Posted by Monica Danna on Jul 16, 2009 in
arts + events,
dance,
music It seems most of my posts have have some sort of MJ slant for the past 3 weeks, and this one is no different. He’s still with me.
I’ve been hearing about this Neverland event a lot this week, and am determined to swing by and check it out. If nothing more, than to hang with the incomparable Miss Y.E.T.
Your are invited to Neverland, an art happening in memory of Michael Jackson at El Rincon Social (Houston, Texas). Featuring live music, video art, visual art, dance, and performance art. Neverland is a DIY celebration of the fantastic—- sequined gloves, the moonwalk, bubbles, and soulfulness.
Music by Nectarine, DJ Shundrick, dance by Sweft Feet Dance Co., and performance by Hisson.
Take pictures at the Michael Jackson photo booth. Bring a blank t-shirt & make your own MJ stencil shirt. Shake it off at the dance-a-thon.
Visual & video art by:
Fulana (Brooklyn)
Sebastian Forray (Houston)
Inge Hoonte (Brooklyn)
Emily Link (Houston)
Nia McCloud (Houston)
Emmanuel Ramos (Houston)
Stephanie Saint (Houston)
Y.E. Torres (Houston)
Fabian Vargas (Houston)
Sway Youngston (Houston)
Presented by labotanica and SPAMMO in collaboration with El Rincon Social, Objectif Magazine, & The Akire Group. RSVP on facebook here.
Questions? contact: la (at) labotanica dot org.
a map to El Rincon exisit aqui.
more info.
see you there.
Tags: arts + events, dance, michael jackson, music, Y.E.Torres
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
