The Philippines “Dancing Inmates” from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security prison, were treated to a visit by Michael Jackson’s long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT.
Cebu Inmates Dance To Michael Jackson’s This Is It
January 25th, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 27th, 2009
It’s taken me all day to wish you a “Happy Thanksgiving” simply because I think I ate too much! I hope you didn’t surrender to an extra serving of potatoes, gravy or even pumpkin crunch, our family favorite. I googled up this super drawing by Vince Chui www.kidchuckle.com which I think pretty much says it all. Enjoy your “black friday” and be good to each other.
The Sweetest of All Performances
October 29th, 2009
Anyone who has had the privilege to experience Michael Jackson in concert would probably agree that the word “experience” is exactly the way to describe it. An MJ concert is a total sensory overload that leaves you weaker than a marathon. At least that was the way I felt in January 1997, when I watched MJ at a sold-out Aloha Stadium concert wrapping up his HIStory tour. So, it was without thought, that I would do whatever was necessary to watch MJ’s film, This Is It on opening night.
Hawai‘i can be really laid back. I went to watch the 10:30 pm showing of This Is It (TII) at the Pearl Highlands Regal Theatre. There were no lines, no paparazzi. The theatre was pretty empty. Which was just as well – better selection of seats. I was excited to receive a commemorative TII movie pass. I vowed not to let my kids get their sticky hands on it.
The rest of the night was surreal. My eyes were transfixed on Kenny Ortega’s revealing presentation of what I consider to be one of the world’s musical greats. The footage, which was meant for Michael’s private library, unveiled a committed group of artists – focused and determined to create an experience for fans to always cherish. I could certainly recap the performances for you, but you could find a zillion reviews on the Internet. My experience was simply one fan connecting with a icon who for generations filled my heart and mind with music and song. In so many ways, while not the pinnacle of MJ’s career, TII was the sweetest of all his performances.
We Thrilled!!
October 27th, 2009
Original painting by Teo Alfonso of the Chinese symbol "8"
The number (88) symbolizes fortune and good luck since the word 8 sounds similar to the word Fā (发, which implies 发财, or wealth, in Mandarin). And so it was that 88 lucky zombie dancers thrilled hundreds more, who were fortunate enough to be at Pearlridge Center, Uptown on Saturday October 24, 2009. Check out the video (scroll to the bottom) courtesy of Grilled Cornbread, LLP.
Mahalo to Ines Markelle (creator/director), Pearlridge Center, Grilled Cornbread for their coverage of the event, Aliamanu Middle School Drama Club for taking care of registration, Kumu Kahua Theatre and Katherine L. Jones for event day dance instruction and emcee duties, and Big Kahuna 808 Inc. for publicity, event insurance, and post event processing.
To our dance brothers and sisters, keep practicing. We have some exciting news on events to thrill coming up in 2010. More info to come within the next month. For now, grab your i-phone or old skool calendar and jot down Saturday October 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm when we will dance simultaneously with our zombie dance family from around the world.