy, TX.
If you are a reader of this blog, you’ll recall that this year I am attending 15 weddings. Four of those which I am either in or helping to plan. Over the next 10 weeks alone I will be hosting 2 bridal showers, organizing 1 couples shower, planning 2 bachelorette parties and attending 3, 2 bridal luncheons, 4 rehearsal dinners, and attending 5 weddings. And that only takes us up to August 31st. Then begins fall wedding season. I’ll spare you the details. Plus, I’ve gotta leave something for you to read in the book I’m writing about all of it!
So takes me to Monday night. Sitting at dinner with Amber talking about the upcoming 3 weeks of wedding festivities upon me. I had searched all day for bridal shower invites for a shower I am hosting in a few weeks. I really needed to get the invites out stat, and couldn’t find anything I was looking for. Amber suggested Michael’s and I immediately perked up. I had been searching at every stationery store I could find in Houston. (Actually have a later post planned on this, found some great places!) But nothing had what I was looking for color and budget-wise.
The thought of going to Michael’s always intrigues me. Much like things normal people do, like grocery shopping, when I am in Michael’s, I feel like part of a society of crafty people. “Ah, yes, can you point me in the direction of the paper mache aisle,” I could hear myself casually say. Or exchange jovial beading tips with whoever happened to be standing on the bead aisle. (Did you know there is a whole aisle of beads?!). Dreams, all dreams.
Read more…
Tags: arts, bridal shower, craftiness, invitations, shower, weddings
