Let the music take control...

Sorry we've been out of the blog spotlight for so long. But with a new season of So You Think You Can Dance comes inspiration, hence the blog update! If you guys, our loyal followers, (or those that we force to follow by putting you on the email list) are not watching SYTYCD, please do so. This show, as cheesy as it sounds, moves us. I've always loved to dance since I was in junior high. And even in my 30s, I find myself in the middle of a dance circle more often than you would think. One of the things I love most about jen is her ability to let loose on a dance floor. But it wasn't until I started watching SYTYCD that I discovered my love of watching dance. The passion, the choreography, the music...it's all extremely moving. So give it a shot people. I promise you won't be disappointed.  

Anyway, in honor of a new season starting, I thought I'd post a blog about a fun dance-related activity we did back in March called A Taste of Dance. Because we were itching for our beloved art form, when we received the flyer in the mail for A Taste of Dance, we truly couldn't wait to check it out. Basically, it was an event going on at the Music Center in Downtown LA where you could "taste test" a variety of dance styles at just a dollar a lesson. $1 bought you a 20-minute lesson. And the most important part...no experience necessary! So we biked to the subway, and headed downtown.  

First up was the Dunham Technique Warm Up. I think this one was both mine and jen's favorite. The instructor, Sarah Anindo Marshall, was incredible. Basically, she led a fusion of Caribbean and African dance with modern and ballet. In this 20-minute warm-up, we used more muscles than we had in years. The second we got home we researched the internet for places we could take a Dunham class, but our search came up empty unless we joined the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. And um, that's not really an option. So if anyone that reads this blog knows of any place we can take a Dunham class, please let us know!  

So since we were all warmed up, it was time to hit the various dance floors that were set up all around the Music Center. While crowds of people watched on, we attempted to Breakdance first. I did okay until we got to the backspin. After getting kicked in the head by a teenager, I excused myself from the floor. But jen stuck it out and actually did quite well!  

I was beginning to feel a little out of my element, but then we did the Praise Dance class which was much easier to follow. Very lyrical and expressive. We had a hard time following the Afro-Brazilian class, but my forte was Krumping. Lil' Tommy the Clown, who was featured in the movie Rize, taught us a routine and it was a blast! I still do the "krump clap" regularly in our living room.  

Christine and Starr met up with us and tried their hand at Chicago Steppin' and something else that I can't remember.  

All in all, it was a great experience and I can't wait to do it again. I'm pretty sure they have A Taste of Dance twice a year, so all you LA peeps should check it out! 

This experience also inspired us to try a Zumba class at the gym. Jen's not as crazy about it as I am, but I openly admit to LOVING ZUMBA! It's an aerobic class that combines movements from merengue, salsa, mambo, etc. into one kick-ass work out. Zumba is getting more popular, so I encourage you to find a class. At LA Fitness it's actually called "Latin Impact" but it's the same thing.  

So please tune in to this season's SYTYCD, and in the words of C+C Music Factory...everybody dance now...da da da da...

The aftermath...

Well, it's over.  The sytycd finale was last night, and not to contradict previous posts, but America got it RIGHT!!!  I won't give away the ending quite yet, just in case any of our loyal readers haven't watched the episode...but alas, we are happy with the results.  

So why am I (jamie), sad today? Because the end of sytycd also marks the end of summer.  But in my eyes, summer hasn't even begun.  I've only been in the pool a few times. We've only watched one sunset at the beach.  We've only been camping once. Hell, I've only worn shorts once!!!  Jen will disagree with this post.  She's under the assumption that since we live in California, summer lasts until October. But I know the truth.  It's over.  And I have worked it away. 

So, you better believe we're going to have a summer-filled weekend!  Reading by the pool...firing up the BBQ...shoving our face with watermelon...and relaxing at the beach.  We're going to take Katie up to this dog beach in Ventura that we heard about.  Arthritis-schmitis...she'll be surfing in no time! Here's a sneak peek of her and jen training for the adventure...

Stay tuned for stories...

What a week it’s been.

Executive summary:
Power yoga, the earthquake, The Bowmans, so you think you can dance, and facebook.

Moksha Reaching
I’ve been on somewhat of a health kick lately. Nothing terribly impressive – mostly trying to avoid processed foods and getting at least 3 days of exercise in each week. Monday night I felt like doing something, but didn’t want to go to the gym… so Jamie busted out the power yoga. It was over an hour of Bryan Kest’s audio conveniently stored on itunes (though we also have his VHS video). It wasn’t long before I was a sweat factory with sore wrists and aching hamstrings… but I stuck with it. Despite Kest’s constant reminder to listen to my body, I’m pretty sure my ego was the (louder) voice of reason. I pushed myself pretty hard and my muscles suffered the consequences all week. But truthfully, I guess one would have to be sore after holding poses your body doesn’t experience on a regular basis… I just need to find a happy medium. Or stick with Wii Yoga.

Seismic Waving
Oh, the earthquake. Now while I can appreciate those making jokes about the 5.4 earthquake (seriously – read that article. it’s effing funny), I was pretty scared. Shaken, in fact, if you don’t mind the pun. I understand it did not cause any damage or serious injuries, but for this east coaster to feel her first “big one” from the 15th floor of an office building, it sucked! My adrenalin was pumping for quite a while! Cool thing was, we got sent home at noon that day.

Americana/Pop/Indie Singing
Jamie and I (along with friends Caroline, Jason, & Joe) discovered The Bowmans on our Caribbean cruise in February 2008. They are two sisters who actually won a contest and got the opportunity to play alongside the super impressive acts that headlined: Lyle Lovett, Emylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, and the one and only Brandi Carlile.

Sarah and Claire Bowman were such a highlight of our vacation – and we were lucky enough to see them one month later, as they played a set at Room 5 on La Brea. After that show, they were headed off to Europe for a summer tour, but we knew they’d be back in July for a one-month residency at the Hotel Café. After patiently waiting (and exchanging some fun myspace emails with Claire), July had finally arrived. We saw them perform twice, and man, did they kick ass. They sounded better than ever, and gave us “boat people” some personalized attention. I’m not sure this time when they’re coming back, so here’s a video of one of my favorite songs – we can all enjoy it together.

click here to see more videos like this

Dancing and Voting
The finale is here. It always comes too quickly, if you ask me. But this year it’s especially bittersweet.

For the first time in sytycd history, I am undecided. I have been going back and forth between Joshua and Katee for weeks now, and I can’t imagine I’ll be any more clearheaded by Wednesday when they both perform for the last time. Joshua has been my favorite since night one, but Katee has been so beautiful, that I’m completely and totally won over. Ugh. I’m sure that I’ll vote for both of them… but one of them will have to receive that one deciding vote from me. Wish me luck. (Oh! and them too!)

Social Networking
I finally and reluctantly signed up for Facebook this week. Best decision ever.
Jamie still needs convincing, so I think I’m going to put on a PowerPoint-type presentation this afternoon for her.

I have reconnected with high school people that were so instrumental in my self-discovery, and for that alone, I love you facebook. Shout out to Buddy. I’m so glad I found you.

Well. that was my week in a bloggy nutshell.
We’re off to go hike Wildwood Canyon in Burbank, followed by a trip to the farmer’s market!
Happy Saturday!

America got it wrong...

...so, so wrong. 

So normally, our first blog EVER would be an introduction of sorts.  A welcome to our blog blurb.  But after what happened tonight, we really must get straight to the issues.  

Tonight on So You Think You Can Dance (aka SYTYCD), America got it wrong.  Our dear, sweet Will was voted off.  As we sat on the couch, holding hands and comforting each other during this tragedy, all we could think was wtf  ???  

Now I admit, I (jamie) was having my doubts about Will.  Although he's clearly the most talented dancer to ever step foot on that stage, he was getting a little cocky.  But voting him off America?  That's just wrong.  

We will continue to watch this season for Joshua & Katee of course.  But our show will never be the same.  If tonight is any indication of the upcoming election, we are in deep, deep trouble.  

Oh yeah...WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!!!!!