Writer at Work and Play

Christopher Walken Hoofin’ to Fatboy Slim

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:04:00 -0400

I thought I would a dancer until I came to Manhattan at age 24 and realized I
should stick to writing. I wish I had given more exploration to choreography.
I’ve got dancing on the brain these days. I was at the mall, wolfing down
lunch after an errand, when this video came on in the food court—which
apparently is where I get my music video info these days.
I know that Christopher Walken is a tap dancer, but I’d forgotten how
imaginative, sexy and smart a dancer he is, no nonsense. He grew up in
Astoria, Queens, where his family owned a bakery, and all the neighborhood
kids took dance lessons. Once this video got going, I realized the yellow plastic
spoon I was using to eat my taco salad was suspended halfway to my mouth,
and my jaw had been hanging open for I don’t know how long.

The video is an unadorned creation, about a man who comes to life in a
mundane public environment, and soars. It was filmed in day at an
LA Marriott and swept the awards in 2001. When it was over, I looked
at a nearby teen who’d been watching, too. He was all street cred,
with pocket chains and a few tattoos. I shook my head at him in
astonishment over what we’d seen. He didn’t make eye contact, didn’t
see me. I went back to my salad. While my head was down, I saw a
body slide by, facing me. I lifted my head and the teen, with no smile,
looking in the direction of Au Ban Pain, muttered, “Freakin.’”

The director is Spike Jonze. I’m still hunting for the name of the choreographer who is referenced “Mickey Rooney's son.” How many times will you watch this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMZwZiU0kKs&feature=related

http://www.popmatters.com/music/videos/f/fatboyslim-weapon.shtml

Amazing Choreography

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Outstanding choreography occurred last night on “Dancing With the Stars.” Derek Hough’s tango, which he danced with Ricki Lake to the music from “Psycho” (movie theme night) was amazing. Opened and closed with a Hitchcock tribute, and contained overall movement reminiscent of Jerome Robbins.

Hough is emerging as one of America’s top choreographers and dancers, and is most likely about to leap to Broadway and guest choreography for dance companies. See if you agree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UL_RgMck6w

Steve Jobs

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

“iSad” was on the web waves...Here, the tribute at The Westchester mall, White Plains, New York.

Hungry Storm

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Northeast has had some recent wicked weather, including an August hurricane (followed by an earthquake), and endless rain. This astonishing cloud dropped in to troll for a snack. Satiated, it pushed through in a matter of minutes, with only raindrops.

Hydrant Hello

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Pulling into a parking lot where there was this friendly, dapper attendant.